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com Glossary of Fabric & Fashion Terms A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A A-line A popular silhouette in which the cut flares slightly away from the body to form the shape of an "A." Acrylic Synthetic, manufactured fabric that is soft, lightweight and wool-like. Acrylic can be found in winterwear, such as sweaters and fleece. adiWEAR adidas' rubber outsole that prevents wear and tear on high-abrasion areas. Angora Yarn from the long, incredibly soft hair of an angora rabbit or goat. Anti-pill Used to describe the wear resistance of a fabric. Fibers in low-quality fabrics tend to twist together, resulting in an uneven and worn look. Anti-pill fleece i s specially woven to prevent this from happening. Argyle A diamond-shaped plaid pattern on a knit fabric. B Ballistic A thick, even weave of extremely durable material. Used in luggage for reinforce ment and abrasion resistance. Balmacaan A loose, single-breasted overcoat usually with a short turnover collar. Barn jacket A medium-weight overcoat made of durable cotton (usually twill) that normally ha s a corduroy collar and large front pockets. With wool or flannel lining. Basket weave A variation of a plain weave construction in which two or more warp and filling yarns are woven side by side to resemble a pleated basket. Batik A method of dyeing in which parts of fabric are coated with wax, resulting in va rying patterns or colors. Often the wax cracks, causing fine lines or streaks. Bedford A strong, ribbed fabric that can be made from cotton, wool, silk, or a combinati on of fibers. It has the same look as corduroy, but usually does not have the he avyweight construction. Bengaline This crosswise ribbed fabric has a sturdy, durable weave and offers a great tail ored look. Berber fleece Usually single-sided, pile-cut fabrics with a knit backing made of polyester/mod acrylic. Its most notable characteristic is a nubby, fur-like surface. Besom pocket An inset pocket with the lower lip finished with a welt. If both edges have welt s, the pocket is called a double besom. Bias cut A diagonal cut across a fabric s grain. Used to create garments that closely trace the body's natural curves for a flattering look. Bicast leather A split leather with a layer of polyurethane applied to the surface and then emb ossed. This results in a product that has an artificially consistent texture, an d is easy to clean and maintain. Biopolished cotton Fabric treated by an enzyme that removes the roughness on the surface, creating a softer, smoother feel. Boatneck A narrow neckline that is open from shoulder to shoulder. Bodice

The upper part of a dress. Bomber jacket A loose waist-length jacket with a fitted hem and cuffs. Also referred to as a f light jacket, and typically made of leather with a sheepskin lining and a full c ollar. Bonded leather A material composed of leather fibers and other substances, such as polyurethane , formed together to create the appearance of genuine leather. Boyfriend cut Women's apparel cut with a menswear silhouette. Usually relaxed, oversized and c uffed. Boyshorts A panty or swimsuit bottom with maximum hip and back coverage. Boucle A type of woven or knit fabric with a looped, knotted surface. Boucle is used in lightweight and heavyweight garments, more often the latter because the lofty y arns provide wonderful warmth. Broadcloth Fabric that is tightly woven in a plain weave with a crosswise rib. Similar to p oplin, but finer. The most common broadcloth is made of cotton or cotton/polyest er blends. Brocade A heavy fabric woven with an elaborate raised pattern or design, often with meta llic or colored thread. Brogueing A pattern of punched holes along the seams of a shoe. Burlap A loosely constructed, heavyweight fabric in a plain weave that is very coarse a nd durable. Burnout A technique using a chemical paste that destroys a layer of fabric to create a p atterned effect and can sometimes result in a sheer look. C Camisole A garment with thin spaghetti straps. Canvas A medium- to heavyweight type of cotton or linen in a plain or twill weave. Cap sleeve This short sleeve extends just over the shoulder for a touch of femininity. Car coat A knee-length coat with a flat front placket. This coat was originally designed to make driving a car more comfortable. Cargo style Usually loose-fitting pants or shorts with large, military-inspired pockets sewn on the hips and sides of the knees. Carpenter style Pants or shorts with handy pockets and loops for holding tools commonly used by a carpenter. Cashmere An incredibly soft wool. Considered a luxury fiber because it s one of the rarest and most expensive fabrics available. Cashmerlon A soft, washable acrylic fabric that keeps its shape and feels like cashmere. Ceramics Products made from inorganic and nonmetallic materials, such as clay, that are f ired at a high temperature and glazed for a decorative, glass-like finish. Challis A lightweight, plain-weave fabric made of wool, cotton, or rayon. Its slightly b rushed surface creates a silky finish that can easily be dyed and is usually mac hine washable.

