Fashion Lingo Decoded: 500+ Essential Terms Every Industry Insider Should Know
Gain a competitive edge with this indispensable guide to fashion industry terminology. Whether you're a fresh face ready to disrupt the industry or a seasoned veteran with decades of experience, this curated collection of 500 fashion terms and acronyms is your playbook to effortless communication. In an industry where FOB, LDP, and CMT are as crucial as hemlines and silhouettes, mastering this vocabulary is your fast-track to success.
Imagine walking into a high-stakes meeting, confidently discussing EDI integration for your NNN agreement, or seamlessly transitioning from SIC codes to POS systems in your pitch. This isn't just a list; it's your passport to fashion industry fluency, your shield against miscommunication, and your key to unlocking effective dialogue across all levels of the business.
For the bright-eyed entrepreneur: Picture yourself navigating the complexities of RFID technology, optimizing your EDP strategy, or breaking down a BOM with the ease of a seasoned pro. No more puzzling over COGS or struggling to implement CRM systems. This guide will have you speaking the language of fashion business as fluently as you discuss trends.
And for the industry veterans: Consider this your refresher in an ever-evolving landscape. In a world where yesterday's EOM report is as outdated as last season's collection, staying ahead means constantly updating your acronym arsenal. Rediscover the nuances between OTS and ATS, refine your PLM processes, and remind yourself why you're the go-to guru in your field.
From the intricate details of a couture atelier to the data-driven decisions of e-commerce, these terms and acronyms are the glue that holds our industry together. They're the difference between a rookie mistake and a million-dollar deal, between blending in and standing out. So, whether you're managing SKUs for a global brand or revolutionizing supply chains with blockchain, let this vocabulary guide be your North Star.
Watch as doors open, conversations deepen, and opportunities multiply. Your investment in this vocabulary is an investment in your future – and trust us, the ROI is nothing short of fabulous. Here's a comprehensive list of 500 fashion vocabulary terms, acronyms, and their definitions, arranged in alphabetical order:
From A to Z: The Ultimate Fashion Vocabulary
Abandonment Rate: The percentage of online shoppers who add items to their cart but leave without completing the purchase.
ABC Analysis: A method of inventory categorization where items are divided into three categories (A, B, and C) based on their importance and value.
Accessory: A supplementary item that complements an outfit, such as jewelry, handbags, or scarves.
Acetate: A synthetic fiber made from cellulose acetate, often used in linings and eveningwear.
Acid-Free Tissue: Special tissue paper used to protect garments from yellowing during storage.
Acid Wash: A treatment for denim that uses chlorine and pumice stones to create a worn, faded look.
Adjustable Strap: A strap on a garment or accessory that can be lengthened or shortened.
Adjacencies: The strategic placement of related products near each other in a retail store to encourage additional purchases.
Agile Manufacturing: A production method that emphasizes flexibility and rapid response to changes in demand.
AI (Artificial Intelligence): The use of computer systems to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, increasingly used in fashion for trend forecasting and personalized recommendations.
All-Season Merchandise: Products that can be sold year-round, not limited to specific seasons.
Alpaca: A luxurious natural fiber from the alpaca, known for its softness and warmth.
Angora: A soft, fluffy yarn made from the fur of Angora rabbits.
Anthropometrics: The study of human body measurements, crucial in garment design and sizing.
App-Based Shopping: The use of mobile applications for browsing and purchasing products.
Appliqué: A decorative technique where pieces of fabric are sewn onto a garment to create a pattern or design.
AR (Augmented Reality): Technology that overlays digital information on the real world, used in virtual try-ons and interactive shopping experiences.
Artisanal: Products made by hand using traditional methods, often associated with high quality and craftsmanship.
Assortment Planning: The process of determining the right mix of products to offer in a retail store or online.
AO (At Once): In the fashion industry, this term refers to immediate delivery of goods. When a buyer places an "at once" order, they are requesting that the merchandise be shipped immediately from available stock, rather than waiting for it to be produced. This is often used for replenishment of fast-selling items or when a retailer needs to quickly respond to market demands.
ATS (Available to Sell): The quantity of inventory that is ready and available for customer purchase.
Average Transaction Value (ATV): The average amount spent by a customer per transaction.
B2B (Business-to-Business): Transactions or relationships between businesses, rather than between a business and individual consumers.
B2C (Business-to-Consumer): Transactions or relationships between a business and individual consumers.
Backorder: An order for a product that is temporarily out of stock but will be fulfilled when inventory becomes available.
Backer: A fabric attached to the back of the main fabric for additional support or warmth.
Backstitch: A sewing technique where the needle goes back a stitch before moving forward, creating a strong seam.
Banding: A strip of fabric used to finish raw edges or create a design element.
Base Goods: Essential, staple items that form the foundation of a retailer's inventory and are typically in constant demand.
Basket Size: The number of items purchased by a customer in a single transaction.
Basting: Temporary stitching used to hold fabric pieces together before permanent sewing.
Batik: A technique of wax-resist dyeing applied to textiles, originating in Indonesia.
Beacon Technology: Small wireless devices that transmit signals to nearby smartphones, used in retail for location-based marketing.
Beading: The application of beads to a garment for decoration.
Benchmarking: The process of comparing a company's performance metrics to industry bests or best practices.
Bespoke: Custom-made clothing or products made to a customer's specifications.
Big Box Store: A large retail establishment, typically part of a chain, that occupies an extensive physical space and offers a wide variety of products.
Biodegradable Packaging: Packaging materials that can decompose naturally, reducing environmental impact.
Blend: A fabric made from a mixture of two or more fibers.
Blind Stitch: A nearly invisible stitch used for hems and finishing.
Block Pattern: A basic pattern used as a starting point for creating different styles.
Blockchain: A decentralized, digital ledger technology used to track product authenticity and supply chain transparency.
Blouson: A garment with a close-fitting waist and loose-fitting body, creating a gathered effect.
BOGO (Buy One, Get One): A promotional offer where customers receive a free or discounted item with the purchase of another item.
Bolt: A unit of measurement for fabric, typically ranging from 40 to 100 yards in length.
Bonded Fabric: Two layers of fabric adhered together to create a single, thicker material.
Booth: A designated space at a trade show or exhibition where businesses showcase and sell their products.
Boutique: A small, specialized store that typically sells fashionable clothing, accessories, or luxury goods.
Box Pleat: A type of pleat that creates fullness in garments, formed by folding fabric back on itself.
Brand Ambassador: An individual who represents and promotes a brand, often a celebrity or influencer.
Brand Identity: The visible elements of a brand, such as color, design, and logo, that identify and distinguish the brand in consumers' minds.
Branded Merchandise: Products that bear a company's logo or brand name, often used for promotional purposes.
