👔 Garment & Textile Workshop

511 terms · fibres, weaves, stitches, garments & more

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Fibre

Cotton — Pima

Extra-long-staple cotton (ELS, 1.4"–2.0") prized for softness, strength and luxurious drape.

Fibre

Cotton — Upland

Standard short-to-medium staple cotton (0.9"–1.3") — the workhorse of global apparel.

Fibre

Cotton — Sea Island

Historic ELS cotton (1.5"+ staple) once grown on the Carolina Sea Islands; today from West Indies.

Fibre

Silk — Mulberry

The classic white silk from Bombyx mori moth fed exclusively on mulberry leaves.

Fibre

Silk — Tussar

Wild silk in natural gold-beige tone from Antheraea silkworms feeding on oak, arjun, saal.

Fibre

Silk — Muga

Golden silk unique to Assam, with natural lustre that deepens with washing.

Fibre

Silk — Eri

Peace silk (ahimsa silk) allowing the moth to leave the cocoon before reeling.

Fibre

Wool — Merino

Fine soft wool from Merino sheep, 17–24 micron diameter — ideal for next-to-skin garments.

Fibre

Wool — Cashmere

Downy under-hair of the Cashmere goat, 14–19 micron — among the softest natural fibres.

Fibre

Pashmina

Ultrafine cashmere (12–16 micron) from Changthangi goats of Ladakh/Himalayas.

Fibre

Linen — Flax

Bast fibre from Linum usitatissimum, prized for crisp hand and high wet strength.

Fibre

Hemp

Bast fibre from Cannabis sativa — strong, antimicrobial, UV-resistant.

Fibre

Ramie

Long, silky bast fibre from China grass — shiny, resistant to bacteria, strong when wet.

Fibre

Jute

Coarse bast fibre (Corchorus) — the 'golden fibre' used for burlap, gunny, sacks, geotextile.

Fibre

Polyester — Filament

Continuous synthetic fibre from PET polymer — bulk workhorse of modern apparel.

Fibre

Viscose Rayon

Regenerated cellulose fibre made from wood pulp — silk-like drape at cotton prices.

Fibre

Lyocell (TENCEL™)

Closed-loop regenerated cellulose from eucalyptus or beech pulp.

Fibre

Nylon 6

Polyamide fibre — strong, elastic, abrasion-resistant. Used in hosiery, sportswear, linings.

Fibre

Spandex / Elastane / Lycra

Segmented polyurethane fibre giving 500–700% stretch.

Yarn

Count — Ne (English Cotton Count)

Number of 840-yard hanks per pound. Higher Ne = finer yarn.

Yarn

Count — Nm (Metric Number)

Number of 1000-metre hanks per kilogram. Used for wool, linen, blends.

Yarn

Denier

Weight in grams of 9000 m of yarn — direct system. Used for silk, synthetics.

Yarn

Ring-Spun Yarn

Cotton yarn twisted on ring frame — smooth, strong, fine hand. Premium method.

Yarn

Open-End (Rotor) Yarn

Yarn spun via air-vortex rotor — fast, economical, bulky hand.

Yarn

Mercerisation

Treatment of cotton yarn/fabric with caustic soda under tension to boost lustre, strength, dye uptake.

Fabric

Weaving — Plain Weave

Simplest interlacing — each weft thread passes alternately over and under warp threads.

Fabric

Weaving — Twill Weave

Weave showing diagonal rib lines from offset interlacing (2/1, 3/1, 2/2).

Fabric

Weaving — Satin Weave

Float-heavy weave (4/1, 5/1, 7/1) giving smooth, lustrous face.

Fabric

Weaving — Jacquard

Weave controlled by Jacquard mechanism allowing individual warp thread control → complex patterns.

Fabric

Weaving — Dobby

Small geometric woven patterns (diamond, dot, floral) made by dobby mechanism.

Fabric

Denim

Warp-faced 3/1 or 2/1 cotton twill with indigo-dyed warp and white weft.

Fabric

Selvedge Denim

Premium shuttle-loom denim with clean, self-finished edge (the selvedge).

Fabric

Chambray

Plain-weave cotton with dyed warp and white weft — looks like denim but lighter.

Fabric

Poplin

Plain-weave cotton with fine warp and heavier weft, giving a subtle cross-rib.

Fabric

Oxford Cloth

Basket-weave shirting (2×1 or 2×2) with textured face.

Fabric

Voile

Sheer, crisp plain-weave fabric of fine cotton or polyester (60s+ count).

Fabric

Muslin — Dhaka

Historic ultra-fine sheer cotton handwoven in Bengal — 'woven air'.

Fabric

Khadi

Hand-spun, hand-woven cloth — symbol of India's swadeshi movement.

Fabric

Handloom (Handwoven Fabric)

Fabric woven on a non-powered loom — pit loom, frame loom, backstrap.

Fabric

Banarasi Silk

Luxury handloom silk from Varanasi with zari (gold/silver) brocade.

Fabric

Kanjivaram Silk

Heavy mulberry-silk handloom saree from Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.

Fabric

Jamdani

Fine cotton/silk handloom with supplementary-weft discontinuous brocade.

Fabric

Ikat — Pochampally

Resist-dyed weave where warp and/or weft yarns are tie-dyed before weaving.

Fabric

Patola

Double-ikat silk saree from Patan, Gujarat — most complex weave in world.

Embroidery

Chikankari

Delicate white-on-white hand-embroidery on muslin/cotton from Lucknow.

Embroidery

Phulkari

Punjabi 'flower work' surface-satin embroidery in silk floss (pat) on khaddar.

Embroidery

Kantha

Running-stitch embroidery from Bengal, originally on layered old saris (quilting).

Embroidery

Zari — Real, Tested, Imitation

Metallic thread (gold, silver, gilt) wrapped over silk/cotton core used in brocade.

Embroidery

Gota Patti

Appliqué of metallic ribbon (gota) cut and stitched to form motifs.

Embroidery

Zardozi

Heavy metallic-thread embroidery using zari, sequins, beads, pearls.

