Essential Fashion Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Terminology for Designers

First Published: 1st October 2024, written by Chloé Safilo | Last Updated on 1st October 2024 | Reviewed and Edited by Chloe Safilo

I’ve been training a new hire recently on some fashion acronyms, vocabulary, abbreviations, short form, style terms that they relate to. I thought it might be useful for young fashion designers to have a resource some of the fashion terminologies that pop up regularly in the fashion industry communications and meetings, and have an easy guide for future reference.

If this jargon busting glossary is useful please bookmark it to find it again, and also refer to our materials and fabrics breakdown.

What is a fashion abbreviation and acronym?

In fashion, abbreviations and acronyms are commonly used to simplify complex terms and facilitate communication, and it’s often both. But here’s how they differ:

Fashion Abbreviation:

Okay, so lets say you need to know the FW meaning in fashion, it’s a shortened form of a word or phrase, typically abbreviated by omitting some letters. It doesn’t always form a pronounceable word but the abbreviation represents key fashion terms.

Example:

• GG for Gauge, with the vowels dropped.
• LS for Long Sleeve
• FW for full width

Fashion Acronym:

A specific type of abbreviation that is made from the first letters of a series of words, and it is typically pronounced as a single word.

Example:

CAD – Computer-Aided Design.

In the case of acronyms, the letters form a word that can be said aloud (like “CAD” or “FOMO”), whereas abbreviations may simply shorten terms but aren’t meant to be read as words (e.g., “FW” or “LS”).

Both are widely used in the fashion industry for efficiency in communication.

Searchable Guide to Fashion Terminology and Abbreviations

Here is a searchable table written in UK English (US and global spellings of certain words may vary). Please note that some abbreviations can have more than one meaning.