Brainstorming: A group creativity technique used to generate ideas for new products or solve design problems.
Brick-and-Mortar: A traditional physical retail store, as opposed to an online store.
Buckram: A stiff cloth used to add structure to hats, collars, and other garment parts requiring rigidity.
Bundling: The practice of combining multiple products or services into a single package deal, often at a discounted price.
Bust Dart: A triangular fold sewn into a garment to help it conform to body curves.
Business Casual: A dress code that is less formal than traditional business wear but still professional in appearance.
Buttonhole: A slit cut in fabric to fasten a button, often reinforced with stitching.
Buy-in: The initial purchase of inventory by a retailer from a supplier or manufacturer.
Buyer: A professional responsible for selecting and purchasing products for a retail store or department.
Buying Group: An organization of independent retailers who combine their purchasing power to negotiate better terms with suppliers.
Buying Season: The period during which retailers purchase inventory for an upcoming season or collection.
Buys: The quantity and variety of merchandise ordered by a buyer for a specific season or period.
Buzz Marketing: A technique that attempts to cause a sensation or create word-of-mouth momentum for a product.
BOM (Bill of Materials): A comprehensive list of raw materials, components, and quantities needed to manufacture a product.
Bobbinet: A hexagonal net fabric often used in veils and lingerie.
Body Form: A three-dimensional model of the human torso used for fitting and displaying garments.
Bodkin: A tool used to thread elastic or cord through a channel in a garment.
Bonding: The process of permanently joining two fabrics together using heat and adhesive.
Booking: The process of placing orders with suppliers or manufacturers for future delivery.
Bootstrap Marketing: Marketing strategies that require little to no budget, often relying on creativity and personal effort.
Brocade: A rich fabric woven with a raised pattern, often with gold or silver threads.
Burnout: A fabric technique where parts of a textile are dissolved with chemicals to create a semi-sheer pattern.
CAD (Computer-Aided Design): Software used to create and modify designs for clothing and accessories.
Capsule Collection: A small, focused collection of clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits.
Carbon Footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases produced directly and indirectly to support human activities, often considered in sustainable fashion practices.
Carding: The process of cleaning and aligning fibers before spinning them into yarn.
Cash Wrap: The area in a retail store where transactions are completed, typically including the cash register and counter.
Catalog: A printed or digital publication showcasing a retailer's products for sale.
Catwalk: The raised platform along which models walk to display clothing during a fashion show.
Certification: Official recognition by a qualified organization that a company meets specific standards, such as fair trade or organic production.
Chargebacks: Fees imposed on suppliers by retailers for non-compliance with shipping or packaging requirements.
Circular Fashion: An approach to clothing production and consumption that emphasizes recycling, reuse, and reduction of waste.
CLM (Customer Lifecycle Management): Strategies and technologies for managing customer relationships throughout the entire customer journey.
Closeout: The sale of merchandise at reduced prices to clear inventory.
CMT (Cut, Make, Trim): A manufacturing process where a factory is provided with cut fabric and trims to assemble garments.
COGS (Cost of Goods Sold): The direct costs attributable to the production of goods sold by a company.
Colorway: A specific color or combination of colors in which a style or design is available.
Combed Cotton: High-quality cotton that has been combed to remove short fibers and impurities, resulting in a smoother, stronger yarn.
Consignment: An arrangement where a retailer agrees to pay the supplier only for items that are sold, returning unsold items.
Conversion Rate: The percentage of store visitors or website users who make a purchase.
Core Products: Basic, essential items that are consistently in demand and form the foundation of a product line.
Cottage Industry: Small-scale manufacturing carried out in people's homes, often associated with artisanal or handcrafted products.
Counterfeit: Fake or imitation products made to resemble a genuine brand, often illegally.
Couture: High-end fashion that is constructed by hand from start to finish, made from high-quality materials.
CPM (Cost Per Thousand): A marketing metric used to denote the cost of 1,000 advertisement impressions.
Crocking: The transfer of dye from a fabric onto another surface through rubbing.
Cross-merchandising: The practice of displaying complementary products from different categories together to encourage additional purchases.
Cross-selling: The technique of selling additional, related products to an existing customer.
Crowdfunding: The practice of funding a project or venture by raising small amounts of money from a large number of people, typically via the Internet.
CRM (Customer Relationship Management): A system for managing a company's interactions with current and potential customers.
Customization: The process of modifying a product to meet specific customer requirements or preferences.
Cutting Room: The area in a garment factory where fabric is cut according to patterns before being sewn.
D2C (Direct-to-Consumer): A business model where manufacturers sell products directly to consumers without intermediaries.
Dart: A folded and sewn triangular shape used to shape fabric to fit curves.
Dashboards: Visual displays of key performance indicators (KPIs) used in retail analytics.
Daywear: Clothing designed to be worn during the day or for casual occasions.
Dead Stock: Inventory that has not sold and is unlikely to sell without steep discounts.
Deep Learning: A subset of machine learning in AI that uses neural networks with multiple layers, often used in trend forecasting and image recognition in fashion.
Defect Rate: The percentage of products that do not meet quality standards during production.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): An Incoterm meaning the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the named place in the country of the buyer, and pays all costs in bringing the goods to the destination including import duties and taxes.
Delustred: Fabric or yarn that has been chemically treated to reduce shine.
Demi-Couture: Ready-to-wear clothing produced with the same attention to detail and quality as couture, but not made-to-measure.
Demographics: Statistical data about a population, used by retailers to understand their target market.
Denim: A sturdy cotton twill fabric, typically blue, used for jeans and other clothing.
Density: The weight of yarn for a given length, often used to describe fabric weight.
Denier: A unit of measure for the linear mass density of fibers, often used to indicate the thickness of hosiery.
Department Store: A large retail establishment offering a wide range of consumer goods in different product categories.
Depth of Product Line: The number of variations (such as colors or styles) within a product line.
Design Brief: A document outlining the objectives, target audience, and key details for a new product design.
Design Patent: A form of legal protection for the ornamental design of a functional item.
Differentiation: The practice of making a product or brand stand out from its competitors.
Digital Influencer: A person who has established credibility in a specific industry, has access to a large audience and can persuade others to act based on their recommendations.
Digital Printing: A method of printing designs onto fabric using specialized large format printers.
Digital Showroom: A virtual space where brands can showcase their collections to buyers, often used in lieu of or in addition to physical showrooms.
Digitization: The process of converting information into a digital format, often applied to design processes and supply chain management in fashion.
Dimensional Stability: A fabric's ability to retain its size and shape after washing and wearing.
Dip-Dye: A dyeing technique where fabric is partially immersed in dye, creating a graduated color effect.