Embroidery

Aari Work

Chain-stitch embroidery using a hooked needle (aari) on stretched fabric.

Print

Kalamkari

Hand-painted or block-printed cotton from Andhra Pradesh, using natural dyes.

Print

Block Printing — Bagru

Indigo + madder + iron-rust natural-dye hand block printing from Rajasthan.

Print

Ajrakh

Complex resist-print cotton/silk with geometric indigo, madder, iron dyes.

Print

Batik

Wax-resist dyeing — hot wax applied by canting/stamp, then dyed; wax melted out.

Fabric

Knit — Jersey

Single-knit fabric with visible knit column (face) and purl (back).

Fabric

Knit — Rib

Vertical rib knit (1×1, 2×2, 2×1) with high stretch.

Fabric

Knit — Interlock

Double-knit with two needle beds interlocking — smooth both sides, denser than jersey.

Fabric

Knit — Piqué

Textured honeycomb or waffle knit most famous as polo-shirt fabric.

Fabric

Knit — French Terry

Looped-back knit — smooth face, soft unbrushed loops on reverse.

Fabric

Knit — Fleece

French terry brushed on the back to raise a soft nap — warm, insulating.

Fabric

Non-Woven — Spunbond

Continuous polypropylene/polyester filaments bonded thermally or chemically.

Fabric

GSM (Grams per Square Metre)

Universal fabric weight measure — mass per unit area.

Women's Garment

Petticoat (Indian Saree Petticoat)

Long A-line underskirt worn beneath a saree; anchors the pleats and pallu.

Women's Garment

Chemise / Shimmy

Loose undergarment — full-length sleeveless slip, originally of linen or fine cotton.

Women's Garment

Camisole

Short, strappy top ending at the waist or hip — worn as innerwear or outerwear.

Women's Garment

Saree Blouse (Choli)

Fitted cropped top worn with a saree or lehenga — 12–15" length.

Women's Garment

Saree

5.5–9 yd unstitched drape, worn pleated at the waist with one end (pallu) over the shoulder.

Women's Garment

Lehenga Choli

Three-piece: long flared skirt (lehenga) + fitted blouse (choli) + scarf (dupatta).

Women's Garment

Anarkali Suit

Long frock-style flared kameez paired with churidar or leggings.

Women's Garment

Salwar Kameez

Tunic (kameez) + trouser (salwar) + dupatta — Punjabi-origin everyday suit.

Women's Garment

Churidar

Tight-fitting trouser gathered at the ankle in stacked folds (like bangles).

Women's Garment

Patiala Salwar

Extra-pleated voluminous salwar from Patiala, Punjab — falls in draped layers.

Women's Garment

Kurti

Shorter (hip- or knee-length) casual top; the contemporary cousin of the kurta.

Women's Garment

Dupatta

Long scarf (2–2.5 yd) worn across the chest or over the head, completing a suit.

Women's Garment

T-shirt — Crew Neck

Round-neck short-sleeve knit top — the basic tee.

Women's Garment

T-shirt — V-Neck

T-shirt variant with V-shaped neckline, 2–4" deep.

Women's Garment

T-shirt — Ringer

Tee with contrasting rib binding at neck and sleeve cuff.

Women's Garment

T-shirt — Raglan

Sleeve extending in one piece from the neckline to the underarm (diagonal shoulder seam).

Women's Garment

T-shirt — Oversized / Drop-Shoulder

Loose-fit tee with extended body and shoulder seam dropped past shoulder point.

Women's Garment

Tank Top / Vest

Sleeveless knit top, armhole banded or self-bound.

Women's Garment

Polo Shirt

Short-sleeve collared knit with 2–4 button placket.

Women's Garment

Sheath Dress

Straight-cut, knee-length dress that follows body lines from shoulder to hem.

Women's Garment

Shift Dress

Straight-line, short (above knee), no waist shaping. Hangs from shoulders.

Women's Garment

A-line Dress / Skirt

Fitted at waist/bust flaring outward in the shape of an 'A'.

Women's Garment

Fit-and-Flare Dress

Bodice fits torso to waist; skirt flares wide — a romantic silhouette.

Women's Garment

Bodycon Dress

Body-conscious, stretch-fit dress, mid-thigh to knee.

Women's Garment

Wrap Dress

Dress that wraps across the front and ties at the waist.

Women's Garment

Maxi Dress

Full-length dress, ankle or floor-grazing.

Women's Garment

Mini Dress

Short dress, 4–6" above knee.

Women's Garment

Gown — Evening / Ball

Full-length formal dress, often floor-brushing with structured bodice.

Women's Garment

Skirt — Pencil

Straight, knee-length, narrow skirt hugging hips.

Women's Garment

Skirt — Circle

Full-circle skirt cut from a doughnut; dramatic 360° swirl.

Women's Garment

Skirt — Pleated

Skirt with folded pleats: knife, box, inverted, accordion, sunray.

Women's Garment

Skirt — Godet

Triangular insert added to seams to flare the hem.

Women's Garment

Palazzo Pants

Wide-leg, floor-length trousers with dramatic flare from the waist or hip.

Women's Garment

Culottes

Skirt-like wide-leg trousers, mid-calf length.

Women's Garment

Jumpsuit

One-piece garment combining top and trouser.

Women's Garment

Romper / Playsuit

Short-sleeved, shorts-length one-piece.

Women's Garment

Kaftan

Loose, ankle-length, long-sleeved robe from Middle East/N. Africa.

Women's Garment

Abaya

Loose black outer-robe worn by women in many Muslim-majority cultures.

Women's Garment

Hanbok

Traditional Korean dress — jeogori (short jacket) + chima (wraparound long skirt).

Women's Garment

Kimono

Japanese full-length T-shape robe tied with obi sash.

Women's Garment

Cheongsam / Qipao

Chinese body-hugging one-piece dress with mandarin collar and side slits.

Women's Garment

Ao Dai

Vietnamese long tunic split to the waist, worn over trousers.

