BRA GLOSSARY
Back Wings
Back wings are the strips of fabric, which extend from the outer base of the cups and secure in the back.
Balconette
Also known as a shelf bra, Balconettes are a more revealing version of a demi bra. Offering little to no coverage, balconettes create dramatic uplift and cleavage.
Bralette
A bralette is an unlined, soft cup bra, which resembles a crop top.
Bustier
A highly structured garment, which extends from bust to hip. Most bustiers have flexible boning throughout the body of the garment for additional shaping, and close in the back with a long row of hooks and eyes.
Comfort Straps
Comfort Straps are wider than average straps and are usually padded or lined more evenly distributing the weight of the breast, increasing the comfort of the wearer.
Center Gore
The center gore is the piece of fabric, which connects the cups of a bra at the front center
Contour Bra
A contour bra has shaped cups, which are always padded or lined. They often have an underwire. Even unfilled, the cups mimic the natural shape of a woman's body. Contour bras are similar to a molded bra, except molded bras are generally not as highly structured. Contour bras are a perfect choice for any woman seeking a sculpted silhouette, as they offer a significant amount of coverage and control.
Cookies
Cookies are oval shaped, removable demi pads. These are generally used in push-up bras
Convertible
Describes any garment which has straps which detach and can be worn in a variety of ways including – criss-cross, halter, strapless or one shouldered.
Corset
A corset is a highly structured, form fitted support garment that extends from the bust to the hip. Most corsets have lace up details, flexible boning throughout the body of the garment for additional shaping, and close in the back with a long row of hooks and eyes.
Demi
A Demi cup bra offers the perfect amount of ‘barely there' coverage for petite to average figure women. These bras offer less coverage than a full cup and more than a balconette. Demi bras cover the nipple and approximately half to ¾ of the breast, but if it seems like you're “spilling out” of your demi cup it's probably the wrong size.
Foam Lined
As opposed to padded bras, foam lined bras have a thinner lining. This lining does not add size, but provides additional shaping as well as protection against nipple show-through.
Full Cup
A full cup bras completely covers most of the breast, offering both more coverage and more support than a demi cup bra.
Full Figure Bras
Our selection of full figure bras starts at a size 38C and extends to a 50DDD. Full figure bras offer comfort and support features designed specifically for voluptuous women.
Minimizer
A minimizer bra reduces the appearance of the bust by up to one cup size.
Molded
Molded bras have cups, which are machine molded. The cups mirror the natural shape of a woman, for shape and comfort. Molded bras are generally unlined and may be either soft cup or underwire.
Moisture Wicking
Moisture wicking fabrics draw moisture away from the skin. This is a great feature to look for in a sports bra.
Padded
Padded Bras have some type of padding lining the cups. Graduated padding is thicker at the base of the cups and creates a natural looking silhouette as well as the appearance of increased cleavage.
Plunge
Plunge bras create the appearance of increased cleavage because of their deep (plunging) front silhouette, angled cups and thin center gore. Plunge bras differ from push-up bras in that they are not generally as heavily padded.
Push-Up
Push-up bras create the appearance of increased cleavage using angled cups (which generally have underwires), a variety of types of padding including graduated and cookies, and demi cups. Racerback
A racerback is designed for a no-show fit under tank tops. Most convertible bras can be worn racerback, but a true racerback bra is a must-have to pair with racerback tanks.
Rigid Straps
Non-stretch straps which are generally adjustable. Rigid straps offer more support than stretch straps. Rigid straps are an important feature for Full Figure silhouettes.
Seamless
A bra constructed without seamed cups. There may be seams in other parts of the bra and still be considered seamless.
Soft Cup
Soft Cup bras do not have underwires, but may be padded or lined.
Sports Bra
Sports bras are specifically designed to offer the appropriate amount of support during moderate to intense physical activity.
Triangle
A triangle bra has triangle shaped cups, which offer the perfect amount of coverage/support for petite to average figures. Triangle bras may be padded or lined but generally do not have underwires, and most have thin straps, center gore and back wings.
T-Shirt Bra
Invisible under even the thinnest fabrics, t-shirt bras are seamless, contoured styles generally made of microfiber. Perfect for all seasons, t-shirt bras create an ultra smooth look under knits, sweaters or clingy tops.
Underwire
A thin, flexible wire, which offers added support to the cups of bras, bustiers and shapewear. Modern bras are constructed with comfortable underwires, which don't poke.
