Starting a clothing brand means learning a whole new language — from fabric weights and finishes to MOQ, lead times, and sampling. This ultimate glossary is designed to help emerging brands and designers understand key sourcing and production terms.
Whenever you see a fabric name, you can find its detailed explanation in our Fabric Glossary.
1. Production & Sourcing Terms
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) – The smallest quantity a supplier requires for an order. Yardblox offers low MOQs so you can start small.
Lead Time – The time it takes to produce and ship your fabric or finished product.
Sampling – The process of testing fabrics or developing garment prototypes before production.
Bulk Order – Your main production order after finalizing samples.
Deadstock Fabric – Surplus or overproduced fabric from previous collections, often sustainable and available in limited runs.
Swatch – A small fabric piece for checking color and texture.
Color Card – A card showing all available shades of a particular fabric base.
Lab Dip – A small dyed sample for color approval before bulk production.
Strike-Off – A small printed fabric test for design approval.
Mill – A factory that weaves, knits, or finishes fabrics.
Fabric Agent / Sourcing Partner – A company or individual who helps connect brands with mills and suppliers (like Yardblox).
2. Fabric Specifications & Testing
GSM (Grams per Square Meter) – A measure of fabric weight.
Width – The usable measurement from selvedge to selvedge, usually in cm or inches.
Selvedge – The finished edge of woven fabric that prevents fraying.
Bias – The 45° diagonal direction of fabric, offering natural stretch.
Shrinkage – How much fabric reduces in size after washing; varies by fiber type.
Colorfastness – The ability of fabric dye to resist fading or bleeding.
Pilling – Formation of small fiber balls due to friction.
Tensile Strength – The resistance of a fabric to being pulled apart.
Finish – Any treatment applied to the fabric (e.g., brushed, sandwashed, mercerized).
For fiber-specific definitions (like Cupro, Tencel, Viscose, Linen, etc.), see our Fabric Types Glossary.
3. Manufacturing & Garment Development
Tech Pack – A blueprint of your garment with all measurements, materials, and construction details.
Pattern Grading – Scaling a base pattern into different sizes.
Marker – A layout plan that shows how patterns are placed on fabric for cutting.
Cut and Sew – The standard process of cutting fabric pieces and sewing them into garments.
CMT (Cut, Make, Trim) – A type of production service where you supply the materials and the factory does the assembly.
Full Package Production (FPP) – The factory handles sourcing, development, and sewing.
Fit Sample – A sample made to test garment fit before production.
PP Sample (Pre-Production Sample) – The final approved sample used as a production reference.
QC (Quality Control) – The process of inspecting finished goods before shipment.
4. Sustainability & Certifications
OEKO-TEX® Certified – Tested for harmful substances and safe for human use.
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) – Certification for organic fibers with environmental and social criteria.
GRS (Global Recycled Standard) – Verifies recycled content and responsible production practices.
BSCI / WRAP – Standards ensuring ethical and fair working conditions.
Closed Loop Production – A process where materials are continuously recycled within production cycles.
Traceability – The ability to track fabric origin and supply chain journey.
Carbon Footprint – The total greenhouse gas emissions of a product or brand.
5. Color, Dyeing & Printing
Pantone Matching System (PMS) – The global color reference system for consistency.
Reactive Dye – Used for cellulosic fibers like cotton for vibrant, long-lasting color.
Disperse Dye – Used for synthetic fibers like polyester.
Pigment Print – Color sits on the fabric surface, giving a slightly textured handfeel.
Sublimation Printing – A digital printing process ideal for polyester-based fabrics.
Screen Printing – Traditional method using stencils for bold, opaque designs.
Digital Printing (DTG / DTF) – Modern printing with high detail and minimal waste.
6. Business & Branding Terms
SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) – The unique identifier for each product or variant.
COGS (Cost of Goods Sold) – Total cost to produce and deliver your product.
MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) – The retail price recommendation.
Private Label – Products made by one company but branded by another.
White Label – Generic products that can be rebranded easily.
Wholesale vs Retail – Selling to businesses in bulk vs directly to consumers.
Margin – The difference between your selling price and your total costs.
Dropshipping – Selling products fulfilled directly by a third party.
7. Common Fabric-Related Abbreviations
- GSM – Grams per Square Meter
- WPI / CPI – Wale Per Inch / Course Per Inch (knit structure density)
- FPI – Folds Per Inch (used in denim and twill)
- DWR – Durable Water Repellent finish
- PU / PVC – Polyurethane / Polyvinyl Chloride coatings
