Big and Tall > Glossary of Terms

Glossary of Terms


1x1 Rib: Also 2x2 rib knit trim. The width of each rib is the same as the width between each rib. This helps the garment to retain its elasticity.
4-Needle StitchedDouble-needle stitched but with four stitches
2-Way ZipperA zipper with two zipper pulls so that it can be unzipped from either direction.
Air MeshA mesh that has multiple layers to allow air to pass through the fabric
Airjet YarnCotton and polyester garments which provide for a virtually "pill free" look, wash after wash.
Allen Solley placketA one-piece placket that's hidden after being sewn. This process utilizes the existing fabric for the outside placket face. This is an upscale placket type.
All Weather Microfiber100% Polyester Microfiber with waterproof coating and fully taped seams. 100% waterproof
Award jacketA baseball-style jacket with contrasting striped trim.
Anatomically correct strapsStraps on a golf bag that are designed to fit the shape of a person's shoulders for maximum comfort.
Anti-PillA treatment applied to garments primarily to resist the formation of little balls on the fabric's surface due to abrasion during wear.
ArgyleTypically a diamond pattern woven into a garment
Baby PiqueVery small pique knit. See Pique Knit.
Back PleatsTiny folds in the material on the back of a garment that allow for more room and comfort.
Back YokeA piece of fabric that connects the back of a garment to the shoulders. This allows the garment to lay flat and drape nicely.
Ballistic nylona thick, durable, synthetic nylon fabric.
BartackedReinforced stitching, for example, the rivets used on the pockets of jeans.
Birdseye JacquardA small geometric pattern with a center dot knit into the fabric.
Blanket StitchA decorative stitch used to finish an unhemmed blanket. The stitch can be seen on both sides of the blanket.
BlendA term applied to a yarn or fabric that is made up of more than one fiber.
Body Mapping Technology (NIKE GOLF)Strategically placed ventilation zones to increase breathability and improve airflow across the body.
Bonded FleeceFleece with multiple layers bonded together to form a higher functioning garment.
Box PleatA single, uniform fold in the center back of a garment to allow for more room and comfort.
Brushed CottonCotton fabric that is brushed to remove all the excess lint and fibers from the fabric, leaving an ultra soft, smooth finish.
Button-Through Sleeve PlacketA small placket located on the sleeve, by the cuff, which contains a single button closure.
Cami-StrapVery narrow shoulder straps.
CashmereThe fine, downy wool growing beneath the outer hair of the Cashmere goat. The scarcity of the fiber and the handiwork required to convert the fiber into a luxurious garment contribute to the cashmere's price.
Casual Microfiber100% Polyester Microfiber fabric that is water repellent and wind resistant.
Cavalry TwillA type of twill weave (pattern of the twill)
ChambrayA dressier fabric woven with white threads across colored threads.
Clima_FIT (NIKE GOLF)Fabric that blocks wind and resists rain. The fabric has spaces too small for water droplets to get in, but allowing excess perspiration and body heat to escape. This is all done with a thinly spun yarn that is tightly woven for a dense weave.
CollarThe upright or turned-over neckband of a coat, jacket or shirt.
CollarettThe trim around the neck of a t-shirt or sweatshirt.
ColorfastA dyed fabric's ability to resist fading due to washing, exposure to sunlight, and other environmental conditions.
Combed CottonCotton yarn that has been combed to remove short fibers and straighten or arrange longer fibers in parallel order.
Cool MeshSimilar to a pique knit, but with a more open texture for increased breathability. Features a soft hand for better comfort.
Cool WeaveSimilar to a pique knit, but with a more open texture for increased breathability. Slightly larger knit than Cool Mesh, it has a denser feel.
Cord LocksA stopper or toggle on a draw cord that keeps the cord from retracting into the garmet.
CorduroyA cut filling pile cloth with narrow to wide ribs, can be found in polyester, and man-made blends.
CottonSoft vegetable fiber obtained from the seedpod of the cotton plant.