Chambray A fine, lightweight cloth (usually cotton) in a plain weave with colored, length wise threads and a white fill. Charmeuse A soft, lightweight silk, cotton, or manmade fabric with a smooth, semi-lustrous satin finish and a matte backing. Chemise A loose-fitting, straight nightgown or undergarment. Usually hits at midthigh. Chenille Incredibly soft, fuzzy yarns that stand out around a velvety cord. Chiffon Lightweight, sheer fabric of twisted filament yarns with a soft weave and an air y drape. Usually woven of silk, but also made of rayon and other synthetic fiber s. Coir The coarse, stiff fiber extracted from the outside layer of the husk on the shel l of a coconut. Colorfast Used to describe a dyed fabric's ability to resist fading or running due to wash ing, exposure to sunlight, and other environmental conditions. Combed cotton When cotton is "combed," the shortest, additional fibers of a batch are removed. This process produces high-quality yarns with excellent strength and softness. Corduroy A medium- to heavyweight fabric (usually cotton) with a cut-pile weave construct ion. Extra sets of filling yarns are woven into the fabric to form nap-like cord s of yarn on the surface. Coverlet A lightweight blanket often used during warmer months. Coverlets have a shorter drop than traditional bedspreads, exposing the frame or bedskirt. Cover-up A lightweight garment, such as a sarong, pareo, skirt or hooded jacket, used to cover a swimsuit. Crazy Horse Authentic American leather that is treated with oil and wax in a unique tanning process. During this process, the oil and wax surface to create a rich, beautifu l patina that's fade-resistant and long-lasting. Crochet A loose, open knit made by looping thread with a hooked needle. D DLS Foam FILA s DLS (Dynamic Landing System) Foam midsole provides shock absorption and sup erior cushioning. Damask A rich, glossy fabric usually woven with a variety of elaborate patterns that ar e flat and reversible. Dazzle A lightweight, silky-soft fabric blend that has a slight shine to it. Dazzle is found primarily in active clothing because of its quick-drying capabilities. Denier A unit of measuring the thickness/weight of a thinly spun fiber. It indicates th e material's durability, plus the fineness of fiber filaments and yarns both nat ural and synthetic. The higher the denier, the thicker the fiber; the lower the denier, the finer the fiber. Diamonore A simulated diamond made by infusing 99.9% pure lab-created diamond particles in and on the surface of a cubic zirconia core. Dichroic glass Glass composed of multiple layers of metal oxides that produce an intensely colo rful, metallic and reflective appearance.