Display Window: The large window at the front of a store used to showcase products and attract customers.
Disruption: A radical change in an industry or business strategy, especially involving the introduction of a new product or service that creates a new market.
Distribution Center: A warehouse facility used for receiving, storing, and shipping inventory to retail locations or customers.
Diversification: A risk-reduction strategy that involves adding product types to a company's offerings.
Distressed: A finish applied to fabric or garments to give a worn or aged appearance.
Dobby: A type of weave characterized by small geometric patterns in the fabric.
Dobby Loom: A type of loom that uses a special mechanism to control individual warp threads, creating small geometric patterns.
Dolman Sleeve: A sleeve cut as one piece with the body of a garment, creating a deep, wide armhole.
Domestic Production: Manufacturing of goods within the country where they will be sold.
Double Knit: A thick, stable knit fabric made with two sets of interlocking stitches.
Double-Breasted: A style of jacket or coat where one side of the front overlaps the other, with two parallel rows of buttons.
Downtime: The period during which production is stopped, often for maintenance or due to technical issues.
Drape: The way a fabric hangs or falls on the body.
Draping: A technique of positioning and pinning fabric on a dress form to create a design.
Dress Code: A set of rules specifying the acceptable attire in a workplace, school, or event.
Dress Form: A three-dimensional model of the human torso used for fitting garments and draping.
Dressed Weight: The weight of a fiber or yarn after it has been treated with sizing or other finishes.
Drill: A strong, twill-woven fabric, often used for work clothes and uniforms.
Drop Shipping: A retail fulfillment method where a store doesn't keep the products it sells in stock, instead transferring customer orders to the manufacturer or wholesaler.
Drop-Ship: A method of order fulfillment where the retailer transfers customer orders to the manufacturer or wholesaler, who then ships the product directly to the customer.
Drop-Tail Hem: A hem that is longer in the back than in the front.
DTG (Direct-to-Garment): A process of printing designs directly onto textiles and garments using specialized inkjet technology.
Due Diligence: A comprehensive appraisal of a business undertaken by a prospective buyer, especially to establish its assets and liabilities.
Dynamic Pricing: A strategy where product prices continuously adjust, sometimes in real-time, based on market demand.
Dyeing: The process of adding color to textile products like fibers, yarns, and fabrics.
EDI (Electronic Data Interchange): The computer-to-computer exchange of business documents in a standard electronic format between business partners.
EDM (Electronic Direct Mail): A form of digital marketing where emails are sent to a list of subscribers to promote products, sales, or content. In fashion retail, EDM is often used for announcing new collections, sales, or personalized product recommendations.
E-commerce: The buying and selling of goods and services over the internet.
E-tailing: Retailing conducted over the internet.
Editorial spread: A series of photographs and accompanying text featured in a fashion magazine.
Embellishment: Any decorative detail added to a garment, such as beads, sequins, or embroidery.
Embossing: A technique that creates raised patterns on fabric or leather.
Embroidery: Decorative stitching on fabric or leather.
Embroidery stitch: A specific type of stitch used in embroidery, such as a running stitch, satin stitch, or cross stitch.
EMV (Electromagnetic Verification): A technology used to authenticate chip-based credit and debit cards for secure in-store payments.
End-of-Life: The point at which a product is no longer useful or viable in the market.
EOD (End of Development): This term signifies the completion of the development process for a particular fashion item. It marks the point where all design, prototyping, and material sourcing have been finalized.
EOM (End of Month): A common business term referring to the last day of the calendar month, often used in financial reporting and invoice due dates.
EPC (Electronic Product Code): A unique identifier for a product, often used in RFID tags for inventory tracking.
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning): An integrated management system that a business uses to collect, store, manage and interpret data from many business activities.
Ephemeral fashion: Trends or styles that are short-lived and quickly go out of fashion.
Ethical Fashion: Clothing that is designed, sourced, manufactured, and distributed with consideration for its environmental and social impact.
Eveningwear: Formal clothing designed to be worn to evening events.
Evergreen: Products or styles that have consistent, year-round demand and are not subject to seasonal fluctuations.
Exclusive: A product or design that is limited in availability, often to a specific retailer or for a limited time.
Exfoliation: In leather production, the process of removing the outermost layer of the hide.
Exploitation: Unfair treatment of workers, often in relation to labor practices in the fashion industry.
Exportation: The act of sending goods from one country to another for sale.
Exposed Zipper: A zipper that is visible on the outside of a garment, often used as a decorative element.
Extension: In retail, additional space or time given for a particular purpose, such as a lease extension or a payment extension.
Extrafine: A term used to describe very high-quality wool or cotton with exceptionally fine fibers.
Eyelet: A small hole in fabric, often reinforced with stitching, used for ventilation or decoration.
Elastane: A synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity, also called spandex or Lycra.
Fabric: Any cloth or material used in the making of garments.
Fabric Dyeing: The process of coloring fabric using various methods.
Fabric Manipulation: Techniques used to alter the appearance or texture of fabric, such as pleating, ruching, or draping.
Facing: A piece of fabric used to finish raw edges inside a garment.
Factory Outlet: A retail store where manufacturers sell their products directly to the public, often at discounted prices.
Fashion Forecasting: The practice of predicting future fashion trends.
Fashion Illustration: The art of drawing clothing and accessories.
Fashion Police: A term used to describe people or groups who criticize or comment on fashion trends or choices.
Fashion Week: A series of events held in major cities where designers showcase their latest collections.
Fast Fashion: A term used to describe inexpensive designs that move quickly from the catwalk to stores to meet new trends.
Fast Turn (Quick Turn): A manufacturing and supply chain strategy focused on producing and delivering goods in a very short time frame to respond quickly to market demands.
FBOW (For Better or Worse): A term used in garment specifications to indicate that a certain fabric or color has been approved, regardless of slight variations.
Felting: A process that interlocks wool or other animal fibers by using heat, moisture, and pressure.
Fiber: The basic unit used to create yarn and fabric. Natural fibers come from plants or animals, while synthetic fibers are man-made.
Fictitious Business Name (DBA - Doing Business As): A name under which a business operates that is different from its legal, registered name.
Fiduciary: A person or entity that acts on behalf of another party, often used in business relationships in the fashion industry.
Finishing: The final processes performed on fabric or garments to improve appearance, performance, or feel. This can include treatments like dyeing, printing, or applying special coatings.
Fit Model: A person who tries on sample garments and provides feedback on fit, comfort, and appearance to help designers and manufacturers perfect their products.
Fitting: A session where a garment is tried on and adjusted for proper fit.
Fixtures: Physical equipment used in retail stores to display merchandise, including racks, shelves, mannequins, and display cases.
