Clothing Manufacturing Glossary: 20+ Terms Every Fashion Brand Should Know
- SEWANO Group
- May 6
- 4 min read
Updated: May 6
Whether you're launching your first fashion collection or scaling an established brand, navigating the world of clothing production can feel like learning a new language. Understanding key manufacturing terms is not just useful — it's essential for clear communication with factories, avoiding costly mistakes, and ensuring your designs come to life exactly as you envision them.
This comprehensive glossary breaks down the most important terms in fashion manufacturing, from beginner basics to advanced production vocabulary. Bookmark this post — it's an evergreen reference you’ll want to come back to.
1. Tech Pack (Technical Package)
A tech pack is a detailed document that outlines everything a manufacturer needs to know to produce a garment: from technical sketches, fabric types, and measurements to construction methods and labeling instructions. A strong tech pack minimizes back-and-forth, saves money, and ensures production accuracy.
Why it matters: It’s your blueprint — without it, miscommunication and production errors are likely.
2. MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)
The smallest number of units a manufacturer is willing to produce in one order. This number varies depending on the factory, product type, and materials used.
Why it matters: Understanding MOQs helps you negotiate more efficiently and plan your budget wisely.
3. CMT (Cut, Make, Trim)
This refers to manufacturers who don’t provide materials, but rather focus on the cutting, sewing, and finishing process of your pre-supplied fabric and trims.
Why it matters: Useful for brands who source their own fabrics or want greater control over material quality.
4. Full Package Production (FPP)
A full-service manufacturing model where the supplier handles everything — from sourcing materials and pattern making to final packaging.
Why it matters: Ideal for startups or brands that want convenience and guidance through the full process.
5. Grading
The process of scaling a base pattern into different sizes (e.g., S, M, L, XL).
Why it matters: Ensures your garments fit consistently across your size range.
6. Marker
A layout of all pattern pieces used to cut fabric in the most efficient way with minimal waste.
Why it matters: Affects both sustainability and production costs.
7. Lead Time
The amount of time it takes from placing an order to receiving the finished product.
Why it matters: Helps with production planning and launch timelines. Always confirm whether the stated lead time includes sampling.
8. Sampling
The process of creating prototype garments before mass production. Common sample types include development samples, fit samples, pre-production samples, and sales samples.
Why it matters: Sampling is where design flaws or adjustments are spotted before you invest in bulk.
9. Tolerance
The acceptable range of variation allowed in measurements (e.g., ±1 cm on a sleeve length).
Why it matters: Allows manufacturers a realistic range of error, while keeping product quality consistent.
10. Bill of Materials (BOM)
A detailed list included in the tech pack that outlines every component used in the garment: fabrics, linings, zippers, buttons, labels, thread, etc.
Why it matters: Helps track material usage and pricing accurately.
11. Pre-Production Sample (PPS)
A near-final version of your garment made just before mass production begins. It should reflect the exact fabrics, trims, sizing, and construction.
Why it matters: Final approval checkpoint before full production — don’t skip it.
12. Yarn-Dyed vs. Piece-Dyed
Yarn-dyed: Fabric is woven from pre-dyed yarns (great for patterns like stripes or checks).
Piece-dyed: Fabric is dyed after it's woven (cheaper but may fade differently).
Why it matters: Impacts the look, texture, and colorfastness of the fabric.
13. Cuttable Width (CW)
The actual usable width of a fabric, excluding the selvage (edges that can’t be used in garments).
Why it matters: Affects how much fabric is needed — and therefore the cost.
14. Seam Allowance
Extra fabric added around pattern pieces to allow for sewing seams.
Why it matters: Needed for accurate construction; if missing or incorrect, fit and strength can suffer.
15. Shrinkage Rate
The expected percentage a fabric will shrink after washing or treatment.
Why it matters: Crucial for deciding fabric treatments and for fit calculations.
16. Private Label / White Label
Private Label: Products manufactured for and sold under your brand name.
White Label: Pre-designed products that multiple brands can relabel and sell.
Why it matters: Good options if you’re not designing from scratch but want branded products.
17. Overlock / Serger Stitch
A type of stitching that trims and binds edges simultaneously, preventing fraying.
Why it matters: Common in mass production — you’ll hear this term often when discussing finishing options.
18. Single Jersey / Interlock / Rib Knit
Types of knitted fabric structures:
Single Jersey: Lightweight and stretchy — common for t-shirts.
Interlock: Heavier and more stable — great for dresses or premium tees.
Rib Knit: Stretchy and textured — often used for cuffs and collars.
Why it matters: Choosing the right knit impacts comfort, fit, and product quality.
19. Pantone Color Codes
A universal system for identifying and matching colors across different production settings.
Why it matters: Ensures color consistency between your designs and your manufacturer’s output.
20. Quality Control (QC)
A process that checks garment quality at various production stages to ensure compliance with specs.
Why it matters: QC reduces the risk of defective goods being shipped — crucial for maintaining your brand’s reputation.
Mastering clothing manufacturing vocabulary empowers you to take control of your production process, avoid costly missteps, and work more effectively with suppliers. Whether you're building your first prototype or managing bulk orders, this glossary is your cheat sheet to sounding like a pro and making smarter decisions.
Save this post or share it with your team — clarity is key in every successful fashion brand.
👋📩 If you're planning to start production or just have questions about the process, feel free to reach out — SEWANO Group is here to help from the first step to your finished collection. See how it works