Dobby Small, usually geometric patterns that are woven into a fabric. Dolman A cape-like sleeve that is very wide at the armhole. Down A fluffy, soft fibrous material that grows under the contour feathers of ducks, geese and other waterfowl. Used as a thermal insulator because it s known for warm th. Drop stitch A type of knit where some of the needles are "dropped out" during stitching to p roduce an open-worked pattern in the fabric. Similar to a wide, ribbed finish. Dual-density midsole Technology featuring a foam midsole constructed of varied densities for the perf ect blend of cushioning and support. Duck cloth A medium-weight cloth (usually cotton) that is soft, breathable and durable. Tig htly woven and retains color beautifully. E Egyptian cotton Cultivated mainly in the Nile River Valley in Egypt, this grade of cotton boasts the longest and strongest fibers. Embossed A raised design on the surface created by heated rollers under pressure. Empire waistband This waistline begins just below the bust, giving tops or dresses a flowing, fla ttering fit. Enzyme-washed Often describes a garment that has been specially treated for extra softness. En zyme washing uses special chemicals, or enzymes, to soften the fabric and give t he overall garment a "worn-in" look. Epaulet An ornamental strip or loop sewn across the shoulder of a garment. Espadrille A type of sandal that usually has a fabric upper and a natural fiber outsole. Eyelet A type of embroidery in which small holes are cut out in the fabric and finished by embellishment of thread around the opening. F Fairisle A knitting style characterized by geometric patterns (technically known as Fair Isle). Fedora A soft felt hat that is creased lengthwise down the crown with a pinched front a nd a brim that can be turned up or down. Fiber-reactive A type of printing where the chemical bonds with the cellulose molecules in a pr oduct's fabric, so the dye actually saturates the fibers. Fiber-reactive printin g produces a more vibrant appearance and tends to have better colorfastness, or fade-resistant properties. Fill power A number that denotes the quality of down. The higher the fill power, the fluffi er the feathers. The lower the fill power, the more down required to achieve the same level of warmth. Fill weight The quantity of down feathers in comforters, jackets, sleeping bags, etc. The mo re down, the higher the fill weight. Flocking A decorative detail in which short fibers are applied to the surface of a fabric in a particular pattern by using an adhesive. Flounce hem

A strip of fabric attached to one edge of a garment (usually a skirt) to create a wide ruffle. Foulard A lightweight twill, woven silk, or silk and cotton blend, usually decorated wit h a small printed pattern. French cuff(s) Turned-up cuff(s) sometimes fastened with cuff links and sometimes contrasting i n color. French terry The knit jersey version of terry cloth. Features loops of pile on one side and a smooth, brushed finish on the other. Frog closure The decorative closing of fabric with cording or braided material which fits ove r a ball or button to complete the closure. Full-grain leather Considered the highest quality of leather because only the hair is removed from the hide, so it retains the full, natural grain. Funnel neck A neckline that is high and wide, resembling a funnel. A funnel neck is attached to the body of the garment, not sewn at the neckline. G Gabardine A firm, tightly woven fabric with a subtle, diagonal line of twill and sometimes a high sheen. Gaiter A leg covering made from cloth or leather on boots or shoes extending from the i nstep of the foot to the midcalf or knee. Garment-washed This term often describes apparel that has been through a standard wash cycle in a commercial washing machine. The repeated exposure in water leads to a softer, worn-in look on the garments. GEL Cushioning System ASICS technology that allows for reduced shock during impact and toe-off phases. This system also ensures easy movement as the foot transitions through the gait cycle. Georgette A sheer, crinkled fabric woven from hard-twisted yarns to produce a pebbly surfa ce. Creates a lightweight, flowing look. Gingham A middle-weight, checkered or plaid fabric using two or more colors with a plain weave made of cotton. Godet A triangular inset of cloth placed in a seam to give fullness (e.g., the bottom of a skirt). Gored A section of fabric that is cut narrow at the waist and wide at the hem. Grosgrain Strong, closely woven, corded fabric with narrow, horizontal ribs, usually used as trim. Gusset A usually diamond-shaped or triangular insert in a seam of the garment to allow for more space or a bigger opening (as of a sleeve, cargo pocket, pocketbook, or shoe upper). In terms of lingerie, a gusset generally refers to the section of fabric between the thighs, often a snap or hook-and-eye closure if it is a piece of shapewear. H Heat-transferred print A unique type of printing in which art is digitally replicated and printed on th e surface of polyester. The dye permanently bonds to the fibers without fading, even after repeated washing.

