Glossary of Fabric & Fashion Terms

P - S

Paisley - A tear-drop shaped, fancy printed pattern, used in dresses, blouses, and men's ties.

Panne - French word meaning plush. It resembles velvet but has a much longer pile. It has high luster and is made in silk, silk blends or with synthetics.

Panné Velvet - A type of lustrous, lightweight velvet fabric, usually made of silk or a manufactured fiber, in which the pile has been flattened in one direction.

Pearlized - Given a pearlescent surface or finish.

Peasant Top - Romantic style often characterized with a low neckline, ruffles, or free flowing material.

Peau de Cynge - The name comes from a French phrase that means "swam skin".  Crepe yarns are woven to create a silk textile with high luster and a slightly slubbed texture with good body.

Peau de Peche - The name comes from a French phrase meaning "skin of peach".  This textile has a soft nap that is acquired after a finishing process.

Peau de Soie - A heavy twill weave drapeable satin fabric, made of silk or a manufactured fiber, and used for bridal gowns and eveningwear.

Peau Satin – Satin fabric of silk or a manufactured fiber that is woven in a heavy twill weave.  The fabric is easily draped and used for bridal gowns and evening wear.

Peek-a-boo - Any part of the garment which has been cut out to reveal skin.

Pekin - A high quality fabric characterized by its vertical stripes of identical width that have equal widths between them. It consists of cotton, wool, silk, or elaborate velvet stripes that are separated by satin.

Percale – Plain, medium weight, cotton weave of a medium weight that is firm, smooth, with no gloss.  Warps and washes very well. It is made from both carded and combed yarns.  Percale sheeting is the finest sheeting available and is made of combed yarns and has a count of 200 - carded percale sheeting has a count of 180. It has a soft, silk-like feel. The thread count ranges usually from 180-100.

Performance Fabrics - Fabrics made for a variety of end-use applications, which provide functional qualities, such as moisture management, UV protection, anti-microbial, thermo-regulation, and wind/water resistance.

Petticoat - An underskirt usually a little shorter than the outer clothing and often made with a ruffled, pleated or lace edge.

Picot - A narrow row of dainty, woven loops along the selvage of fabric or lace produced to create an edge or a finished flange.

Pieced - A look created by sewing several pieces of material together to form the garment, much like a quilt.

Pile Knit - A type of knit construction which utilizes a special yarn or a sliver that is interlooped into a standard knit base. This construction is used in the formation of imitation fur fabrics, in special liners for cold weather apparel such as jackets and coats, and in some floor coverings. While any basic knit stitch may be used for the base of pile knits, the most common is the jersey stitch.

Pile Weave - A type of decorative weave in which a pile is formed by additional warp or filling yarns interlaced in such a way that loops are formed on the surface or face of the fabric. The loops may be left uncut, or they may be cut to expose yarn ends and produce cut pile fabric.

Pill - A tangled ball of fibers that appears on the surface of a fabric, as a result of wear or continued friction or rubbing on the surface of the fabric. Occurs as a result of fibers loosening from the fabric surface to form balls of matted fiber particles.

Pinafore - Originally used to protect dresses from dirt, it was adopeted as a fashion piece and worn as a sleeveless dress or over a blouse.

Pique - Cotton, rayon, or synthetic fabrics in a lengthwise rib, English crosswise rib or cord weave that creates a stiff, durable ribbed fabric with an embossed pattern produced by a double warp thread.  Originally was a crosswise rib but now mostly a lengthwise rib and the same as bedford cord. Ribs are often filled to give a more pronounced wale (cord weave). Comes in medium to heavy weights and is generally made of combed face yarns and carded stuffer yarns. It is durable and launders well, but wrinkles badly unless given a wrinkle-free finish. It also comes in different patterns besides wales. Some of the patterns are birdseye (small diamond), waffle (small squares), honeycomb (like the design on honeycomb honey). When the fabric begins to wear out it wears at the corded areas first.

Placket - The piece of cloth that reinforces a split or opening in a garment.  Usually also serves as the closure.

Plain Weave - A basic weave, utilizing a simple alternate interlacing of warp and filling yarns. Any type of yarn made from any type of fiber can be manufactured into a plain weave fabric.

Plaited Fabric - A narrow fabric made by crossing a number of sturdy yarns diagonally, so each strand passes alternatively over or under one or more of the other stands. Typically used in shoe laces and suspenders.