Women's Garment

Crop Top

Top that ends above the navel.

Women's Garment

Tube Top

Strapless, elasticated tube of fabric wrapping the bust.

Women's Garment

Corset

Structured shaping garment with boning, cinching the torso.

Women's Garment

Bustier

Strapless, fitted top ending at or above the waist.

Women's Garment

Leggings

Tight knitted pants from waist to ankle.

Women's Garment

Saree Fall (Fall)

Narrow strip (6–12 cm) of durable cloth stitched to saree hem inside.

Women's Garment

Picot (Pico)

Fine rolled or serged hem finish on saree/dupatta edge — replaces raw edge.

Men's Garment

Dhoti

Unstitched 4–5 m cotton cloth wrapped at the waist.

Men's Garment

Kurta

Loose collarless/mandarin-collar tunic, knee-length.

Men's Garment

Sherwani

Knee-length fitted coat worn for weddings and formal occasions.

Men's Garment

Bandhgala (Jodhpuri Suit)

Knee-length or jacket-length 'closed-neck' Indian formal coat.

Men's Garment

Nehru Jacket

Hip-length single-breasted jacket with mandarin collar.

Men's Garment

Pyjama (Pajama)

Loose cotton trouser worn with kurta.

Men's Garment

Kurta Pyjama

Set of a kurta + pyjama (or churidar).

Men's Garment

Achkan

Knee-length formal coat similar to sherwani but slightly more fitted.

Cutting

Grain Line

Direction of warp (or lengthwise) yarns in woven fabric; knit wales in knits.

Cutting

Bias Cut

Pattern cut at 45° to grain — fabric drapes fluidly.

Cutting

Marker / Marker Making

Master layout of pattern pieces on fabric width; maximises cloth utilisation.

Cutting

Lay / Spreading

Layers of fabric stacked on the cutting table for batch-cutting.

Cutting

Band Knife

Vertical blade moving at high speed — used for cutting blocks of fabric into precise shapes.

Cutting

Straight Knife

Hand-held reciprocating knife for cutting fabric stacks.

Cutting

Rotary Cutter

Circular blade cutter for thin lays and home sewing.

Cutting

Die Cutter

Shaped steel-rule die used to punch out small shapes (collars, cuffs, bags).

Cutting

Automatic Cutter (CAM)

Computer-numeric-controlled cutting machine (Gerber GTxL, Lectra Vector).

Cutting

Pattern — Bodice Block / Sloper

Basic, fitted pattern for upper body — master from which styles are developed.

Construction

Dart

Stitched wedge of fabric taken out to shape flat cloth to the body curves.

Construction

Princess Seam

Curved seam running from shoulder or armhole through bust apex to waist.

Construction

Seam Allowance

Extra fabric beyond the stitch line to allow seam construction.

Construction

Notch

Small V or slit cut into the seam allowance to mark pattern-matching points.

Construction

Ease / Tolerance

Extra dimension in a pattern beyond body measurement, for movement/comfort.

Cutting

Grading / Size Run

Scaling base-size pattern up and down to create the full size range.

Cutting

Sample Size

Base size used for all first samples and pattern block development.

Stitch

Stitch — Lockstitch (301)

Two-thread stitch formed on domestic and industrial sewing machines.

Stitch

Stitch — Chainstitch (101/401)

Single-thread (101) or two-thread (401) stitch looped on underside.

Stitch

Stitch — Overlock / Serger

Stitch using 2–5 threads that wraps raw edge — trims and finishes simultaneously.

Stitch

Stitch — Coverstitch (602/605)

Two or three parallel top rows with chain underside — used for knit hemming.

Stitch

Stitch — Flatlock (606/607)

Flat seam joining two fabric edges with threads lying flat on both sides.

Stitch

Stitch — Zigzag

Needle swings side-to-side creating a Z-pattern stitch.

Stitch

Stitch — Bartack

Short, wide zigzag packed into a bar — reinforces stress points.

Stitch

Stitch — Buttonhole

Closely spaced zigzag forming a finished slit for a button.

Stitch

Stitch — Running Stitch

Simple alternating in-out hand stitch — foundation of most hand-sewing.

Stitch

Stitch — Back Stitch (Hand)

Hand stitch where needle re-enters one stitch-length back.

Stitch

Stitch — Invisible Hem (Blind Stitch)

Hem stitch where the thread pick-up is invisible on the right side.

Stitch

Stitch — Slip Stitch (Couture)

Hand stitch catching one fabric thread at a time — invisible on outside.

Seam

Seam — French Seam

Enclosed seam: stitch wrong sides first, trim, then stitch right sides enclosing raw edge.

Seam

Seam — Flat-Felled

Self-enclosed sturdy seam seen on jeans inseam and shirt sides.

Seam

Seam — Bound (Hong Kong)

Seam whose raw edges are bound with bias strips of thin fabric.

Seam

Seam — Welt Seam

Topstitched seam with both allowances pressed to one side.

Machine

Machine — Single-Needle Lockstitch

Standard industrial sewing machine producing lockstitch (ISO 301).

Machine

Machine — Double-Needle Lockstitch

Two-needle lockstitch for parallel rows — used on yokes, hems, seat belts.

Machine

Machine — 3/4/5-Thread Overlock

Overlock/serger machines with differential feed.

Machine

Machine — Coverstitch Top-Cover

Coverstitch with decorative top row.

Machine

Machine — Buttonhole (Eyelet / Straight)

Automated buttonhole machines.

Machine

Machine — Button Attaching

Machine that sews buttons onto garment with programmable 4/2-hole patterns.

Machine

Machine — Bartack

Dedicated bartack for rapid reinforcement stitches.

Machine

Machine — Flatlock (Kansai)

Multi-needle flat-lock machine for seam + cover in one pass.

Machine

Machine — Post-Bed

Sewing machine with raised post for 3D curved work.

Machine

Machine — Cylinder-Bed

Machine with narrow cylindrical bed — for sleeves, cuffs, tubular parts.