Fixed Costs: Business expenses that do not change based on the amount of goods produced or sold.
Flagship Store: A main or principal store of a retail chain, often located in a high-traffic area.
Flannel: A soft woven fabric, typically made from wool or cotton.
Flash Sale: A short-term sale offering significant discounts on a limited selection of products.
Flat Lay: A style of photography where items are arranged on a flat surface and photographed from above.
Flat Sketches: Technical drawings of garments laying flat, showing all seams, closures, and design details.
FOB (Freight on Board): A shipping term indicating that the seller is responsible for goods until they are loaded onto a ship, after which the buyer assumes responsibility.
FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out): A marketing tactic that creates a sense of urgency to encourage consumers to purchase products before they are sold out.
Footfall: The number of people entering a store or shopping area within a given time period.
Forecast: A prediction of future trends, sales, or market conditions.
Franchise: A business model where a company (franchisor) grants another entity (franchisee) the right to use its business model, brand, and systems for a set period, typically in exchange for fees and a share of revenue.
Franchising: The practice of using the franchise model to expand a business.
Free Size: Clothing designed to fit a range of body sizes, often through the use of stretchy fabrics or adjustable features.
Freight: The transportation of goods by truck, train, ship, or aircraft. In the fashion industry, this term often refers to the cost of shipping products from manufacturers to retailers or customers.
French Seam: A seam that encloses the raw edges within itself, often used on sheer fabrics.
Fringe Benefit: Additional perks or benefits offered to employees, such as discounts on company products or services.
Frothy: A term used to describe fabrics or garments that are light, airy, and delicate.
Fulfillment: The process of receiving, packaging, and shipping orders to customers.
Full Price: The original selling price of an item before any discounts are applied.
Functional Fabric: Textiles engineered to provide specific performance characteristics, such as moisture-wicking or UV protection.
Futuring: The practice of attempting to systematically explore predictions and possibilities about the future and how they can emerge from the present.
Fusing: In garment construction, the process of using heat-activated adhesive to bond interfacing to fabric, providing structure and shape to certain areas of a garment.
Future-proofing: Anticipating future developments to minimize negative impacts and optimize opportunities in business strategies and product design.
Gabardine: A tightly woven, durable fabric often used for suits and outerwear.
Garment-dyed: A dyeing process where the garment is dyed after construction rather than the fabric before.
Gather: A sewing technique where fabric is bunched together to create fullness.
Gauge: A measure of the fineness of a knit, indicating the number of stitches per inch.
Genderless Fashion: Clothing designed to be worn by any gender, also known as unisex or gender-neutral fashion.
Ghost Mannequin: A photography technique where a mannequin is used but edited out in post-production, creating a 3D effect for garments in e-commerce.
Gilet: A sleeveless jacket or vest, often padded for warmth.
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): An international standard for organic fibres, including ecological and social criteria.
Grading: The process of scaling a pattern up or down to create different sizes.
Greige Goods: Unfinished fabrics that have not been fully processed, dyed, or printed.
Greenwashing: The practice of making misleading claims about the environmental benefits of a product, service, or company practice.
Grommets: Metal or plastic rings inserted into fabric to reinforce holes, often used for lacing or ventilation.
Grosgrain: A ribbed fabric often used for ribbons and trims.
Gross Margin: The difference between the cost of goods sold and the selling price, expressed as a percentage of the selling price.
GSM (Grams per Square Meter): A metric measurement of fabric weight.
Gusset: An extra piece of fabric added to a garment for reinforcement or to improve fit and mobility.
Haberdashery: Small articles for sewing, such as buttons, zippers, and thread; also refers to a men's outfitter.
Haberdasher: A dealer in men's clothing and accessories.
Hand: The feel or texture of a fabric.
Hang Tag: A label attached to a garment, typically containing information such as price, size, care instructions, or brand details.
Hanging: The way a garment falls or drapes when worn or displayed.
Haute Couture: High-end fashion that is constructed by hand from start to finish, made from high-quality, expensive, often unusual fabric and sewn with extreme attention to detail.
Header: In retail displays, a sign or banner at the top of a display that identifies a brand, product category, or promotional message.
Hem: The edge of a piece of cloth or clothing that has been turned under and sewn.
Herringbone: A pattern of parallel lines which in alternating columns slant left and right, resembling fish bones.
High Street Fashion: Clothing that is mass-produced and sold in commercial retail chains, typically more affordable than designer fashion.
Hoisery: Garments worn directly on the feet and legs, including stockings, tights, and socks.
Houndstooth: A duotone textile pattern characterized by broken checks or abstract four-pointed shapes.
Hue: The property of color by which it is distinguished from other colors; the dominant wavelength of light in a color.
Hybrid Retail: A retail model that combines elements of both online and offline shopping experiences.
Hyperlocal: Extremely local, often referring to marketing or inventory strategies focused on a very specific geographic area.
Influencer: A person with a significant social media following who can affect the purchasing decisions of others due to their authority, knowledge, position, or relationship with their audience.
In-House: Refers to activities or operations conducted within a company rather than outsourced to external parties.
Inseam: The seam that runs along the inner leg of pants, from the crotch to the hem.
Interfacing: A fabric used to stabilize and support certain areas of a garment, such as collars, cuffs, and waistbands.
Interlining: A layer of fabric inserted between the facing and the outside of a garment for warmth or structure.
Intimates: Clothing worn next to the skin, typically referring to underwear, lingerie, and sleepwear.
Inventory: The goods or materials a business holds for the ultimate purpose of resale.
Inventory Turnover: A ratio showing how many times a company's inventory is sold and replaced over a period.
Invoice: A document issued by a seller to a buyer that lists the items sold, quantities, and prices.
IPO (Initial Public Offering): The process of offering shares of a private company to the public in a new stock issuance.
Iridescent: Showing luminous colors that seem to change when seen from different angles.
Irregulars: Products with slight imperfections that are sold at a discount.
IT Integration: The process of combining different subsystems or components into a unified system in retail operations.
Jacket: A short coat, typically extending to the hips or waist.
Jacquard: A fabric with an intricate pattern woven into it rather than printed or embroidered on its surface.
Jeans: Trousers made from denim or dungaree cloth.
Jersey: A knitted fabric used predominantly for clothing manufacture.
Jewel Tones: Rich, deep colors reminiscent of gemstones.
JIT (Just-in-Time) Inventory: An inventory strategy companies employ to increase efficiency and decrease waste by receiving goods only as they are needed in the production process.
Jobber: A wholesaler who buys from manufacturers and sells to retailers, often dealing in smaller quantities or odd lots.
Joggers: Casual trousers with an elasticized or drawstring waist and ankles, originally designed for athletic use.
