Choosing the right garment isn’t just about style and fit – materials and design features play a crucial role in comfort, durability and usability. Here’s a deep dive into some common terms and technologies used in textile and apparel production, to help you understand what makes a garment unique.
Materials and Knitting Techniques
- 1x1 and 2x2 Rib: Elastic knits where the width of the ribs is equal to the distance between them. Perfect for maintaining the shape of the garment.
- Baby Pique: An extra finely knitted variant of piqué fabric, common in sportswear.
- Interlock Knit: Two layers knitted simultaneously for extra thickness and stretch, with the same feel on both sides.
- Jersey Knit: Soft and lightly knitted surface, perfect for everyday wear.
Protection and Performance
- Anti-Pill: Treatment to prevent pilling that occurs with wear.
- Hydrafort: Waterproof and windproof material, perfect for outdoor use.
- Isotex: Breathable and weather-resistant fabric that protects against rain and wind.
- Thermoguard: Insulation that retains heat by trapping air in advanced synthetic fibers.
Design and Comfort
- Back Pleats: Small pleats on the back of a garment for extra freedom of movement.
- Blouson Cut: A garment with elastic edges that creates a relaxed, puffy style.
- Drop Tail: A longer back part of a garment for better coverage.
- Vents (front and back): Slits that provide increased breathability and freedom of movement.
Finish and Functionality
- Garment Washed: Washing process that makes the fabric softer and reduces shrinkage.
- Double-Needle Stitched: Stitches with two needles for increased durability and a nicer finish.
- Easycare/Easy-iron: Fabrics that are easy to care for and require minimal ironing.
- Spotshield: A treatment that repels both water- and oil-based stains.
Details that Make a Difference
- Dyed-To-Match: Buttons and details in the same color as the garment.
- Locker Loop: A small loop at the neck for easy hanging of the garment.
- Horn Tone Buttons: Buttons with a luxurious imitation of ivory or horn.
- V Patch: A V-shaped detail below the neckline that enhances and adds style.
Special Materials and Textures
- Chambray: A woven fabric where white and colored threads create an elegant surface.
- Herringbone: A herringbone pattern that gives the fabric a textured and exclusive feel.
- Melange: A mixture of different colored threads that creates a mottled effect.
- Ripstop: A lightweight material with high tear strength, often used in outerwear.
Innovative Textiles
- Coolplus: Material that manages moisture and provides quick-drying properties.
- Tencel™: An eco-friendly fabric made from wood pulp, known for its silky feel.
- Microfibre: Tightly woven material that is water-repellent and has a luxurious surface.
- Sublimation: A technique where dye is integrated into polyester for permanent and sharp designs.
Practical Features
- Back Yoke: A piece of fabric that connects the shoulders to the back for a better fit.
- Placket: The area where buttons or zippers are attached to a garment.
- Underarm Grommets: Small holes under the arms for better ventilation.
Choose Clothes Wisely
Understanding these terms will help you choose the right garment for your needs, whether it’s function, comfort or durability. At Impala Print Shop, we work with the highest quality garments and offer printing options to create clothing that not only looks good, but also works in practice. Explore our collections today and discover what suits you best!