Henley shirt A collarless knit top with a closure that stops midway down the shirt. Herringbone A broken twill weave with a pattern made up of rows of parallel lines in opposit e directions forming a zigzag pattern. High performance High-Performance footwear includes specially designated athletic shoes and boots featuring true performance technology for the serious athlete and adventurer. Hook-and-eye closure A fastening system with a small metal hook that is inserted into a matching eye loop or small metal loop. Houndstooth A usually small, distinctively broken-check pattern that resembles the jagged ba ck teeth of a hound. Huarache A sandal with a low heel and interwoven leather strips across the upper. I Ikat A method of weaving tie-dyed threads to create a rich and lively pattern on a fa bric. Ikat fabrics often possess a distinct look based on their region of origin . Interlock A type of cut-and-sew knit fabric that is characterized by the interconnecting o f the knit stitches. J Jacquard A decorative woven or knit pattern manufactured by using the jacquard attachment on the loom. Some types of jacquard fabrics have specific names, such as damask and brocade. Jersey Plain fabric that is knit instead of woven. Soft and breathable, with extra "giv e" for comfort. Like your favorite tee, jersey gets softer with every washing. Johnny collar An open, split neckline with a pointed collar. Jute A natural fiber woven from the fast-growing plant of the same name. Found in sho es, rugs, decor and more, it is extremely durable. K Kabuki sleeves Wide loose-fitting sleeves modeled after the garments worn in traditional Japane se theater. Also known as kimono sleeves. Kangaroo pouch pocket A large pocket formed by sewing a piece of cloth over the center or stomach area of the garment leaving both ends open. Keyhole neckline A round or teardrop-shaped cutout that fastens at the front or back neckline. Kimono A loose-fitting wraparound robe or jacket with wide sleeves. Traditionally worn with a broad sash. L Lambskin The skin or hide of a young sheep. Also known as "napa" leather, lambskin has fe wer blemishes and a more uniform grain than other leathers such as buffalo and c owhide, which make it extra soft and attractive for use in clothing. Lapels The folded area on the front of a coat that is usually a continuation of the col lar. Linen Coarse fibers taken from inside the woody stem of the flax plant. Linen is consi dered cool, absorbent, breathable and durable.

Lithograph Ink-receptive images on a page or fabric resulting from a mass-production printi ng process. Lug outsole A thick sole with deep V-shaped grooves that improve the stability and traction of footwear such as boots or trail running shoes. Lycra A stretchy spandex fiber introduced in 1958 by DuPont. Usually woven with other fibers to provide extra comfort, movement and shape retention. Lyocell A cellulose fiber manufactured from wood pulp. Lustrous and color-rich, lyocell feels like rayon, but it's stronger, more durable and more absorbent, even when wet. It has low-shrinkage and wrinkle-resistant characteristics. (Also, known as the brand name, Tencel.) M Macrame Coarse lacework made by weaving and knotting a series of cords, threads, strings or yarns into a decorative pattern. Madras A lightweight, breathable cotton, often in brightly colored plaid patterns, used primarily for warm-weather clothing. Mandarin collar A short, standup collar that gives garments a stylish Asian look. Marled Interlocked, different-colored fibers are twisted together to create a long, con tinuous strand resulting in a contrasting effect on the finished garment. Mary Jane A shoe style characterized by a single buckled strap over the middle. Matelasse French for "cushioned or padded," matelasse patterns add a quilted, puckered loo k to the material. Matte A smooth or sometimes brushed surface that lacks luster and shine. Max Air unit Nike s full-length, segmented Max Air unit offers superior impact protection and h elps promote an easy transition from heel to toe. Melange A yarn spun from fibers that have been printed in many tones and hues. It resemb les tweed, but is very lightweight. Mercerization A process of treating a thread, yarn or fabric to increase its luster, color ret ention and durability. The fabric (usually cotton) is immersed in sodium hydroxi de and then neutralized in acid. This causes the fiber to permanently swell, whi ch increases its qualities. Merino A type of high-quality wool made from the fleece of purebred merino sheep. It is fine, strong, stretchy and dye-retentive. Mesh A type of knit, woven, laced or crocheted fabric with a net-like, open weave. Me sh is lightweight and breathable, which makes it ideal for warm-weather clothing . Microfiber An ultrafine synthetic fiber with many applications. It is used in clothing and other textiles because it is soft, stretchy and stain resistant and it wicks awa y moisture. Microfiber is also ideal for cleaning products because it is non-abr asive, absorbent and leaves no lint or dust. Microsanded A unique type of brushing done to fabric that removes its roughness for an extra -soft feel. Mitered

