FABRIC GLOSSARY
S
SHAPE RETENTION
Shape retention is the ability of a fabric to maintain its original appearance characteristics related to the wrinkle recovery, drape, and dimensional stability.
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SHINY
Shiny refers to a finish or appearance characterised by a lustrous surface that enhances the vibrancy and depth of colour.
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SPANDEX
Spandex is the same synthetic fibre known as Elastane. Made from polyether-polyurea copolymers.
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SUBLIMATION
A form of digital printing that uses water-based inks printed on a specialised paper that is then applied to fabric using both heat and pressure. This causes the inks to transition from a solid state into a gas state permanently bonding to the fibres.
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SUNSCREEN & OIL RESISTANT
Resistant to stains from oil based lotions or sprays.
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T
THERMOPLASTIC POLYURETHANE
Thermoplastic polyurethane, abbreviated as TPU, is a heat processed thermoplastic elastomer. It exhibits properties like durability, flexibility, and high tensile strength.
TRICOT KNIT
Tricot is a warp-knit fabric that has been knitted on a tricot warp-knitting machine.
TWO WAY STRETCH
Fabric that is constructed to have one directional stretch. Stretch may be selvedge to selvedge, or, along the bias.
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U
UV PROTECTIVE
Offers UV protection to the skin from UV radiation and rays. Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) indicates how much UV radiation (both UVB and UVA) a fabric allows to reach your skin.
UV REACTIVE FLUORESCENT
UV reactive products glow under UV or black light. When UV light is absorbed it is reflected back. This is referred to as UV-Induced visible fluorescence.
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V
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VINYL
Also termed as pleather or artificial leather, vinyl is made of plastic made from ethylene and chlorine. With a high resistance to dirt, mildew, oil, salt, chemicals and UV radiation.
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W
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WATER-BASED INK
Environmentally friendly, water based inks allow for a dry printing process eliminating the need for water in the post-print processing.
M
MATTE
Matte refers to a finish or appearance characterised by a non-shiny, flat, or dull surface that creates a sophisticated and understated aesthetic.
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METALLIC
Metallic foil is applied in the same way as holographic foils without the embossed pattern that diffracts light.
MIDWEIGHT
Mid weight fabrics weigh over 150 GSM and offer strong, durable quality while retaining excellent drape and flexibility.
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NYLON
Nylon is a brand name for a man-made synthetic polymer, polyamide filament or staple fibre. Nylon fibres are made up of linear macromolecules whose structural units are linked by the amide (–NH–CO–) group. Therefore, these fibres are termed as the polyamides.
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O
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100
Refers to textiles tested for harmful substances. Every item bearing the STANDARD 100 label is certified as having passed safety tests for the presence of harmful substances.
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P
PILLING RESISTANT
Pilling is the formation of balls of tangled fibres, caused by normal wear-and-tear, that are held to the surface of a fabric by one or more other fibres. The resistance to the formation of pills on the surface of a fabric is known as pilling resistance.
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POLYAMIDE
Polyamide is a term that refers to fibres that are made from polyamide monomers derived from carbon-based molecules.
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POLYESTER
Polyester (polyethylene terephthalate) is a synthetic polymer composed of compounds within the ester functional group extruded into filament fibres. Polyester filaments are continuous fibres that produce smooth, soft fabrics that offer exceptional printed quality with strong wash durability.
POLYVINYL CHLORIDE
PVC has an amorphous structure and contains halogens like chlorine and fluorine. This chemical stability enables flexible PVC to be resistant to stressors like flame, chemicals, and oils.
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R
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RECYCLED POLYESTER
Recycled Polyester (rPET) is made using plastic water bottles, fishing nets and other post-consumer plastics. PET is a 100% recyclable, eco-friendly product.
C
CHLORINE RESISTANT
Chlorine resistant technology helps protect spandex yarns against chlorine damage and improve durability. It prevents spandex degradation from chlorinated water.
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D
DIGITALLY PRINTED
Digital Textile Printing is a process of using inkjet technology to print water-based inks directly onto fabric.
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E
ELASTANE
Elastane is a manufactured synthetic filament fibre. In the United States and Canada it is commonly known by the brand name Spandex rather than elastane. Elastane is an elastomeric fibre meaning it has qualities similar to rubber.
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F​
FABRIC WEIGHT
The weight of a fabric refers to how heavy or dense it is, typically measured in grams per square metre or ounces per square yard. The weight of a fabric is determined by several factors such as the type of fibre used, the thread count, and the thickness of the yarn.
FEATHERWEIGHT
Featherweight fabrics, typically under 40 GSM, are light, airy, have a soft, flowing drape and are ideal for delicate design applications.
FOILED
Foil printing involves applying a thin layer of metallic or holographic foil to fabric using heat and pressure. A coating or pattern is applied to a transfer sheet which is then heat-pressed onto the fabric causing the foil to adhere.
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FOUR WAY STRETCH
Fabric that has been constructed to have stretch properties in both directions, straight grain and cross grain.
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H
HEAVYWEIGHT
Heavyweight fabrics, typically above 350 GSM, offer substantial thickness and density. Giving structure and support to applications such as fashion accessories and upholstery.
HOLOGRAPHIC
Holographic foil is a diffraction pattern which displays movement or colour shifts when viewed from different angles with a reflective, or mirror-like finish.
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L
LYCRA ®
Lycra is a brand name for elastane fibres produced by Carvico. This quality of elastane creates ultra smooth fabrics with high shape retention and durability.
Wash at or below 40 °C
Do not bleach
Do not tumble dry
Hand wash
Do not wring
Iron on lowest setting
Gentle wet cleaning
Drip dry
Do not iron
Dry clean
Dry flat