Term	Definition
	Fashion Acronyms & Abbreviations
AD	After Delivery. Used in supply chain contexts to refer to timelines post-delivery.
AOP	All Over Print. A print that covers an entire garment or panel.
ASAP	As soon as possible. Commonly used in fashion communications.
AW or A/W	Autumn Winter collection.
AWB	Airwaybill. A receipt issued by an international airline for goods.
B2B	Business to Business. Refers to transactions between companies (wholesale).
B2C	Business to Consumer. Refers to transactions between companies and consumers (retail).
BND	Back neck drop. Measurement from the high shoulder point (HSP) to the lowest edge of the back neckline.
BNL	Back neck label. Label sewn inside the back neck.
BNT	Back neck tape. A tape sewn inside the back neck at the collar.
BOM	Bill of materials. A document listing all materials needed for the garment.
BULK	Production term used when the sampling phase is finished, and the bulk production begins.
CAD	Computer-aided design. Digital design of a garment.
C&S	Cut and Sew. Garment production process where fabric pieces are sewn together.
CB	Centre back. A vertical line that dissects the back of the garment.
CC	Colour card or colour chart. Used to reference specific colours.
CF	Centre front. A vertical line dissecting the front of the garment.
CFDA	Council of Fashion Designers of America. A not-for-profit trade association of American fashion designers.
CIF	Cost, insurance, and freight. Shipping term for goods shipped on board a vessel.
CMT	Cut, Make, Trim. The production phase of garment manufacturing.
CNY	Chinese New Year. A major holiday in China that can impact production schedules.
CPL	Cost Per Lead. Marketing term, occasionally relevant when fashion brands track leads from campaigns.
CW	Cuttable width. The usable width of a fabric, excluding the selvedge.
DHL	International shipping company, widely used in the fashion industry for logistics.
DL	Deskloom. A fabric sample used to check colours and patterns.
DTC	Direct To Consumer. A business model where brands sell directly to consumers.
DTM	Dyed To Match. Zipper tape, thread, or trims dyed to match the main fabric.
ECR	Efficient Consumer Response. A strategy to increase the speed of supply chain processes.
EOD	End of day. A deadline or time reference.
EOQ	Economic Order Quantity. A calculation used to determine the optimal quantity of stock to minimize costs.
EPC	Earnings Per Click. An advertising metric sometimes used in fashion marketing.
EPS	Embroidery Placement Specification. A document detailing the exact location of embroidery on a garment.
ETA	Estimated time of arrival.
ETD	Estimated time of departure.
FBA	Fulfilment by Amazon. Amazon manages shipping and storage.
FDS	Fabric Detail Sheet. A description of fabric characteristics.
FND	Front neck drop. Measurement from the HSP to the lowest point of the front neckline.
FOB	Free on board. Shipping term where the seller is responsible until the goods reach a port.
FOQ	Fixed Order Quantity. Refers to ordering a fixed quantity of materials.
FPT	Fabric performance test. Tests to assess fabric quality.
FSC	Forest Stewardship Council. A certification mark indicating products sourced from responsibly managed forests.
FTD	Fabric technical data. Details the technical specifications of a fabric.
FTY	Abbreviation for Factory.
FW	Full width. The entire unfolded width of fabric.
GG	Gauge. The number of stitches in knitwear.
GOTS	Global Organic Textile Standard. A certification for organic textiles.
GPT	Garment performance test. Tests for garment quality.
GRS	Global Recycled Standard. A certification standard for recycled materials.
GSM	Grams per Square Meter. Unit for measuring fabric weight.
GTIN	Global Trade Item Number unique identifier for a product.
GTM	Go to market. Refers to launching products to market.
HKG	Hong Kong. A key location in garment manufacturing.
HSP	High shoulder point. The highest point of the shoulder where it meets the neck.
HTS	Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Used in customs to classify imported goods.
IP	Intellectual Property. Legal rights for creations such as designs, branding, or technology.
L/C	Letter of Credit. A banking term often seen in international trade transactions.
LD	Lab dip. A dyed fabric sample to match required colours.
LHSAW	Left-hand side as worn.
LDP	Landed Duty Paid. Shipping term where the seller is responsible for delivering goods.
LS	Long sleeve.
MCQ	Minimum colour quantities. The minimum quantity per colour for production.
MMENT	Abbreviation for measurement.
MMS	Monthly Merchandise Summary. An internal document for tracking sales or inventory.
MTO	Made to Order. A manufacturing process where garments are produced only once an order is placed.