PANTIES & SHAPEWEAR GLOSSARY
Bikini
A moderate coverage silhouette offering more coverage than a thong, but not as much as a brief. Bikinis have waistbands which usually lay somewhere between the navel and hip (unless Low Rise) and have semi-hi-cut legs and a moderate coverage back. String bikinis offer considerably less coverage than an average bikini. Bikinis are a super comfortable medium coverage silhouette that won't show thru under heavier fabrics like denim or wool.
Boyshort
Boyshorts offer full coverage in a modern silhouette. Boyshorts are a perfect everyday alternative and offer comfortable coverage under clothing.
Brief
A traditional rise panty with full coverage in the rear. For a modern take on a classic silhouette choose a brief in seamless microfiber.
Culotte
A European version of a boyshort.
G-String
A minimal coverage panty with string sides and back. Similar to a thong, some manufacturers use the terms interchangeably, but in general G-strings offer ultra minimal coverage. These tiny panties are virtually guaranteed to eliminate panty lines.
Hi-Cut Brief
A moderate to full coverage panty with a very hi-cut leg. Some women find that hi-cut briefs offer a bit of tummy shaping.
Hipster
A mid coverage panty, which is a moderately low rise cross between a bikini and a brief. Hipsters are a modern and comfortable take on the classic brief and are less bulky than a boyshort. Hipsters are virtually invisible under mid-rise pants.
Low Rise
A panty with a rise of 7-inches or less. The rise is the measurement between the waistband and the first horizontal seam.
We categorize low rise into three categories.
Modest Rise – 6-7 inches
Low Rise – 4.5 to 5.5 inches
Daringly Low Rise – 4 inches or lower
Modest Rise
Panties with a rise measurement of 6 to 7-inches.
Low Rise
Panties with a rise measurement of 4.5 to 5.5 inches.
Daringly Low
Panties with a rise measurement of 4 inches or lower.
String Bikini
A bikini with thin string sides. This traditional silhouette offers comfortable, minimal to moderate coverage. String bikinis that are seamless, or constructed of smooth fabrics like microfiber and mesh virtually disappear under medium to heavy fabrics.
Tanga
A moderate to minimal coverage European panty silhouette with back coverage that is more than a thong but narrower than a bikini. Tangas are a comfortable way to transition from a bikini to a thong.
Thong
A popular panty silhouette with a triangle shaped front panel, thin side panels and minimal coverage in back for a no-show look under clothes.
Body Briefer
A body briefer is a shapewear garment, which shapes from bust to hips. Body briefers are available in many different silhouettes including; bodysuits, slips and unitards.
Control Slip
A sleek shapewear piece, which offers smoothing control of the bust, tummy, hips and thighs. These lightweight slips provide comfortable, virtually invisible, light to medium control under your favorite dresses and gowns.
Control Brief
A shapewear panty, which offers moderate to firm control of the tummy. Long leg control briefs also smooth the hips and thighs. Control briefs are the perfect shapewear option to pair with form fitting pants and skirts.
Control Camisole
Control camisoles offer medium control of the bust, tummy and waist in modern silhouettes, which look like your favorite camisole - many with built in bras. Control camisoles are sleek and lightweight and can create a defined silhouette under clothing.
Light Control
Light control shapewear garments offer a touch of smoothing control. They are the perfect option for women of all sizes who want to appear smoother, not smaller.
Medium Control
Medium Control shapewear garments offer smoothing control with a touch of compression. They are the perfect option for any woman who is seeking to appear more toned.
Firm Control
Firm control shapewear garments offer the maximum amount of compression and control. They are perfect for any woman seeking to appear slimmer and more toned under their clothing.
Shaper Thong
Shapewear thongs offer light to medium control of the waist and/or tummy in a thong silhouette. They are a great shapewear option to pair with form fitting clothing, since they prevent visible pantylines.
Shapewear Capri
Shapewear capris offer control of the waist, tummy, hips, bum, and thighs. Offering medium to firm control, they are the perfect shapewear option to pair with pants and longer dresses and skirts.
SWIMWEAR
Brazilian Bottom
Is very low cut and very skimpy, ties at the sides and comes in sizes XS (2-4), S (4-6), M (8-10) and L (12-14). Cover-ups are in a printed knit.