Jumpsuit: A one-piece garment consisting of a top and trousers.
Junior's Department: A section in retail stores that caters to younger customers, typically teenagers and young adults.
Keystone Pricing: A retail pricing method where an item is priced at double its wholesale cost.
Khaki: A light brown color, or a style of casual trousers typically made from cotton or cotton-blend fabric.
Knit: A fabric produced by interlocking loops of yarn with needles.
Knock-off: An unauthorized copy or imitation of a designer product, typically sold at a lower price.
KPI (Key Performance Indicator): A measurable value that demonstrates how effectively a company is achieving key business objectives.
Lab Dip: A small sample of fabric dyed to match a specific color for approval before bulk production.
Label: A tag or strip attached to a product providing information about it, such as brand, size, or care instructions.
Lace: An openwork fabric patterned with open holes, made by machine or by hand.
LDP (Landed Duty Paid): The total cost of a product landed on the buyer's dock, including the cost of the product itself, transportation, customs, duties, taxes, insurance, currency conversion, crating, handling, and payment fees.
Lanolin: A wax secreted by wool-bearing animals, often used in cosmetics and as a waterproofing agent.
Lapel: The folded flaps of cloth on the front of a jacket or coat.
Last: A form in the shape of a human foot used in shoemaking to model the shape of a shoe.
Lay Ends: The number of layers of fabric that can be cut at one time in mass production.
Layout: The arrangement of pattern pieces on fabric to maximize efficiency when cutting.
Lead Time: The time between the initiation and completion of a production process.
Leather: Animal skin that has been treated to preserve it and make it suitable for use.
Licensing: The practice of legally permitting another party to use a brand name, trademark, or technology.
Lifecycle: The entire journey of a product from conception to obsolescence.
Ligne: A unit of measurement used for buttons, equal to 1/40 of an inch.
Line: A group of products marketed together, often sharing a common theme or target market.
Linen: A textile made from the fibers of the flax plant, known for its coolness and freshness in hot weather.
Lingerie: Women's underwear and nightclothes.
Lining: An inner layer of fabric used in garments to provide structure, coverage, or a smooth surface against the skin.
Live Selling: The practice of selling products in real-time through live video streaming platforms.
Logistics: The detailed organization and implementation of a complex operation, often referring to the management of the flow of goods from point of origin to point of consumption.
Look Book: A collection of photographs displaying a fashion designer's new collection, often released before the main runway show.
Loss Leader: A product sold at a loss to stimulate other, more profitable sales.
Luxury Brand: A brand associated with high-quality, expensive products, often with a prestigious image.
LTV (Lifetime Value): A prediction of the net profit attributed to the entire future relationship with a customer.
Macramé: A form of textile production using knotting techniques.
Mainline: The primary, often most expensive, collection from a fashion brand.
Mannequin: A form in the shape of a human body used to display clothes.
Manufacturer: A company that produces finished goods from raw materials.
Marker: A layout of pattern pieces used to guide fabric cutting in mass production, designed to minimize waste.
Market: The group of consumers or organizations that is interested in the product, has the resources to purchase the product, and is permitted by law to acquire the product.
Market Week: A designated time when buyers visit showrooms to view and purchase upcoming collections.
Markdown: A reduction in the price of an item, typically to encourage sales.
Markup: The amount added to the cost price of goods to cover overhead and profit.
Mart: A large building or series of buildings where wholesalers rent space to show their merchandise to retail buyers.
Mass Market: Products designed for and distributed to a wide audience, typically at relatively low prices.
Mass Production: The manufacture of large quantities of standardized products, often using assembly line techniques.
Mercerized: Cotton thread or fabric that has been treated with caustic alkali under tension, increasing strength and luster.
Merchandise: Goods available for sale.
Merchandising: The promotion of goods that are available for retail sale, including marketing strategies, display, and pricing.
Merino: A fine, soft wool from Merino sheep.
Microfiber: Extremely fine synthetic fibers used to make textiles, known for their softness and durability.
Mill: A factory where textiles are manufactured.
Millinery: The design, manufacture, and sale of hats.
Minimalism: A design aesthetic characterized by simplicity and minimal embellishment.
Missy: A size category in women's clothing, typically designed for women over 35 with a more mature fit than junior sizes.
Mix and Match: A merchandising strategy where separate garments are designed to be worn together in various combinations.
Mode: A manner or style of doing something, often referring to current fashion trends.
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity): The smallest number of units a supplier is willing to produce.
Muslin: A lightweight cotton cloth in a plain weave, often used for making test garments or prototypes.
Nap: The raised fuzzy surface on certain types of cloth, such as velvet or flannel.
Natural Fibers: Fibers derived from plants or animals, such as cotton, wool, or silk.
Neckline: The edge of a garment around the neck.
Net 30: A payment term indicating that full payment is due within 30 days.
Net Profit: The amount of money a business earns after subtracting all expenses and taxes from total revenue.
Niche Market: A specialized segment of the market for a particular kind of product or service.
NNN (Triple Net): A type of lease agreement where the tenant agrees to pay all real estate taxes, building insurance, and maintenance on the property in addition to any normal fees that are expected under the agreement (rent, utilities, etc.).
NOOS (Never Out Of Stock): Items that are continually replenished and always available for order.
Notch: A V-shaped cut-out, often found on the collar of a jacket or coat.
Notions: Small tools or accessories used in sewing, such as buttons, zippers, and thread.
Novelty Fabric: A fabric with an unusual design, texture, or appearance, often used for special occasions or as an accent.
NPD (New Product Development): The complete process of bringing a new product to market, from concept to launch.
NRF (National Retail Federation): The world's largest retail trade association, advocating for the people, brands, policies, and ideas that help retail thrive.
NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier): A freight forwarder that issues its own bill of lading for ocean transport but does not own any vessels.
NWF (Non-Woven Fabric): A fabric-like material made from long fibers, bonded together by chemical, mechanical, heat or solvent treatment.
OTS (Off-the-Shelf): Refers to products, particularly software or technology solutions, that are readily available and can be used without customization. In fashion, it might refer to standard sizing or ready-made garments as opposed to custom-made items. Off-the-shelf products are typically mass-produced and available for immediate purchase and use.
Off-Price: A retail business model that involves selling brand-name goods at lower prices than traditional retail outlets.
Offshore: The practice of basing some of a company's processes or services overseas to take advantage of lower costs.
Omnichannel: A multi-channel approach to sales that seeks to provide customers with a seamless shopping experience, whether they're shopping online from a desktop or mobile device, by telephone, or in a brick-and-mortar store.
On-Demand Manufacturing: A production model where items are made only after a customer order is received.
