A

4-color Process ~ a system where a color image is separated into 4 different color values by the use of filters and screens (usually done digitally). The result is a color separation of 4 images, that when transferred to printing plates and printed on a printing press with the colored inks cyan (blue), magenta (red), yellow and black, reproduces the original color image. These four colors can be combined to create thousands of colors.

50/50 ~ 50 percent cotton/50 percent polyester fabric; also referred to as "polycotton".

Account Opener ~ Premium given to customers as a reward or thank you for opening an account.

Adidas Hat Clip ~ a conveniently portable ball marker clips right to a cap or visor for golfers to mark their ball location when the ball has to be moved for instance to clear the path for another golfer.

Advance Premium ~ Premium given to new customers on condition they will earn it by later purchases.

Advertiser: (Buyer) ~ The company that buys the product from the distributor to use as a promotional tool; the promotional consultant’s client.

Advocacy Advertising ~ Advertising that is specifically designed to induce, discourage or advocate some specific kind of action on the part of a corporate, social or government entity.

Air mesh ~ a mesh that has multiple layers to allow air to pass through the fabric. .

Airjet yarn ~ cotton and polyester garments which provide for a virtually "pill free" look, wash after wash.

Allen Solley placket ~ a 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. .

ANSI ~ the American National Standards Institute establishes guidelines for safety; styles specifically meant to promote safety and visibility often are held to ANSI standards.

Award ~ Recognition merchandise, often personalized, used to acclaim performance or milestones; may be useful objects (paperweights, clocks) or for display only (plaques, trophies).

Award jacket ~ a baseball-style jacket with contrasting striped trim. .

Anatomically correct straps ~ Straps on a golf bag that are designed to fit the shape of a person's shoulders for maximum comfort.

acrylic fabric ~ Acrylic fabric is a man-made material that is lightweight, soft, and wooly. Acrylic is a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive materials such as wool and cashmere. It is used in apparel such as socks, hats, gloves, and sweaters. Acrylic is washable and hypoallergenic.

acrylic plastic ~ Acrylic is a hard, durable plastic made from polymethyl methacrylate. Acrylic drinkware is ideal for everyday use and informal occasions. Advantages of acrylic drinkware are its durability and resistance to discoloration and staining.

advertising specialty ~ Advertising specialties are useful items imprinted with the advertiser’s logo or personal message. Popular advertising specialties include pens, tote bags, and t-shirts. These items are given away in order to make regular impressions on recipients. The term “advertising specialty” is synonymous with “promotional products.”

anti-pill ~ Anti-pill fabric is resistant to forming those unattractive balls of fuzz that can form on cheap fabric after wearing it and washing it a few times.

apparel ~ Apparel is any type of clothing, from jackets to t-shirts to polos and dress shirts.

appliqué ~ An appliqué is a decoration sewn onto a larger piece of cloth. Appliqués (such as patches) are often sewn to sweatshirts, jackets, and tote bags.

B

Ballistic nylon ~ a thick, durable, synthetic nylon fabric.

Banded self collar ~ a type of collar made of the same material as the shirt. The two basic kinds of this collar are the simulated, made of two pieces, or the true, made of four pieces.

Bar Tacks ~ a type of reinforcement stitching used in clothing to make sewn products stronger.

Baseball shirt ~ a shirt style that features a crew collar, white body, and three-quarter-length raglan sleeves in a contrasting color.

Basket weave ~ a variation of the plain weave in which two or more threads are woven side by side to resemble a "basket" look. Fabrics have a loose construction and loose appearance.

Bedford Cord ~ a heavy fabric with a lengthwise ribbed weave, resembles corduroy.

Besom pocket ~ reinforced top seam found on the pockets of golf shirts. This reinforced top seam keeps the pocket in shape and more durable.

Bi-Swing Shoulder ~ a generous fit across the shoulder for ease of movement.

Binding ~ a strip of material sewn or attached over or along the edge of something for protection, reinforcement or ornamentation.

Blanks ~ undecorated items or apparel; also refers to "blank" goods.

Bleeds ~ printers cannot print right to the edge of a paper sheet. To create that effect, the printer must use a sheet, which is larger than the document size. Then the printer prints beyond the edge of the document size (usually 1/8”), then cuts the paper down to the document size.

BMP (Bitmap) files ~ images are exactly what their name says they are a collection of bits that form an image. The image consists of a matrix of individual dots (or pixels) that all have their own color (described using bits, the smallest possible units of information for a computer).

Bonded Premium ~ Point-of-purchase premium attached to a product by a bond of plastic, paper or tape.

Bounce Back ~ An advertisement sent along with an already ordered self-liquidating premium to sell other premiums on a self-liquidating basis.

Breeze Knit ~ garment-washed cool knit. By garment washing, the cool knit gets a softer hand and reduced shrinkage.

Brim ~ a sun screen that goes all the way around a hat. An example would be a tennis hat.

Broadcloth ~ a close plain-weave fabric made of cotton, rayon or a blend of cotton or rayon with polyester.

Buckram backing ~ stiff fabric used to give shape and form to items like caps, belts, etc. Also used to stabilize embroidery edges.

Burnout ~ usually a blended fabric (cotton/poly for instance) treated with a chemical to slightly dissolve one fiber in the cloth. The result is a sheer, lacy design often giving the fabric a vintage, worn-in feel. Because of this process, each garment is unique, and similar to tie-dyed or pigment-dyed fabric, there is often variations in the design and color. Examples of burnout tees are Canvas style 3601 and Bella style B8601.

Business Gift ~ Merchandise given by a business in goodwill, without obligation to its customers, employees, friends and the like. Often, this business gift is not imprinted with the advertiser’s identification. Some companies prohibit employees from accepting business gifts.

ballpoint pens ~ Ballpoint pens feature a tiny ball that rolls between an ink cartridge and the contact point on the writing surface. The ink cartridges of ballpoint pens are filled with oil-based, viscous ink.

banded ~ The term “banded” means the fabric has been folded double and sewn down. T-shirt collars are constructed this way.

baseball jersey ~ Baseball jersey t-shirts are designed to resemble baseball uniform shirts. They are typically manufactured with comfortable fabrics such as 100% cotton and feature contrast color sleeves and collar.

beanie cap ~ Beanie caps are close-fitting, brimless hats designed to keep your head and ears warm. Beanie caps are typically made with cotton knits or fleece material. When it comes to decoration, beanie caps are usually embroidered although screen printing is sometimes a possibility.

biodegradable plastic ~ Certain types of plastics are designed to decompose in a landfill or when exposed to the natural environment to benefit the Earth. Decomposition takes place with the help of naturally occurring microorganisms.

boat tote ~ A boat tote is a reusable, carry-all bag featuring a contrast-color bottom and carrying handles.

bonded collar ~ Bonded collars contain an interlining to give the collar lasting shape.

bonded leather ~ Bonded leather is manufactured with leftover leather pieces that are bonded together to form new, larger pieces. Bonded leather typically consists of at least 60% natural leather with the remaining product consisting of bonding polyurethane material.

bowling shirt ~ A bowling shirt is a garment designed for casual wear. It typically features cotton construction, a button-down front, and contrast collar and short sleeves. The shirt is styled after traditional bowling league team uniforms.

BPA plastic ~ BPA is an abbreviation for Bisphenol A, a building block of many plastics. In recent years, the government questioned the safety of BPA for consumers, giving rise to the “BPA Free” movement in plastic water bottles and food containers. Regulatory authorities have more recently concluded that consumer exposure levels to BPA are very low and therefore do not pose a risk. Still, many manufacturers tout their bottles and containers as BPA free to ease consumers’ minds.

brand ~ Your brand is the personality, feelings, perceptions, images, thoughts, and beliefs associated with your company or organization.

brand awareness ~ This term refers to your customers’ ability to recall relevant information about your company, including logo recognition and memory of products and/or services provided by your company or organization.

breakaway neck cord ~ Breakaway neck cords are a safety feature designed into products that are worn around the neck. Breakaway neck cords help prevent choking or other related injuries. Any excessive pressure expended on the breakaway cord will cause it to separate from the suspended product such as I.D. badges and camera cases.

briefcase ~ A briefcase is a rectangular shaped bag designed for carrying papers and books. These bags typically feature carrying handles and leather or other durable construction.

broadcloth ~ Broadcloth is a tightly woven fabric of cotton, rayon, silk, synthetics, or a combination of these materials. It features a smooth, lustrous finish and is commonly used for dress shirts.

brushed fabric ~ Brushed fabric features an extra soft texture produced by raising the nap. Raising the nap is achieved by lifting surface fibers, often with wire brushes.

buckram ~ Buckram is a stiff cloth, typically made of cotton, used to stiffen parts of clothing such as collars and hats.

burnout t-shirt ~ Burnout t-shirts feature fabric that has undergone a chemical process to create a semi-transparent pattern within a more solid-color.

butt register ~ Butt register is an actual printing industry term. It refers to the place where ink colors meet without overlapping or having any space in between.

C

Cabretta leather ~ a leather made from the skins of sheep that grow hair rather than wool, tougher than other sheepskins and used chiefly for gloves and shoes

Calendaring ~ essentially an ironing process that adds sheen to the fabric by the use of heavy rollers (or calendars), pressure and steam heat.

Camera-ready ~ artwork that is black and white and has very clean, crisp lines that make it easy to scan and suitable for photographic reproduction.

Canvas ~ strong, firm, heavyweight, and closely woven fabric. Usually made of cotton.

Cap sleeve ~ a very short sleeve that hangs over the shoulder but does not extend beyond the armhole on the underside, often used for ladies' fashion tees such as Anvil style 1441 or Bella style 8705

Chambray ~ a plain weave fabric, usually of cotton or rayon, or a blend of these.