Machine

Machine — Feed-off-the-Arm

Specialized machine with narrow bed for lap seams — classic denim inseam.

Machine

Machine — Embroidery (Multi-Head)

Computerized multi-head machine for production embroidery.

Machine

Machine — Fusing Press

Heat press that bonds fusible interlining to garment panels.

Production

CMT (Cut-Make-Trim)

Manufacturing model where factory only cuts, sews, trims — buyer supplies fabric & trims.

Production

FOB (Free on Board)

Factory sources everything and delivers at buyer's export port. Higher margin for factory.

Production

PPS (Pre-Production Sample)

Final sample approved before bulk cut.

Production

AQL (Acceptance Quality Limit)

Statistical QC standard (ISO 2859-1) for sampling acceptable defect rate.

Production

DHU (Defects per Hundred Units)

Shop-floor quality KPI.

Production

Bundle System

Traditional production where panels move between operators as tied bundles.

Production

UPS (Unit Production System)

Overhead monorail carries individual garments between stations.

Production

Modular Manufacturing

Team-based cellular layout with operators cross-trained.

Production

SMV (Standard Minute Value)

Time allowed to produce one unit of an operation.

Production

Line Balancing

Assigning operations to operators to match takt time, minimising bottlenecks.

Trim

Trim — Interlining

Reinforcing layer between outer fabric and lining for structure.

Trim

Trim — Lining

Inner layer that encloses raw seams and adds slip against skin.

Trim

Trim — Zipper (YKK)

Slide fastener. Coil, metal, or moulded plastic teeth.

Trim

Trim — Button

Fastener attached via buttonhole.

Trim

Trim — Elastic

Rubber/spandex-based stretchable tape.

Finishing

Sanforization

Controlled compressive shrinkage process — reduces residual shrinkage to <1%.

Finishing

Stone Wash (Denim)

Denim washed with pumice stones to abrade face — soft, vintage look.

Finishing

Bio-Wash (Enzyme)

Cellulase enzyme treatment that removes surface hairiness and softens cotton.

Finishing

Mercerising

Alkaline (NaOH) treatment of cotton under tension to increase lustre, strength and dye affinity.

Finishing

Garment Dyeing

Dyeing after the garment is constructed, rather than the fabric.

Finishing

Yarn Dyeing

Yarn is dyed before weaving/knitting — gives patterns like stripes, checks, chambray.

Finishing

Piece Dyeing

Whole fabric roll dyed in jigger or jet machines.

Finishing

Anti-Pilling Finish

Chemical or enzyme treatment that reduces pill formation on knits.

Finishing

Water-Repellent (DWR)

Durable Water-Repellent treatment — C6 fluorocarbon (older) or C0 PFC-free (new).

Fit

Size India / SIZE India

India's first national anthropometric survey for garment sizing (launched 2018).

Fit

Body Measurement (Fit)

Key points measured on the body: bust, waist, hip, high-hip, neck, shoulder, arm length, inseam, thigh, rise, back-length.

Fit

Fit Sample (Stage)

Sample sewn on pattern block before production — worn on fit model or mannequin.

Fit

Fit Model

Person of the brand's sample size used to try every sample for fit assessment.

Era

Era — Victorian (1837–1901)

Period of Queen Victoria — corsetry, crinoline, bustle, leg-of-mutton sleeves.

Era

Era — Edwardian (1901–1910)

Reign of Edward VII — S-bend corsets, pigeon breast, Gibson Girl silhouette.

Era

Era — 1920s Flapper

Post-WWI — drop-waist, bias-cut chemise dresses, cloche hats, bobbed hair.

Era

Era — 1950s New Look

Dior's Bar Suit (1947) — rounded shoulders, cinched waist, full skirt.

Era

Era — 1960s Mod

Space-age minimalism — shift dress, mini skirt, go-go boots.

Era

Era — 1970s Bohemian

Ethnic prints, maxi dresses, bell-bottoms, kaftans, tie-dye.

Era

Era — 1980s Power Dressing

Shoulder pads, big hair, bold colour.

Era

Era — 1990s Minimalism / Grunge

Two poles: Calvin Klein minimalism vs Seattle grunge.

Certification

GOTS — Global Organic Textile Standard

Highest benchmark for organic textiles — covers fibre + chemistry + labour.

Certification

BCI — Better Cotton Initiative

Mass-balance programme training farmers in sustainable cotton practices.

Certification

Oeko-Tex Standard 100

Product-level certification that a textile is free of harmful chemicals.

Certification

bluesign®

System certifying textile manufacturers' use of safe chemistry, water, and energy.

Certification

Fairtrade Cotton

Fairtrade International mark for cotton farmers receiving minimum price + premium.

Stitch

Catch Stitch

Crossed hand stitch used for hems in couture.

Stitch

Basting Stitch

Long temporary stitch holding pieces before final stitching.

Stitch

Stay Stitch

Single row of stitching just inside the seam line to prevent curve distortion.

Stitch

Under-Stitching

Stitch through facing + seam allowance, invisible on outside, keeps facing inside.

Stitch

Top-Stitching

Visible decorative stitching parallel to a seam.

Stitch

Edge-Stitching

Top-stitching 1–2 mm from edge — very close.

Stitch

Channel Stitch

Parallel stitch rows for quilting channels — used in puffer jackets.

Stitch

Lace Stitch

Hand-joining stitch between lace motifs.

Embroidery

Hand Stitch — Sashiko

Japanese running-stitch reinforcement, geometric patterns.

Embroidery

Hand Stitch — Kasuti

Karnataka geometric embroidery (gavanthi, murgi, negi, menthi).

Dye/Embroidery

Hand Stitch — Shibori

Japanese resist-dye folding/binding technique.

Embroidery

Hand Stitch — Kashida / Kashmiri

Kashmir embroidery — crewel, sozni, tilla (zari), aari.

Embroidery

Hand Stitch — Mirror / Shisha

Reflective mirror discs anchored with decorative stitching.