OTB (Open-to-Buy): A retail buying and planning tool that tells retailers how much inventory they need to purchase for a given time period.
OTS (Open-to-Sell): A retail metric that represents the difference between how much inventory a retailer plans to sell during a given time period and how much has already been sold. It helps retailers manage their inventory and make informed decisions about restocking or marking down products. The formula is typically: Planned Sales - Actual Sales = Open to Sell. This metric is crucial for maintaining optimal inventory levels and maximizing profitability.
Order Form: A document used to request goods or services from a supplier.
Organic: In textiles, refers to natural fibers grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
Outsource: To contract work out to an external supplier, often to reduce costs.
Overhead: The ongoing business expenses not directly attributed to creating a product or service.
Overrun: Excess production beyond the quantity ordered.
Overstock: An excess of inventory that exceeds customer demand.
Overseas: Referring to or coming from a foreign country, especially one across the sea.
Oxford Cloth: A type of woven dress shirt fabric, characterized by a basketweave structure and a lustrous aspect.
Packaging: The technology of enclosing or protecting products for distribution, storage, sale, and use.
Packing List: A document that itemizes the contents of a shipment.
Padding: Material used to fill out or add shape to garments.
Pallet: A flat transport structure that supports goods in a stable fashion while being lifted by a forklift or other jacking device.
Partnership: A business organization in which two or more individuals manage and operate the business.
Patent: A government authority or license conferring a right or title for a set period, especially the sole right to exclude others from making, using, or selling an invention.
Pattern: A template from which the parts of a garment are traced onto fabric before cutting out and assembling.
Pick and Pack: The warehouse process of picking items from inventory and packaging them for shipment.
Pick Ticket: A document used in warehouses that lists the items to be picked for an order, including their locations.
Piece Dyed: A method of dyeing in which the fabric is dyed after it is woven, rather than dyeing the yarns before weaving.
Piece Goods: Fabric sold by the piece rather than by the yard.
Piping: A decorative edging consisting of a strip of material, often folded over a cord.
Pivot Table: A data summarization tool used in data processing to automatically sort, count, total or average data stored in a database or spreadsheet.
PLM (Product Lifecycle Management): The process of managing the entire lifecycle of a product from its conception, through design and manufacture, to service and disposal.
Ply: A layer of fabric or a strand of yarn.
Point of Sale (POS): The place where a retail transaction is completed and the point at which a customer makes a payment in exchange for goods or services.
Pop-Up Shop: A short-term, temporary retail space where brands can interact with current customers and communicate their message to potential new ones.
Portfolio: A collection of designs or products that showcase a designer's or brand's work.
Porto: Short for "prototype," a sample or model built to test a concept or process.
Pre-Consumer Waste: Waste produced during the manufacturing process, before the product reaches the consumer.
Pre-Pack: A package containing an assortment of sizes or colors of a product, typically used in wholesale.
Pret-a-Porter: French term for ready-to-wear fashion.
Price Point: The retail price of an item, often used to describe different levels of pricing within a product range.
Price Range: The spread between the highest and lowest priced items in a product line.
Private Label: Products manufactured by one company for sale under another company's brand.
Product Development: The process of designing, creating, and marketing new products or services to benefit customers.
Production: The process of creating, manufacturing, or growing products.
Profit: Financial gain, especially the difference between the amount earned and the amount spent in buying, operating, or producing something.
Profit Margin: The amount by which revenue from sales exceeds costs in a business.
Proto: Short for prototype, an early sample or model built to test a concept or process.
Purchase Order (PO): A commercial document and first official offer issued by a buyer to a seller, indicating types, quantities, and agreed prices for products or services.
QA (Quality Assurance): A way of preventing mistakes and defects in manufactured products and avoiding problems when delivering products or services to customers.
QC (Quality Control): A process by which entities review the quality of all factors involved in production.
QR Code: A matrix barcode that can be scanned by smartphone cameras to quickly access information about a product.
Quarter Sizes: Intermediate sizing in footwear, offering more precise fits.
Quick Response (QR): A business strategy aimed at reducing inventory and increasing efficiency in the supply chain.
Quota: A limited quantity of a particular product which under government regulations is allowed to be imported into the country.
RAD (Rapid Application Development): A method of software development that emphasizes rapid prototyping and iterative delivery.
Raw Materials: The basic materials from which a product is made.
Ready-to-Wear (RTW): Clothing made in standardized sizes and sold in finished condition.
Real-Time Inventory: A system that allows a business to know exactly how much product is in stock at any given moment.
Receiving: The process of taking delivery of and accounting for incoming goods or materials.
Reclaimed Fibers: Fibers that have been recycled from pre- or post-consumer waste.
Reconciliation: The process of matching and validating financial records.
Refund: The act of returning money to a customer, typically because they are dissatisfied with a product or service.
Reorder: To place a new order for a product that has previously been ordered, typically when stock is running low.
Reorder Point: The level of inventory which triggers an action to replenish that particular inventory stock.
Repeat Customer: A customer who has purchased from a business more than once.
Replenishment: The process of restocking inventory.
Retail: The sale of goods to the public in relatively small quantities for use or consumption rather than for resale.
Retailer: A business or person that sells goods directly to consumers.
Return: When a customer brings back a purchased item for a refund or exchange.
Return on Investment (ROI): A performance measure used to evaluate the efficiency of an investment.
Revenue: The total amount of income generated by the sale of goods or services related to the company's primary operations.
RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification): A technology that uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects.
RFP (Request for Proposal): A document that solicits proposal, often made through a bidding process, by an agency or company interested in procurement of a commodity, service, or valuable asset.
RFQ (Request for Quotation): A standard business process whose purpose is to invite suppliers into a bidding process to bid on specific products or services.
Ribbon: A narrow strip of fine material used for trimming or decorating.
Rickrack: A flat narrow braid woven in zigzag form, used as a trimming.
Rivet: A permanent mechanical fastener used in clothing, especially jeans.
RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization): A numbered authorization provided by a merchant to permit the return of a product.
RN Number (Registered Identification Number): A number issued by the FTC to U.S. businesses that manufacture, import, distribute, or sell products covered by the Textile, Wool, and Fur Acts.
Ruching: A gathered or pleated strip of fabric used as trimming.
Runway: A narrow platform on which models walk to display clothing in fashion shows.
Sales Rep: A professional who represents a company's products to potential buyers.
Sales Sample: A product sample used by sales representatives to showcase items to potential buyers.
Sample: A prototype of a garment used to finalize the design before full production.
Sample Maker: A skilled professional who creates the first version of a garment from a designer's specifications.
Savile Row: A street in Mayfair, London, famous for its traditional bespoke tailoring for men.
Screen Printer: A professional or company that applies designs to fabric or finished garments using a screen printing process.