Chino Cotton ~ A coarse twilled cotton fabric used for uniforms and sometimes work or sports clothes.

Clean-finished placket ~ typically the interfacings of plackets are raw or edged, which means they can look ragged or uneven, particularly on light-colored shirts. By cutting the interfacing in a rectangle, turning the edges under and fusing them in place, there is a straight placket with no raw edges. All that shows inside the shirt is the smooth edge.

ClimaCool ~ a registered adidas term used to describe products made of fabric that withstand wind and rain, and keep moisture off the body and in the atmosphere

Coach's jacket ~ style of jacket, comparable to a basic windbreaker, with fold-over collar and slash pockets.

Collateral Materials ~ Advertising materials that are not transmitted to consumers via advertising media. Collateral materials include catalogs, shelf cards, posters, specifications sheets and trade information materials.

Collectibles ~ Premiums designed to have inherent value based upon their perceived "collectibility."

Commemorative ~ A merchandise keepsake used to mark a ceremony, anniversary, event or milestone.

Color blocking ~ merchandising and/or cutting term whereby a certain type or block of colors ends up in the same place every time on the finished garment.

Colorfill ~ screen printing an image and then debossing it onto the vinyl’s surface

Combed cotton ~ cotton yarn that has been combed to remove short fibers and to straighten or arrange longer fibers in parallel order.

Combination Sale ~ A tie-in of a premium with a purchase at combination prices; sometimes self-liquidating; often an on-pack.

Contest ~ A competition based on skill, in which prizes are offered.

Combing ~ a secondary cleansing process performed to remove additional impurities from the staple fibers after carding. This is a better, more refined cotton than carding.

Compacting ~ process that compacts the space between fabric fiber pockets. This will prevent cotton shrinkage. Comprehension straps - straps which securely hold the inner contents of a bag.

Compression molded ~ a solid, pre-formed molded panel that is created using compression.

Constructed ~ a constructed cap has buckram backing.

Container Premium ~ A product container, which when empty, may be used as a container for other items. These items are usually partially or completely self-liquidating since the consumer pays for the product.

Continuity Premiums ~ A series of related premiums offered over a period of six to eight weeks.

Cool knit ~ a variation of pique that results in a different texture and surface appearance. It resembles a "waffle" pattern.

Copy Change ~ a fee charged for changing the imprint copy on a product either at time of the original proof approval or upon a re-order.

Cotton sheeting ~ plain-weave cotton fabric, usually prelaundered, used for fashion sportswear. It's wrinkled to create crinkle cotton.

Crestable panels ~ panels that are available for custom branding.

Crew collar ~ a rounded, ribbed collar cut loose to the neck.

Crinkle cotton ~ wrinkled or puckered cotton obtained by cloth, construction or finishing. It is prelaundered and made from cotton finishing.

Crop top ~ a shirt style made to expose the midriff.

Cross cut ~ fabric knit on a pique machine, which is altered slightly to provide a unique stitch. The face of the fabric is two-toned, which gives it a dimensional, textured look and feel. The garment stitching will have a horizontal appearance rather than a vertical one.

Cross grain ~ this term is used for heavyweight fleece fabric. The fabric is sewn between ribs or panels on the side part of the garment for extra thickness and durability.

Crown ~ the upper-most part of the cap of a hat that is sewn to either a hatband, brim or sweat band.

CVC ~ chief value cotton; used in some blends of t-shirts for a fine, smooth feel.

cadet collar ~ A cadet collar is featured on many jackets and zipper sweatshirts. Unzipped, it can be folded down to create a small collar. Zipped, the collar stands straight up under the chin for warmth.

camouflage ~ Camouflage is typically a green and brown pattern traditionally worn by hunters and soldiers to make them less visible outdoors among trees, branches, and bushes.

camp shirt ~ Camp shirts feature button-down styling, convertible collars, and pockets. They are often stain resistant.

canvas ~ Canvas is a sturdy, tightly woven cloth commonly made with cotton. Canvas is used to construct tote bags and work shirts.

cap sleeve ~ Cap sleeves are shorter and tighter than your typical t-shirt sleeve. They’re most commonly found on ladies’ t-shirts.

casting ~ Casting is the process in which liquid metal is poured into a mold and allowed to solidify, resulting in the desired shape. Products like lapel pins and belt buckles are often made via this process.

ceramic ~ Ceramic is a hard material made by firing clay and similar materials to manufacture items such as mugs.

ceramic decal ~ Decals are the only way to get a four color imprint on items like ceramic mugs. A full color decal is printed, applied to the mug, and fired.

chambray ~ Chambray is a lightweight fabric featuring white filling yarns, delivering a casual look and feel.

chemical etched ~ Chemicals are used in the process to remove top layers from a surface to create an imprint. This process is used on glass and metal products.

chenille ~ Chenille yarn is made by twisting short lengths of yarn together, resulting in a protruding pile for a super soft look and feel.

chin guard ~ Chin guards appear at the top of a zipper in a jacket or sweatshirt. They help prevent catching your skin between the teeth of the zipper as it is zipped.

Cloisonné ~ A decorating technique in which enamel is applied to a metal background (such as on a lapel pin) in raised cells.

CMYK ~ CMYK refers to the four inks used in the color printing process cyan, magenta, yellow, and key (black).

collar ~ A collar is part of the shirt at the neck that frames the face. Dress shirts are available with a variety of collar styles, including straight, spread, club, and button-down. Collars may be fused (stiffened with fabric) or unfused (a looser, more traditional look).

colorblock ~ Colorblock shirts feature two or more solid colors. Sleeves are often a contrasting color than the body of the shirt.

color registration ~ This printing term refers to lining up multiple colors correctly in a single image. Each color is printed separately and needs to line up to other colors in the image precisely.

color separation ~ This printing industry term refers to the process in which a multi-color image is separated into individual colors, one color per screen.

compressed t-shirts ~ Screen printed t-shirts are vacuum sealed into a compressed shape for marketing purposes.

contrast stitching ~ This term indicates that a garment features thread that intentionally stands out in contrasting color.

cotton chino ~ Cotton chino is a twill fabric originally made with 100% cotton. Today’s chinos often feature cotton/synthetic blends. Cotton chino is a popular choice for Chino pants.

coverstitching ~ Coverstitching is the use of two needles to overlap the threads underneath, which reinforces seams of a garment like a shirt. Coverstitching looks similar to double needle stitching.

crew neck ~ A crew neck t-shirt, sweater, or sweatshirt features a close-fitting, round neckline.

cuff ~ A cuff is the end part of a shirt sleeve where the material of the sleeve is turned back or a separate band is sewn on.

crop ~ There are many reasons to crop an image. Images may be cropped to be resized to fit into a space like a picture frame. Images may also be cropped to remove a portion of a photograph such as a background.

D

Dazzle ~ a lightweight fabric that easily allows the body to receive ventilation during physical activity. Dazzle fabric is distinguished by the pattern of tiny holes in the weave of the material. Often made of synthetic fibers as well as cotton/synthetic blends, the look of dazzle wear is usually somewhat sleek and shiny.

Dealer Incentive ~ Premium or other reward given by a manufacturer to retailers or distributors in return for a specified bulk purchase.

Dealer Premiums/Dealer Programs ~ Premiums offered to retailers who meet certain sales or performance standards.

Debossed silicone ~ a stamped, soft silicone process versus a raised mold; this material is often used for colored bracelets

Debossing ~ depressing an image into a material’s surface so that the image sits below the product surface

Denier ~ a scale for the density (largely related to thickness) of fibers in fabric. The higher the shown as denier, the thicker the fiber. For example, mesh athletic wear such as Badger's style B8529 use a lighter fiber (70 denier) for comfort and ease of movement, while UltraClub's Classic Briefcase style U1011 is made with thicker fibers (600 denier) for a stiffer fabric for durability and shape retention.

Denim ~ a basic or cotton or blended fabric with right- or left-hand twill constructions. The wrap is usually dyed blue with a white filing.

Die-casting ~ injecting molten metal into the cavity of a carved die (a mold)

Die-striking ~ producing emblems and other flat promotional products by striking a blank metal sheet with a hammer that holds the die

Direct Mail ~ A mailing of a package, other print collateral or materials that are targeted directly to a predefined list of customers.

Direct Premium ~ An item given free with a purchase at the time of the purchase. These include on-packs, in-packs and container premiums as well as those given separately.

Divot Repair Tool ~ a useful tool for any golfer, this item is used to replace and mend any divots created in the grass with the swing of a club

Door Opener ~ An item of value offered by a salesperson to persuade potential buyers to listen to a sales presentation or to initiate interest in a product or service for a sales call follow-up.

Double-needle ~ a double row of stitching at the seam.

Draw cord ~ a cord or ribbon run through a hem or casing and pulled to tighten or close an opening or drawstring.

Drop seam ~ a seam that is cut and lays below the shoulder of the garment.

Drop Shipment ~ an order shipped to more than one location will be charged a fee for each additional destination. Less than Minimum the fee charged by a supplier for ordering 50% fewer items than the quantity listed in the minimum or first column. This option is not always available on all products.

Drop tail ~ a design feature found in upscale products where the back of the garment is longer than the front, sometimes referred to as an "elongated" back.

