Fashion terminology can make a straightforward conversation sound complicated. A shop describes a hoodie as oversized, a fabric supplier quotes its GSM, and a collection is labelled SS or FW. These terms describe different things: fit, fabric weight and season.
This glossary explains common fashion terms, acronyms and abbreviations for shoppers, students and clothing designers. Use the searchable table below to look up a word, or start with the quick explanations and examples. Some factory shorthand varies between businesses, so always check a supplier’s key before approving an order.
Common fashion abbreviations at a glance
- SS or S/S: Spring/Summer. On a garment specification, SS may instead mean side seam or short sleeve.
- AW or A/W: Autumn/Winter. FW or F/W means Fall/Winter, using the US word for autumn. FW can also mean full width in a fabric specification.
- RTW: Ready-to-wear: finished clothing sold in standard sizes.
- GSM: Grams per square metre, a measure of fabric weight for a given area.
- MOQ: Minimum order quantity. Ask whether it applies to each style, colour or the whole order.
- SKU: Stock keeping unit: a retailer’s identifier for a product variant, such as a particular size and colour.
- TTS: True to size. It is a fit description, not a guarantee that all brands use the same measurements.
- OOTD: Outfit of the day, commonly used in social posts.
Abbreviation, acronym or initialism: what is the difference?
An abbreviation is any shortened form of a word or phrase. An acronym is an abbreviation pronounced as a word, such as CAD (computer-aided design). An initialism is read letter by letter, such as GSM or MOQ. In everyday conversation, people often call all of these acronyms.
The distinction matters less than context. “SS collection” usually refers to spring/summer, while “measure along SS” on a technical drawing may refer to the side seam. Spell out an unfamiliar abbreviation when you first use it in a tech pack or supplier email.
Search the fashion glossary
Type a term or abbreviation into the table’s search box. You can also search a topic, such as “knit”, “seam” or “order”, to find related definitions. Clear the search to see the full alphabetical list. Definitions use UK English; some international spellings differ.
| Term or abbreviation | Meaning and practical context |
|---|---|
| Accessories | Items worn or carried to complement clothing, such as bags, belts, hats, jewellery, scarves and shoes. |
| Activewear | Clothing designed for exercising or athletic activities. |
| AD | After Delivery. Used in supply chain contexts to refer to timelines post-delivery. |
| 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 | A style that blends or moves away from conventionally masculine and feminine styling. It does not, by itself, describe a garment’s size or fit. |
| AOP | All Over Print. A print that covers an entire garment or panel. |
| 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. |
| ASAP | As soon as possible. Commonly used in fashion communications. |
| 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. |
| 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). |
| 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 | Clothing made for an individual using a pattern developed for that person, usually with fittings. Made-to-measure generally adapts an existing pattern. |
| Bias Cut | Fabric cut diagonally across the grain for better draping. |
| 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: the list of components needed to make a product, including fabric, thread, trims and labels, usually with quantities and specifications. |
| 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, specialised 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 | A fabric finish that lifts surface fibres to create a softer, often warmer-feeling surface. |
| BULK | Production term used when the sampling phase is finished, and the bulk production begins. |
| C&S | Cut and Sew. Garment production process where fabric pieces are sewn together. |
| CAD | Computer-aided design. Digital design of a garment. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| CIF | Cost, Insurance and Freight: an Incoterms rule for sea or inland waterway transport. The seller pays specified transport and insurance to the destination port, but risk transfers when goods are on board at shipment. |
| Cloche | A bell-shaped hat that was popular in the early 20th century, especially in the 1920s. |
| CMT | Cut, Make and Trim: a garment manufacturing service covering cutting, sewing and finishing. Confirm which fabrics, trims and other inputs the client must supply. |
| CNY | Chinese New Year. A major holiday in China that can impact production schedules. |
| 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 | French for sewing or dressmaking; commonly used for high-end, individually made fashion. It is not automatically the protected designation haute couture. |
| Cowl Neck | A draped neckline that folds softly, often seen on sweaters or dresses. |
| CPL | Cost Per Lead. Marketing term, occasionally relevant when fashion brands track leads from campaigns. |