Modern Bottom
Has full rear coverage together with wood rings and accents, has a more generous fit and comes in sizes XS (2-4), S (4-6), M (8-10), L (12-14) and XL (16-18).
Trendy Bottom
Is lower cut with moderate rear coverage with wood rings and accents, has a more generous fit and comes in sizes XS (2-4), S (4-6), M (8-10), L (12-14) and XL (16-18).
Short Bottom w/ drawstring
Fits across hip with full rear coverage and comes in sizes XS (2-4), S (4-6), M (8-10) and L (12-14).
Thong Bottom
Is very low cut, ties at the sides and comes in sizes XS (2-4), S (4-6), M (8-10) and L (12-14).
Skirtini Bottom
Is a trendy bottom with an attached knit skirt and waist band. Comes in sizes XS (2-4), S (4-6), M (8-10) and L (12-14).
High Waisted Bottom
Is high cut with an adjustable waist band and full rear coverage. Comes in sizes S (4-6), M (8-10), L (12-14) and XL (16-18)
Tie Side Bottom
Ties at the sides and is lower cut with medium-full back coverage. Comes in sizes XS (2-4), S (4-6), M (8-10), L (12-14) and XL (16-18)
Bandeau Tops
Comes with an underwire. It has a stylish wood accented buckle and detachable string,ties in the back. Comes in sizes A,B,C, and D.
Halter Tankini Top
Has removable pads, ties behind the neck and comes in sizes B, C, D and DD.
Underwire Tankini Top
Has underwire support, removable pads, ties behind the neck and back comes in sizes B, C, D and DD.
Underwire Halter Top
Ties behind the neck and back and comes in cup sizes C, D, DD and E.
Fashion Halter Top
Has a wood buckle and accents, removable pads, ties behind the neck and back and comes in cup sizes A, B, C, D and DD.
Triangle Top
Has an adjustable sliding top with removable pads, with brown knit overlay and comes in cup sizes A, B, C and
Special Underwire Top D-Cup
Has (no pads), adjustable straps and ties in the back. One size fits most.
Special Underwire Top D-Cup has (no pads, adjustable straps and comes in sizes S (32-34), M (36-38) and L (40-42).
Special Underwire Top DD-Cup has (no pads), adjustable straps and comes in sizes S (32-34), M (36-38) and L (40-42). Cover-ups are in copper mesh.
Tank
Has adjustable shoulder straps and a removable strap in the back and offers full rear coverage. Comes in sizes S (32) , M (34), L (36) and XL (38).
FABRIC GLOSSARY
8-way stretch
The ground-breaking secret behind our 3D-Innovations™ and 3D-Contours™ collections. 8-way stretch allows the garment to stretch in all directions as you move. In other words, the garment will stretch to fit your form rather than shift out of place like ordinary underwear. Your waistband and leg openings stay put to help prevent embarrassing adjustments throughout the day.
Acrylic
A synthetic fiber that adds stability and long-lasting wear to fabrics. Outstanding wickability & quick drying times to move moisture away from the fabric. Products with acrylic are easier to care for and keep their shape.
Anatomical fit
A fit based on the anatomy of the human form. Jockey analyzed the measurements of thousands of actual individuals using data from the latest body-scanning technology. Those measurements were then applied to every aspect of our 3D‑Innovations™ and 3D-Contours™ designs.
Bias cut
An intricate sewing technique that aligns the crossgrains of the fabric so that they are able to stretch in all directions. Fabrics come together at one center seam where the fibers meet diagonally. Instead of stretching in just two ways, garments cut on the bias can stretch and adjust to any body movement. Produces the perfect pattern for underwear with a contoured fit, beautiful drape and luxurious feel.
Body forming
Describes the exceptional fit of our 3D-Innovations™ and 3D-Contours™ collections. This type of fit shapes and conforms to the natural outline of your body so that underwear feels like a second skin.
Body scanning technology
An in-depth process that uses white light to scan images of actual people in order to produce true-to-life 3D body models.
CoolMax® fabrics
CoolMax® is a registered trademark owned by Invista North America S.A.R.L. for their unique moisture management system. CoolMax® fabrics are designed to move moisture away from the body and enhance fabric drying time. Used in Jockey® activewear and socks to keep you comfy when the going gets tough.
Combed cotton
A type of extra-soft cotton that goes through an extra step in its production so that only the longest fibers remain. This produces a softer fabric with added strength.