CoverseamedA finish in which two needles are used to create parallel rows of visible stitching. It is used around the neck, arm holes, waistband, and wrists of garments to create a cleaner, more durable finish.
Critical Seam-SealSeams that are sealed with a waterproof tape only in areas that are susceptible to water like shoulders, front seams and zippers.
DenierA density of the weave in a nylon or polyester product.
DobbyA decorative weave, usually geometric, that is woven into the fabric.
Double KnitA circular knit fabric knitted via double stitch on a double needle frame to provide a double thickness.
Double-Needle StitchedA finish used on a sleeve and/or bottom hem that uses two needles to create parallel rows of visible stitching. It gives the garment a cleaner, more finished look and adds durability.
DownThe soft fluffy under feathers of ducks and geese.
Dri-FIT (NIKE GOLF)Fabric that helps keep you comfortable and dry by moving perspiration from your skin to the outside for rapid evaporation. The process happens by transferring perspiration through layers of fabric. As the body produces moisture, these layers carry the moisture through the garment and up to the outside layer where it is dispersed across the outer surface and released into the air.
Dri-FIT UV (NIKE GOLF)Same as Dri-FIT (see Dri_FIT) that also features 30 UPF.
Drop NeedleA knit fabric characterized by vertical lines within the cloth. Manufactured by "dropping" a needle from the knitting cylinder.
Drop TailA longer back than front for the purpose of keeping the shirt tucked in. Also referred to as Extended Tail.
Dry-FiberA high activity sportswear fabric that absorbs, wicks and dries faster than average golfwear.
Dry-Fiber Dynamics (PING®)A high activity sportswear fabric that absorbs, wicks and dries faster than average golfwear.
Duck ClothTightly woven fabric that provides wind and snag resistance.
Dyed-to-MatchDescribes buttons or trims that are the same color as the garment onto which they are sewn.
EcoSpunA fleece outerwear fabric made from at least 50% materials reclaimed from recycled plastic soda pop bottles.
End-on-EndA 2-ply weave of different color yarns that run parallel against each other so that both colors are visible.
Enzyme WashedA laundering process in which a catalytic substance is added to create a chemical change in the fabric resulting in a very soft finish, smoother appearing surface and reduced shrinkage.
Etched-Tone ButtonsA more upscale horn-tone button with an etched pattern.
Extended TailWhen the back portion of the garment is longer than the front. Assists in keeping the garment tucked in during normal activity. Also referred to as Drop Tail.
EyeletsSmall holes or perforations made in a series to allow breathability. Finished with either stitching or brass grommets.
Full CutRefers to a garment's fit as being generous and roomy.
Garment DyedA dyeing process that occurs after the garment is assembled.
Garment WashedA wash process where softeners are added to finished garments to help the cotton fibers relax or bloom. The result is a fabric with a thicker appearance, reduced shrinkage and a softer hand.
GrosgrainA closely woven silk or rayon fabric with narrow horizontal stripes.
HandThe way the fabric feels when it is touched.
HerringboneA chevron or zigzag pattern, knit into fabric.
High ProfileA cap style with a high slope structured with a buckram - a stiff fabric lining. Less fitted to the head.
Honeycomb PiqueA pique fabric with a waffle or cellular appearance.
Horn-Tone ButtonsButtons that appear to be manufactured from horn.
HoundstoothA medium sized broken check effect that is knit into the fabric.
IL50Fabric treatment used on garments that allows them to withstand more than 50 washes through the extreme conditions of industrial laundering machines.
Interlock KnitA fabric that has two plys knit simultaneously to form one thicker and heavier ply. It has more natural stretch than a jersey knit, a soft hand, and the same appearance and feel on both sides.
Iridescent ButtonsButtons with a lustrous, rainbow-like hue.
Jacquard KnitA pattern knit directly into the fabric during the manufacturing process. Typically, two or more colors are used.
Jersey KnitFabric has a definite smooth side, the outside, and a textured side, the inside.
