The garment trims industry has its own vocabulary. Whether you are a new apparel brand, a fashion student, or a production manager working with suppliers for the first time, understanding the terminology used in garment accessories will make your sourcing process faster and more effective. Here are 50 essential garment trims terms defined.
A–D
Appliqué — A decorative element attached to the surface of a garment, typically made of fabric, leather, or embroidery.
Bar tack — A series of tight stitches used to reinforce stress points on a garment such as pocket corners and belt loops.
Binding — A strip of fabric used to finish raw edges on a garment, commonly seen on necklines, armholes, and hem edges.
Braided elastic — A type of elastic made by braiding threads together, commonly used in waistbands and cuffs. It narrows when stretched.
Button — A small disc-shaped fastener used in conjunction with a buttonhole to close a garment. Can be made from resin, metal, wood, shell, or rubber.
Care label — A label sewn into a garment that provides washing, drying, ironing, and dry-cleaning instructions. Required by law in most countries.
Chain stitch — A decorative or structural stitch that forms a chain-like pattern, commonly used in denim and embroidery.
Coil zipper — A zipper made with continuous coils of nylon or polyester. Lightweight and flexible, used in sportswear and lightweight garments.
Country of origin label — A label indicating where a garment was manufactured, required for customs and retail compliance in many markets.
Drawcord — A cord threaded through a channel in a garment to create an adjustable opening, commonly used in hoodies, joggers, and bags.
E–I
Elastic — A stretchable trim used in waistbands, cuffs, bra straps, and sportswear to provide flexibility and comfort.
Embroidered patch — A decorative or branded patch created using embroidery, attached to a garment by sewing or heat bonding.
Eyelet — A small metal or reinforced hole in a garment through which a drawcord or lace is threaded.
Facing — A piece of fabric sewn to the inside of a garment edge to give it a clean, finished appearance.
Fusing — An interlining material with a heat-activated adhesive used to bond fabric layers together and add structure to garment components.
Grosgrain ribbon — A tightly woven ribbon with a ribbed texture, commonly used as a decorative trim or waistband facing.
Hang tag — A paper or card tag attached to a garment by a string or pin, typically carrying brand information, pricing, and product details.
Heat transfer label — A label applied to fabric using heat and pressure rather than sewing. Leaves no scratchy label inside the garment.
Hook and eye — A small metal fastening consisting of a hook and a loop, used at the top of zippers or at waistbands.
Interlining — A layer of fabric placed between the outer fabric and lining of a garment to add structure, warmth, or body.
J-P
Jacquard label — A woven label produced on a jacquard loom, capable of reproducing complex multicolor designs with high precision.
Knitted elastic — An elastic made by knitting threads together. Softer and more comfortable than braided elastic. Widely used in underwear and activewear.
Label — Any tag or trim attached to a garment to communicate brand identity, size, care instructions, or country of origin.
Lining — A layer of fabric sewn inside a garment to cover internal construction, improve comfort, and add structure.
Lockstitch — The most common machine stitch, created by interlocking two threads — one from above and one from below the fabric.
Metal zipper — A zipper made with individual metal teeth, commonly used in denim jeans, jackets, and premium outerwear.
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) — The smallest quantity a supplier will produce in a single order. Varies by product type and supplier.
Nylon zipper — A lightweight zipper made with nylon coil teeth. Common in sportswear, bags, and lightweight garments.
Overlock stitch — A stitch that simultaneously sews, trims, and finishes a seam edge to prevent fraying.
Polybag — A polyethylene bag used to package finished garments for shipping and retail display. Available in standard, biodegradable, and recycled options.
Printed label — A garment label produced by printing text and logos onto fabric or synthetic material using ink or heat transfer technology.
R-Z
Resin button — A button made from synthetic resin (plastic). The most common type of garment button — durable, lightweight, and available in unlimited colors and shapes.
Ribbon — A narrow woven fabric trim used decoratively or functionally in garments, accessories, and packaging.
Satin ribbon — A smooth, glossy ribbon commonly used as a decorative trim in lingerie, formalwear, and packaging.
Seam tape — A narrow strip of fabric or fusible material used to reinforce or cover seams inside a garment.
Shoulder pad — A structured insert placed in the shoulder area of a garment to add shape and definition.
Size label — A label indicating the size of a garment, typically sewn at the center back neck or side seam.
Snap fastener — A two-part metal or plastic fastener that clicks together, used in babywear, workwear, and casual garments.
Tagging gun — A tool used to attach hang tags to garments using a plastic fastener barb.
Velcro — A brand name for hook-and-loop fastening tape, commonly used as a garment closure in sportswear, workwear, and childrenswear.
Velvet ribbon — A ribbon with a soft pile surface, used as a decorative trim in premium and formal garments.
Visible trim — Any garment trim that can be seen on the outside of a finished garment, such as buttons, labels, zippers, and drawcords.
Invisible trim — Any garment trim that is concealed inside a finished garment, such as interlinings, shoulder pads, and fusing.
Woven elastic — An elastic produced by weaving threads on a loom. The strongest and most stable type of elastic, used in premium waistbands and heavy-duty applications.
Woven label — A garment label produced by weaving threads together on a loom. The most durable and premium type of garment label.
Zipper pull — The tab attached to the zipper slider that allows the user to open and close the zipper.
Zipper slider — The moving component of a zipper that joins or separates the teeth when pulled.
Zipper tape — The fabric portion of a zipper on which the teeth or coil are attached.
Understanding garment trims terminology helps you communicate more effectively with suppliers, make better sourcing decisions, and ensure your finished products meet the quality standards your brand requires. BTX supplies all of the trim types listed in this glossary — contact us to discuss your requirements or request samples.
Contact BTX to Source Your Garment Trims