MOQ	Minimum order quantity. The smallest quantity a factory will produce.
MSRP	Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price.
NSA	No seam allowance. Excludes space for stitching.
ODP	Order Delivery Plan. A document outlining timelines for order deliveries.
OOO	Out of office.
OOS	Out of stock.
OPD	Order placement date.
OTB	Open to buy. Refers to a buyer's merchandise budget.
PFD	Prepared for Dye. A fabric that is ready to be dyed but hasn't been coloured yet.
PLM	Product Lifecycle Management. Software used to manage the design and production process.
PO	Purchase order. A formal order for products or services.
POM	Point of measure. Specific points where measurements of a garment are taken.
PP or PPS	Pre-production sample. A sample made with final materials for approval.
POS	Point of Sale. The moment where a retail transaction is completed.
PPI	Picks per inch. Refers to the number of weft threads in woven fabric.
QTY	Quantity.
R&D	Research & Development. The process of innovating new materials.
RAS	Risk appetite statements.
RFD	Ready for dyeing.
RHSAW	Right-hand side as worn.
RMA	Return Merchandise Authorization. A logistics term used for the process of returning products.
ROI	Return on Investment. A financial metric to assess profitability.
RPT	Repeat. A repeating graphic or print on fabric.
RRP	Recommended Retail Price. The price at which the manufacturer suggests a product should be sold.
SKU	Stock keeping unit. Identifies product variants within a collection.
SLA	Service Level Agreement. Used between brands and logistics providers.
SMS	Salesman sample. A sample used for marketing or pre-ordering.
SO	Sample order or strike off. A sample of fabric or print for approval.
SPEC	Technical specification sheet. A document detailing garment measurements.
SPI	Stitches per inch. The density of stitches in a seam.
SPM	Stitches per minute. The speed of a sewing machine.
SS	Side seam or short sleeve.
TBA	To be advised. Used when details are yet to be finalized.
TCO	Total Cost of Ownership. A financial estimate for the direct and indirect costs of a product.
TDS	Technical Data Sheet. Details the technical specifications of a product or material.
TNA	Time and action calendar. A schedule for tracking production milestones.
TOD	Time of delivery.
TP	Tech Pack. Technical documentation outlining garment construction.
TTS	True to Size. Often used in product descriptions to indicate if a garment fits standard sizing.
UPC	Universal Product Code. A barcode used to track products in retail.
VAT	Valued Added Tax. Applied to most goods sold in the UK.
WC	Week commencing.
WH	Warehouse.
WIP	Work In Progress. Used in manufacturing to track production.
XFD	Ex-Factory Date. The date when goods are ready for shipment from the factory.
YTD	Yarn technical data. Details the technical makeup of yarn.
	Fashion Terminology
Accessories	Fashion accessory that complement an outfit, such as bags, belts, hats, jewellery, scarves, and shoes
Activewear	Clothing designed for exercising or athletic activities.
Agile Manufacturing	A production method that allows fashion brands to quickly respond to changing trends and demands by using flexible processes, technologies, and supply chain
Androgynous	Clothing that is designed to be worn by both men and women, blurring traditional gender lines.
Apparel	Clothing items designed to be worn, including a wide range of garments for both casual and formal occasions
Appliqué	A decorative design made by sewing pieces of fabric onto a larger piece.
Atelier	A designer’s workshop or studio.
Athleisure	Casual clothing designed for athletic activities but suitable for everyday wear.
Avant-garde	Innovative, experimental fashion often pushing boundaries.
Ballgown	A formal, full-skirted dress typically worn for evening occasions.
Bandeau	A narrow band of fabric worn around the chest, often as a strapless top or undergarment.
Baste	Temporary stitching used to hold fabric in place before final stitching.
Bespoke	Custom-made clothing tailored specifically to the buyer’s measurements.
Bias Cut	Fabric cut diagonally across the grain for better draping.
Bonded Fabric	Fabrics that are layered together with an adhesive to add structure or warmth.
Boot Cut	A style of trousers or jeans that flare slightly at the hem to accommodate boots.
Boutique	A small, specialized shop, particularly for clothing or accessories, offering unique or limited collections.
Box Pleat	A pleat made by folding fabric in opposite directions to create a box shape.
Bralette	A soft, lightweight bra without underwire, often worn as a fashion item.
Brushed	Usually referring to brushed cotton, brushed on the face side to remove any excess lint and fibres.
Cap Sleeve	A short sleeve that covers only the shoulder, creating a delicate, feminine silhouette.