A popular striped pattern formed by a beveled line where a joint is made by cutt ing two pieces at an angle and fitting them together. Modal Manufactured fiber that's soft, smooth, shape-retentive (even when wet), durable , color-rich and lustrous. Moire A corded fabric (usually silk) characterized by having a wavy, watermarked patte rn on the surface. Moisture-wicking Moisture-wicking fabric transfers moisture from the skin's surface to the garmen t's outer layer for faster drying. Muslin A medium-weight, woven fabric of cotton or cotton/polyester blends. Used in a wi de variety of sheers and sheeting. N Neoprene A brand of polychloroprene by DuPont. It's an extremely durable synthetic rubber that is lightweight and buoyant, and has an outstanding resistance to temperatur e, chlorine and general physical wear. Nep Small knots of tangled fibers added intentionally to increase the fabric s aesthet ic appeal. The knots can be made from the same or different color and material. Nubuck Nubuck is the top side of leather, slightly sanded to make it more resistant to scuff marks and give it a suede-like feel. Its texture is finer than suede becau se a superior brushing technique leaves the natural grain pattern intact. It's m ade from split-grain (half of a hide) or full-grain (entire hide) leather. Nylon The first completely synthetic fiber developed by DuPont in 1938. Known for its s trength and excellent stain resilience, nylon boasts superior abrasion resistanc e and high flexibility. It's often added to natural fibers to boost a garment's durability. O Olefin A lightweight, manmade material also known as polypropylene. It has exceptional strength, colorfastness and comfort. It is also resistant to stains, mildew, abr asions and sunlight. Organza A lightweight, plain-weave fabric made of nylon, silk, polyester or rayon. Crisp and sheer with a medium to high thread count. Ottoman rib A stiff, heavyweight, warp rib (vertical running yarns) sometimes referred to as Ottoman cord. Oxford cloth A soft, yet durable, cotton or synthetic blend with a plain or basket weave that boasts a silklike, lustrous finish. P Paisley A swirled pattern of fancy, curved teardrop shapes. Panne A silk or rayon velvet with lustrous pile flattened in one direction. Patch pockets A small pocket, usually found on pants, which looks like a piece of material was sewn on as a patch. Peached fabric A soft feel usually obtained by sanding the fabric lightly; it also can be achie ved with chemical or laundry abrasion. Peacoat A heavy wool coat featuring a double-breasted style and notched collar. Hits at the hip.

Pedal pushers These women's pants with a straight leg are usually cuffed and fall just below t he knee. Pencil skirt A skirt that is cut in a straight line from the hips to the hem. The name comes from its pencil-straight appearance. Peplum A flowing piece of material attached at the waistline or hemline of a jacket, bl ouse, skirt or dress designed to create a flared appearance. Percale A closely woven plain-weave fabric that's smooth, firm, medium weight and fine. Usually made of cotton from a minimum of 180 threads per square inch. Peter Pan collar A small collar that is flat and close-fitting with rounded ends. Pewter A mix of metallic alloys, composed mostly of tin. It will not tarnish, rust or d eteriorate Photo real A screen print with the realistic qualities of a photo. Picot A row of tiny decorative loops sewn or cut along the edge of a garment. Pieced A design that is created by sewing pieces of material together to form the garme nt. Pigment dye A type of dye applied and held to the fabric with resins and cured at high tempe ratures. Boasts excellent features for light colors and less so for darker shade s. Pile knit A type of knit with a decorative pattern of yarns interlaced to create loops, mo st often used in faux fabrics. Pile weave A type of weave with a decorative pattern of yarns interlaced to create loops. Pill A term used to describe small balls of fibers tangled