Many phrases and industry shorthand are used when creating an apparel tech pack or when talking with suppliers and manufacturers for your garment. We’ve put together a list of common terms for you to reference at a glance.
A comprehensive list of every material needed to produce the garment, including fabrics, trims, labels, and packaging components
The specific color variations of a style, including fabric, thread, and trims colors
A sample garment or previous style provided to manufacturers to guide fit expectations
The number of stitches per inch in knitted fabric. Lower numbers = chunkier knits; higher numbers = finer knits
A table of measurements for size, showing how the garment should change in proportion
The process of resizing a base garment pattern into a full size range (e.g. S, M, L, XL)
Flat, 2D visual representation of a garment used to show placement for graphics, logos, or design elements
The distance between needles used in multi-needle stitching, often referenced for decorative or structural stitching
Photorealistic or 3D representation of garments, often created with CAD tools, used for representation or visual tools
Specific locations on the garment where measurements are taken, illustrated with callouts on a flat sketch
See Graded Specification Sheet
The ISO or common stitch code (e.g. 301 lockstitch) used to indicate which stitching technique is required at each seam
A multi-page document detailing every aspect of a garment’s design, materials, construction, sizing, and packaging; used by manufacturers to produce the item accurately
The acceptable range for variation for measurement. For example, a bust width of 18”± ¼”
Detailed, black-and white vector drawings that clearly outline the garment’s design from multiple views, without any stylization
See Tech Pack
|
Abbreviation |
Term |
Description |
|
1GG / 16GG |
Gauge |
In knitting, stitches per inch |
|
AH |
Armhole |
POM location |
|
ASTM |
American Society for Testing and Materials |
Standards organization used in the fabric and testing specs |
|
BOM |
Bill of Materials |
See above |
|
CAD |
Computer-Aided Design |
Digital design and patternmaking tool |
|
CB |
Center Back |
POM location |
|
CF |
Center Front |
POM location |
|
COO |
Country of Origin |
Where the garment is manufactured |
|
DNTS |
Double Needle Topstitch |
Often used on hems or decorative seams |
|
DTC |
Direct to Consumer |
Sales model without intermediaries |
|
DTM |
Dyed to Match |
Indicates trims or thread should match fabric color |
|
FDS |
Fabric Data Sheet |
Details on fabric composition, weight, and properties |
|
GG |
Gauge |
See above |
|
HPS |
High Point Shoulder |
POM location |
|
ISO |
International Standards Organization |
Governs global standards for stitch types, fabric testing, and product specs |
|
MOQ |
Minimum Order Quantity |
Factory production minimum required per style or color |
|
POM |
Point of Measurement |
See above |
|
RN# |
Registration Number |
U.S. business ID for textile labeling |
|
SA |
Seam Allowance |
Extra fabric beyond the stitching line |
|
SPI |
Stitches Per Inch |
Stitch density; affects seam durability |
|
SS |
Side Seam |
POM location |
This article completes our blog series, How to Create an Apparel Tech Pack. Other articles in this series are:
Part 2: Mastering Technical Design Sketches
Part 3: Developing The Colorways Sheet
Part 4: Constructing a Graded Specification Sheet
Part 5: Building the Point of Measurement (POM)
Part 6: Crafting a Bill Of Materials (BOM)
Part 7: Assembling The Construction Details Page
Part 8: Forming the Renderings and Mockups Page
Part 9: Establishing the Labeling, Folding, and Packaging Information