Plaited Yarn - A yarn covered by another yarn.

Plied Yarn - A twisting together of two or more single yarns in one operation.

Plisse - Cotton, rayon, and other fabrics that have been treated with a caustic soda solution which shrinks parts of the goods either all over or in stripes giving a blistered effect that is similar to seersucker in appearance. Produced by a wet finishing treatment, this fabric has the look of woven seersucker, similar to crepe. This crinkle may or may not be removed after washing. This depends on the quality of the fabric. It does not need to be ironed, but if a double thickness, such as a hem, needs a little, it should be done after the fabric is thoroughly dry.

Plush - Velvet or velveteen where the pile is 1/8" thick or more. e.g. Cotton velour, hat velour, plush "fake furs".

Pointelle - Very feminine, delicate-looking, rib-knit fabric made with a pattern of openings.

Point d'esprit – Cotton, and sometimes silk, in a Leno, gauze, knotted, or mesh weave.  First made in France in 1834, it has a dull surfaced net with various sized holes. Has white or colored dots individually spaced or in groups.

Polyester - A manufactured fiber introduced in the early 1950s, and is second only to cotton in worldwide use. Polyester has high strength (although somewhat lower than nylon), excellent resiliency, and high abrasion resistance. Low absorbency allows the fiber to dry quickly.

Polypropylene (also known as polyolefin and Olefin) - A manufactured fiber characterized by its light weight, high strength, and abrasion resistance. Polypropylene is also good at transporting moisture, creating a wicking action. End-uses include activewear apparel, rope, indoor-outdoor carpets, lawn furniture, and upholstery.

Pongee - Silk, cotton, or rayon in a plain weave that was woven "in the gum".  Originally from China and woven on hand looms in the home. It is light or medium weight and tan or ecru in color.  Some is dyed, but color is not quite uniform.  The warp is finer and more even than filling. The nubs or irregular cross ribs are produced by uneven yarns. It is woven from wild tussah silk and it is a "raw silk".

Poplin - A cotton or wool fabric made using a crosswise rib variation of the plain weave. The construction is characterized by having a slight ridge effect in one direction, usually the filling.  The filling is cylindrical with two or three times as many warp as weft per inch.  Has a more pronounced filling effect than broadcloth. It is mercerized and has quite a high luster. It may be bleached, or dyed (usually vat dyes are used) or printed. Heavy poplin is given a water-repellent finish for outdoor use. Poplin was originally made with silk warp and a heavier wool filling.  American cotton broadcloth shirting is known as poplin in Great Britain.

Press Mark - Undesirable shining lines on the outside of the garment due to incorrect ironing.

Princess Seams - Seams that can be found in the front or the back of a garment that create a form-fitting shape.

Provence – This is a plain woven cotton with a typed style of printing which characterizes the countryside of Provence in French country.

Puckered bodice - Usually associated with tube tops, it provides a scrunchy look.

Puff Sleeve / Pouf Sleeve - A full sleeve of varying lengths, created by generous gathering around the armhole.

Purl Stitch - A basic stitch used in weft knitting, which produces knit fabrics that have the same appearance on both sides. The purl stitch is frequently used in combination with the jersey and rib stitches to produce a knitted fabric design. Sweaters, knitted fabrics for infants and children's wear, knitted fabrics for specialized sportswear, and bulky knit fabrics are commonly made using the purl stitch.

Pyrenees – A wool fabric made in France from the wool of Pyrenees’ flocks of sheep. The Pyrenees are a mountain chain between France and Spain. The fabric is well known because it is a high quality fabric which keeps warm.

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Quilting - A fabric construction in which a layer of down or fiberfill is placed between two layers of fabric, and then held in place by stitching or sealing in a regular, consistent, all-over pattern on the goods.

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Radium - Originated in Lyons France. It has high luster and is smooth and soft.

Ramie - A natural woody fiber, similar to flax, taken from the stalk of a plant grown in China.  Also know as rhea and China grass, it is obtained from a tall shrub grown in South-east Asia. China, Japan, and southern Europe. The fiber is stiff, more brittle than linen, and highly lustrous. It can be bleached to extreme whiteness. Ramie fibers are long and very fine. They are white and lustrous and almost silk-like in appearance. The strength of ramie is but elastic recovery is low and elongation is poor. Ramie lends itself to general processing for textile yarns, but its retting operation is difficult and costly, making the fiber unprofitable for general use. When combed, ramie is half the density of linen, but much stronger, coarser, and more absorbent. It has permanent luster and good affinity for dyes and is affected little by moisture. Ramie is used as filling yarn in mixed woolen fabrics, as adulteration with silk fibers, and as a substitute for flax. The China-grass cloth use by the Chinese is made of Ramie.