Seamstress: A person who sews, especially one who makes a living by sewing.
Seasonal: Products or styles that are appropriate for or specific to a particular time of year.
Self-fabric: A garment component (such as a belt or trim) made from the same fabric as the main body of the garment.
Selling Floor: The area of a retail store where merchandise is displayed and sold.
Selling Season: The period during which a particular type of merchandise is most likely to sell.
Selvage: The self-finished edge of fabric that keeps it from unraveling.
Sewby: A detailed set of instructions for how a garment should be sewn.
Shipping: The process of transporting goods from one location to another.
Showing: A presentation of a designer's collection to buyers or the press.
Showroom: A space used to display merchandise to wholesale buyers or other industry professionals.
Shrinkage: The loss of inventory due to factors such as theft, administrative errors, or vendor fraud.
Silhouette: The overall shape or outline of a garment.
Silk: A fine, strong, soft, lustrous fiber produced by silkworms in making cocoons and collected to make thread and fabric.
Size Range: The span of sizes in which a particular style is produced.
Size Spec: Detailed measurements for each size of a garment.
Size Standards: Industry guidelines for garment measurements corresponding to different sizes.
SKU (Stock Keeping Unit): A distinct type of item for sale, such as a product or service, and all attributes associated with the item type that distinguish it from other item types.
Slow Fashion: An approach to fashion that considers all aspects of the supply chain and emphasizes sustainability.
Sloper: A basic pattern from which patterns for many different styles can be developed.
SMS (Short Message Service): Text messaging service used for marketing and customer communication in retail.
Snap: A type of fastener consisting of two interlocking discs, commonly used in clothing and accessories.
Softgoods: Merchandise such as clothing and linens, as opposed to hardgoods like appliances.
SOP (Standard Operating Procedure): A set of step-by-step instructions compiled by an organization to help workers carry out complex routine operations.
Source: The origin of a product or material.
Sourcing: The process of finding and vetting suppliers for materials or finished products.
Specs: Detailed specifications for a garment's design and construction.
Speed to Market: The time it takes for a product to go from concept to being available for sale.
Spinning: The process of turning fibers into yarn.
Split Commission: A commission divided between two or more sales representatives.
Sportswear: Casual or athletic clothing designed for comfort and ease of movement.
Spreading: The process of laying out fabric in preparation for cutting.
Spreading Machines: Equipment used to lay out large quantities of fabric quickly and accurately.
SIC (Standard Industrial Classification): A system for classifying industries by a four-digit code. It's used by government agencies to classify industry areas. In the context of fashion, it helps categorize different sectors of the industry for statistical and regulatory purposes.
Staple Goods: Basic, essential items that are in constant demand.
Staples: Essential or main items in a clothing line.
Start Date: The date when production or a new process begins.
Statement: A summary of the financial standing of an account at a particular time.
SPI (Stitches Per Inch): A measurement used in sewing and embroidery to describe the density of stitching. It refers to the number of stitches in a linear inch of sewing.
Stock: The inventory of goods available for sale.
Structured: Referring to a garment that is designed to hold a particular shape.
Style: A particular design or fashion.
Style Name: A unique name given to a particular design.
Style Number: A unique code assigned to a specific product for identification purposes.
Stylist: A person who selects the clothing for published editorial features, print or television advertising, music videos, concert performances, and public appearances made by celebrities and models.
Subcontractor: A person or business that signs a contract to perform part or all of the obligations of another's contract.
Swatch: A small sample of fabric used to demonstrate color, texture, and other qualities.
Tagboard: A stiff paperboard used for making tags and labels.
Tailor: A person who makes, repairs, or alters clothing professionally, especially suits and men's clothing.
Tanning: The process of treating skins and hides of animals to produce leather.
Target Market: The specific group of consumers at which a company's products are aimed.
Taste: A person's tendency to like or prefer certain styles or designs.
Tech Pack: A document containing all the technical information needed to construct a garment.
Technical Drawing: A detailed, precise drawing of a garment, including all construction details.
Terms of Sale: The conditions under which a seller will complete a sale.
Textile: A type of cloth or woven fabric.
Textile Mill: A factory where textiles are produced.
Texture: The feel, appearance, or consistency of a surface or substance.
Theme: A unifying or dominant idea in a clothing collection.
Thread Count: The number of threads per square inch of fabric.
Tie-dye: A method of producing patterns in textiles by tying parts of the fabric to shield it from the dye.
Time and Action Calendar (T&A): A schedule that outlines each step in the production process and when it should be completed.
Toile: A test garment made from inexpensive fabric to perfect the fit and construction of a design.
Tolerance: The acceptable margin of error in garment measurements.
Torso: A dress form that includes only the body, without head, arms, or legs.
Trade Associations: Organizations founded and funded by businesses that operate in a specific industry.
Trade Shows: Industry-specific exhibitions where companies showcase and demonstrate their new products and services.
Trademark: A recognizable sign, design, or expression which identifies products or services of a particular source from those of others.
Trend: A general direction in which fashion or consumer preferences are developing or changing.
Trend Research: The process of identifying and analyzing current and future market trends.
Trimmings: Supplementary items used in garment production such as buttons, zippers, and ribbons.
Trunk Show: An event in which vendors present merchandise directly to store personnel or customers.
Tulle: A lightweight, very fine netting, used particularly for veils, tutus, or gowns.
Turnover: The number of times inventory is sold and replaced over a period.
Unit Control: A inventory management system that tracks individual units of merchandise throughout the supply chain.
Unit Cost: The cost incurred by a company to produce, store and sell one unit of a particular product.
UOM (Unit of Measure): The standard unit in which a product is measured or sold. In the fashion industry, this could refer to individual pieces, pairs, dozens, or other quantity-based measurements.
Units: Individual items of merchandise or stock.
Upcycling: The process of transforming by-products, waste materials, or unwanted products into new materials or products of better quality or environmental value.
UPC (Universal Product Code): A barcode symbology used for tracking trade items in stores. Its most common form, the UPC-A, consists of 12 numerical digits.
UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor): A rating system used for apparel to indicate how effectively the fabric blocks ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Unisex: Clothing and accessories designed to be suitable for both sexes.
Unstructured Apparel: Clothing that is designed without rigid shape or form, often resulting in a more relaxed fit.
Up-Charge: An additional charge for extra services or product features.
Upward Flow Theory: A concept in fashion that suggests trends often start with subcultures or street styles before being adopted by high-end designers.
Usage: The way in which a product is used or the amount of its use.
UX (User Experience): The overall experience of a person using a product or service, especially in terms of how easy or pleasing it is to use. In fashion e-commerce, this refers to the customer's entire journey through a website or app, from browsing to purchasing. UX works hand-in-hand with UI to create a complete digital experience.