DWR ~ a special finishing process to enhance longevity and effectiveness of water resistance (Durable Water Resistant) .

debossing ~ Debossing is a decorating method that indents your logo into the product. This technique is a popular way to decorate leather products like padfolios, iPad cases, and bags.

decal ~ A decal is a design printed on special paper intended for transfer to another surface such as ceramic, porcelain, or metal. Decals are the only way to achieve a full color imprint on many of these types of surfaces.

decorate ~ Screen printing, embroidery, heat transfer, engraving, embossing, and debossing are all popular decoration methods for various promotional products.

denier (pronounced DEN-ee-ya) ~ This term refers to the thickness of a strand of polyester or nylon. The smaller the number of denier, the thinner the strand. The larger the number, the thicker the strand.

die casting ~ Die casting is the process in which molten metal is poured into a mold to achieve the desired shape. Items like lapel pins are made via this process.

die cut ~ This is a process in which items like notepads, sticky notes, mouse pads, and magnets are cut to a desired shaped for marketing purposes.

die struck ~ Items like lapel pins that are described as “die struck” are made by stamping the pins from a strip of sheet metal.

differential rise ~ This term refers to the distance between the crotch and the waistband on a pair of pants.

digital artwork ~ A graphics file. Common graphics files are .jpg, and .eps. The free art department at Show Your Logo creates all artwork in Adobe Illustrator.

digital picture frame ~ Digital picture frames store digital images on a memory card. They have the ability to display these images in rotation.

direct-to-garment printing (DTG) ~ DTG printing is the process of printing on apparel and other textiles using inkjet technology. Unlike screen printing, there are no set up costs. However, the cost of the ink and equipment maintenance is higher with DTG printing than screen printing. DTG printing does not require hands-on contact, allowing for a very precise image.

distressed ~ Sometimes apparel is sold with a well-worn look, which may include holes, tears, and intentional fading.

divot tool ~ A divot tool is used to repair the green after you damage it with your clubs, your cleats, or your golf balls. It is considered good golf etiquette to repair the green.

dobby weave ~ This type of fabric features a small geometric, textured pattern in the cloth.

dolman shirt ~ These shirts, designed for women, refer to a style that is long and loose fitting. Extra fabric in the sleeves creates a draped look.

domes ~ Epoxy domes are a means of decorating promotional products such as bags and cases. These raised domes can be customized with your logo or custom design.

double-hit ~ This is a printing industry term that refers to multiple layers or extra ink that is applied during the printing process.

double knit fabric ~ Double knit fabric is a jersey-like fabric knitted on a machine equipped with two sets of needles, resulting in a double thickness, interlocked fabric.

double needle stitching ~ This finish is commonly used on sleeves and bottom hems. It uses two needles to fashion parallel rows of stitching for a finished look as well as added durability.

double wall tumbler ~ Drinkware that is described as having a “double wall” features two layers of materials to creating an insulating inner liner. The insulating inner layer helps keep drinks at their desired temperature longer than a single wall tumbler.

drilled pen holes ~ Holes can be drilled into paper cubes for the purpose of storing and displaying promotional pens.

duck cloth ~ Duck cloth is another term for “canvas.” This fabric is typically made with plain, woven cotton fabric. It is durable and resistant to tearing and rough wear.

dye sublimation printing ~ This printing technology results in high quality, high resolution color prints. Its downfall is that it doesn’t reproduce text or line-art as well as other printing methods.

E

Egyptian Cotton ~ Cultivated in Egypt's Nile River Valley, this cotton is considered the best cotton in the world. The particular growing season gives the cotton the longest and strongest fibers, making it ideal for weaving into smooth, strong yarn. Commonly used in high-end towels and linens.

Embroidery ~ stitching a design into fabric through the use of high-speed, computer-controlled sewing machines. Artwork must first be “digitized,” which is the specialized process of converting two-dimensional artwork into stitches or thread. A particular format of art such as a jpeg, tif, eps, or bmp, cannot be converted into an embroidery tape. The digitizer must actually recreate the artwork using stitches. Then it programs the sewing machine to sew a specific design, in a specific color, with a specific type of stitch. This is the process known as digitizing.

Embossing ~ impressing an image in relief to achieve a raised surface

End on end ~ a weave in which the warp yarn (the yarn running lengthwise) alternates between two colors.

Engraving ~ cutting an image into metal, wood or glass by one of three methods–computerized engraving, hand tracing, or hand engraving.

Enzyme wash ~ washing process that uses a cellulose-based solution to obtain garments that appear to have been stonewashed or acid washed. The solution physically degrades the surface of the cotton fiber. The appearance and hand of the garment are identical to stonewashed and acid washed garments. However, the fabric surface is not damaged to the extent of a stonewashed or acid washed garment.

EPS (encapsulated postscript) file ~ an alternative picture file format that allows PostScript data to be stored and edited and is easy to transfer between Macintosh, MSDOS and other systems.

Etching ~ using a process in which an image is first covered with a protective coating that resists acid, then exposed, leaving bare metal and protected metal. The acid attacks only the exposed metal, leaving the image etched onto the surface.

EVA molded ~ a type of foam with softness and flexibility that yet can be processed like other thermoplastics. The material has good barrier properties, low-temperature toughness, stress-crack resistance, hot-melt adhesive waterproof properties and resistance to UV radiation for maximum durability.

Exact Rerun ~ usually there is no set-up charge on exact reruns of an order.

Eyelets ~ small holes generally finished with stitches or brass grommets.

easy care fabric ~ A garment that is manufactured with “easy care fabric” often features wrinkle and stain resistant properties.

eco-friendly ~ Promotional products with this label may be made with recycled materials. They may also be biodegradable, recyclable, or made from organic materials such as organically grown cotton.

embossing ~ A process by which your logo is raised up into a product, typically those made of leather or silicone. This effect is achieved using metal dies, heat, and pressure.

embroidery ~ Embroidery is a decorating technique employing needle and thread or yarn to create your custom design.

EPS image files (Encapsulated PostScript ~ A graphics file format . A number of programs will save or convert vector art to EPS format, including Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.

ergonomic ~ Products described as “ergonomic” are designed with user comfort and safety in mind. Products ranging from zipper pulls to mug handles to mouse pads are often described as ergonomic.

etching ~ Etching is a decorating process commonly used with glassware, ceramics, porcelain, and crystal. Using a template, the item has a design cut out of it.

fabric weight (5.6 oz., 6.1 oz., etc.) ~ Fabric weight refers to how much the fabric weighs in ounces per square yard.

F

Fabric memory ~ a term used for cotton fabric. When washing instructions are followed, it will always come back looking as if it were brand new.

Face yarn ~ the exterior yarn of a fleece garment.

50/50 ~ 50 percent cotton/50 percent polyester fabric; also referred to as "polycotton".

Fleece ~ a fabric with a pile or napped surface, sometimes of a unit construction; commonly used in sweats.

Foil Stamp ~ applying metallic or colored foil imprints to vinyl, leather or paper surfaces

Football jersey ~ a jersey shirt with a slight v-neck, stitched yoke and one-half-length to three-quarter-length sleeves.

Four-color Process ~ a system where a color image is separated into 4 different color values by the use of filters and screens (usually done digitally). The result is a color separation of 4 images, that when transferred to printing plates and printed on a printing press with the colored inks cyan (blue), magenta (red), yellow and black, reproduces the original color image. These four colors can be combined to create thousands of colors.

Fused lining ~ a lining that is fused to the two outer plies with solvent, heat and pressure. It's used to stabilize or stiffen parts of a garment, such as a pocket or collar.

FDA requirements ~ Regulations related to the food and drug industries as imposed by the U.S Food and Drug Administration.

flannel ~ A soft cloth made with wool or cotton. Flannel has a loose texture and a slightly napped surface. Flannel is a popular fabric choice for casual wear

flash (during screen printing ~ A flash dryer uses heat during the screen printing process to cure ink between colors as well as during the final curing.

flash drive ~ A pocket-sized, electronic device used for storing data or transferring it to or from a computer or other USB enabled device such as a digital camera.

flat bill ~ A flat bill cap lacks any curve in the bill of the hat that shields the eyes. It is completely flat.

fleece ~ Fleece is made with a jersey stitch. Yarns are brushed to create a soft, nappy look and feel.

foil stamp ~ Foil stamping is the application of pigment or metallic foil to the surface of the product. Foil stamping can be done after the embossing process to create a colorful 3D image of your logo or custom design. Foil stamping is a popular way to decorate items such as leather padfolios and gift boxes.

font ~ A typeface collection that includes lower/upper case characters, numbers, and special characters with a unifying design.

four color process printing ~ This is a printing process in which artwork is photographed through a series of color filters to create four plates. Three plates are printed with colors and one plate is printed with black ink. The four colors are blended in the human eye to simulate a full color image.

full bleed printing ~ This refers to printing that goes beyond the edge of the paper or product so that the entire surface is covered in the printing process.

full color digital printing ~ This four color process allows for photo-quality images in full color with just one run through the printing machine. Alternatively, screen printing would require an additional run for each additional color.

full fashioned ~ Full fashioned garments are created to fit closely to the contours of the body.

G

Gabardine ~ a firm hard-finish durable fabric, twilled with diagonal ribbon

Garment wash ~ process of industrially washing garments after they have been manufactured to remove sizing; it also softens and pre-shrinks.

Giveaway ~ Direct premium given free of charge or obligation to generate awareness and/or goodwill.

Grommet ~ an eyelet of firm material to strengthen or protect an opening.

Gusset ~ triangular inserts in sleeve seams to widen and strengthen.

garment washed ~ A garment washed piece of apparel has a well –worn , faded look that is achieved by washing the items in industrial machines, often with rough objects or special enzymes to create the casual look.

gel ink pens ~ Gel pens feature pigment that is suspended in a water-based gel that is thick and opaque, making it ideal for writing on dark surfaces.

gigabyte (GB) ~ One GB of electronic memory (such as found in devices like USB drives and hard drives) is equivalent to 1024 megabytes (MB).