together on a fabric (usua lly fleece). Pills are generally caused by wear and tear producing an uneven, wo rn look. Pima cotton One of the best grades of cotton in the world with long, luxurious fibers. Pinpoint A type of weave with two-over, one-under stitching. More durable than most weave s but less soft than sateen. Pintuck A small, narrow fold of fabric stitched together to create the appearance of a l ine or stripe. Piping A narrow fold of fabric that creates a corded outline on the garment, usually as contrasting trim. Pique A woven or knit fabric usually made of cotton, rayon or silk. Medium- or heavywe ight, it's characterized by raised cords, or ribs, in all-over waffle, honeycomb or diamond patterns. Placket The piece of cloth that reinforces an opening that is the closure of the garment . Plaited The interweaving of strands or locks of a fabrication, so that one yarn appears only on the face and the second on the back. Platina 4 Platina 4 blends silver, palladium, platinum and gold for a metal that is both d

urable and beautiful. Platinaire A metal alloy that consists of 92.5% silver, 5% platinum and 2.5% complimentary metals. Platinaire is made from 97.5% recycled materials, is hypoallergenic, and nearly impervious to tarnish. Pointelle A stitch used in knitting to create a tiny, open-worked pattern typically with g eometric shapes. It adds a lightweight, delicate texture to clothing. Polypropylene A lightweight, manmade material characterized by a high-strength, abrasive quali ty. Also boasts moisture-absorbing, stain- and fade-resistant qualities. (Also k nown as Olefin.) Polyresin A combination of polyester and resin metals reinforced with fiberglass mat. Polystyrene A lightweight plastic often used for insulation. Its heat- and shape-retention a bilities make it moldable and comfortable. Commonly used to fill beanbag chairs. Ponte A design with stability, firmness, subtle sheen and incredible durability. Poplin A tightly woven plain-weave fabric characterized by fine, crisscrossing ribs. He avyweight and durable, poplin is usually made of cotton but can also be silk, wo ol or synthetic blends. Pork chop pockets Front pockets on a pair of pants, shorts or a skirt that are characterized as be ing oversized and rectangular. Preshrunk A term used to describe fabrics or garments, especially tees, that have received treatment to prevent it from additional shrinkage when washed. Prewashed A term used to describe fabrics or garments, especially tees and jeans, which ha ve already been washed to add softness and prevent shrinking. Princess seams Seams that are on the front or back of a garment that create a flattering, formfitting shape. Puffed ink A decorative detail added to screen prints to give them a raised surface. R Raffia Material obtained from the leaves of the raffia palm, a plant in Madagascar with featherlike leaves that yield strong, flexible fibers. After the fibers are pee led from the stem of the leaves, they're dried in the sun. Raglan A sleeve style that is cut with the armhole seam running from under the arm to t he neckline. It's commonly known for a contrasting long-sleeved look. Ramie A woody fiber characterized as being extremely durable. Raschel knit An open-worked knit construction, where heavy, coarse yarns are held in place by finer yarns. It has good draping qualities and is frequently used as an unlined material for coats, lingerie and dresses. Rayon A group of smooth, synthetic fibers manufactured from cotton linters, wood pulp or other vegetable matter. It s known for excellent softness, drape, high absorpti on and a lustrous look. Resin A natural or synthetic compound. It's a lightweight and tough material. Plastic is an example of a synthetic resin. Rib A type of knit fabric characterized with a ridge effect in one direction, usuall

y vertical. Rib knits are extremely elastic and often used in apparel to provide a comfy, body-hugging fit. Ricrac A decorative trim on clothing featuring a flat fabric that forms a zigzag patter n. Ringspun fabric Fiber (usually cotton) spun prior to knitting, so it's finer, softer and more du rable than ordinary cotton. Ripstop A very fine fabric (usually nylon) plainly woven with coarse fibers ribbed at in tervals to stop tears. Lightweight and durable, ripstop also boasts wind and wat er resistance. Rosette A fabric embellishment that's pleated and ruffled to resemble a rose. Ruching A pleated or gathered strip of fabric used as a decorative, feminine accent. S Sandwashed Garments that have been specially treated with sand creating a softer, worn-in