Glossary of terms

IL50 Signifies that a garment has been certified to withstand at least 50 industrial laundry cycles (about ten times more strenuous than a home was).

Interlock Knit A fabric that has two plys knit simultaneously to form one thicker and heavier ply. It has more natural stretch than a jersey knit, a soft hand, and the same appearance and feel on both sides.

Iridescent Buttons Buttons with a lustrous, rainbow-like hue.

Jacquard Knit A pattern knit directly into the fabric during the manufacturing process. Typically, 2 or more colors are used.

Jersey Knit This fabric has a definite smooth side, the outside, and a textured side, the inside.

Lamborder A flat rib knit, with specified dimensions, that is used to function as a placket and placket facing.

Locker Loop A looped piece of fabric in the neck of a garment for the convenience of hanging the garment on a hook. Can also be located at the center of the back yoke on the inside or outside of a garment.

Locker Patch A semi-oval panel sewn into the inside back portion of a garment, just under the collar seam, to reinforce the garment and minimize stretching when hung on a hook. The patch also allows for the garment tag or label to be sewn below the neckline to help prevent irritation.

Low Profile A cap style with a low slope that is more closely fitted to the head. Can be either structured or unstructured.

Lycra®INVISTA's trademark for a synthetic fabric material with elastic properties of "spandex".

Matte Taslan See Taslan but with a dull finish.

Mercerized Cotton Cotton thread that has been treated with sodium hydroxide. The thread is given a caustic soda bath that is then neutralized with an acid bath. This treatment increases luster, sheen, strength, affinity to dye, resistance to mildew, and also reduces lint. Only the finest cotton is reserved for this process.

Melamine A highly resistant, exceptionally strong plastic laminate material sometimes used in buttons.

Melange A mix of different colors of yarns knit together to create a heathered effect.

Mercerized A product that has gone through a process to produce a smooth, lustrous hand.

Mesh Similar to a pique knit, but with a more open texture for increased breathability. Larger knit than Cool Weave.

Micro Fleece A high density, anti-pilling fleece made of knit micro-fibers that are brushed less than a regular fleece garment. It has a high capacity for warmth without the weight.

Microfiber This fabric is tightly woven from a very fine poly thread and has a sueded finish for a luxurious, soft feel. Microfiber fabric is naturally water repellent due to its construction process and when specially treated, can also be waterproof.

Micro Cord A very fine wale cord.

Micro-Stripe An ultra-fine stripe that is knit into the fabric.

Mid Profile A cap with a slope height in between that of a High Profile and Low Profile. It is most often structured with buckram.

Mother of Pearl Logo Buttons Buttons made from Mother of Pearl, with a logo inscribed on them.