Capsule Collection	A limited collection of a few essential, versatile pieces.
Carcoat	A type of mid-length coat originally designed for car travel, offering ease of movement.
Carrier	The company carrying the goods, usually referring to a courier, Royal Mail, or freight service.
Catwalk/Runway	The narrow, raised platform used by models to display clothing in fashion shows.
Chevron	A V-shaped pattern used in fabric designs.
Chic	Stylish and elegant in appearance, often with simplicity and sophistication.
Chintz	A printed cotton fabric, often with a glazed finish, used for clothing and upholstery.
Cloche	A bell-shaped hat that was popular in the early 20th century, especially in the 1920s.
Collection	A curated group of clothing and accessories designed by a brand or designer, typically released for a specific season or occasion.
Colourfast	A term used to describe fabric that retains its colour after washing or exposure to light.
Colourway	The combination of colours used in a particular garment or collection.
Couture	High-end custom-fitted fashion, often handmade with intricate detail.
Cowl Neck	A draped neckline that folds softly, often seen on sweaters or dresses.
Crinoline	A stiffened petticoat worn under skirts to give them volume, especially popular in the 19th century.
Crocking	The rubbing off of colour from fabric onto another surface through abrasion.
Croquis	A quick sketch of a fashion figure used by designers to illustrate their ideas.
Culottes	Wide-legged shorts or trousers that resemble a skirt when standing still.
Cut and Sew	Where separate fabric pieces are sewn together, usually different colours or materials.
Dart	A tapered tuck sewn into fabric to give shape, commonly used at the bust or waist.
Deconstruction	A design technique where garments are created by taking apart existing pieces and reconstructing them in a new way.
Denier	A unit of measurement for the thickness of a fabric’s yarn. Typically used for measuring tights, stockings, or outdoor gear fabrics.
Dobby	A type of fabric with small, geometric patterns woven into it.
Dolman Sleeve	A sleeve cut in one piece with the bodice, tapering toward the wrist.
Drape	Refers to the way fabric hangs on a body or dress form, important in fashion design.
Draping	The technique of arranging fabric on a dress form to create the structure of a garment.
Embroidered	Fabric or garment decorated with intricate stitched designs.
Embroidery	Decorative stitching applied to fabric, often used for logos, motifs, or embellishments.
End-on-End	A fabric weave made of two threads, typically one light and one dark, which creates a subtle, textured effect.
End-to-End	A fashion eCommerce term meaning from design and manufacture to sale and delivery to the consumer.
Ensemble	A complete outfit or coordinated set of clothing.
Epaulet	A shoulder detail, often used in military or structured garments.
Epaulettes	Decorative shoulder adornments, often used on military uniforms or coats.
Fashion House	A company or brand that designs and sells high-end fashion.
Fast Fashion	Clothing produced quickly and cheaply, designed to mimic high-fashion trends.
Filament	A long, continuous fibre used in creating textiles like silk or synthetic fabrics.
Flat	A two-dimensional technical drawing of a garment, used in pattern-making.
Fray	Unravelling or fringing at the edges of fabric, often used for a distressed effect.
French Seam	A type of seam where raw edges are enclosed within a fold of fabric, giving a neat finish inside and out.
Fusible Interfacing	A material used on the inside of garments to stiffen certain areas, like collars or cuffs.
Garment-dyed	A fabric that is dyed after it has been sewn into a garment, offering a unique look.
Godet	A triangular piece of fabric inserted into a garment for added fullness or flare.
Godet Skirt	A skirt that features triangular panels inserted into the fabric to add volume.
Greenwashing	A deceptive practice where a company exaggerates or falsely claims their products are environmentally friendly.
Grosgrain	A firm, tightly woven fabric with a ribbed texture, commonly used for ribbons and trims.
Halter Neck	A top or dress style where the straps tie behind the neck, leaving the shoulders and upper back bare.
Hand	The way fabric feels to the touch (soft, rough, crisp, etc.).
Haute Couture	Luxury fashion made-to-measure, regulated by the Chambre Syndicale in Paris.
Heat Embossing	A technique that uses heat to press designs into fabric, creating a raised or textured effect.
Hemline	The edge or bottom of a garment, particularly skirts or dresses.
Inlay	A strip of fabric inserted into a seam for reinforcement or decoration.
Inseam	The seam running along the inside of the leg from the crotch to the hem in trousers.