| 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 | Garment construction in which fabric pieces are cut from a pattern and sewn together. The pieces do not need to be different colours. |
| CW | Cuttable width. The usable width of a fabric, excluding the selvedge. |
| Dart | A tapered tuck sewn into fabric to give shape, commonly used at the bust or waist. |
| Deadstock | Unused stock such as surplus fabric or unsold garments. The label alone does not prove how or why it became surplus. |
| Deconstruction | A design approach that exposes, rearranges or challenges conventional garment construction, such as visible seams or an unfinished appearance. |
| Denier | A measure of the linear density of a fibre or yarn: its mass in grams per 9,000 metres. It is not a direct measurement of fabric thickness. |
| DHL | International shipping company, widely used in the fashion industry for logistics. |
| DL | Deskloom. A fabric sample used to check colours and patterns. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Ease | The difference between a body measurement and the corresponding garment measurement. It allows movement and creates the intended silhouette; stretch garments may use negative ease. |
| ECR | Efficient Consumer Response. A strategy to increase the speed of supply chain processes. |
| 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. |
| EOD | End of day. A deadline or time reference. |
| EOQ | Economic Order Quantity. A calculation used to determine the optimal quantity of stock to minimise costs. |
| Epaulet | A shoulder detail, often used in military or structured garments. |
| Epaulettes | Decorative shoulder adornments, often used on military uniforms or coats. |
| EPC | Earnings Per Click. An advertising metric sometimes used in fashion marketing. |
| EPS | Encapsulated PostScript: an artwork file format used for graphics such as logos. Confirm the file format and artwork requirements with the printer. |
| ETA | Estimated time of arrival. |
| ETD | Estimated time of departure. |
| 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. |
| FBA | Fulfilment by Amazon. Amazon manages shipping and storage. |
| FDS | Fabric Detail Sheet. A description of fabric characteristics. |
| 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. |
| FND | Front neck drop. Measurement from the HSP to the lowest point of the front neckline. |
| FOB | Free On Board: an Incoterms rule for sea or inland waterway transport. Delivery and risk transfer when goods are on board the vessel at the named port of shipment. |
| FOQ | Fixed Order Quantity. Refers to ordering a fixed quantity of materials. |
| FPT | Fabric performance test. Tests to assess fabric quality. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Fusible Interfacing | A supporting material bonded to fabric using heat-activated adhesive, often used in collars, cuffs and waistbands. |
| FW | Fall/Winter: the autumn/winter fashion season, also written AW or A/W. In a fabric specification, FW may instead mean full width; check the context. |
| Garment-dyed | Dyed after the garment has been constructed, rather than dyeing only the yarn or fabric beforehand. |
| GG | Gauge in machine knitting, commonly expressed as the number of needles per inch. Hand-knitting gauge is usually stated as stitches and rows over a measured area. |
| 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. |
| GOTS | Global Organic Textile Standard. A certification for organic textiles. |
| GPT | Garment performance test. Tests for garment quality. |
| Grading | Developing a pattern into a range of sizes using defined measurement changes. |
| Grainline | The direction in which a pattern piece should be positioned on fabric, usually parallel to the selvedge for a straight-grain cut. |
| 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. |
| GRS | Global Recycled Standard. A certification standard for recycled materials. |
| GSM | Grams per square metre: the mass of a fabric per unit of area. A higher GSM means more weight for the same area, not automatically better quality. |
| GTIN | Global Trade Item Number unique identifier for a product. |
| GTM | Go to market. Refers to launching products to market. |
| 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 | A protected French designation for fashion houses admitted under specific criteria. It is not simply a synonym for expensive or handmade clothing. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Inlay | Extra fabric allowance left within a garment, particularly at seams, so it can potentially be let out during alterations. |
| Inseam | The seam running along the inside of the leg from the crotch to the hem in trousers. |
| IP | Intellectual Property. Legal rights for creations such as designs, branding, or technology. |
| 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. |
| L/C | Letter of Credit. A banking term often seen in international trade transactions. |
| Lapel | The folded part of a garment, usually on the collar of jackets or blazers. |
| LD | Lab dip. A dyed fabric sample to match required colours. |
| LDP | Landed Duty Paid: wording used in commercial price quotes. It is not an official Incoterms rule; confirm exactly which charges and responsibilities the quote includes. |