GIF image files (Graphics Interchange Format) This graphic image format supports up to 8 bits per pixel for each image. GIF files are ideal for low resolution files and are an acceptable format for logos and graphics with solid areas of color.

giveaway ~ A giveaway is a popular term referencing the distribution of free promotional products intended to keep your company name and logo in the hands of your customers.

glass etching ~ Glass etching is a process in which the surface of a piece of glass is removed to create a subtle imprint of your logo or custom design. This effect is achieved using a chemical process or abrasive sandblasting.

gold banding ~ Gold banding is a decorative process in which a gold band is added to a product, typically a ceramic or porcelain mug.

golf shirt ~ A golf shirt is a lightweight, short-sleeved shirt featuring a collar and buttons at the neck. Golf shirts may be manufactured with a variety of fabrics, including 100% cotton, cotton/synthetic blends, and performance fabrics. These shirts get their name because they’re a popular, comfortable choice on the golf course. Golf shirts typically include a left breast pocket.

graphics standards ~ Graphics standards are a set of guidelines created by a company or organization to ensure that their logo is used accurately and consistently.

grommet ~ A grommet is made of durable material (often metal) and is intended to protect or strengthen an opening on a product like a tote bag or jacket.

gusset ~ A gusset is an insert intended to widen and strengthen. A gusset at the bottom of a tote bag, for example, widens and strengthens the bag.

H

Hand ~ quality or characteristic of fabrics perceived by sense of touch, e.g. softness, firmness, drapeability, fineness (i.e. its tactile qualities).

Hanger appeal ~ a retail term meaning very marketable or very appealing to a retail market; as in "looks appealing on the hanger"

Heat-seal label ~ tagless labels; the information displayed on a label is heat stamped or printed onto the garment to avoid an itchy attached label. (Badger, adidas and UltraClub are three examples of brands that do this)

Heather ~ a yarn that is spun using pre-dyed fibers. These fibers are blended together to give a particular look. (For example, black and white may be blended together to create a gray heathered yarn.) The term, heather, may also be used to describe the fabric made from heathered yarns.

Heavyweight ~ fabric heavier than 10 ounces per linear yard, equal to 1.60 yield. Standard weight in the industry is 8 ounces (2.0 yield) or lighter.

Henley style ~ shirt featuring a banded neck and button placket; may be ribbed.

Herringbone ~ a decorative pattern of rows of slanted parallel lines alternating direction row by row.

High cotton ~ type of cotton fabric that results in a soft hand. Therefore, it has little or no lint and a tighter knit, which makes for ideal screen printing.

High profile ~ determines the look of a cap. A high-profile cap's arch begins at 3 inches.

Honeycomb pique ~ a knit fabric that is characterized by a wider waffle-like appearance, which actually allows the wearer more comfort.

Host Gifts/Hosts Incentives ~ A gift or premium given by a party plan operator to a consumer who agrees to be the host for a demonstration party. The value of the gift is usually proportional to the amount of sales at the party.

Hot Stamp ~ setting a design on a relief die, which is then heated and pressed onto the printing surface

Hydrophilic or Hydrophilic finish ~ hydrophilic fibers absorb water easily, often used in moisture-management styles to aid in wicking and quick evaporation of perspiration.

halftone ~ A halftone is a reproduction of a photo or image in which the various tones of gray or color are created via dots of ink in various sizes.

halo ~ A halo is a decorating option on many promotional mugs. Halos are a band of color that may be added to the rim of the mug.

hand ~ The term “hand” is often used to describe the surface of a type of fabric. A fabric with a soft or silky hand feels just that way to the touch.

HDPE ~ This is an abbreviation for high-density polyethylene. It is commonly used in the production of plastic bottles. It features the number “2” as its recycling symbol. This type of plastic is appreciated for its strength in relation to its relative thinness.

heather ~ In a heathered garment, blended fibers are combined to make a vari-colored effect. Heathered fabric usually consists of cotton, polyester, and rayon. Heathered fabrics are never 100% cotton because additional fibers are necessary to create the vari-colored look.

heat sealed ~ Tote bags are often described as “heat sealed.” This indicates that the seams of the bag are not sewn together but fused together using the heat sealing process. Thermoplastics on the fabric of the tote bags undergo heat and pressure to fuse the edges together.

heat transfer printing ~ This is a process of printing an image onto fabric (typically synthetic fabrics). The image is first printed on paper with special dyes and transferred to fabric with the application of heat. The fabric then absorbs the dye from the paper.

henley ~ A Henley shirt is a collarless pullover shirt characterized by a placket featuring 2-5 buttons. A Henley resembles a polo shirt minus the collar.

herringbone ~ Herringbone fabric features a v-shaped weave often found in twill fabrics. This fabric is a popular choice for suits and outerwear.

hot stamping ~ This is a decorating process in which pre-dried inks or foils are transferred to a product at a high temperature. This decorating method can be used on polypropylene, polyethylene, and other plastics. Other possibilities include wood, leather, and paper products. Debossing and embossing are achieved using a hot stamp machine.

I

Imprint Area ~ the area on a product, with specific dimensions, in which the imprint is placed.

Indigo dyeing ~ indigo dye is a substance taken from the indigo plant. There are many chemical imitation indigo dyes. Indigo dye color can only be achieved through a process of dyeing where yarn is dipped into a dye bath and is then allowed to oxidize. The number of dips determines the depth of the indigo color-the more dips, the darker the color.

Incentive ~ Reward for a purchase or performance.

In-Pack ~ A premium offered inside a product package.

Interlock ~ a fine-gauge knit fabric produced by interlocking or interlocking stitches on a circular knit machine. Similar to a jersey, except both front and back of fabric look identical. Interlock is a variation of rib knit construction. The fabric is extremely soft, firm and absorbent.

imprint area ~ An imprint area is the area or areas in which a promotional product can accept your logo or custom design. The size and/or location of the area may vary depending on the decorating method you choose.

incentive ~ This type of marketing includes the distribution of promotional products to encourage the sale of a product or service.

injection molding ~ Heated and liquefied materials are injected into a mold where they are allowed to cool and harden into the desired shape. Metals, glass, plastics, and confections can all undergo the injection molding process to create all kinds of custom-shaped products.

inseam ~ This term refers to the length of the seam in a pair of pants from the crotch to the bottom of the leg.

interlock ~ Interlock fabric features closely woven stitches to allow it to stretch and recover effectively.

J

Jacquard knit ~ dyed yarn knit on sophisticated equipment to produce a desired pattern and/or texture.

Jaspe pique ~ two color yarns create subtle tone variations on the surface of the fabric. This will allow exceptional embroidery surfaces.

Jersey ~ a type of fabric with a flat appearance, knit on a circular, single-knit machine; its principal distinction is that it is not a fabric with a distinct rib.

jacquard ~ Jacquard fabrics feature an intricately woven pattern.

jersey knit ~ Jersey knitting involves a single set of needles that pull a loop of yarn through another loop of yarn to create a knitted fabric.

Johnny collar ~ Shirts with this style collar features an open, short V-neck and a flat (often knit) collar. It has the look of an unbuttoned polo shirt minus the buttons.

JPEG Image Files (Joint Photographic Experts Group files) ~ computer files format compresses and stores high-quality, photographic digital images.

junior fit ~ This fit is designed for young women. The cut is designed to fit young bodies with fewer curves, a smaller bust, and less differentiation between the hips and the waist. Junior sizes are typically sized in odd numbers from 1 – 15.

K

kangaroo pocket ~ This type of pocket is typically found in casual jackets or sweatshirts. They consist of a single, large pocket in the front of the garment with openings on either side that meet in the middle.

Kasha-lining ~ a lining principally for jackets featuring cotton flannel, napped face and imitation chambray back.

Keeper ~ A premium offered in direct-mail marketing for accepting a free trial of the sale merchandise and to be kept by the consumer even if the trial item is returned.

L

Lap shoulder ~ Lap shoulder - an infant's shirt where the back panel or body parts overlap the front panel at the neckline where the set-in sleeves start. See style R2000 Rabbit Skins Organic Lap Shoulder Tee.

Lisle ~ high-quality cotton yarn made by plying yarns spun from long, combed staple.

Locker loop ~ a self-fabric loop sewn into the center of the back yoke seam for a functional styling detail.

Logo ~ an artistic interpretation of a company's sign or symbol. These figures can be copyrighted or trademarked. Permission is needed for duplication.

Low profile ~ determines the look of a cap. A low-profile cap's arch begins at 2 to 3 inches.

laminated ~ Products described as “laminated” feature a protective coating, usually made of some form of plastic.

laser engraving ~ This is a process in which lasers are used to precisely engrave, or remove the surface layers, of a product to create a custom design. Many metal products such as stainless steel tumblers, metal key tags, and carabineers can be laser engraved.

laser etching ~ Laser etching is another term for laser engraving. Lasers are used to precisely remove the surface of a product to create a custom design.

laser marking ~ Laser marking discolors the surface of a product without cutting into the surface.

lenticular printing ~ This is a printing technology in which images are printed with an illusion of depth or the illusion of movement when the image is viewed from different angles.

locker patch ~ This term refers to a panel sewn into the inside back portion of a garment (such as a jacket or sweatshirt) to reinforce it and minimize stretching when hung on a hook.

logo ~ A logo is a unique symbol adopted by a business or organization to help consumers and patrons identify its products, uniforms, vehicles, etc.

low profile ~ A low profile cap has a crown that is less than 4” in height.

Lycra ~ This trademark-name fabric is typically used in close-fitting athletic apparel. It is made with an elastic polyurethane fiber.

M

MAG pockets ~ magnetic access pockets.

Marbled ~ a texture that involves a body color with contrasting highlight flecks on the surface. These flecks give the garment a heather-like appearance.

Marketing Mix ~ Combining marketing elements, including advertising, promotional products, direct mail and public relations, into one cohesive marketing program.

