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Comprehensive Clothing & Garment Manufacturing Glossary

A comprehensive glossary of clothing and garment manufacturing terms. This resource helps fashion startups, brands, and professionals understand key terminology across fabrics, production methods, printing, quality control, logistics, stitching, design, and business models. Use this hub as a reference for planning, sourcing, and scaling your apparel line.

1. Manufacturing & Production Methods

CMT (Cut, Make, Trim) – Brand supplies materials; factory assembles.
FPP (Full Package Production) – Factory sources and handles all steps.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) – Produces another brand’s designs.
ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) – Designs and produces for private label.

Sample Development – Prototype garment before bulk run.
Tech Pack – Blueprint with specs, fabrics, trims, instructions.
Pre-Production Sample (PPS) – Approved “golden sample.”
Size Set Sample – Covers all sizes for grading accuracy.

Pilot Run – Small first run to test quality.
Lead Time – Total time from order to delivery.

2. Fabrics & Materials

GSM – Fabric weight in grams per square meter.
Selvage – Finished fabric edge preventing frays.
Yarn Count – Yarn thickness/weight influencing texture.
Blends – Mix of fibers (e.g., cotton/poly).

Performance Fabrics – Stretch, wicking, compression.
Sustainable Fabrics – Organic cotton, recycled polyester, hemp.
Deadstock Fabric – Repurposed leftover rolls.
Greige Fabric – Raw fabric off the loom.

Notions – Zippers, snaps, thread, etc.
Trim – Decorative or functional edging.

3. Printing, Dyeing & Finishing

Screen Printing – Ink pressed through stencils.
Sublimation Printing – Heat transfer into fibers.
DTG (Direct-to-Garment) – Digital inkjet printing.
Embroidery – Thread-stitched logos/text.

Puff Print – Raised, 3D ink finish.
Garment Dye – Dyeing after garment assembly.
Pigment Dye – Surface dye for vintage effect.
Acid Wash – Distressed chemical treatment.

Stone Wash – Abrasive washing with stones.
Finishing – Final steaming, coating, or treatments.

4. Quality Control & Compliance

AQL – Acceptable quality tolerance level.
Third-Party Inspection – Independent QC audit.
QC – In-house quality control checks.
Compliance Audit – Safety and labor standards review.

CSR – Corporate social responsibility policies.
OEKO-TEX® – Fabric safety certification.
GOTS – Global organic textile standard.

REACH – EU compliance on restricted chemicals.
Social Audit – Worker rights review.
Code of Conduct – Brand supplier guidelines.

5. Shipping & Logistics

Incoterms – Standard shipping agreements.
FOB – Buyer risk once goods ship.
CIF – Seller covers cost, insurance, freight.
DDP – Seller pays all duties/delivery.

EXW – Buyer collects from factory.
HS Code – Customs classification.
Bill of Lading – Shipping contract & receipt.

Landed Cost – Final including duties/shipping.
Customs Clearance – Legal import process.
Freight Forwarder – Third-party logistics provider.

6. Seams & Stitching

Flatlock – Flat seam, used in activewear.
Overlock – Edge finishing against frays.
Coverstitch – Stretchy double hem stitch.
Lockstitch – Strong straight stitch.

Chainstitch – Looping flexible stitch.
Bartack – Reinforced stress-point stitch.
Blind Stitch – Nearly invisible hem.
Topstitch – Decorative visible stitch.

Twin Needle Stitch – Parallel hem lines.
Seam Tape – Reinforcement for waterproof seams.
French Seam – Enclosed seam.
Bound Seam – Finished with binding tape.
Flat-Felled Seam – Strong jeans seam.
Lapped Seam – Overlapping durable seam.

7. Garment Construction & Design

Placket – Fabric strip for buttons/snaps.
Yoke – Shaped panel for fit.
Darts – Tucks shaping garments.
Gusset – Panel for mobility/stretch.

Inseam – Inside seam measurement.
Rise – Crotch to waistband length.
Grading – Scaling pattern sizes.

8. Retail & Business Models

Wholesale Pricing – Bulk retailer pricing.
MSRP – Manufacturer suggested retail price.
Keystone Markup – Retail = 2x wholesale.

Consignment – Store pays after sale.
Distribution Channel – Path to consumer.
Dropshipping – Direct supplier fulfillment.

Pre-Orders – Production after demand.
Private Label – Exclusive brand production.
Supply Chain Transparency – Traceable sourcing.

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