Raschel Knit - A warp knitted fabric in which the resulting knit fabric resembles hand crocheted fabrics, lace fabrics, and nettings. Raschel warp knits contain inlaid connecting yarns in addition to columns of knit stitches.

Ratine - Originated in Italy but is a French word that means rough. This fiber has an uneven, pebbled surface. It comes in solid colors and prints and is usually made from silk, cotton or wool.

Rayon - A manufactured fiber composed of regenerated cellulose, derived from wood pulp, cotton linters, or other vegetable matter.

Re-embroidered - To outline a design (as on lace) with embroidery stitching.

Repellency - The ability of a fabric to resist such things as wetting and staining by water, stains, soil, etc.

Resiliency - The ability of a fabric to spring back to its original shape after being twisted, crushed, wrinkled, or distorted in any way.

Rhinestoned - To attach a colorless imitation stone of high luster made of glass, paste, or gem quartz.

Ribbed - To form vertical ridges in knitting.

Ribboned - Ribbon lace is made by stitching ribbon onto mesh or net fabrics. The design is usually a random pattern rather than floral.

Rib knit - A basic stitch used in weft knitting in which the knitting machines require two sets of needles operating at right angles to each other. Rib knits have a very high degree of elasticity in the crosswise direction. This knitted fabric is used for complete garments and for such specialized uses as sleeve bands, neck bands, sweater waistbands, and special types of trims for use with other knit or woven fabrics. Lightweight sweaters in rib knits provide a close, body-hugging fit.

Rib Weave - One of the plain weave variations, which is formed by using: 1) heavy yarns in the warp or filling direction, or 2) a substantially higher number of yarns per inch in one direction than in the other, or 3) several yarns grouped together as one. Rib fabrics are all characterized by having a slight ridge effect in one direction, usually the filling. Such fabrics may have problems with yarn slippage, abrasion resistance, and tear strength. Examples of this construction include broadcloth, poplin, taffeta, faille, shantung, and cord fabric.

Rip-stop Nylon - A lightweight, wind resistant, and water resistant plain weave fabric. Large rib yarns stop tears without adding excess weight to active sportswear apparel and outdoor equipment such as sleeping bags and tents. Fabric woven with double thread at regular intervals to create small squares that prevent tears from spreading. Usually made from nylon or polyester and used in packs, sleeping bags, tent sand gear.

Romaine - A lightweight textile with a low thread count that is lustrous and has an uneven textural appearance. It was originally made of silk but is found today in wool, silk, rayon, acetate and other synthetics.

Romper - A one-piece garment with the lower part shaped like bloomers.

Ruche - Fluted or crimped lace or gauze, used as a trimming.

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Sailcloth  - A strong canvas of cotton, linen, or nylon in a plain weave, sometimes with a crosswise rib.  The weights vary, but most often the count is around 148 x 60. Able to withstand the elements (rain, wind and snow). Sailcloth for clothing is sold frequently and is much lighter weight than used for sails.  Historically used in sails, awnings, and all kinds of sportswear for men, women, and children.

Sanforized - A process to preshrink fabric. Fabrics with this trademark should never shrink more than 1%.

Sanglier – French for wild boar. It was named for its texture which is compact and wiry. It also has a very rough finish. It is usually created with mohair and worsted fibers.

Saran Fiber - A manufactured fiber which has an excellent resistance to sunlight and weathering, and is used in lawn furniture, upholstery, and carpets.

Sarong Skirt - Long cloth which is wrapped around the entire body.

Sateen – Cotton or rayon in a filling-face weave.  A weave construction for mercerized cotton fabrics, which produces a lustrous and smooth surface with the sheen in a filling direction. Carded or combed yarns are used. Better qualities are mercerized to give a higher sheen. Some are only calendered to produce the sheen but this disappears with sashing and is not considered genuine sateen. May be bleached, dyed, or printed. Difficult to make good bound buttonholes on it as it has a tendency to slip at the seams.  Used in dresses, sportswear, blouses, robes, pijamas, linings for draperies, and bedspreads.