Mercerization ~ a process that eliminates all of the small "hairs" of yarn, which adds to its luster. This yarn is then additionally run through a caustic solution, which further smoothes and adds gloss to the yarn surface by burning off additional fabric hairs.

Mechanical artwork ~ the traditional standard for acceptable mechanical artwork that is “camera-ready black and white” material

Metafile ~ a collection of structures that store a picture in a device- independent format. Device independence is the one feature that sets metafiles apart from bitmaps. Unlike a bitmap, a metafile guarantees device independence. There is a drawback to metafiles, because they are generally drawn more slowly than bitmaps. Therefore, if an application requires fast drawing and device independence is not an issue, it should use bitmaps instead of metafiles.

Microfiber ~ very fine fibers, which give a unique appearance and soft hand. Microfiber fabrics are generally lightweight, resilient and resist wrinkling. They have a luxurious drape and the body retains its shape and resists pilling. They are also very strong and durable.

Mock turtleneck ~ a shortened version of the turtleneck where the neck of the garment does not fold over.

Moisture wicking ~ Moisture-wicking fabric actually draws moisture from perspiration away from the skin to the surface of the garment where it can evaporate more quickly and easily. Moisture-wicking styles, such as the UltraClub Cool & Dry line, are ideal not just for athletes and teams, but also for general wear because they help keep the wearers feeling fresh and dry.

matte finish ~ Products with this type of finish have a dull or lusterless surface.

merrow stitching ~ This stitch is an overlock stitch that sews over the edge of one or two pieces of fabric for edging, hemming, or seaming. It is often used as a decorative, finishing edge on products like fleece blankets.

messenger bag ~ This type of bag is intended to be worn over one shoulder with a strap across the chest. The bag rests on the lower back as it is being carried.

metafile ~ This is an image file stored in a format that can be exchanged with different systems or software.

microfiber ~ This is a very fine, synthetic yarn known for its softness and absorbency.

microfleece ~ This is another term for polar fleece, usually referred to simply as “fleece.” This fabric is a soft, nappy synthetic fabric made from synthetic materials.

military cap ~ A hat style characterized by a short brim and crown.

moisture wicking ~ Moisture wicking fabric is designed to wick moisture away from your skin to the outside of the fabric, where it is better able to evaporate.

mock turtleneck ~ A mock turtleneck features a short funnel neck collar.

mood products ~ Mood products feature color-changing technology, typically activated by heat or light.

mouse pad ~ A flat, rigid or slightly resilient material that aids in efficient movement of a computer mouse.

MP3 player ~ A device that stores MP3 files; digital audio players.

N

Nailhead woven ~ consists of a solid background and color and little pinheads' (or small nailheads) of fabric spaced at regular (and very small) intervals. The effect of this pattern is that the background color tends to overshadow the nailhead pattern.

Neoprene ~ a synthetic rubber that is resistant to oils and aging

NuBlend fleece ~ a three-end fleece made of 50% cotton and 50% polyester with an anti-pilling surface.

Nubuk ~ a synthetic leather with its finished surface buffed to a slight nap or suede-like appearance.

napping ~ Napping is a process that raises surface fabric fibers to create an extra soft finish.

neoprene ~ This is a generic term for a type of synthetic rubber. Neoprene is a popular material for the construction of can coolers and cooler bags.

nonwoven ~ Nonwoven fabrics consist of fibers bonded with chemicals and/or heat via resinous substances.

nylon ~ A synthetic fabric that is tough, lightweight, and elastic.

O

On-Pack ~ A direct premium attached to the exterior of a product package or sometimes riding with it in a special sleeve, carton or film wrap.

One-ply yarn ~ one strand of thread is used to form the yarn that is woven into terry loops.

Open-end yarn ~ a process that eliminates some manufacturing steps needed for ring-spun yarn. This cost-saving process is passed on to the garments produced.

Ounces per sq. yd ~ a measurement of fabric weight, a weight that customers usually ask for when making a comparison to competitive brands.

Overruns/Underruns ~ the number of pieces that were printed in excess of the quantity specified/ the production run of fewer pieces than the amount specified. The industry standard on most products is +/-5%, with the exception being on paper and plastic bags. They can range from +/-10% to +/-25%. Suppliers bill on the actual quantity shipped.

Oxford ~ soft, somewhat porous, cotton shirting weave that creates a soft, nubby texture.

Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 Certified ~ Products bearing this certification are made with organic materials. No harmful chemicals have been in contact with the product.

open cell foam ~ Many can coolers are made with open cell foam. Cut them in half to reveal open cells that serve as insulating air pockets.

open front cardigan ~ A cardigan is an open front sweater that may have fasteners such as buttons, zippers, or belt ties.

open hem ~ An open hem on a pant leg is roomy and not close-fitting for ease of movement.

organic cotton ~ Cotton that is grown without the use of chemicals such as fertilizers or pesticides.

OTF File (Open Type Font) ~ This is the current standard in fonts. Both the screen and printed font is contained in a single file. Open Type fonts are compatible with Windows and Mac.

overlock stitching ~ An overlock stitch connects two pieces of fabric using rows of thread loops that wrap around the outer edge of the fabric to prevent fraying. This is also known as merrow stitching.

overprint ~ A process in which additional colors are added by printing on top of a product that has already been printed upon.

overruns ~ In printing, a run over/above the quantity actually ordered.

Oxford ~ This term refers to a type of fabric often used in dress shirts. Oxford shirts can be striped or checked using various colored yarns. Oxford dress shirts can be dressed up or dressed down.

P

Pad Printing ~ a recessed surface is covered with ink. The plate is wiped clean, leaving ink in the recessed areas. A silicone pad is then pressed against the plate, pulling the ink out of the recesses, and pressing it directly onto the product.

Page Layout Documents ~ the font files and document preferences that need to be supplied for use on the supplier’s operating system.

Paper proof ~ Impression of type or artwork on paper so the correctness and quality of the material to be printed can be checked. The least expensive is a regular black and white faxed paper proof.

PFD (Portable Document Format) files Adobe® file that preserves the visually rich content of original art, and are easier to read than HTML content that appears in a Web browser. Adobe PDF files print cleanly and quickly, and anyone can share Adobe PDF files, regardless of their platform or software application.

Peach finish ~ a soft hand (feel) usually obtained by sanding the fabric lightly; it can be achieved with chemical or laundry abrasion.

Personalization ~ imprinting an item with a person’s name using one of several methods such as mechanical engraving, laser engraving, hot stamping, debossing, sublimation, or screen printing, to name a few.

Peruvian Pima Cotton ~ Peruvian Pima Cotton is often referred to as the "cashmere of cotton" the softest, smoothest, "silkiest" fabric you can wear. Shrinkage standard for Peruvian Pima fabrics is a maximum of 5 x 5 if the garment is washed following directions on the label.

PET recycled polyester ~ P.E.T. (polyethylene terephthalate) refers to a specific type of plastic often used in plastic bottles. In a 7-step process, bottles are reclaimed and made into polyester fabric. This fabric is used, for instance, in Anvil's style 450.

PFD ~ prepare for dyeing. It indicates that the garment has been specifically prepared for the garment-dyeing process.

Piece dying ~ fabrics that are dyed solid colors after they have been woven or knitted, but before they are sewn into a garment.

Pigment dyeing ~ a class of dye used on cotton or poly/cotton. Neon or fluorescent colors are done with pigments. Dyers also do a distressed look using pigments. Pigments have the least degree of fastness of all the dyes, but create the brightest colors. Pigment dyes will typically stay in the pastel range unless it's neon. You cannot deepen color with a pigment.

Pima cotton ~ high-quality yarn made by plying yarns spun from long combed staple.

Pinpoint oxford ~ two fine yarns that are wrapped together for a fine and luxurious hand.

Piping ~ a narrow tube of fabric, sometimes enclosing a cord, used for trimming seams and edges as an added fashion detail.

Pique ~ a knit fabric that is characterized by its waffle-like appearance.

Placket ~ the construction that forms the opening in the front of the shirt, allowing the wearer to put it on and take it off with ease.

Plain weave ~ simplest, most common of all basic weaves. The surface provides a smooth surface for printing.

PMS (Pantone Matching System) ~ a book of standardized color in a fan format used to identify, match and communicate colors in order to produce accurate color matches in printing. Each color has a coded number indicating instructions for mixing inks to achieve that color.

Polar fleece ~ knitted using 100% fine denier polyester yarns. The pile is napped on the front and back to promote a very soft hand with exceptional loft. This is a fine denier knit that also allows the fabric to dry quickly.

Polynosic ~ a type of microfiber that is a blend of polyester and rayon fibers and having a soft finish.

Poplin ~ a medium-to-heavyweight unbalanced plain weave. It is a spun yarn fabric that is usually piece dyed.

PostScript ~ a computer description language that allows a programmer to create complex pages using a series of commands.

Powder dyeing ~ process that allows polyester to blend with cotton to give a garment a dyed appearance. Powder dyed garments ensure consistent color, wash after wash.

Perceived Value ~ What someone believes merchandise to be worth. To successfully sell premiums, the consumer must be convinced the proposed premium is worth putting forth the extra effort required to earn the item.

Premium ~ A product or service offered free or at a reduced price if the recipient performs some task, such as purchasing an item or meeting a sales quota.

Pre-production Proof ~ an actual physical sample of the product itself produced and sent for approval before an order goes into production.

Preshrunk ~ fabrics that are preshrunk (usually cotton) are more likely to retain their shape and size because, before the garment is manufactured, the fabric is subjected to a shrinking process to reduce the amount of shrinking during laundering

PrintPro ~ fleece fabric construction with a two-end yarn system that allows for an increase in the amount of stitches per square yard.

Prize ~ Reward given to winner in a contest, sweepstakes or lottery, sometimes refered to as a sales incentive award.

