Understanding fashion terminology is crucial for anyone working in the fashion industry. Whether you’re a designer, merchandiser, or pattern maker, a strong grasp of industry-specific terms is essential for effective communication and collaboration. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of common fashion terms, perfect for downloading as a handy PDF reference.
A mood board is a visual collection of images, colors, and textures intended to evoke a specific feeling or atmosphere. It serves as a creative reference point for design projects.
Trend boards, on the other hand, focus on current design trends. They compile visual elements like images, patterns, and colors to help designers conceptualize new collections and stay ahead of the curve.
A collection line-up showcases all the garments in a fashion collection, providing a complete overview of styles and themes. This is often done through fashion illustrations or technical sketches.
Silhouette refers to the outline or shape of a garment. Understanding different silhouettes, such as A-line, mermaid, or empire waist, is fundamental to design.
A flat sketch, also known as a fashion flat, is a two-dimensional drawing of a garment design. It showcases details like stitching and trims, often in black and white, and may include color or patterns to illustrate colorways.
Technical sketches build upon flat sketches by adding text callouts to specify design details. These sketches serve as clear instructions for pattern makers and sample makers.
Color standards define the precise colors used in a design, ensuring consistent color reproduction throughout production. Pantone or Scotdic color books are commonly used to specify color standards.
A tech pack compiles all the essential information needed to manufacture a garment. It includes technical sketches, a bill of materials (BOM), graded specs, colorway details, and other specifications.
A Bill of Materials (BOM) lists every component required to create a finished product, including fabrics, trims, labels, and packaging. It ensures that all necessary materials are accounted for during production.
Graded specs provide measurements for each size of a garment, ensuring consistent sizing across the entire size range. This chart outlines points of measure (POMs) for different sizes.
Points of Measure (POMs) are specific locations on a garment used for taking measurements. Clearly defined POMs ensure accurate and consistent measurements across different sizes and styles.
A prototype, or proto, is a preliminary sample used to test different aspects of a design, such as fit, construction, and detailing. Protos are often made with readily available materials.
A lab dip is a small fabric swatch dyed to match the desired color standard. Factories typically submit multiple lab dips for approval before bulk production.
An SKU, or Stock Keeping Unit, is a unique code assigned to each product for inventory management. SKUs help track stock levels, organize storage, and streamline the fulfillment process.
Understanding these key terms will enhance your ability to navigate the complexities of the fashion industry. This comprehensive guide provides a solid foundation in fashion terminology, enabling you to communicate effectively with colleagues, suppliers, and clients. Downloading this information as a Fashion Terminology Pdf will provide a valuable resource for quick reference and continued learning.