Sateen Fabric - A fabric made from yarns with low luster, such as cotton or other staple length fibers. The fabric has a soft, smooth hand and a gentle, subtle luster. Sateen fabrics are often used for draperies and upholstery.

Sateen Weave - A variation of the satin weave, produced by floating fill yarns over warp yarns.

Satin - A traditional fabric utilizing a satin weave construction to achieve a lustrous fabric surface. Satin is a traditional fabric for evening and wedding garments. Typical examples of satin weave fabrics include: slipper satin, crepe-back satin, faille satin, bridal satin, moleskin, and royal satin.  Traditionally made from silk, satin can also be made from rayon and synthetics.  It originated in China (Zaytoun, China - now Canton - a port from which satins were exported during the Middle Ages).  It became known in Italy during the XIIth, and XIIIth Centuries and in England by the XIVth Century. It became a favorite of all court life because of its exquisite qualities and feel. It usually has a lustrous surface and a dull back. The luster is produced by running it between hot cylinders. It is made in many colors, weights, varieties, qualities, and degrees of stiffness.  A low grade silk or a cotton filling is often used in cheaper cloths.

Satin (Double-Faced Satin) - Yarn woven with two warps and one filling, to simulate a double satin construction. Has satin on both sides. Cotton filling is often used in cheaper qualities.

Satin (Duchesse Satin) - This form of satin has a wonderful luster and a smooth feel with a thread count is very high.  As the name implies, it is used in fine women's wear.  Very fine yarns are used, particularly in the warp with more ends/inch than picks.  It is characterized by a grainy twill on back.

Satin (Peau de Soie) – A soft, satin-face, good quality cloth with a dull luster. It has a grainy appearance, and is a characteristic in the cloth which may have a single or double face construction. Fine close ribs are seen in the filling direction. With the best grades, the fabric can be used on either side. Lower qualities are finished on one side only. Name means "skin of silk". Some cloth sold as peau de soie is really a de-lustered satin. It doesn't have the grainy appearance. Because of crosswise rib, the fabric is difficult to ease. Also sold as "de-lustered satin".

Satin-back
Satin on one side and anything on the other.  For example, very good velvet ribbon has velvet on one side and satin on the other.

Satin Faconne – A jacquard figured fabric with an all-satin weave background. Various types of striping effects are obtained.

Satin Weave - A basic weave, characterized by long floats of yarn on the face of the fabric. The yarns are interlaced in such a manner that there is no definite, visible pattern of interlacing and, in this manner, a smooth and somewhat shiny surface effect is achieved. The shiny surface effect is further increased through the use of high luster filament fibers in yarns which also have a low amount of twist. A true satin weave fabric always has the warp yarns floating over filling yarns.

Scalloped Edge - A border that contains continuous curves finished with bourdon stitching.

Scoop Neck / Round Neck - A low, U-shaped or round neckline.

Seamless Knitting - A unique process of circular knitting, done on either Santoni or Sangiacomo knitting machines. This circular knitting process essentially produces finished garments with no side seams, which require only minimal sewisng to complete the garment. Seamless knitting can transform yarn into complete garments in a fraction of the time it takes for traditional garment manufacturing, by minimizing the traditional labor-intensive steps of sutting and sewing.

Seersucker - A woven fabric of cotton, rayon or synthetics which incorporates modification of tension control. In the production of seersucker, some of the warp yarns are held under controlled tension at all times during the weaving, while other warp yarns are in a relaxed state and tend to pucker when the filling yarns are placed. The result produces a puckered stripe effect in the fabric.  The term is derived from the Persian "shirushaker", a kind of cloth, literally "milk and sugar". Colored stripes are often used. It has a dull surface and comes in medium to heavy weights. The woven crinkle is produced by alternating slack and tight yarns in the warp for a permanent effect. The crinkle effect can also be produced by pressing or the use of chemicals, which is not likely to be permanent - called plisse. It is durable and will wear for years.  It may be laundered without ironing. Can be bleached, yarn dyed, or printed. Some comes in a check effect.  Often used in summer suits for men, women, and children, coats, uniforms, trims, nightwear, all kinds of sportswear, dresses, blouses, children's wear of all kinds, curtains, bedspreads, slipcovers.

Selvage or Selvedge - The thin compressed edge of a woven fabric which runs parallel to the warp yarns and prevents raveling. It is usually woven, utilizing tougher yarns and a tighter construction than the rest of the fabric.