Production Time ~ the amount of time needed to produce and ship an order, once an order has been received and approved. Stock products with a one-color imprint usually ship within 10-12 working days. Custom products and those with multi-color imprints require longer production time.

Promotional Consultant (Distributor) ~ The promotional consultant develops solutions to marketing challenges through the innovative use of promotional products and is a resource to corporate buyers, marketing professionals and others. There are more than 20,000 promotional consultant firms in the industry.

PU construction ~ a synthetic split leather with a layer of polyurethane applied to the surface and then embossed.

packable jacket ~ These jackets can be folded or rolled compactly for ease of carrying or storage.

pad printing ~ This printing process allows 2-D images to be transferred to a 3-D object. Pads are typically made of silicone into 3D objects to transfer ink to the product.

page layout documents ~ The font files and document preferences required for use on the supplier’s operating system.

paper proof ~ This document shows you how a product will look before production begins.

PDF image files (Portable Document Images) ~ This is a multi-platform file format developed by Adobe. This file format can save document text, fonts, images, and formatting from a variety of applications. To view a PDF file requires Adobe Reader which can be downloaded from Adobe for free.

perceived value ~ The worth of a product or service in the mind of the consumer. It has more to do with the product’s ability to satisfy a need or want than the monetary value.

performance fabric ~ Performance fabrics have a functional quality or qualities built into the fabric such as moisture management, UV protection, wind/water resistance, thermo-regulation, and anti-microbial properties.

personalization ~ The process of customizing a product with a name, initials, or a monogram.

PET ~ PET stands for polyethylene terephthalate and is commonly used in synthetic fibers as well as beverage, food, and other containers.

photoetching ~ This is a process in which a photo is engraved into the surface of a product.

piece dyed ~ This term indicates the cloth has been dyed before being assembled into the finished garment.

pigment dyed ~ A dyeing process that gives garments a weathered or well-worn look.

pile ~ The raised surface or nap of a fabric made up of upright loops or strands of yarn.

pilling ~ The accumulation of fibers on the surface of a fabric caused by wash and wear. A higher cotton content results in less pilling.

Pima Cotton ~ Pima cotton is a type of cotton with a natural yellow color and a very soft, very strong fiber. Pima cotton accepts dye extremely well and is admired for its lustrous finish and superior strength.

piping ~ Piping is a type of trim or embellishment made up of a strip of folded fabric that is inserted into a seam.

pique ~ Pique fabric features a honey comb/waffle weave look. Although fine yarns are typically used in the manufacture of pique fabric, it has a course, firm hand.

placket ~ The placket of a shirt is the piece of fabric into which the button holes are sewn.

plaid ~ Plaid is a checkered or tartan twilled cloth, typically made of wool.

Plastisol ink ~ Plastisol inks are the most commonly used ink in commercial garment decoration. Plastisol ink consists of PVC particles in a suspension of liquid plasticizer and is used on textiles like t-shirts in the screen-printing process. Plastisol inks are recommended for printing on dark fabrics because they are so opaque. This ink sits on top of the fabric rather than soaking into the fibers. This type of ink will not air dry; it must be cured with heat, most often a device called a flash dryer. A temperature of about 350 degrees Fahrenheit must be reached for proper curing of Plastisol ink.

plunger-action pen ~ The writing tip of a pen is exposed and retracted with the push of a plunger at the top of the pen.

PMS (Pantone Matching System) ~ PMS is a color matching system used in the printing industry to print spot colors. Specify colors by the Pantone name or number to ensure you’re getting the exact right shade of blue to match your logo.

PMS Number ~ A number associated with a specific color in the Pantone Matching System.

PNG image files (Portable Network Graphics) These file types (pronounced “ping”) is a file format for image compression. It is commonly used on the web. It was developed as an improvement to GIF.

polyester ~ Polyester commonly refers to polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Polyesters include naturally occurring chemicals as well as synthetics. Fabrics woven from polyester yarn or thread typically have some advantages over natural fibers, including wrinkle-resistance, durability, and better color retention.

polypropylene (PP) ~ This is a type of plastic (a thermoplastic polymer) used in all kinds of products, from packaging to textiles to carpeting. It is a durable and inexpensive material.

polyurethane ~ This is a polymer used in the manufacturing of products like high-resilience foam seating, high performance adhesives, and synthetic fibers like Spandex.

polo shirt ~ A polo shirt is a casual shirt featuring short sleeves, a collar, and buttons at the neck. These shirts may be made of 100% cotton, cotton/poly blends, or polyester. There is typically no breast pocket on a polo shirt.

poplin ~ A plain-woven fabric with a corded surface typically made with lightweight cotton.

post-consumer recycled material ~ These materials have been recycled from consumer products like packaging and containers that otherwise would have been disposed of as solid waste.

pre-consumer recycled material ~ These materials are generated by manufacturers and may consist of scrap, trimmings, and other by-products that were never used by consumers.

pre-production proof ~ This is a mock-up of what a printed product will look like to be approved before the production process begins.

pre-production sample ~ A pre-production sample is an actual sample of the completed, customized product intended for customer approval before the entire order is run.

premium ~ Premiums are promotional items linked to a product that often require proofs of purchase to obtain.

press proof ~ A press proof is the last proof submitted for approval before a printing order is fulfilled.

princess seams ~ These are long, rounded seams used in women’s garments to add shaping or a tailored fit to closely follow a women’s shape.

production time ~ The time taken from release of an order to production and shipment.

promotional products ~ Useful items printed with the advertiser’s name, logo, message, or offer.

process color ~ Process color indicated a four color process will be used to imprint a product.

Proposition 65 Compliant ~ Proposition 65 (AKA the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986) requires any business doing business in California to provide a “clear and reasonable warning” against exposure to any chemicals known to cause cancer or birth defects. This includes any chemicals used in the manufacturing of a product or chemicals in any inks used for imprinting the product.

puff print ~ This type of printing is done using a thick pigment, resulting in a raised imprint with a rubbery feel.

PVC ~ PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride is the third most commonly produced polymer after polyethylene and polypropylene. It can be made softer and more flexible with the addition of plasticizers.

Q

Quarter turned ~ an additional manufacturing process where the mill rotates 1/4 of a turn to put a crease on the side of the product rather then the front of the product.

quote ~ A sales quote allows a prospective buyer to find out what the cost would be for a certain product with a certain imprint.

R

Raglan ~ a raglan sleeve is stitched under the arm and in two parallel lines leading from the armpit to the neck; it makes for ease of arm movement.

Ramie ~ a strong, staple fiber of cellulose yielded by the inner bark of the ramie plant. It's often used as a less expensive substitute for linen or cotton, and is usually blended with cotton, flax or silk.

Reactive dye ~ special dye used on a garment which produces, when the label's wash instructions are followed, a more set-in color tone.

Recognition Merchandise ~ Award, often personalized, used to acclaim performance or milestones; may be useful objects (paperweights, clocks) or for display only (plaques, trophies).

Referral Premium ~ A premium offered to customers for helping sell a product or service to friends or associates.

Reflective ~ polished surface for reflecting light

Resin treatment ~ the addition of thermosetting resins applied in the finishing process, used to control the shrinkage of a fabric and add durable press characteristics.

Reverse weave ~ a popular fabric in athletic sweatshirts; for example, many Champion sweatshirts are made with the grain of the fabric running sideways instead of vertically, and includes side panels to help maintain its shape and fight shrinking

Rib ~ a stretchy fabric normally used for trim. This stitch is formed by two sets of needles at right angles to each other. The face of the fabric appears to be the same as the backside.

Ring-spun yarn ~ yarn that is reproduced on ring frame equipment. This yarn produces a softer hand when knit.

Ringer tee ~ a shirt, usually white bodied, featuring ribbed crew neck and sleeve bands in a contrasting color.

racerback ~ A racerback shirt features a t-shaped back behind the shoulder blades for styling as well as ease of movement.

raglan sleeve ~ This is a type of sleeve that is sewn in with seams slanting outward from the neck to the underarm.

registration (colors) ~ In color printing, registration is the process of lining up overlapping colors on a single image.

reinforced placket ~ This term refers to the bottom of the piece of fabric into which button holes are sewn. The reinforced placket is made up of a square or rectangular piece of fabric at the bottom of the placket for extra strength and durability.

relabeling ~ Relabeling is the process of removing the manufacturer’s tag from a garment and adding your own, custom made label.

resolution ~ Resolution refers to the degree of detail visible in a photographic image. The higher the resolution, the more detailed the image.

retractable pens ~ This type of pen features a plunger that exposes the tip of the writing instrument or retracts it into the barrel of the pen.

reverse coil zipper ~ This type of zipper doesn’t show its teeth from the front of the garment.

reversible coil zipper ~ This is a type of zipper that can be operated from both sides of the garment.

rib knit ~ This type of fabric features vertical rows of knitted loops. Rib knit fabrics have more stretch than jersey knit fabrics for ease of movement. Because of rib knit’s excellent stretch and recovery, it is often used in collars, cuffs, and trim.

ringer t-shirt ~ A ringer-t-shirt features a solid colored body with a rib knit crew neck and sleeves in a contrasting color.

ring-spun cotton ~ Ring-spun cotton refers to a soft yarn made on ring frame equipment, creating a fabric with a soft feel.

ripstop ~ Ripstop fabric is typically made of finely woven nylon. Coarse, extra strong threads are placed at intervals to prevent any tears in the fabric from spreading.

rollerball pens ~ Ballpoint writing mechanisms are used in rollerball pens just as they are in ballpoint pens. However, rollerball pens use water-based liquid or gelled ink whereas ballpoint pens use oil-based, viscous inks.

ruching ~ Frilled or pleated fabric used to decorate a garment.

run charge ~ A run charge refers to the cost of production, which can included material used, press time, machine operators, and other related labor.

rush charge ~ An extra fee associated with a rush order, or a shorter-than-normal production time.

