Apparel terminology

The following list includes names along with descriptions related to frequently asked questions regarding apparel.


Berber: A texture very similar to Sherpa, but with a heavier, more woolen texture used for outerwear.

Backing: Stiff fabric used to give shape and form to items like caps, belts, etc. also used to stabilize embroidery, edges.

Constructed: Crown of a cap has Buckram to give the cap shape even when it is not being worn.

Coolmax: Certification mark of the Dupont Company, for knitted fabrics made of POLYESTER fibers that are grooved on the outside to facilitate better wicking and moisture evaporation.

Grommet: An eyelet of firm material (ex: Metal) to strengthen or protect an opening.

Gusset: Insert (as in the sleeve seam or side panel - Crossgrain crew) to widen and strengthen, usually describes bottom of tote bags.

Interlock: Double knit construction makes this heavy, similar to a jersey knit except both front and back of the fabric look identical. Interlock is the tightest weave, gives the smoothest surface and is softest.

Kasha lining: A lining principally for jackets featuring cotton flannel, napped face and imitation chambray back.

Low Profile: Any crown of a cap that is less than 4" in height; not to be confused with unstructured. We do have low profile caps that are structured.

Pilling: Accumulation of fibers on the surface of a fabric, caused by wear and washing. In 50/50 fabric, cotton fibers tear and become tangled with the stronger fibers on the surface of the garment. A higher cotton content results in less pilling.

Pima (Cotton): A type of cotton. Originally grown by the Pima Indians in the South West part of the United States. Its’ natural color is yellow as opposed to white for other cotton. It’s a very fine, long staple (refers to the length of the individual fibers) cotton. It is a very soft and strong fiber that accepts dye well.

Pique (Pee-kay): It has a distinct right and wrong side. The right side resembles a honey comb or a waffle and the wrong side is flat and smooth. Has a course firm hand and generally uses fine yarns.

Placket : A slit extending down the front of a shirt from the neck. The slit is usually secured with buttons.

Poly Nosic: Type of fabric that has a twill texture with a very soft "silk like" feel. This fabric will also protect against 95% of the UV rays from the sun.

Rib Knit: A form of knit fabric with vertical rows of knitting loops visible on both sides of the cloth. This fabric features more elasticity than jersey knit.

Ring Spun Cotton: Yarn produced on ring frame equipment; typically, this is a finer yarn, producing a softer feel.

Ringer: A t-shirt, with solid body featuring ribbed crew neck (and sleeve bands) in a contrasting color.

Ripstop: Very fine woven fabric, often nylon, with coarse, strong yarns spaced at intervals so tears will not spread.

Set-in Sleeves: Style of sleeve, which is sewn into the shoulder seam. The seam is straight up and down from the shoulder seam to the underarm. (as opposed to the neck in RAGLAN sleeves).

Sherpa: As garment is woven, the outside of the fabric is brushed with a wire brush to give the garment a very soft "fuzzy" feel.