Serge - A fabric with a smooth hand that is created by a two-up, two-down twill weave.

Serging -An overcasting technique done on the cut edge of a fabric to prevent raveling.

Serpentine Crepe – Has a filling with a twisted thread which creates a crepe effect.  The size of the crepe thread determines the texture.

Sequined - Ornamented with a small plate of shining metal or plastic.

Shantung - A medium-weight, plain-weave fabric in cotton, silk, rayon or synthetics, characterized by a ribbed effect, resulting from slubbed yarns used in the warp or filling direction. End-uses include dresses and suits.  It is a raw silk made from Tussah silk or silk waste, depending on the quality. It is quite similar to pongee, but has a more irregular surface, heavier, and rougher. Most of the slubs are in the filling direction. It wrinkles easily and abundantly. Underlining helps to prevent this as well as slipping at the seams. Do not fit too tightly, if long wear is expected. Comes in various weights, colors and also printed.

Shadowy Organdy – A lightweight, crisp and sheer fabric. The shadowy effect is produced by printing one color repeatedly upon itself itself.

Sharkskin – A hard-finished, low lustered, medium-weight fabric in a twill-weave construction. It is most commonly found in men's worsted suitings; however, it can also be found in a plain-weave construction of acetate, triacetate, and rayon for women's sportswear. Made from rayon (acetate) and synthetics (particularly Arnel) in a plain or twill weave.  It has a heavy, semi-crisp texture and is very smooth and slippery with a flat look. It is mostly made in white but sometimes colored. It wears well and launders well particularly in Arnel. It a tendency to turn yellow with age, but the Arnel remains pure white.  It has been used for summer wear.

Shatush - This is one of the finest textiles. It is created from white, silver or gray hair of wild goats. The supply of this hair is very limited so the textile is very rare and it is one of the most expensive fabrics in the world.

Shawl Collar - A one-piece collar which is turned down to form a continuous line around the back of the neck to the front.

Sheer - Any very light-weight fabric such as chiffon, georgette, voile, or sheer crepe.  They usually have an open weave and feel cool. 

Sheers (Triple Sheers) - Heavier and flatter than sheers and almost opaque. Many are made from "Bemberg", which wears, drapes, and washes well.

Shelf Bra - A bra that is built right into the garment.  Used often in exercise clothing for ladies.

Shrinkage - The contraction of a fiber, yarn or fabric after washing and drying. All products made of natural fibers have a tendency to shrink 4%-8%.

Shrug - A woman's small, waist-length or shorter jacket.

Silhouette - Dark shaded profile portrait outline of any garment.

Silk – A fiber produced by the silkworm Bombyx mori, also known as the mulberry silkworm, with which the worm weaves its cocoon.  One of the finest textiles, silk is soft, has a brilliant sheen, and is very strong and absorbent.  A luxurious fabric, silk is lush to the touch and drapes beautifully on the body. It is sensitive to sunlight as well as perspiration and must be carefully laundered.   While silk is essentially organic, standards are being developed for organic certification of silk.

Silk (Degummed Silk) - By boiling the silk in hot water, the gum (sericin) is removed from the yarn/fabric. By doing this, the luster of the silk is enhanced. It is very lightweight.

Silk (Honan)  - The best grade of wild silk and is similar to "pongee" but finer. It is made from wild silkworms raised in the Honan area of China and is the only wild type that gives even dyeing results. Do not fit too tightly.

Silk (Illusion) - A gauze weave or made on bobbinet machine or knotted.   It is a
very fine, all-silk tulle which originated in France. It has a cobweb appearance and used in wedding gown veils and trimmings.

Silk (Lame) - Silk or any textile fiber in which metallic threads are used in the warp or the filling.  Lame is also a trade mark for metallic yarns.  French for "trimmed with leaves of gold or silver". Often has pattern all over the surface. The shine and glitter of this fabric makes it suitable for dressy wear.

Sisal - A strong bast fiber that originates from the leaves of the Agave plant, which is found in the West Indies, Central America, and Africa. End-uses include cordage and twine. One of a group of fibers obtained from the leaves of a plant that belongs to the Agave family and is raised in Mexico, especially in the Yucatan peninsula. The fiber is also cultivated in Africa, Java, and some areas of South America. Sisal can be dyed bright colors, by means of both cotton dyes and acid dyes normally used for wool.