S

Sand Wash ~ the process of washing fabric or garment with sand to soften and distress the look of the fabric

Sandwich hat ~ a hat where there is contrasting trim between the upper and lower part of the visor.

Scoop neck ~ a rounded neck, larger than a crewneck, but smaller than a boatneck.

Screen Printing ~ an image is transferred to the printed surface by ink, which is pressed through a stenciled screen and treated with a light-sensitive emulsion. Film positives are put in contact with the screens and exposed to light, hardening the emulsion not covered by film and leaving a soft area on the screen for the squeegee to press ink through. (Also called silk screening)

Seamless collar ~ a collar that is knit in a circle and is set in circular. There are no joining seams on the collar, found in better-made t-shirts.

Set-in sleeve ~ a style of sleeve that is sewn into the shoulder, as opposed to the neck.

Set-up Charge ~ a fee charged on all products. Prices vary per product and per supplier.

Sheared ~ refers to the towel's finish. A sheared surface is created clipping the loops on one side of the towel. Sheared terry is often referred to as having a velour finish. The shearing process creates a plush and smooth finish, which is great for printing or embroidery. The weight of the fabric has a big impact on the overall appearance of the shear. A heavier weight fabric enhances the velour appearance because there is more material to shear.

Shearling ~ Traditionally a sheepskin shorn close for a uniform length of wool fibers; a synthetic production of similar fabric for added moisture-wicking properties for year-round comfort.

Sheeting ~ a plain-weave cotton fabric usually made of carded yarns.

Sherpa ~ a knitted terry fabric that has been brushed and washed to raise the fibers for a fluffy, plush feel. The thick terry loops stay soft and absorbent over time.

Shoddy ~ clippings of extra fabric from the production of tees is gathered, sorted by color, then processed into a pulpy material called shoddy. This material is then respun into yarn and used to create recycled apparel.

Side seams ~ seams that join the front and back together. This feature is not found on T-shirts and some placket shirts.

Single-needle ~ a stitch, requiring a single needle and thread, characterized by its straight-line pathway. A single-needle shoulder seam has been finished with a visible row of stitching, single needle, for additional reinforcement and fashion.

Slang such as Gewgaws, doodads, tshakas and tzotchkes ~ Difficult to spell and often derogative terms occasionally employed to describe promotional items.
These terms should be used sparingly, if at all.

Solera polyester ~ polyester derived from corn, an eco-friendly material

Sonic weld logos ~ A type of logo treatment, where the graphic is applied without the use of stitches. A direct injection of material is applied to the fabric to create the logo.

Spandasol ~ an additive placed in printing ink to allow the dried ink design to stretch with the fabric (should be added to ink when printing on "burn-out" styles like Canvas 3601)

Staff bag ~ a style of bag used on the PGA Tour and other professional tours.

Standard Athletic Team Colors ~ standards for all primary team colors to better control uniform standards; used to ensure consistency across product lines

Staple ~ the actual length of a cotton fiber.

Stonewash ~ a finishing process that creates a distressed appearance, including a softer texture, puckering at the seams and slight wrinkling. Garments are tumbled together with stones (usually pumice stones) in larger washers. This process is usually applied to indigo-dyed denim garments. Different sizes of stones can be used and length of washing time can be varied to achieve different effects.

Sublimation transfer ~ method of subliming a dye pattern, through the use of heat, onto polyester fabric from a paper carrier.

Supplier ~ A promotional products company that manufactures, imports, converts, imprints or otherwise produces or processes promotional products offered for sale through promotional consultants.

Sueded fleece ~ a very smooth and luxurious fleece that is made with an 80/20 cotton and polyester blend; a unique finishing process wherein the fabric is gently "sanded," which causes the fleece to become very soft.

sand wash ~ Sand washing involves washing a garment with sand to soften it and distress it.

sandwich bill ~ A sandwich cap appears on certain baseball caps featuring a contrast color piece of fabric between the material that makes up the top and bottom of the hat’s bill.

screen ~ A screen is a piece of mesh stretched over a frame that is used to form a stencil for the screen printing process. The stencil is formed by blocking off parts of the screen in the negative image of the design to be printed, creating open spaces where the ink will appear on the product.

screen printing ~ A printing process using screens to print an image onto a product.

scoop neck ~ A scoop neck is a neckline style typically found on ladies’ shirts that is curved below the neckline.

scuba ~ Scuba fabric is another term for neoprene, the rubbery, insulating fabric used in scuba gear.

self fabric collar ~ This term means that the fabric used in the collar is the same fabric that is used in the body of the shirt. These collars are usually made by sewing two pieces of collar fabric together with a lining in the center for support.

selvage ~ This is the edge produced on woven fabric during manufacturing to prevent it from unraveling.

set-in sleeves ~ This is a type of sleeve construction. The sleeve is sewn to the body of the shirt at the shoulder. Conversely, a raglan sleeve is connected to the body of the shirt at the neck seam.

set-up fee ~ This is the cost of creating the tools needed to imprint your customized design onto your desired product. For example, when printing your logo on a t-shirt, a screen must be created with your logo. There is a cost associated with creating this screen.

Sherpa ~ This outside of this type of fabric is brushed with a wire brush to give it a very soft, fuzzy look and feel.

shoulder-to-shoulder taping ~ Shoulder seams and neck seams are covered by tape or binding for extra durability at stress points. This is a hallmark of high-quality shirt construction.

side vents ~ This is the name given to the slits at the bottom of shirts at the sides to provide ease of movement.

silk-screen printing ~ Back in the day, the ancients used silk to create their screens for screen printing. The term is still widely used today even though silk is not—at least not for screen printing.

silky hand ~ A fabric with a silky texture and feel, often described as a “hand.”

single-wall tumbler ~ A piece of drinkware consisting of one layer of material.

slash pockets ~ These are pockets set into a garment, particularly below the waistline. A slit in the fabric provides easy access.

sling backpack ~ These bags are unstructured, meaning they have no shape unless filled with your gear.

slogan ~ A short, catchy phrase often associated with advertising.

slub ~ This terms refers to a type of fabric with an irregular appearance due to lumps in the yarns or threads.

snapback ~ This is an urban, slang term for an adjustable flat-brimmed baseball cap with snap fasteners on the back.

spandex ~ Spandex is a type of stretchy, polyurethane fabric commonly found in athletic apparel.

spec sample ~ This is another term for proof sample. A proof sample allows a customer to see an actual sample of what the finished, customized product looks like before placing an order.

sport shirt ~ A term for any casual-wear shirt featuring long or short sleeves. They are open at the neck and may be worn with or without a tie. A square bottom allows the shirt to be worn tucked or untucked.

spot color ~ Spot color refers to any color generated after a single run through the machine.

stain guard ~ This term usually indicates a product has been chemically treated to resist staining.

stain release ~ Products with stain releasing properties are typically chemically treated to effectively release stains in the washing process.

stitch count ~ This term refers to the number of stitches required to create your desired embroidered image.

stoneware ~ This is a hard, opaque, nonporous pottery fired at high temperatures. It is durable and chip resistant, making it ideal for everyday use.

storm flap ~ A storm flap is a piece of material intended to protect an opening or fastener on a coat or jacket from the rain.

structured cap ~ The crown of a structured cap has Buckram (an added piece of fabric for stiffening) to give the cap shape.

stylus ~ A stylus is a small tool resembling a pen that is used to write or touch buttons on a computer screen, tablet, or Smartphone.

sublimation printing ~ This is a printing method in which heat is used to transfer dye onto materials such as plastic, paper, or fabric.

sueded ~ Sueded leather or fabrics have a soft, napped surface after the removal of a thin outer layer.

T

Taffeta ~ a crisp plain-woven lustrous fabric of various fibers used especially for women's clothing

tail ~ The tail of a dress shirt is the curved fabric on the bottom of the shirt at the back. The tail of a shirt should be long enough not to become untucked with normal movement.

Taping ~ a design feature whereby a piece of fabric is used to cleanly cover a seam. The term is used when referring to shoulder-to-shoulder taping.

Taslan ~ 100% nylon fabrication with a water-resistant coating that has been woven as a twill and washed to provide a soft hand.

Tencel ~ a fiber made from wood pulp. Tencel gives fabric a very soft, smooth and luxurious hand.

Thermoplastic ~ a plastic that is soft and pliable when heated without any change of the inherent properties.

TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) file ~ a file format for exchanging bitmapped images (usually scans) between applications.

Tipping ~ a dyed stripe in a contrasting color, often around the collar or sleeve hems of a polo to add a unique accent to the shirt's fashion.

Tour Preferred ~ TaylorMade's top level product.

TPR rubber ~ a specific form of rubber used on logos.

Traffic Builder ~ A promotional product or premium designed to get consumers to come to a store or a tradeshow.

Triblend ~ a fabric made from 3 types of material (e.g. Bella B8413)

Tricot ~ a plain warp-knitted fabric of nylon, wool, rayon, silk, or cotton with a close elastic knit. Often used in athletic jerseys or as a lining material.

Tubular knit ~ a golf shirt style with no side seams. The bottom is rounded all around.

Twill ~ characterized by a diagonal rib. Twill weaves are used to produce a strong, durable, firm fabric.

