Terms & glossary

Short for 'cut, make, trim,' a manufacturing arrangement in which a factory cuts and sews garments from fabric and materials the client already supplies.

One of the specific color or print combinations that a single garment design is offered in across a collection.

A simplified, elongated figure template used by fashion designers to sketch clothing designs quickly onto a consistent body proportion.

A person with standardized body measurements who tries on sample garments during development so a design house can check and refine the fit.

In industry usage, the process of mathematically scaling a base pattern up and down to create a full, consistent range of sizes for production.

The length of time between placing an order with a manufacturer and actually receiving the finished, produced goods.

A document summarizing a season's products with images, prices, and ordering details, sent by a fashion brand out to its retail buyers.

Short for 'minimum order quantity,' the smallest amount of fabric or finished product that a manufacturer or supplier is willing to sell in one order.

Products that are manufactured by one company but sold to the public under a different company's own brand name.

A finalized manufacturing pattern, complete with every size graded and all construction markings added, ready to be used on a factory floor.

Short for 'ready-to-wear,' mass-produced clothing manufactured in standard sizes and sold off the rack, as opposed to custom-made or handmade garments.

The single sample size, usually a small one, in which a garment is first produced for photography, fit sessions, and buyer showings.

Short for 'stock keeping unit,' a unique code identifying one specific product variation, such as a particular size and color of a garment.

A document listing a garment's precise measurements at every key point, used by a manufacturer to keep sizing consistent across a production run.

A detailed technical document sent to a garment manufacturer specifying exact measurements, materials, construction steps, and trims needed for production.

Selling garments or fabric in bulk quantities to retailers at a reduced price, rather than selling individual pieces directly to consumers.