l ook and feel. Santoprene A synthetic material with a soft, nonslip surface that absorbs shock and reduces fatigue. These properties make it ideal for grips and handles. Sarong A loose-fitting, long strip of fabric that is often worn around the waist like a skirt, or wrapped around the whole body like a dress. It is a very popular form of a swimsuit cover-up. Sateen A type of fabric weave that creates a soft, smooth, lustrous surface. Satin A fabric with a silky, lustrous finish. The fabric's long, interlaced yarns have no visible pattern, which creates a smooth, shiny surface. Scooter Skirt with attached undershorts that offers the look of a skirt with the modesty and comfort of shorts. Common in activewear and girls clothing. Screen print A picture or design printed on a garment using the silk-screen process. Seedstitching A type of stitch that creates a textured finish and looks like a continuous patt ern of seeds. Seersucker A woven, light- to medium-weight fabric with a puckered appearance made of cotto n or rayon. Shark-bite (4-point) hem A border of cloth that has an uneven cut with two points in the front and two po ints in the back. It resembles a "shark bite" because of its jagged look. Sheath A dress that is characterized by having a straight, form-fitting skirt and bodic e. Usually hits just below the knee, often with a slit in the sides or back for ease of movement. Sheeting A lightweight, woven fabric made from cotton or linen. It sometimes has a crinkl ed texture and is commonly used for seasonal bottoms like capris. Sherpa (fleece) Knit terry fabric brushed and washed to raise the fibers for a fluffy, plush fee l. The thick terry loops stay soft and absorbent over time. Shift A loose-fitting dress that lacks a defined waistline. It tends to hit above the knee and is commonly sleeveless. Shirred

Gathered material that creates pleated details. Silk This natural fiber is known as one of the finest textiles because of its softnes s and radiant sheen. Silver 100 A contemporary metal alloy that consists of 10% fine silver and 90% lead-free co mplementary metals. Depending on the piece, the silver is either bonded to, or i nfused into the complementary metals. Simplex A ribbed V-knit material (usually nylon) offering firm support, shape retention, and elasticity. Sinamay An open-weave, straw-like fabric spun from banana plant fibers. Usually dyed and stiffened, but pliable, and mainly used in the production of hats. Sisal A coarse, durable material often used for rugs because of its anti-static, natur al insulation and flame-resistant qualities. Skant Pants that have flaps of fabric sewn on at the waist to create a skirt-like appe arance. Skimmer pants Cropped pants with a straight-leg fit that skims the knee. A stylish cross betwe en Bermuda shorts and capris. Skort A pair of shorts that have a fabric covering sewn on the front to create a skirt -like appearance. The back, however, still looks like shorts. Slubbed A process where a fabric (usually silk or cotton) is slightly twisted or drawn o ut, producing an intentional unevenly textured appearance. Soutache A flat, decorative braid usually consisting of narrow loops, similar to crochet. Most commonly used as a trim or accent on women s clothing. Space-dyed A dye process in which individual strands receive more than one color at irregul ar intervals. Spaghetti straps Very thin straps attached to a bodice. Stainless steel A metal alloy made of steel, chromium and nickel. The amount of chromium and nic kel is given as a ratio, such as 18/10 , where the steel contains 18% chromium and 10% nickel. The higher the percentage of chromium, the stronger the steel. The h igher the percentage of nickel, the more corrosion-resistant it is. Sublimation A technique in fabric achieved through the infusion of an image onto the thread of a fabric so that it does not affect the surface of the garment. Unlike screen printing, where the ink lays on top of the garment, this process creates perman ent images that will not crack or fade. Suede The softer side of leather, which has been brushed, leaving a velvetlike texture . Sueded fleece A very smooth and luxurious fabric that involves a unique finishing process to g ently sand the fabric making it very soft. SuPima An abbreviation for "superior pima." Made of 100% American pima cotton or extralong staple cotton. SUPRIVA A family of fibers designed to create durable, stylish accent and kitchen rugs. Because of its versatility, mills can use SUPRIVA fibers to create fashionably p rinted rugs, elegant solids and natural-looking textures.