Two-ply yarn ~ two strands of thread are used to form the yarn that is woven into terry loops.

tactical polo ~ A tactical polo is designed for event staff, security, and law enforcement. These polos include features like strategically placed mic clips, pen pockets, and moisture-wicking.

tank ~ A shirt that has no sleeves or collar. Tanks usually feature wide shoulder straps.

thermal ~ Thermal shirts are usually crew necked with long sleeves intended to retain body heat in cold temperatures. Thermal shirts often feature fabric with a waffle-weave pattern to help trap body heat.

thermal engraving ~ This is a decorating method that melts an image into metal using a die. This process is typically used for small products like name badges and small signs.

thumbholes ~ Holes at the end of sleeves designed for thumb insertion. This way, the wearer can pull sleeves halfway over the hands for warmth without comprising use of the thumbs.

tie dye ~ This term refers to a method of producing textile patterns by tying parts of the fabric to shield it from the dye.

TIF or TIFF file types (Tagged Image File Format ~ This is a computer file format for storing raster graphics images. The TIFF format is widely supported by image-manipulation applications.

tipping ~ Tipping on a shirt refers to a decorative stripe in a contrasting collar at the tip of the collar and/or the ends of the sleeves. Tipping is often found on polo shirts and sport shirts.

toggles ~ Toggles are a type of fastener found on textiles like coats and bags featuring a short rod (typically wood or plastic) sewn to one side that is pushed through a hole or loop on the opposite side and twisted to close.

toiletry bag ~ This is a small bag intended to transport and store personal care items such as soap and toothpaste while you are traveling.

tonal embroidery ~ Tonal embroidery involves selecting a thread color that matches the item to be embroidered. This creates a subtle, polished look.

transfer printing ~ Transfer printing is a decorating process in which a design is transferred from paper to the intended product.

tricot ~ Tricot is a fine, knitted fabric using natural or synthetic fibers. It is smooth on one side and textured on the other. Tricot fabric is typically used for clothing.

Tritan™ ~ This plastic material was developed by the Eastman company in October 2007. It is BPA free, heat and impact resistant, and dishwasher safe. Tritan™ can be manufactured in bold colors with an attractive, high-gloss finish.

trucker cap ~ A trucker cap is a type of baseball hat characterized by a foam-construction front, a mesh back, an adjustable plastic snap closure, and a button on top.

TTF File Types (True Type Font) ~ True Type Font is an outline font standard used by Apple and Microsoft as a raster font format, meaning fonts in this format can be scaled to any size without affecting the image quality/pixelation.

turtleneck ~ A turtleneck is a type of collar on a shirt or sweater that is high and often rolled or turned on itself for wear. The collar is typically close-fitting.

twill ~ Twill is a type of fabric in which the weave gives the appearance of diagonal lines. This type of fabric is often used in casual pants and jackets.

twill tape ~ Twill tape is flat, woven piece of material available in various widths. It is used to reinforce seams on many textiles.

twist-action pen ~ A type of pen in which the user twists the barrel of the pen to either expose or retract the writing mechanism.

two-way zipper ~ This type of zipper features two sliders. The top slider is used for zipping up the garment. The bottom slider allows you to unzip the garment from the bottom to the desired location. Wearing jackets or coats with the bottom slightly unzipped is more about fashion rather than function.

typeface ~ This term refers to a particular design of type or a design for a set of characters.

U

Underruns/ Overruns ~ the number of pieces that were printed in excess of the quantity specified/ the production run of fewer pieces than the amount specified. The industry standard on most products is +/-5%, with the exception being on paper and plastic bags. They can range from +/-10% to +/-25%. Suppliers bill on the actual quantity shipped.

Unconstructed ~ an unconstructed cap has a relaxed fit without backing. It fits closely to the wearer's head.

UPF ~ ultraviolet protection factor; refers to the amount of UV rays blocked by the fabric with a rating of UPF 50 blocking 100% of UVA and UVB rays. UPF and SPF ratings are not interchangeable.

unstructured cap ~ An unstructured cap does not include Buckram, or a stiffening fabric to give the cap shape even when it is not being worn. An unstructured cap will only have shape when being worn.

USB drive ~ A USB drive is a small, lightweight flash memory card that functions as a portable hard drive. USB drives plug into USB ports to save and transfer data.

V

v-neck ~ A neckline style in which collar of a shirt dips into a v-shape in the front.

Vector (Vectorized) Artwork ~ vector files (encapsulated postscript) define a graphic by using mathematical algorithms, which allow the image to be scaled or modified without loss of image quality or resolution. This type of file is needed for all types of printing work and is typically in the form of the following file types - .ai, .eps and/or .pdf.

vanity bag ~ A vanity bag is a small bag or case intended for storing and transporting toiletries and cosmetics.

Velcro ~ Velcro is a type of fastener commonly found on clothes, shoes, and bags. Velcro consists of two thin sheets of plastic, one covered with tiny loops and the other covered with tiny hooks. When pressed together, the two sheets adhere. With gentle pulling, the two sheets separate.

vinyl ~ Vinyl is a synthetic resin or plastic consisting of polyvinyl chloride or a related polymer.

virtual sample ~ Virtual samples consist of product images mocked up with your logo or custom design. A virtual sample gives you a clear idea of what the finished, customized product will look like before you place your order.

visor ~ A visor is hat intended to shield the eyes and face from the sun. Unlike a cap, there is no fabric on the crown of the heads for better ventilation. Visors are secured to the head with a band of fabrics that wraps around the back of the head. Visors are often adjustable with fasteners such as Velcro or metal buckles.

vitrified ~ In the promotional products world, “vitrified” typically refers to a type of ceramic mug. Vitrified ceramics are fired at higher-than-normal temperatures to create a denser finished product. This density make vitrified mugs impervious to water absorption, even in commercial dishwashers that operate at very high temperatures. Commercial dishwashers are the primary reason ceramics break down in a commercial setting, making vitrified ceramics an ideal choice for businesses such as restaurants, cafeterias, and caterers.

W

Waterproofness ~ the ability of fabric to withstand penetration by water. Conventional waterproof fabrics are generally coated with chemicals or laminated with a film that closes the pores in fabric. (See waterproof/breathable).

Waterproof/breathable ~ ability to keep water from penetrating but permits water vapor to pass through. There are over 200 fabrics of this type available today, offering a varied combination of waterproofness and water vapor permeability.

Water repellency ~ the ability to resist penetration by water. Not as rigorous a standard as waterproofness. Water repellent fabrics cause water to bead up on their surfaces while allowing insensible perspiration to pass through. Water beads up and rolls off a water-repellent fabric.

Water resistant ~ a treatment to fabric that actually allows water to "bead" and fall off a garment.

Weather resistant ~ a loose term referring primarily to a fabric's wind-resistant and water-repellent properties. Water-resistant fabrics are those that resist the penetration of water. The greater the force of impact as the water hits the fabric surface, the greater the likelihood that it will penetrate the fabric.

Welt cuffs ~ cuffs on short sleeve garments formed from a single ply of ribbed fabric with a finished edge. Fabric for welt cuffs is knit in a bolder stitch construction than that of standard 1 x 1 ribs.

Window pane ~ a checkered, plaid like pattern that is characterized by having vertical and horizontal lines that intersect, creating the appearance of a window pane.

WindPro ~ tested perforated umbrellas.

Woven ~ fabric constructed by the interlacing of two or more sets of yarns at right angles to each other.

Wrinkle-free ~ the basic process for imparting the wrinkle free finish into fabric involves applying a resin into the fabric, drying and curing at extremely high temperatures to the desired dimension, scouring to remove any residual chemicals, and final drying. The application and curing of wrinkle-free may occur before or after the garments are produced. "Precured wrinkle-free" means that the finish has been applied to the fabric before the garment has been manufactured. Because the "postcure wrinkle-free" means that the finish has been applied after the garment has been manufactured and because the "postcure wrinkle-free" process is set into the final, pressed garment, it is more popular.

waffle knit ~ This term refers to a stitch used in knit fabrics that result in square, waffle-like designs. Each tiny square has a pitted look.

waterproof ~ Garments described as “waterproof” are often inherently resistant to the absorption of water. Garments may also be treated with a coating to prevent water absorption. Common waterproofing materials include rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicone elastomer, fluropolymers, and wax.

water repellent/resistant ~ Most water resistant or water repellent fabrics feature a coating to resist absorption of water. These fabrics/garments should not be confused with the term “waterproof,” which will not absorb any water. Water resistant or repellent garments will eventually absorb some water if exposed to enough rain over time. Water resistant apparel often includes a rating that refers to how much water can be suspended above the fabric before water seeps through.

welted sleeve cuff ~ This term indicates that one piece of rib knit material has been used to fashion the cuffs of the garment.

wicking ~ This type of fabric is designed to pull moisture away from the skin, making it an ideal choice for sportswear. Wicking fabrics pull moisture to the outside of the fabric where it can more readily evaporate, keeping the wearer drier and more comfortable in hot weather conditions or throughout exertion such as exercise.

wind jacket/windbreaker ~ These terms refer to a jacket of lightweight construction designed to resist a light rain and/or a light wind.

work shirt ~ A work shirt is often constructed with sturdy fabrics such as canvas or twill. They withstand frequent wash and wear as well as rugged working conditions. Work shirt often include extra features like wrinkle and stain resistance.

woven ~ Woven fabrics consist of interlaced threads or yarns.

wraparound imprint ~ A wraparound imprint refers to an imprint on a piece of drinkware such as a tumbler or mug. Instead of an imprint on one or both sides, one imprint wraps around nearly the entire product.

wrinkle-free ~ These shirts are chemically treated to require no ironing after washing and drying.

wrinkle resistant ~ Wrinkle resistant shirts are chemically treated to resist wrinkling that can occur throughout the day via regular wear.

Y

yoke ~ The yoke of a shirt is the piece of fabric found across the upper back and shoulders. A single yoke is made up of one piece of fabric. A split yoke is made up of two pieces of fabric sewn together in the middle. A split yoke provides more shoulder and back room than a single yoke.