Embroidery

Hand Stitch — Rabari

Kutch nomadic Rabari tribe embroidery — mirror + chain + herringbone.

Embroidery

Hand Stitch — Toda

Red-black-white geometric patterns of Toda tribe (Nilgiris).

Embroidery

Hand Stitch — Soof

Sindhi/Kutchi counted triangular embroidery.

Art

Hand Stitch — Rogan

Painted cloth using castor-oil based paste, drawn with iron stylus.

Embroidery

Hand Stitch — Applique

Fabric patches stitched to ground cloth.

Embroidery

Hand Stitch — Parsi Gara

Chinese-influenced silk satin-stitch embroidery.

Embroidery

Hand Stitch — Lambani

Banjara tribe colourful mirror + shell embroidery.

Print

Print — Sanganeri

Delicate floral block print on fine cotton, Jaipur.

Print

Print — Dabu

Mud-resist block print; creates characteristic mottled white-on-indigo.

Print

Print — Bagh

Block print from Bagh village, MP — red/black vegetable dyes.

Construction

Set-in Sleeve

Sleeve cut separately and stitched into armhole.

Construction

Raglan Sleeve

Sleeve extending to neckline in one piece.

Construction

Kimono Sleeve

Sleeve cut as one with bodice.

Construction

Dolman Sleeve

Deep armhole sleeve tapering to cuff.

Construction

Bishop Sleeve

Full long sleeve gathered at cuff.

Construction

Puff Sleeve

Cap or short sleeve gathered at top.

Construction

Cap Sleeve

Very short sleeve covering shoulder.

Construction

Placket

Finished opening allowing garment to be pulled over.

Construction

Yoke

Shaped piece at shoulder/back carrying gathered/pleated panel below.

Construction

Gusset

Small diamond/triangle of fabric added to reinforce or allow movement.

Construction

Fly Front (Zipper)

Placket concealing zipper in trousers.

Construction

Waistband

Band at the waist that finishes trouser/skirt top.

Construction

Collar — Point (Shirt)

Classic pointed dress-shirt collar.

Construction

Collar — Band

Collar without leaves — shirt collar stand only.

Construction

Collar — Mandarin (Stand)

Short upright collar with gap in front.

Construction

Collar — Peter Pan

Flat round collar for girls' dresses, vintage blouses.

Construction

Collar — Shawl

Continuous rolled collar with no notch — formal jacket, robe.

Construction

Collar — Notched

Classic men's jacket collar with a V-notch at lapel.

Construction

Cuff — Barrel

Single-thickness shirt cuff with 1–2 buttons.

Construction

Cuff — French

Double-length cuff folded back and secured by cufflinks.

Construction

Cuff — Ribbed

Knit rib band at sleeve end.

Construction

Hem — Rolled

Narrow hem 2–3 mm, used on sheers.

Construction

Hem — Double-fold

Two-fold hem (1/4" + 1/4" or 1/2" + 1/2").

Construction

Hem — Blind

Invisible hem by blind-hem stitch.

Construction

Pocket — Patch

Pocket stitched onto outside of garment.

Construction

Pocket — Welt

Pocket with a horizontal flap opening, pocket bag inside.

Construction

Pocket — Jet / Besom

Neat pocket with two narrow jet strips framing opening.

Construction

Pocket — Slant / On-seam

Pocket hidden in a seam, often curved slant.

Seam

Seam — Plain (Open)

Most common seam: sewn and pressed open.

Seam

Seam — Lap Seam

Two fabric edges lap and topstitched.

Seam

Seam — Mock Flat-Fell

Plain seam topstitched to mimic flat-fell.

Women's Garment

Blouse — Peasant

Loose gathered neckline blouse with drawstring and puff sleeve.

Women's Garment

Blouse — Shirtwaist

Tailored button-down blouse borrowing men's shirt construction.

Women's Garment

Blouse — Halter

Strap ties behind neck, bare back.

Women's Garment

Dress — Empire Line

High-waist seam just under bust.

Women's Garment

Dress — Pinafore

Sleeveless apron-like dress with bib top.

Women's Garment

Dress — Shirt Dress

Shirt extended to knee/calf length, belted.

Women's Garment

Jacket — Blazer

Structured single-breasted jacket.

Women's Garment

Jacket — Bolero

Short, cropped waist-level jacket.

Women's Garment

Jacket — Kimono Robe

Loose open-front robe style inspired by kimono.

Women's Garment

Jacket — Trucker (Denim)

Cropped denim jacket with chest pockets.

Women's Garment

Coat — Trench

Water-resistant double-breasted long coat.

Women's Garment

Coat — Peacoat

Short double-breasted navy wool coat.

Women's Garment

Coat — Duffle

Hooded coat with toggle closures.

Women's Garment

Skirt — Wrap Skirt

Front overlap skirt tied at waist.

Women's Garment

Skirt — Sarong

Wrap-style unstitched or stitched skirt from SE Asia.

Women's Garment

Shorts — Bermuda

Knee-length shorts.

Women's Garment

Shorts — Hot Pants

Very short shorts above mid-thigh.

Women's Garment

Saree Drape — Nivi

Most common modern saree drape.

Women's Garment

Saree Drape — Nauvari

Maharashtrian 9-yard Brahmin drape, trouser-like at bottom.

Women's Garment

Saree Drape — Bengali

Box pleats at front, pallu thrown twice over shoulder with keys.

Women's Garment

Saree Drape — Coorgi

Back-pleat saree drape with pallu over right shoulder (unique).

Women's Garment

Saree Drape — Gujarati (Seedha Pallu)

Pallu drawn to front over right shoulder.

Women's Garment

Ghaghra / Chaniya

Full flared skirt worn in Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Men's/Women's Garment

Angarkha

Mughal cross-over tunic secured at shoulder/chest with strings.

Women's Garment

Nauvari

Maharashtrian 9-yard saree drape (kashta style).

Fabric

Madras Check

Yarn-dyed cotton plaid from Chennai.

Fabric/Print

Tussar Print

Block print on tussar silk.