| LHSAW | Left-hand side as worn. |
| 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. |
| LS | Long sleeve. |
| Made in Italy | A country-of-origin label. It should not be read as a promise that every fibre, component and production step is Italian. |
| Made-to-measure | Clothing made by adjusting an existing pattern to a customer’s measurements. It differs from a fully bespoke pattern. |
| 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. |
| MCQ | Minimum colour quantities. The minimum quantity per colour for production. |
| 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. |
| MMENT | Abbreviation for measurement. |
| MMS | Monthly Merchandise Summary. An internal document for tracking sales or inventory. |
| MOQ | Minimum Order Quantity: the smallest order a supplier accepts. It may apply per style, fabric, colour or total order, so confirm the basis. |
| MSRP | Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. |
| MTO | Made to Order. A manufacturing process where garments are produced only once an order is placed. |
| Muslin | A plain-woven cotton fabric, often used for making sample garments or "toiles" in fashion design. |
| Nap | A directional surface of raised fibres or pile. Cutting pieces in different directions can change how their colour or texture appears. |
| Notch | A small cut or mark used in pattern-making to align pieces of fabric during garment construction. |
| NSA | No seam allowance. Excludes space for stitching. |
| ODM | Original Design Manufacturer: a supplier offering its own designs for a buyer to select or adapt. The exact arrangement varies between suppliers. |
| ODP | Order Delivery Plan. A document outlining timelines for order deliveries. |
| OEM | Original Equipment Manufacturer: a manufacturing arrangement often involving production to a buyer’s specifications. Confirm ownership, development work and responsibilities in the agreement. |
| 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). |
| OOO | Out of office. |
| OOS | Out of stock. |
| OPD | Order placement date. |
| Organic Cotton | Cotton grown under organic agricultural standards, which restrict certain inputs and practices. “Organic” does not mean chemical-free or certify every stage of a finished garment. |
| OTB | Open to buy. Refers to a buyer's merchandise budget. |
| 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. |
| Oversized | An intentionally generous silhouette. Choosing a larger size in a regular-fit garment does not necessarily reproduce an oversized pattern. |
| Paisley | A decorative, tear-drop-shaped pattern often found in textiles. |
| Pantone | A universal colour matching system used in the fashion industry |
| PFD | Prepared for Dye. A fabric that is ready to be dyed but hasn't been coloured yet. |
| Pinking Shears | Scissors with a zigzag cutting edge that can reduce fraying in some woven fabrics. They do not replace a secure seam finish in every fabric. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| POS | Point of Sale. The moment where a retail transaction is completed. |
| PP or PPS | Pre-production sample. A sample made with final materials for approval. |
| PPI | Picks per inch. Refers to the number of weft threads in woven fabric. |
| Prêt-à-porter | Ready-to-wear clothing produced in standard sizes and sold as finished garments. |
| Princess Seam | A long shaped seam, often running from the shoulder or armhole down the body, used to fit a garment without a separate bust dart. |
| QTY | Quantity. |
| Quilted | Fabric that is stitched in a way that creates padded sections, often used for warmth or texture. |
| R&D | Research & Development. The process of innovating new materials. |
| Raglan Sleeve | A sleeve that extends in one piece fully to the collar, creating a diagonal seam from underarm to collarbone. |
| Range Planning | The strategic process of creating a cohesive, market-driven product assortment for a specific season, balancing design, consumer demand, and profitability. |
| RAS | Responsible Alpaca Standard: a Textile Exchange standard addressing alpaca welfare and the traceability of certified fibre. |
| 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. |
| Retro | Fashion or style that imitates or is inspired by trends from the past. |
| 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. |
| RTW | Ready-to-wear: clothing sold as finished garments in standard sizes; also called prêt-à-porter. |
| Samples/Prototypes | Early versions of a garment or accessory produced to test the design, fit, and functionality before full production. |
| Seam Allowance | The fabric between the stitching line and the cut edge. It is included in some sewing patterns and must be added to others. |
| Selvedge | The finished lengthwise edge of a woven fabric, also spelt selvage. |
| Sheath Dress | A close-fitting dress with a straight cut that typically ends at or above the knee. |
| 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 | May mean sales order, sample order or strike-off depending on the company and document. In printing, a strike-off is a trial print for approval. |