Skant - Pants that have a sweater-like attachment around the waist.

Skort - Shorts that have a front covering to resemble a skirt.

Smart Textiles - Textiles that can sense and react to changes in the environment, such as changes from mechanical , thermal, chemical, magnetic and other sources.

Solution-dyed - A type of fiber dyeing in which colored pigments are injected into the spinning solution prior to the extrusion of the fiber through the spinneret. Fibers and yarns colored in this manner are color-fast to most destructive agents.

Soy – A new fabric with a silky feel that is produced from the soy bean plant.

Spaghetti Strap - A thin tubular strap that attaches to the bodice.  Named for its likeness to a strand of spaghetti.

Spandex - A manufactured elastomeric fiber that can be repeatedly stretched over 500% without breaking, and will still recover to its original length.  Spandex increases the life of a garment, making it more sustainable. It adds stretch and versatility and contributes to a wider array of fashion fabrications.  Lycra is the same as spandex.

Spinneret - A metal nozzle type device with very fine holes used in the spinning process of manufactured fibers. The spinning solution is forced or extruded through the small holes to form continuous filament fibers. The holes in the spinneret can vary in diameter to produce fibers of various denier.

Split Neck - A round neckline that looks like it have been cut in the center to form a small "V".

Spot Weave - A woven construction in which patterns are built in at spaced intervals through the use of extra warp and/or extra fill yarns are placed in selected areas. These yarns are woven into the fabric by means of a dobby or Jacquard attachment.

Spun Rayon – A rayon that is spun to look like cotton or wool.  It is made with staple fibers in a continuous strand to give this effect.  It wears well and is washable. Made in different weights and comes in plain colors and prints. Has soft, fuzzy surface and blends well with cotton.

Spun Yarn - A yarn made by taking a group of short staple fibers, which have been cut from the longer continuous filament fibers, and then twisting these short staple fibers together to form a single yarn, which is then used for weaving or knitting fabrics.

Square Neck - An open-yoke neckline shaped in the form of a half square.

Staple Fibers - Short fibers, typically ranging from 1/2 inch up to 18 inches long. Wool, cotton, and flax exist only as staple fibers. Manufactured staple fibers are cut to a specific length from the continuous filament fiber. Usually the staple fiber is cut in lengths ranging from 1-1/2 inches to 8 inches long. A group of staple fibers are twisted together to form a yarn, which is then woven or knit into fabrics.

Straight Legs - Pant legs cut an equal width from the waist to the ankle.

Suede – Suede leather with a napped surface.  Suede fabric is made from wool, cotton, rayon, synthetics and blends in a plain, twill, or knitted that is napped on one side to resemble suede leather.  The short, close nap gives a soft, smooth hand. When made in cotton, it resembles duvetyne, but heavier.

Sunn – A bast fiber obtained from the Crotalaria juncea plant. The fibers grow from 4 to 5 feet long and are retted and prepared like other bast fibers. Sunn contains over 80% cellulose and is highly resistant to moisture and meldew. This fiber is mainly produced in India although small amounts are grown in Uganda. It is mainly used for cordage, rug yarns, and paper. In India it is also used for fish nets and is sometimes used as a substitute for jute in bagging cloths.

Surah – A light weight, lustrous twill weave constructed fabric with a silk-like hand. Surah is the fabric of ties, dresses, and furnishings. It is available in silk, polyester, and rayon. A silk, rayon, or synthetic fiber woven in a twill (2 up and 2 down) that is soft and flexible, lightweight and lustrous.  It has a noticeable twill on the fabric and wrinkles easily. Underlining can help to prevent wrinkling, as well as to prevent slipping at the seams. Some have a tendency to water spot. It is very similar to "foulard", but heavier.

Sustainable Clothing - Sustainable clothing and sustainable fashion is very subjective.  Clothing that reduces the environmental impact.  Clothing that supports and nourishes the earth and the lives of all people involved in the processes of growing, manufacturing and distributing the clothing.  Reuse and recycling, organic fibers, Free Trade worker conditions, and animal welfare are important principles for sustainable clothing and fashion, but it isn't necessary to have them all together.

Sweetheart Neck - A graceful, open yoke, shaped like the top half of a heart.

Synthetics – Fabrics that are not from natural origins.  Synthetics include manmade polyesters and polyvinyl fiber derivatives such as Acrylic, Nylon and Spandex that have been synthesized from petroleum and carbon derivatives.

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