Cotton
Cotton is a natural fiber. Fibers are typically ½ inch to 2 inches long. The fibers are then spun into yarn and used to make the soft, breathable fabric that goes into so many of your favorite Jockey® products.
Covered neck seams
An added feature that covers the stitches inside the neck of a t-shirt to avoid any itch or irritation against your skin.
Dri-Y® garments
Dri-Y® is a registered trademark owned by Jockey. Dri-Y® garments feature odor protection fibers to keep fabric fresh, as well as moisture management properties to provide a cool, dry feeling fabric against your body.
Fabric-covered waistband
Elastic waistband is not exposed to skin. Soft fabrics protect sensitive areas for all-day comfort and ease of movement.
Flannel
A warm, soft fabric composed of wool and cotton or synthetics. Flannel makes a wonderful, cozy insulator on cold winter nights.
Fleece
A fabric that has been brushed to create a thick surface and fuzzy feel. It produces exceptionally comfortable loungewear.
Heat-sealed labeling
Applied to the garment under high temperatures, this process allows a screen-print label to appear directly on the fabric. Eliminates tags to keep your skin free from irritation.
Horizontal fly
The signature element of the Jockey Pouch™ collection. The horizontal fly runs parallel with your waist for convenience and ease of movement. A staple Jockey® feature, this fly is completely functional and favored by many
Lace
Delicate, decorative fabric woven or knit in ornamental patterns. Adds a touch of feminine appeal to various Jockey® products.
Leg treatment
Refers to the elasticity around the legs that keeps your underwear in place.
Lettuce edge
An edge treatment on knit fabrics in which the edge of the fabric is stretched to look wavy or curly. Appears dainty and adds feminine charm to various Jockey® products.
Lycra® spandex
Lycra® is a registered trademark owned by Invista North America S.A.R.L., known for its unique spandex fabrication. This resilient spandex is specifically crafted to move with you. No matter where life takes you, Lycra® spandex is in sync with your step.
Microfiber
Incredibly fine nylon or polyester fibers that, when woven, produce the most exceptional fabrics. Offers the very best in breathability and lightweight comfort. This extra-fine fiber also provides a superior hand, gentle drape and luxurious feel.
Modal
Modal is an industry term for modacrylic fibers. Modacrylic is a manufactured, medium-weight fiber with superior strength and abrasion resistance. It offers a fantastically soft feel, and maximizes breathability with an absorbency power even stronger than cotton. Made to last wash after wash, modal fabrics remain supple and resistant to fading.
Moisture-wicking
The ability of a fabric to move moisture from the inside of the fabric to the outside where it can evaporate more quickly.
Nylon
Known for its high strength and quick-drying time, nylon enhances the durability and practicality of numerous Jockey® products. Extremely resilient, nylon is a favorite for boxers, briefs and hosiery.
Plushback waistband
The plushback waistband is a comfort feature that has an invisible layer of “fuzz” on the inside of the waistband to protect your skin from the rough texture of elastic. It also helps keep the waistband in place throughout the day.
Polyamide
The generic fiber name for nylon.
Polyester
A synthetic fiber that prides itself on durability. Polyester has high strength, excellent resiliency, and wrinkle resistance. It’s a quick-drying fiber that has excellent shape retention. Holds color brilliantly and looks great wash after wash.
Polypropylene
A paraffin-based synthetic fiber with high performance capabilities.
Pre-washed Garment
A garment that has already been washed giving way to a softer texture, and long-lasting color.
Recovery
The ability of fabric or elastic to go back to its original shape after stretching. Fabrics with spandex offer exceptional recovery capabilities. For long-lasting quality, Jockey strives to offer the best recovery in all products.
Ribbed knit
A double-knit fabric in which the vertical rows of stitches inter-connect on opposite sides of the fabric. Noteworthy in our classic tanks, rib knit fabrics have good elasticity, long-lasting wear and comfort that just doesn’t stop.
Ride-up
A common problem, ride-up refers to the shifting of your underwear so that the fabric creeps up in unwanted places. Both men and women suffer from underwear ride-up and trying to correct the problem in public is usually considered an uncomfortable faux pas. Fortunately, Jockey offers comfortable solutions to ride-up with innovative products and a better fit.
Seamless construction
A garment without seams. For example, Jockey® shapewear, Next to Nothing™ and our Comfies® collections offer a seamless fit to avoid irritation and give way to superior comfort.