LamborderA flat rib knit, with specified dimensions that is used to function as a placket and placket facing.
LeatherAn animal skin made smooth and flexible by removing the hair and then tanning.
LinenA flax product, linen absorbs moisture quickly and does not soil easily.
Locker LoopA looped piece of fabric in the neck of the garment for the convenience of hanging the garment on a hook. Can also be located at the center of the back yoke on the inside or outside of a garment.
Locker PatchA semi-oval panel sewn into the inside back portion of a garment, just under the collar seam, to reinforce the garment and minimize stretching when hung on a hook. The patch also allows for the garment tag or label to be sewn below the neckline to help prevent irritation.
Low ProfileA cap style with a low slope that is more closely fitted to the head. Can be either structured or unstructured.
Lycra®INVISTA's trademark for a synthetic fabric material with elastic properties of "spandex".
Matte TaslanSee Taslan but with a dull finish.
MelamineA highly resistant, exceptionally strong plastic laminate material sometimes used in buttons.
MelangeA mix of different colors of yarns knit together to create a heathered effect.
MercerizedA product that has gone through a process to produce a smooth, lustrous hand.
Mercerized CottonCotton thread that has been treated with sodium hydroxide. The thread is given a caustic soda bath that is then neutralized with an acid bath. This treatment increases luster, sheen, strength, affinity to dye, resistance to mildew, and also reduces lint. Only the finest cotton is reserved for this process.
MeshSimilar to a pique knit, but with a more open texture for increased breathability. Larger knit than Cool Weave.
MicrofiberFabric that is tightly woven from a very fine poly thread and has a sueded finish for a luxurious, soft feel. Microfiber fabric is naturally water repellent due to its construction process and when specially treated, can also be waterproof.
Micro FleeceA high density, anti-pilling fleece made of knit micro-fibers that are brushed less than a regular fleece garment. It has a high capacity for warmth without the weight.
Micro CordA very fine wale cord.
Micro-StripeAn ultra-fine stripe that is knit into the fabric.
Mid ProfileA cap with a slope height in between that of a High Profile and Low Profile. It is most often structured with buckram.
Mother of Pearl Logo ButtonsButtons made from Mother of Pearl, with a logo inscribed on them.
Nail Head DesignA jacquard knitting pattern in which the jacquard forms a design similar to small nail heads.
Non-IronChemically treated fabrics that are resistant to wrinkles. These fabrics allow you to wash without the need for pressing. Clothes look fresh and maintain a sophisticated look for each wearing.
NuBlend™The combination of a knitting and spinning process developed by JERZEES® for their blended fleece that helps prevent pilling.
NylonA synthetic polymer, a plastic, durable fabric used in apparel and other everyday items.
OttomanA tightly woven plain weave ribbed fabric with a hard, slightly lustered surface. The ribbed effect is created by weaving a finer silk or manufactured warp yarn with a heavier filler yarn (usually cotton or wool).
OverdyedA process in which yarn dyed fabrics or piece dyed garments are put through an additional dye color to create unique colors.
OxfordA type of fabric where the fibers are either cotton or blended man-made fibers.
PashminaA luxurious shawl, wrap, or scarf made of finer fabrics like silk and cashmere.
Patch PocketA pocket attached to the outside of the garment.
PeachedA fabric that has been processed to have the lofty softness of a peach.
Pearlized ButtonsButtons that have a pearl-colored hue.
Pewter ButtonsButtons that have a dull, metallic hue.
Pewter and Horn-Tone ButtonsButtons that incorporate pewter and horn tone, usually one encompasses the other.
Pigment DyedA type of dye used to create a distressed or washed look.
PillA tangled ball of fibers that appears on the surface of a fabric, as a result of wear or continued friction or rubbing on teh surface of the fabric.
Pima CottonA high-end yarn made by plying yarns spun from long combed staple. One of the best grades of cotton in the world. Pima cotton has extra long fiber lengths making it soft, yet strong.