Fabric

Begumpuri Saree

Handloom cotton saree from West Bengal, wide border.

Fabric

Chanderi

Fine silk-cotton saree with gold/silver thread zari butis.

Fabric

Maheshwari

Silk-cotton saree from Maheshwar, MP, reversible border.

Fabric

Baluchari

Bengal silk saree with Mythological narrative motifs on pallu.

Fabric

Paithani

Maharashtrian silk saree with peacock/lotus motifs.

Fabric

Pochampally Saree

Telangana double-ikat saree.

Fabric

Sambalpuri Saree

Odisha ikat saree.

Fabric

Leheriya

Rajasthani tie-dye with diagonal wave stripes.

Fabric

Bandhani

Gujarati/Rajasthani tie-dye with dot patterns.

Fabric

Kasavu

Kerala cream-and-gold saree.

Construction/Embroidery

Godet

Godet — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Gore

Gore — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Pleat — Knife

Pleat — Knife — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Pleat — Box

Pleat — Box — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Pleat — Inverted

Pleat — Inverted — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Pleat — Accordion

Pleat — Accordion — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Pleat — Sunray

Pleat — Sunray — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Pleat — Kingussie

Pleat — Kingussie — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Shirring

Shirring — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Smocking

Smocking — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Tucks — Pin

Tucks — Pin — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Tucks — Released

Tucks — Released — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Appliqué

Appliqué — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Inset

Inset — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Binding

Binding — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Piping

Piping — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Cording

Cording — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Eyelet

Eyelet — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Grommet

Grommet — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Snap (Press Stud)

Snap (Press Stud) — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Hook & Bar

Hook & Bar — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Hook & Eye

Hook & Eye — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Velcro / Hook-and-Loop

Velcro / Hook-and-Loop — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Toggle

Toggle — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Frog Closure

Frog Closure — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Drawstring (Naada)

Drawstring (Naada) — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Mukesh Work

Mukesh Work — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Kamdani

Kamdani — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Nakshi Katha

Nakshi Katha — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Crewel Embroidery

Crewel Embroidery — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Goldwork

Goldwork — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Satin Stitch

Satin Stitch — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Stem Stitch

Stem Stitch — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Chain Stitch (Embroidery)

Chain Stitch (Embroidery) — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Herringbone Stitch

Herringbone Stitch — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Lazy Daisy

Lazy Daisy — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Cross Stitch

Cross Stitch — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Blanket Stitch

Blanket Stitch — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Construction/Embroidery

Pico Stitch

Pico Stitch — construction/embroidery term used in garment making.

Men's Garment

Shirt — Dress

Buttoned collared shirt worn with tie/jacket — business formal.

Men's Garment

Shirt — Oxford Button-Down

Oxford-cloth shirt with points buttoned to the body — prep / Ivy League signature.

Men's Garment

Shirt — Hawaiian (Aloha)

Loose, short-sleeve shirt printed with tropical/island motifs.

Men's Garment

Shirt — Henley

Round-neck knit shirt with short button placket, no collar.

Men's Garment

Shirt — Flannel

Brushed plain- or twill-weave cotton shirt — warm winter casual.

Men's Garment

Trouser — Chino

Twill cotton casual trousers — mid-weight, softer than jean.

Men's Garment

Trouser — Khaki

Light tan cotton twill trouser of colonial / military origin.

Men's Garment

Trouser — Cargo

Utility trouser with large thigh patch pockets and flaps.

Men's Garment

Trouser — Corduroy

Trouser in pile weave fabric with distinctive vertical 'wales'.

Men's Garment

Trouser — Dress

Formal tailored trouser in wool/wool-blend.

Men's/Women's Garment

Jeans

Denim trouser — the most-produced garment in the world.

Men's Garment

Shorts — Chino Shorts

Cotton-twill shorts, knee or mid-thigh.

Men's Garment

Shorts — Board

Surf-friendly shorts made of quick-dry polyester.

Men's Garment

Suit — Two-Piece

Jacket + trousers in matching fabric.

Men's Garment

Suit — Three-Piece

Two-piece suit plus matching waistcoat (vest).

Men's Garment

Tuxedo (Dinner Suit)

Black (or midnight blue) formal evening suit with satin lapels and stripe.

Men's Garment

Tailcoat

Morning or evening formal coat with front cut away, long back tails.

Men's Garment

Jacket — Harrington

Short, waist-length jacket with stand collar, button front, raglan sleeve.

Men's Garment

Jacket — Bomber (MA-1)

Waist-length jacket with ribbed hem, cuff, collar.

Men's Garment

Jacket — Varsity / Letterman

Two-tone jacket: wool body + leather sleeves, chenille letter on chest.

Men's Garment

Jacket — Biker

Asymmetric zip leather jacket — 'perfecto'.

Men's Garment

Jacket — Field

Utility jacket with multiple bellows pockets, heavy cotton.

Men's Garment

Jacket — Safari / Bush

4-pocket tropical cotton jacket, belt at waist.

Men's Garment

Overcoat

Full-length wool outercoat for winter.

Men's/Women's Garment

Parka

Hip-to-knee hooded insulated coat.

Men's/Women's Garment

Anorak

Pullover hooded jacket with half-zip or no front opening.

Men's/Women's Garment

Gilet / Bodywarmer

Sleeveless insulated outerwear.

Men's/Women's Garment

Sweater — Pullover

Knitted top pulled over the head.

Men's/Women's Garment

Sweater — Cardigan

Knitted front-opening garment with buttons or zipper.

Men's/Women's Garment

Hoodie

Pullover or zip-front top with hood.

Men's/Women's Garment

Sweatshirt

Loose pullover in French terry or fleece.

Men's/Women's Garment

Cardigan — Aran

Traditional Irish cable-knit cream sweater/cardigan.

Men's/Women's Garment

Turtleneck / Polo-Neck

Knit top with tall folded collar covering neck.

Innerwear

Bra — Demi Cup

Half-cup bra covering bottom half of bust.

Innerwear

Bra — Push-Up

Angled-padded bra creating lifted, close-together cleavage.