Jacquard	A type of fabric with intricate patterns woven directly into the fabric, rather than printed on.
Jersey	A soft, stretchy knit fabric, often used for casual wear and sportswear.
Jumpsuit	A one-piece garment combining a top and trousers, often used in both casual and formal wear.
Kimono	A traditional Japanese garment with wide sleeves, often worn as a robe or outerwear in fashion.
Knitwear	Garments made from knitted fabrics, such as sweaters, cardigans, and scarves.
Lapel	The folded part of a garment, usually on the collar of jackets or blazers.
Lining	A layer of fabric sewn inside garments to provide structure, comfort, or to conceal seams.
Lookbook	A collection of styled photos showcasing a designer's line or brand.
Loom	A machine used to weave fabrics.
Loungewear	Comfortable, casual clothing suitable for relaxing or wearing at home.
Made in Italy	A merchandise mark indicating that a product is all planned, manufactured, and packed in Italy.
Mandarin Collar	A small, stand-up collar often seen on traditional Asian garments or modern shirts.
Matelassé	A fabric that appears padded or quilted, often used for jackets and upholstery.
Matte	A non-reflective finish on fabric or material.
Melange	A type of yarn that is spun from different coloured fibres, creating a multi-tonal effect.
Mercerization	A process that strengthens cotton fibres and increases their lustre.
Merchandising	The process of buying, selling, and promoting goods in retail.
Muslin	A plain-woven cotton fabric, often used for making sample garments or "toiles" in fashion design.
Nap	The raised, fuzzy surface of a fabric such as velvet or corduroy, created by brushing.
Notch	A small cut or mark used in pattern-making to align pieces of fabric during garment construction.
Ombré	A gradient colour effect, often used in fabrics or hair.
Omni-Channel	A retail approach that integrates multiple shopping channels (online, in-store, mobile).
Organic Cotton	Cotton that is grown without the use of harmful pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.
Outfit of the Day (OOTD)	A popular term used in fashion blogging and social media to showcase or highlight the outfits of clothing and accessories worn on a particular day.
Paisley	A decorative, tear-drop-shaped pattern often found in textiles.
Pantone	A universal colour matching system used in the fashion industry
Pinking Shears	Scissors with a serrated blade that cuts fabric in a zigzag pattern to prevent fraying.
Pintuck	Narrow folds sewn into fabric to create texture or structure, often used in blouses or dresses.
Placket	An opening in a garment, usually reinforced, that allows the garment to be put on or removed (often found on shirts).
Pleat	A fold in fabric, often used for decorative or functional purposes.
Prêt-à-porter	Ready-to-wear clothing produced in standard sizes and sold as finished garments.
Princess Seam	A seam that follows the body’s natural shape, often seen on dresses or blouses to create a tailored fit'
Range Planning	The strategic process of creating a cohesive, market-driven product assortment for a specific season, balancing design, consumer demand, and profitability.
Retro	Fashion or style that imitates or is inspired by trends from the past.
Quilted	Fabric that is stitched in a way that creates padded sections, often used for warmth or texture.
Raglan Sleeve	A sleeve that extends in one piece fully to the collar, creating a diagonal seam from underarm to collarbone.
Raw Hem	An unfinished hem that gives a garment a rugged, unrefined look.
Ready-to-Wear	Clothing that is mass-produced in standard sizes and sold finished, as opposed to made-to-measure garments.
Samples/Prototypes	Early versions of a garment or accessory produced to test the design, fit, and functionality before full production.
Sheath Dress	A close-fitting dress with a straight cut that typically ends at or above the knee.
Stitch Line	The line or path along which fabric is sewn together during garment construction, essential for creating seams and structure.
Taffeta	A crisp, smooth fabric with a slight sheen, often used for formal wear and evening gowns.
Tech Packs	Detailed documents created by designers that outline the specifications, materials, measurements, and construction details required to manufacture a garment.
Trench Coat	A long, belted coat, typically double-breasted, made of water-resistant fabric.
Vintage	Original and authentic clothing and accessories that are representative of a previous era or fashion trend, often considered collectible
Waffle Knit	A fabric with a distinct, textured square or honeycomb pattern, commonly used for casual or sleepwear.
Wrap Skirt	A skirt that wraps around the waist and ties to secure, offering adjustable sizing and a flattering fit.