Stretch woven
Cotton blended with spandex that is woven together to produce an enhanced texture. The spandex adds comfort, stretch and a soft finish to underwear and loungewear.
Tactel® nylon
Tactel® nylon is made by Invista North America S.A.R.L.. It is a silkier, softer nylon with a high luster. It is lightweight, quick drying, and extremely luxurious against the skin.
Tricot
Tricot is a type of warp knit fabric used predominately in our bra garments.
Two-layered contour design
Features two layers of fabric in the gusset (crotch) of your underwear. Conforms to your body for support and non-stop comfort.
Viscose
First produced in 1891, viscose is the oldest man-made fiber. This non-synthetic fabric has a silk-like texture and feels heavenly against your skin. Its soft, lightweight and absorbent qualities make it a very popular fabric for underwear and loungewear. Viscose is the secret ingredient behind the softness of Jockey Form® and our 3D-Contours™ collections.
Yarn-dye
Dyed yarn used in fabric construction. For example, the stripes or checks knitted or woven into the fabric of our boxers.
Y-Front® design
Invented by Jockey employee, Arthur Kneibler in 1934, the Y-Front® design revolutionized the underwear industry. Driven by comfort, this exclusive Y-Front® design provides masculine support without a constricting feel, as well as a functional fly for convenience.
HOSIERY GLOSSARY
Anklets
Socks with a top designed to cover the anklebone. Extends less than one-third of the way up the largest part of the calf.
Argyle
Balanced, geometrically-knit pattern of multi-colored diamonds against a solid color background.
Athletic Socks
Socks designed for active sports, often having a ribbed top and plain foot construction. Frequently includes a high percentage of cotton. May include performance features like extra cushioning or moisture wicking.
Basics
The traditional or classic styles you depend on every day. Basics vary seasonally only in color. The bulk of the sock and sheer hosiery business.
Cable
A knitted pattern usually made up of two vertically intertwined bands.
Casuals
A broad hosiery term used to describe all socks, trouser socks, or knee-highs except dress, athletic, and work styles.
Control Top
Hosiery with spandex in the panty area. Slims and supports hips and bottom. Gives you a smoother, firmer look under slinky styles.
Cotton Count
A yarn numbering system generally used for yarns spun on the cotton system. The count gives the number of 840-yard lengths of yarn required to weigh one pound. The higher the number, the finer the yarn.
Crochet
A process that creates a design or garment by interlocking looped stitches. Needlework that is used to form a lacy design or pattern on hosiery.
Cuffed
Socks folded over at the top, usually just above the ankle.
Cushioned
Any construction with a pile surface on one side and a ribbed or plain knit surface on the other. In most cushioned athletic socks, the terry forms the inside foot portion of the sock. Some more complex constructions feature added layers of cushioning under certain areas of the foot, depending upon the sports activity for which the socks are intended. Cushion constructions are used in athletic and casual socks of all types. Cushioning normally fulfills a functional purpose...reducing the shock of running or jumping. However, the same terry-knitting procedure also produces novelty socks with a terry or velour outer surface.
Daytime or Dress Sheers
Pantyhose of 15 or 20 denier yarn for a dressy daytime look. (See DENIER.)
Denier
Denier is the weight-per-unit-length of the yarn. (It is numerically equal to the weight, in grams, of 9,000 meters of yarn.) The lower the denier, the lighter and finer the yarn, and the sheerer the garment. Hosiery knit of higher denier yarns tend to be more durable.
Dress Socks
Light to medium weight sock that may vary in length from mid- to over-the-calf.
Elastic
A fabric or tape woven with strands of real or imitation rubber to make it stretch. Also, a term that designates the ability of a yarn to return to its original size or shape after being stretched.
Elasticity
The ability of a material to recover its original size and shape immediately after it has been stretched or compressed.
Embroidery
Designs of decorative trim applied by machine or hand sewing.
Enhanced Toe
Less noticeable than a reinforced toe. Stronger than a sheer toe. The secret is a gradual transition from the leg yarn to the end of the toe. The perfect solution for open-toed shoes.
Evening Sheers
Pantyhose made of 10 to 15 denier yarn. Worn for special occasions, they often have a satin finish. (See DENIER.)
Extended Control Top Panty
Extends the control of a regular control top panty further down the thighs, for waist-to-thigh slimming. Helps give you a smooth look under clingy dresses and pants.