Pima-Tek™Lightweight pima cotton, polyester and spandex jersey knit with a smooth hand and plenty of stretch for active wear. Also contains moisture wicking properties.
Pique KnitA knitting method that creates a fine textured surface that appears similar to a birds nest or waffle weave.
PlacketThe part of a shirt or jacket where the edges of the fabric overlap, often fastened with buttons.
PlyTwo or more yarns that have been twisted together.
Poly-FillA warm polyester lining found in the body or sleeves of outerwear garments. It has more loft than a regular nylon lining.
Polyester A strong, durable synthetic fabric with a low moisture absorbency.
PolynosicFeatures similar characteristics to cotton and silk, has excellent luster and very little shrinkage.
Popcorn Pique (PING®)Alternating rows of two different pique knits; one knit is a baby pique, while the other is a larger pique that resembles small circles knit closely together.
PoplinA tightly woven, durable, medium weight cotton or cotton blend fabric made using a rib variation of the plain weave which creates a slight ridge effect.
Pre-ShrunkFabrics or garments that have received a pre-shrinking treatment.
Print Pro™A knitting process developed by Hanes® for their fleece garments that creates a tighter knit for a better printing surface.
PVCA polyurethane coating that is added to make garments water resistant.
R-Tek™ Fleece100% polyester fleece with an anti-pill finish which prevents the formation of little balls on the surface of the fabric.
Raglan SleevesSleeves set with a diagonal seam from the neck to the armpit.
Rapid Dry™A fabric designed with a unique weave to wick away moisture from the body.
Rib KnitA textured knit that has the appearance of vertical lines. It is highly elastic and retains "memory".
Ring SpunYarn made by continuously twisting and thinning a rope of cotton fibers. The twisting makes the short hairs of cotton stand out, resulting in a stronger yarn with a significantly softer hand.
Running StitchA stitch that is spaced equally, with the underside stitching being half the length of the external side.
SandwashedA washing process in which the fabric is washed with very fine lava rocks or rubber / silicon balls resulting in a softer fabric with a relaxed look and reduced shrinkage.
SatinFabric that has a smooth, lustrous face effect while the back of the material is dry.
Sculpted HemA hem that is softly rounded for fashion detail.
Seam-SealedSeams that are sealed with a special waterproof tape or a rolling process to make a garment completely waterproof.
Self-Fabric CollarA collar that is constructed from the same material as the body of the garment.
Self-Fabric SweatbandRefers to headwear where the sweatband is constructed with the same fabric as the crown
Serge StitchAn overcastting technique done on the cut edge of the fabric to prevent unraveling.
Sensor Cool (PING®)Polyester fabric specially blended to absorb body heat and release it back when needed.
Side VentsSlits found at the bottom of side seams. They are fashion details that allow for comfort and ease of movement.
SilkSilk is a natural protein fiber that can be woven into textiles. It is obtained from the cocoon of silkworm reared in captivity. The shimmering appearance for which silk is prized comes from the fiber's triangular prism-like structure which allows silk cloth to refract incoming light at different angles.
SinglesA term used to indicate the diameter of a yarn; the smaller the number, the thicker the yarn.
Slash PocketsA pocket that has to be entered through a slash on the outside of the garment. The pocket pouch is suspended from and attached to the slash.
Sphere Dry (NIKE)This patented fabric has a raised "bumpy" surface that lines the inside of the shirt. These bumps not only create an appealing athletic-inspired texture, they also work together like a funnel to draw perspiration from the inside out. The fabric's three-dimensional construction creates air space around you to reduce cling.
Sport-Wick™A moisture-wicking fabric that includes anti-static properties for comfort during light warm-ups and cool-downs.
StonewashedA washing process in which the fabric or garment is heavily washed with lava rocks or rubber / silicon balls. The result is a softer fabric with a distressed or weathered look and reduced shrinkage.
Storm-FIT (NIKE GOLF)Ultra-fine microfiber polyester with a breathable coating to provide total protection from water and wind.