UI (User Interface): The specific assets users interact with when using a digital product, such as buttons, text, images, sliders, and data entry fields. In fashion e-commerce, UI focuses on the look and feel, presentation, and interactivity of a product. While UX encompasses the entire user journey, UI is about the specific touchpoints users interact with along that journey.
USP (Unique Selling Proposition): A factor that differentiates a product from its competitors, such as the lowest cost, the highest quality or the first-ever product of its kind.
Value: The worth of a product in monetary terms or its importance/usefulness to the consumer.
Value Added Tax (VAT): A type of consumption tax placed on a product whenever value is added at each stage of the supply chain, from production to the point of sale.
Variable Costs: Expenses that change in proportion to the activity of a business, such as raw materials or production supplies.
Vegan Fashion: Clothing and accessories made without the use of animal products or by-products.
Velcro: A fastening tape consisting of two strips of nylon fabric, one having tiny hooks able to catch in the pile of the other.
Velour: A plush, knitted fabric or textile similar to velvet.
Velvet: A closely woven fabric of silk, cotton, or nylon, that has a thick short pile on one side.
Vendor: A supplier of goods or services.
Vertical Integration: A strategy where a company expands its business operations into different steps on the same production path, such as when a manufacturer owns its supplier and/or distributor.
Vertical Mill: A textile factory that performs all or most of the manufacturing processes from fiber to finished fabric in one facility.
Vintage: Clothing or accessories representing the high-quality fashions of a previous era.
Visual Merchandising: The practice in the retail industry of developing floor plans and three-dimensional displays in order to maximize sales.
Viscose: A soft fiber made from regenerated cellulose, also known as rayon.
VMI (Vendor Managed Inventory): A family of business models in which the buyer of a product provides certain information to a supplier of that product and the supplier takes full responsibility for maintaining an agreed inventory of the material.
VOC (Voice of Customer): A term used in business to describe the in-depth process of capturing customer's expectations, preferences and aversions.
Volume: The quantity or bulk of goods sold.
V-Neckline: A neckline shaped like the letter "V".
Waistband: The band of material around the waist of a garment, especially at the top of trousers or a skirt.
Wale: A ridge or raised line on the surface of certain textiles, such as corduroy.
Warehouse: A large building where raw materials or manufactured goods may be stored prior to distribution.
Wardrobe: A person's entire collection of clothes.
Warp: The threads that run lengthwise in a woven fabric.
Warp Knitting: A method of creating fabric by looping each yarn around the needle beside it and then moving diagonally to the next row.
Wash and Wear: Garments that retain their shape and can be worn with little or no ironing after washing.
Waste: Unusable or unwanted materials produced during manufacturing.
Waterproof: Material or fabric that is impervious to water.
Wearable Technology: Clothing and accessories incorporating computer and advanced electronic technologies.
Weave: The particular manner in which a fabric is woven.
Weaving: The method of fabric production in which two distinct sets of yarns or threads are interlaced at right angles to form a fabric or cloth.
Weft: The threads that run crosswise in a woven fabric.
Weft Knitting: A method of creating fabric by forming loops in a horizontal direction.
Weight: In fabrics, a measure of density, usually expressed in ounces per square yard or grams per square meter.
Wholesale: The sale of goods in large quantities to be retailed by others.
Wholesale Price: The price at which goods are sold to retailers, typically lower than the retail price.
Width: The measurement of fabric from selvedge to selvedge.
Window Display: The arrangement of merchandise in a store window to attract customers.
Womenswear: Clothing designed or produced specifically for women.
Wool: The fine, soft curly or wavy hair forming the coat of a sheep, used in textile manufacture.
Working Sketch: A detailed drawing of a garment that includes all design and construction details, used by pattern makers and sample makers.
Workmanship: The degree of skill with which a product is made.
Workwear: Clothing worn for work, especially that which is designed for manual labor.
Woven: Fabric produced by interlacing two sets of yarns at right angles to each other.
Wrinkle-Resistant: A fabric or garment treatment that helps resist the formation of wrinkles.
WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get): In digital design, an interface that allows a designer to view something very similar to the end result while the document is being created.
XML (eXtensible Markup Language): A markup language that defines a set of rules for encoding documents in a format that is both human-readable and machine-readable, often used in e-commerce for data exchange.
Yardage: The amount of fabric measured in yards.
Yarn: A continuous strand of twisted fibers used in weaving or knitting to create fabric.
Yarn Count: A numerical expression describing the fineness of yarn.
Yarn-dyed: Fabric made from yarn that was dyed prior to weaving or knitting.
Yoke: A fitted or shaped part of a garment that fits around the neck and shoulders or around the hips.
YOY (Year Over Year): A method of evaluating two or more measured events to compare the results at one time period with those of a comparable time period on an annualized basis.
Youth Market: The segment of the consumer market comprising teenagers and young adults.
YKK (Yoshida Kogyo Kabushikikaisha): A Japanese company founded by Tadao Yoshida in 1934. YKK stands for "Yoshida Kogyo Kabushikikaisha" which roughly translates to "Yoshida Company Limited". It is the world's largest zipper manufacturer, producing approximately half of all zippers used globally. YKK is known for its high-quality fastening products, including zippers, snap and buttons, webbing tapes, and hook and loop fasteners, which are widely used in the fashion industry.
Zero Inventory: A management strategy that attempts to reduce inventory investment to zero, often through just-in-time manufacturing.
Zero Waste Design: A design philosophy that encourages the redesign of resource life cycles so that all products are reused, with the goal of sending no waste to landfills.
Zigzag Stitch: A sewing machine stitch in a zigzag pattern, used for a sturdy seam or as decoration.
Zip Code: A postal code used by the United States Postal Service, important for shipping and logistics in fashion retail.
Zipper: A device consisting of two flexible strips of metal or plastic with interlocking projections closed or opened by sliding a piece between them, used to fasten garments, bags, and other items.
Zoning: The practice of dividing a retail space into distinct areas or departments.
The Power of Words
In the fashion industry, clear and precise communication is not just an advantage—it's a necessity. This comprehensive collection of over 500 essential terms and acronyms provides the language needed to articulate complex ideas, refine strategies, and drive meaningful collaboration. As fashion evolves at an unprecedented pace, understanding its specialized vocabulary allows you to navigate intricate conversations with agility, make informed decisions quickly, and build stronger, more cohesive partnerships.
This guide serves as more than a reference; it's a powerful tool for ensuring that every exchange is productive, every concept is clearly conveyed, and every opportunity is fully realized. In a global market where precision and clarity are paramount, having a command of these terms is essential for effective communication and continued success.