Surplice A neckline formed when one piece of fabric overlaps the other to create a V-neck opening. Sweetheart neckline A curved neckline with a scalloped trim that is similar to the top half of a hea rt. Swiss dot Woven, flocked or embroidered dots on a sheer, lightweight fabric providing a te xtured pattern. Synthetic Used to describe manufactured materials made to imitate a natural material. T Tactel A type of nylon trademarked by DuPont that's incredibly soft, yet durable. It s lig htweight, versatile, breathable, shape-retentive and easy-to-wash. Taffeta A medium-weight, plain-weave fabric with a slightly ribbed texture that is known for its luster. Tape yarn A pure cotton yarn used to create a narrow, woven fabric. It is a soft with an a iry texture and ideal for warmer temperatures. Tatami A mat woven of rice straw and sewn to a thick base, traditionally used in the fl ooring of Japanese homes. Tencel A brand of lyocell trademarked by Tencel Ltd. used to create rayon fabrics. It i s made from wood pulp, yet it is machine washable. Terra cotta A clay-based ceramic widely known for its brownish-red color. Trapunto A type of quilting with two or more rows of stitches and a padded underside whic h give it a raised effect. Tricot A knit fabric formed by interlooping adjacent, parallel yarns. Known for being e xceptionally soft and versatile. Tricotine A lightweight, breathable wool made of lightly twisted yarns in a double twill. Trusstic System ASICS technology under the mid-foot area. It provides stability and support whil e helping to control torsion. Tumbled leather A type of leather with a unique, pebbled finish that looks like soft wrinkles. Tunic A simple pullover blouse or jacket that falls at the hip. It was designed from t wo pieces of linen sewn up the sides and across the top with holes left for the head and arms. Tweed A middle- to heavyweight, woolen fabric with color-speckled yarns. Twill A woven fabric characterized by distinct, diagonal lines on the surface. It's ve ry strong, yet relatively lightweight. V Variegated A pattern having streaks or marks in different colors. Variegated ribs will have a slight difference in the colors between the ribs. Velboa A polyester construction that is a cross between fur and velvet. It is usually a medium-weight, short-pile textile. The result is a faux-fur fabric that is very luxurious and plush. Velour

A medium-weight, tightly woven or knit fabric, usually made of cotton, with qual ities similar to velvet. It s soft and plush with a close, dense pile. Velvet A woven, medium-weight fabric made of silk, cotton or rayon. Its pile is cut and brushed for a rich, plush texture that stands straight up. Velveteen A woven, cotton fabric with a velvet-like pile. Vinyl A versatile plastic with physical properties that make it ideal for a wide varie ty of consumer products. Depending on its application, vinyl can be any thicknes s or color, it can be rigid or flexible, and it can also be weather-, heat- or i mpact-resistant. Viscose The most common type of rayon, it is manufactured from wood pulp and treated wit h chemicals. The result is a soft and absorbent fabric. Voile A fine, sheer fabric with a slightly crisp feel. Usually made from plain woven c otton, but can also be made from acetate, silk or rayon. W Waffle weave A fabric pattern characterized by having recessed squares on the surface that re semble a waffle. Welt A run-resistant, double-edged strip or insert for embellishment or reinforcement . Whipstitching A type of stitch that passes diagonally over a fabric's edge. Windowpane A checkered pattern characterized by vertical and horizontal lines that intersec t to form the appearance of a windowpane. Wool A thick, heavy natural fiber, usually spun from the fleece of lambs and sheep. Worsted wool A smooth, compact yarn from long wood fibers used especially for firm, napless f abrics. Wrought iron A type of iron that is easily bent and shaped. Wrought iron items are usually de corated with scrollwork or other ornamental details that give it a traditional l ook. Y Yarn-dyed A dyeing process where yarns are immersed in a coloring solution and then woven or knit to make fabric. The colors stay brighter longer. YellOra A precious metal alloy that consists of 25% pure 24-karat gold, 21% sterling sil ver, 2% palladium and 52% proprietary metals. YellOra offers the color and durab ility of traditional gold, is tarnish-resistant and hypoallergenic. Yoke Seams across the top of pants, a skirt or a shirt that create an inverted triang le shape. Yoryu Made with synthetic materials such as polyester or rayon, this lightweight, dura ble fabric has a pleated crinkle effect.