Innerwear

Bra — Sports

High-support bra for athletic use.

Innerwear

Bra — Bralette

Soft unstructured bra, no underwire, pull-over.

Innerwear

Bra — T-Shirt / Moulded

Seamless moulded-cup bra — smooth under fitted shirts.

Innerwear

Bra — Plunge

Deep V-neckline bra with low centre gore.

Innerwear

Bra — Strapless

No shoulder straps — supported by band and silicone grip.

Innerwear

Panty — Brief (Hipster)

Full-coverage panty sitting on hips.

Innerwear

Panty — Thong

Minimal back coverage, T-shape strap between buttocks.

Innerwear

Panty — Boyshort

Short-style panty like boy's boxer briefs.

Innerwear

Panty — Tanga

Between bikini and thong — low side, moderate back.

Innerwear

Shapewear — Spanx

Body-smoothing compression wear under clothes.

Innerwear

Slip / Petticoat (Western)

Silk/polyester underdress worn beneath dress.

Innerwear

Stockings

Sheer hosiery for legs, ending at thigh.

Innerwear

Tights / Pantyhose

Full hosiery from waist to feet.

Innerwear

Camisole (Innerwear)

Short strappy innerwear top.

Innerwear

Boxer Short

Loose men's underwear, woven cotton.

Innerwear

Brief (Men)

Snug-fit Y-front knit underwear.

Innerwear

Boxer Brief (Trunk)

Mid-thigh knitted underwear — brief + boxer hybrid.

Innerwear

Vest (Innerwear) / Ganjee

Sleeveless men's undershirt — A-shirt or tank.

Children's Wear

Onesie / Bodysuit

Baby garment covering torso with crotch snaps.

Children's Wear

Sleepsuit (Footed)

Full-coverage infant sleepwear with closed feet.

Children's Wear

Frock (Girl's Dress)

Girl's dress, often with bodice and gathered/flared skirt.

Children's Wear

School Uniform — Pinafore / Tunic

Apron-style dress for school wear.

Children's Wear

Christening / Baptism Gown

White full-length infant ceremonial gown.

Sportswear

Tracksuit

Matching jacket + trouser set for sport/casual.

Sportswear

Jogger Pants

Tapered ankle trouser with rib cuff.

Sportswear

Compression Tights

Tight-fit performance tights.

Sportswear

Cycling Shorts / Bib

Padded spandex shorts for road/mountain biking.

Sportswear

Yoga Pants

Stretch-fit pant for yoga/pilates.

Sportswear

Rash Guard

Lycra top for surf/swim preventing rash and UV.

Sportswear

Football / Soccer Jersey

Team jersey for football/soccer.

Sportswear

Cricket Trousers (Whites)

White cotton/polyester trouser for cricket.

Swim

Swim — Bikini

Two-piece women's swimsuit.

Swim

Swim — One-Piece

Full-coverage women's swimsuit.

Swim

Swim Trunk (Men)

Short shorts for men's swim.

Swim

Speedo / Jammers

Competitive swim brief/knee-length suit.

Workwear

Boiler Suit / Coveralls

One-piece utility suit for workers.

Workwear

Chef Coat / Jacket

Double-breasted jacket for professional chefs.

Workwear

Lab Coat

Knee-length white coat for lab/medical.

Workwear

Scrubs

Medical staff uniform — pants + top.

Workwear

Hi-Vis Jacket

Fluorescent retroreflective safety jacket.

Workwear

Overall / Dungaree

Bib-and-brace trousers with shoulder straps.

Workwear

Apron

Protective garment covering front of body.

Uniform

Uniform — Airline / Cabin Crew

Corporate identity garment for airline staff.

Uniform

Uniform — School

Standard garment set for schools.

Uniform

Uniform — Military (BDU / ACU)

Combat/service uniform.

Uniform

Uniform — Cricket (Blue Jersey India)

National team playing kit.

Ceremonial

Thobe / Thawb / Dishdasha

Ankle-length tunic worn by men in Arab world.

Ceremonial

Jubba

Loose long robe / Islamic clerical garment.

Ceremonial

Cassock

Long single-colour clerical garment for Christian clergy.

Ceremonial

Alb

White liturgical tunic worn by Christian priests.

Ceremonial

Hijab

Scarf worn by Muslim women covering hair and neck.

Ceremonial

Niqab

Face veil covering all but eyes.

Ceremonial

Burqa

Full-body covering with mesh over eyes.

Ceremonial

Chador

Full-length outer cloak worn by Persian/Iranian women.

Ceremonial

Turban — Pagri / Pag

Cloth wound around head — various South Asian styles.

Ceremonial

Turban — Dastar (Sikh)

Religious turban mandated in Sikhism.

Ceremonial

Yarmulke / Kippah

Brimless cap worn by observant Jewish men.

Ceremonial

Kurta — Pathani

Longer version of kurta, worn with loose shalwar.

Ceremonial

Mundu (Kerala)

South-Indian dhoti — single white cotton wrap.

Ceremonial

Madisar Saree

Tamil Iyer 9-yard drape worn during rituals.

Footwear

Kolhapuri Chappal

Handcrafted leather sandals from Kolhapur, Maharashtra.

Footwear

Mojari / Jutti

Slip-on handcrafted shoes with curved toe — Punjab/Rajasthan.

Footwear

Shoe — Oxford

Lace-up formal shoe with closed lacing.

Footwear

Shoe — Derby / Blucher

Open-lacing lace-up shoe.

Footwear

Shoe — Loafer

Slip-on laceless shoe.

Footwear

Sneaker — Running

Soft-sole athletic shoe.

Footwear

Ballet Flat

Low-heel shoe inspired by ballet slippers.

Accessory

Tie (Necktie)

Long strip of fabric worn around neck under shirt collar.

Accessory

Bow Tie

Small ribbon tied at collar — butterfly or batwing shape.

Accessory

Pocket Square

Decorative square folded in jacket breast pocket.

