Technical Terminology - Fashion & Textile
Technical terms specific to the sector for developers implementing AI/RAG systems on fashion and textile.
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Atelier
An artisanal workshop where made-to-measure garments or prototypes are crafted. Typical of haute couture and luxury tailoring.
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Pre-production
The phase between design development and the start of industrial production. Includes material development, prototyping and quality testing.
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Cutting Spread Width
The width of fabric available for cutting. Determines the efficiency of pattern placement and fabric consumption.
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Season Benchmark
A comparative analysis of sales performance between equivalent seasons to identify trends and optimise the buy.
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Bill of Materials (BOM)
A complete list of materials needed to produce a garment: fabrics, linings, buttons, zips, labels, packaging. The basis for costing.
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Approval Sample
A garment produced for final validation before production starts. Must be identical to the tech pack specifications.
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Outerwear
A merchandise category comprising jackets, blazers, coats and gilets. Requires more complex construction techniques.
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Article Code
A unique alphanumeric identifier for a product within the company catalogue. Different from SKU: the article code identifies the style, the SKU identifies the specific variant.
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Quality Control (QC)
A systematic process of verifying the conformity of the finished product to specifications. Includes inspections on statistical samples before shipment.
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Counter Sample
A sample produced by the manufacturer to confirm understanding of specifications before production starts. The brand approves it or requests changes.
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Cost of Goods Sold (CoGS)
The direct cost incurred to produce the garments sold: materials, labour, transport. Excludes overheads and marketing expenses.
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Collection Development
The creative and production process from inspiration to presentation: trend research → moodboard → design → development → sample range → runway/showroom.
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Deadstock Fabric
Unused fabric left over from previous productions, purchased from other manufacturers at reduced prices. A sustainability practice used by independent brands.
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Construction Detail
A technical specification of a garment feature: seam type, hem width, lining type, closure positioning.
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Defect Rate (Difettosità)
The percentage of garments not conforming to quality specifications found during inspection. Target rate typically < 1–2%.
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Production Overage
The quantity produced in excess of the order to compensate for defective garments. Usually 3–5% above the confirmed order.
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Composition Label
A mandatory label stating the percentage fibre composition of the garment (e.g. 80% cotton, 20% polyester). Regulated by EU Regulation 1007/2011.
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Care Label
A label with standardised symbols (ISO 3758) indicating how to wash, dry, iron and clean the garment.
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First Sample
The first physical sample produced by the laboratory based on the design and tech pack. The starting point for revisions.
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Fit Model
A model/mannequin used for garment fitting trials during development. The fit model's measurements coincide with the standard measurements of the sample size.
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Full-Package
An agreement with the manufacturer where the latter manages all material sourcing as well as cut-and-sew. Reduces brand workload but decreases supply chain control.
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Returns Management
The process of receiving, inspecting and sorting garments returned by customers or retail points. Critical for e-commerce (fashion return rates: 20–40%).
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Hangtag
A pendant label attached to the garment with string or cord. Shows brand, price, season and product code.
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Inline Inspection
An inspection carried out during the production process (not only on the finished product) to identify and correct defects in progress.
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Interlining
An intermediate material inserted between the outer fabric and the lining to give structure, shape or warmth to the garment. Can be fused (glued) or sew-in.
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Development Lead Time
The time required to develop a new garment from design to approved sample. Typically 4–12 weeks.
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Men's/Women's/Children's Line
Segmentation by demographic target that influences sizing, design, materials and distribution channels.
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Look Book
A photographic catalogue presenting the collection's garments in editorial or lifestyle contexts. A B2B and B2C marketing and sales tool.
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Gross Margin
The difference between the selling price and the cost of goods, expressed as a percentage. In luxury: 65–75%; in fast fashion: 50–60%.
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Mark-Up
A multiplier applied to the purchase cost to determine the retail selling price. Typical fashion mark-up: 2.5× (wholesale) or 5×–6× (retail).
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Luxury Marketplace
Specialised online platforms for selling luxury fashion (e.g. Net-a-Porter, Farfetch). Require high quality and photographic standards for onboarding.