Storm FlapA strip of fabric sewn under or over the front zip or snap closure of an outerwear garment to protect against wind and moisture.
StructuredA cap style with a lined front consisting of buckram, a stiff fabric, that controls the slope of the cap.
Sueded CottonA fabric that goes through a brushing process to raise the nap and give the garment a soft hand.
Supima® CottonOne of the best grades of cotton in the world, the premium fiber is longer, finer and stronger than other cotton. The name "Supima" is an abbreviation for Superior Pima. (see Pima Cotton). The name "Supima®" is a licensed trademark owned by Supima and its members. It is used to promote textile and apparel products made of 100% American Pima cotton, but is strictly controlled by the grower association.
Taped SeamsA strip of fabric sewn to the seam of a garment to prevent distortion. In outerwear, taped seams aid in waterproofing.
TaslanRefers to how the fibers are woven and the resulting texture. Used mainly in outerwear garments, Taslan is a durable and water repellent nylon fabric with a slightly shiny surface.
TeklonA rugged, stronger Taslan nylon that is water repellent.
TencelA fabric made from the fiber found in wood pulp which is processed into a silk-like, delicate fabric.
Terra-Tek™A durable and water repellent Taslan with a matte finish.
Terry VelouorA type of material with uncut loops on both sides. It has a soft, plush feel and is water absorbent.
Therma-FIT (NIKE GOLF)Fabric is designed from a densely constructed weave that is brushed on both sides to create air pockets. These air pockets in the fabric trap and retain body heat, but not moisture.
Thread CountThe actual number of warp ends and filling picks per inch in a woven cloth. In knitted fabric, thread count implies the number of wales or ribs.
Tone-on-Tone Jacquard CollarSee Jacquard Knit. The two colors being used are the same.
Tricot LiningA very lightweight nylon lining often used in shorts.
Triple-Needle StitchedSee Double-Needle stitched but with 3 stitches.
Tubular CollarCollar which is knit in a tube form so it has no seams.
Tuck-In TailsA shirt constructed so the back hem is longer than the front. This aids in keeping the shirt tucked-in during strenuous activities.
Tuck StitchRefers to the look of the knit where some stitches are actually under the other stitches. Gives the shirt a waffle-weave type texture and look.
Twill Tape Placket LiningTwill tape is attached to the inside of the placket for a fashion effect.
TwillA fabric characterized by micro diagonal ribs producing a soft, smooth finish.
Two-plyPly is a term to describe a yarn that has more than one end to make up the overall yarn. Having a thickness made up of two layers or strands. Adds durability, weight and quality.
Underarm GrommetsSmall holes in the armpit area to allow breathability and air circulation.
UnstructuredA low profile cap style with a natural low sloping crown. No buckram has been added to the crown.
V PatchA section of material in a V shape that is sewn onto a garment directly under the collarette. Can provide support against stretching the neck opening and is also a style component.
Vents, Front and BackAllow for breathability and may aid in ease of decoration, allowing the garment to be hooped and embroidered with no show-through on the inside of the garment. Some vents are tacked down and are for fashion purposes only.
Waffle Weave / KnitA waffle, or square pattern, knit or woven into a garment.
WaterproofA garment that is seam-sealed and able to withstand a specific amount of water pressure.
Water-ResistantFabric treated chemically to resist water.
Washer NylonA nylon garment treated with a special finish to produce a crinkled effect.
Welt Collar and/or CuffsA single ply fabric with a finished edge that is used for collars and cuffs on sport shirts and short sleeve garments.
WickabilityThe ability of a fiber or a fabric to disperse moisture and allow it to pass through to the surface of the fabric, so that evaporation can take place.
Wood-Tone ButtonsButtons that simulate a wood appearance.
Yarn-DyedYarn that has been dyed prior to the weaving or knitting of the garment.
Yoke BackA piece of fabric that connects the back of the garment to the shoulders. This allows the garment to lay flat.
Zipper GarageA flap of material located at the collar to keep the zipper pull away from your skin.