Accessory

Cufflink

Small decorative fastener for French cuffs.

Accessory

Belt (Leather)

Strap around waist supporting trousers.

Accessory

Suspenders / Braces

Elastic straps over shoulders holding trousers.

Accessory

Cummerbund

Pleated sash worn at waist with tuxedo.

Accessory

Dupatta Border — Kinari

Decorative edging on dupatta/kurta.

Accessory

Scarf — Silk Square

Hand-rolled silk square (Hermès signature 90×90 cm).

Trim

Shoulder Pad

Foam/fibre pad inserted at shoulder for structure.

Trim

Sleeve Head / Head Roll

Wadded roll stitched into shoulder to smooth sleeve cap.

Trim

Canvas Interlining (Hymo / Hair Canvas)

Natural hair/wool canvas shaping tailored jacket fronts.

Trim

Horsehair Braid

Stiff braid sewn at skirt/dress hem for stand.

Trim

Lace — Chantilly

Fine handmade bobbin lace from Chantilly (France).

Trim

Lace — Leavers

Machine-made lace from Leavers loom, resembling hand-lace.

Trim

Lace — Raschel

Fast, machine-made warp-knit lace — lingerie volume.

Trim

Embroidery Sequin / Paillette

Small flat shiny discs attached for sparkle.

Trim

Bead — Glass (Rocaille)

Small glass beads — Czech or Japanese (Miyuki, Toho).

Trim

Rhinestone / Swarovski

Cut-glass or crystal gem adhered to garment.

Trim

Snap (Press Stud)

Two-part metal or plastic fastener that snaps together.

Trim

Eyelet / Grommet

Reinforced small hole for cord/shoelace.

Trim

Drawstring / Naada

Cord used to tighten waistband/hood.

Trim

Waist Elastic — Fold-Over

Wide elastic folded to form waistband directly.

Patternmaking

Tool — French Curve

Template for drawing compound curves (armhole, neckline).

Patternmaking

Tool — Hip Curve

Long curve ruler for side seams, hip/thigh curves.

Patternmaking

Tool — L-Square / Right-Angle

Right-angle ruler for squaring corners.

Patternmaking

Tool — Tracing Wheel

Wheel-on-handle used with carbon paper to transfer patterns.

Patternmaking

Tool — Awl

Sharp pointed tool for marking and making holes.

Patternmaking

Tool — Notcher

Handle tool that punches small notches in pattern edges.

Patternmaking

Tool — Tailor's Chalk

Clay chalk for marking on fabric.

Patternmaking

Tool — Pattern Weight

Heavy disc used to hold paper pattern on fabric.

Defect

Defect — Skipped Stitch

Gap in seam caused by needle not catching thread loop.

Defect

Defect — Seam Pucker

Rippling along seam line.

Defect

Defect — Seam Slippage

Yarns at seam pulling away under stress.

Defect

Defect — Pilling

Small fuzzy balls forming on fabric surface.

Defect

Defect — Colour Bleeding

Dye running during wash.

Defect

Defect — Shrinkage

Fabric contracting on washing.

Defect

Defect — Broken Stitch

Missing section in stitch line.

Test

Test — Martindale Abrasion

Fabric rubbed in figure-8 to measure abrasion resistance.

Test

Test — Pilling (ICI / Martindale)

Grade from 1 (severe pill) to 5 (no pill).

Test

Test — Colour Fastness

Dye retention tested to washing, rubbing, light, perspiration.

Test

Test — Tensile Strength

Force needed to break fabric along warp/weft.

Test

Test — Tear Strength

Force to propagate tear through fabric.

Test

Test — Seam Slippage

Force causing yarn slip at seam.

Test

Test — Dimensional Stability (Shrinkage)

Measures fabric size change after home wash cycle.

Test

Test — Flammability (16 CFR 1610)

US textile flammability requirement for clothing.

Fabric

Tartan

Scottish wool plaid with specific clan setts registered in Scottish Tartans Authority.

Men's Garment

Kilt

Knee-length pleated skirt of Scottish tartan.

Fabric

Ankara / Dutch Wax Print

West African wax-resist cotton print.

Fabric

Kente Cloth

Ghanaian strip-woven cloth, historically for royalty.

Women's Garment

Kimono — Furisode

Long-sleeved kimono worn by unmarried women.

Women's Garment

Kimono — Houmongi

Visiting-dress kimono, softer formal.

Women's/Men's Garment

Yukata

Cotton summer kimono.

Women's Garment

Hanfu

Han-Chinese historical robe revival.

Women's Garment

Huipil (Mexican/Mayan)

Loose sleeveless woven tunic of indigenous Mexican/Mesoamerican women.

Accessory

Rebozo

Long Mexican woven shawl.

Outerwear

Poncho

Rectangular hooded outer wrap.

Fabric/Technique

Boro

Japanese indigo-dyed patchwork repaired cloth.

Production

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)

Minimum factory run volume for economical production.

Production

Lead Time

Time from order to shipment.

Production

Tech Pack

Complete technical specification document for a style.

Production

BOM (Bill of Materials)

List of all materials and components for a style.

Production

Cost Sheet

Breakdown of FOB price into fabric + trims + labour + overhead + profit.

Fabric

Grade A / Grade B (Fabric)

Mill fabric quality classification.

Quality

4-Point Inspection

Fabric defect grading: 1pt (≤3"), 2pt (3-6"), 3pt (6-9"), 4pt (>9").

Production

GSD (General Sewing Data)

Time-motion database for sewing operations.

Production

Rejection Rate / Alter Rate

% of garments needing rework or reject.

Finishing

Wash — Acid

Chlorine-bleached denim giving high-contrast speckled fade.

Finishing

Wash — Snow / Marble

Random light-dark mottled denim.

Finishing

Wash — Laser Fade

Computer-controlled CO2 laser etches fade pattern.

Finishing

Wash — Ozone

Ozone-gas treatment to bleach denim.

Finishing

Wash — Cross-Hatching / Whiskers

Fade lines at hip creases and back knees.