| SPEC | Specification: the documented requirements for a garment, such as measurements, materials, construction and finishing. |
| SPI | Stitches per inch. The density of stitches in a seam. |
| SPM | Stitches per minute. The speed of a sewing machine. |
| SS | Spring/Summer: the fashion season, also written S/S. On a technical drawing, SS can mean side seam or short sleeve; confirm the document’s key. |
| 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. |
| TBA | To be advised. Used when details are yet to be finalised. |
| 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. |
| Tech Packs | Detailed documents created by designers that outline the specifications, materials, measurements, and construction details required to manufacture a garment. |
| TNA | Time and action calendar. A schedule for tracking production milestones. |
| TOD | Time of delivery. |
| Toile | A test version of a garment, often made in inexpensive fabric, used to assess shape and fit before cutting the final fabric. |
| Tolerance | The permitted difference between a specified measurement and the measured result, stated in the garment specification. |
| TP | Tech Pack. Technical documentation outlining garment construction. |
| Trench Coat | A long, belted coat, typically double-breasted, made of water-resistant fabric. |
| TTS | True to size: a retailer’s description of the expected fit. There is no universal clothing size, so check the brand’s measurements. |
| UPC | Universal Product Code. A barcode used to track products in retail. |
| VAT | Value Added Tax. A tax applied to many goods and services; the applicable treatment depends on the country and product. |
| 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. |
| Warp | The lengthwise yarns held on a loom during weaving. |
| WC | Week commencing. |
| Weft | The yarns that cross the warp during weaving. |
| WH | Warehouse. |
| WIP | Work In Progress. Used in manufacturing to track production. |
| Wrap Skirt | A skirt that wraps around the waist and ties to secure, offering adjustable sizing and a flattering fit. |
| XFD | Ex-Factory Date. The date when goods are ready for shipment from the factory. |
| YTD | Year to date: the period from the start of the reporting year to the current date, often used in retail sales reports. |
How to use the terms in practice
Reading a clothing description
“Oversized, garment-dyed, 300 GSM cotton jersey” tells you three separate things. Oversized describes the intended silhouette; garment-dyed means it was dyed after construction; and 300 GSM describes the fabric’s weight per square metre. None of those details alone proves that the garment is well made.
Jersey describes a knitted fabric construction, while cotton describes a fibre. A fabric can therefore be both cotton and jersey. Our guide to clothing materials and fabrics explains that distinction in more detail.
Asking a supplier for a quote
A useful enquiry might say: “Please quote for this style in two colourways. Is the MOQ per colour or across the order? Please confirm the fabric GSM, sample cost and production lead time.” That is clearer than sending a string of abbreviations without specifying what you need.
A tech pack brings the requirements together. The BOM lists the materials and components, while the POM measurements show where and how the garment should be measured. Include tolerances so the factory knows the permitted variation.
Checking fit before ordering
Body measurements and finished garment measurements are different. The space between them is called ease. A relaxed garment generally has more room than a close-fitting one, while some stretch garments are designed with negative ease.
Compare the retailer’s measurements with a similar garment you already like, and check whether the chart describes the body or the clothing. See our guides to measuring yourself for online clothes shopping and regular, relaxed and oversized hoodie fits.
Fashion terms that are easy to confuse
- Vintage and retro: vintage refers to an item from an earlier era; retro describes a look inspired by the past and can include newly made clothes.
- Bespoke and made-to-measure: bespoke generally starts with an individual pattern; made-to-measure adapts an existing one.
- Fabric weight and quality: heavier does not automatically mean better. Weight needs to suit the garment, alongside construction, finishing and comfort.
- Couture and haute couture: couture is widely used for high-end dressmaking; haute couture is a protected French designation, not simply a label for expensive clothes.
- Organic and chemical-free: organic describes an agricultural standard. It does not mean a textile has never been processed with chemicals.
For practical buying checks, read our guide to spotting well-made clothes. For washing and drying instructions, use our separate clothing care symbols guide.
Further reference
For specialist definitions, consult Cotton Incorporated’s textile glossary and CottonWorks. Certification names can be checked with Textile Exchange and GOTS. The Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode explains the haute couture designation. For shipping agreements, use the ICC’s Incoterms explanations rather than relying on an abbreviated price quote.