Fabric
Specifically in hosiery, the word is used to refer to material knitted on hosiery machines from fiber.
Fiber
Natural or man-made units of matter that can be spun into a yarn or made into a fabric. The essential properties for fibers to be spun into yarn include a length of at least 5 millimeters, flexibility, cohesiveness, and sufficient strength. Other important properties include elasticity, fineness, uniformity, durability, and luster.
Filament Count
The number of individual filaments that make up a thread or yarn. The more filaments a yarn has, the softer it will be. Shinier yarns contain less filaments.
Firm Support
A lifesaver for legs that have to stand all day, or need the built-in compression to improve circulation. Heavier weights of spandex used in the hosiery give the firm support.
Fishnet
Knitted knee-highs, stockings or pantyhose with a very wide open knit resembling a fish net. A fun and sexy look.
Footies
Short, below the anklebone hosiery and socks of varying weight and fiber content. Often called slipper socks. Used for athletic and casual wear.
Girdle Top
Pantyhose with a sewn-on girdle, for the firmest possible tummy control.
Glimmer
Just the ticket when you want to shine at a special occasion. Certain yarns, particularly trilobal yarns, reflect light to create the glimmer effect.
Graduated Support
Helps reduce swelling in your ankles and refreshes your legs. This type of support hosiery is more comfortable because there are no sudden changes in the tightness of the spandex going up and down the leg.
Gusset
A term that means crotch panel in pantyhose. The gusset can be all nylon, or can be cotton/nylon. It can be any shape from diamond to full back panel, but always means there is an extra piece sewn in at the crotch area, for comfort, durability and hygiene.
Irregulars
What we call “slightly imperfect”. Hosiery that contains minor imperfections in dimensions, size, color or knit but without obvious mends, runs, breaks or substantial damage to yarn or fabric.
Jacquard
An intricate process for knitting patterns, designs, or textures into the sock fabric, Also, the method that produces the decorative patterns.
Knee-Highs
Hosiery that comes up to just below the knee. These styles have elastic tops and stay up without the help of garters. Knee-highs became very popular with the advent of women's slacks.
Knit-In Waistband
Means extra comfort. Waistband is made of spandex and nylon and inserted while the garment is on the knitting machine. It is not attached later. The result is a non-binding waistband that does not get tighter, and thus uncomfortable, during wear.
Lace
Sheer hosiery knit with a pattern resembling lace and/or hosiery with lace seamed to the top of the leg or waistband.
Lycra® Spandex
A premium spandex produced and marketed by Invista. Commonly used in sheer hosiery and socks for its stretch and recovery properties. Helps provide better fit and shape retention, comfort, and/or support.
Matte
If you prefer subtle to shine, choose a matte finish. Matte hosiery does not reflect light.
Merino
A fine grade of wool from sheep originating in Spain.
Mesh
An open knit used primarily to achieve a hand-knit, textured look.
Mesh Knit
A hosiery fabric produced in a variety of tiny patterns. Upon close inspection it looks like numerous fine zig-zag lines. Actually, the knit is a variety of tiny patterns with loops interlocked. This kind of construction helps prevent runs, but a snag in a mesh stocking will generally leave a hole. There are variations of mesh stitches, but for the most part, because the mesh stitch isn't as sheer, it is seldom used in the leg portion of the pantyhose. The runguard, however, does use the mesh stitch.
Metallic Yarn
A manufactured yarn usually made of metallic-coated polyester plastic and used as an accent in novelty socks.
Microfiber
The secret to softness. Microfiber yarns are made of filament weighing less than one denier per filament (DPF). The ultra-fine filaments create an extra-soft, silky yarn. Most commonly used in nylon and polyester products.
Micro-Mesh
A seamless mesh stocking where the loops are knotted in one direction only. Because of this the stocking can run in one direction - from the foot up towards the welt.
Mid-Calf/Crew
Socks with a top extending beyond ankle length but not beyond the largest part of the calf.
Natural Fibers
Cotton, wool, or silk hosiery fibers.
Non-Control Top
A visible panty without control.
Non-Run
Stockings or pantyhose with a special interlocking stitch that prevents runs (but not holes). Also called run-proof and run-less. Special manufacturing processes give the stocking or pantyhose extra life.
Non-Stretch
Garment manufactured without stretch yarns. Usually made of natural, ridged, non-stretch fibers. Product has no compression or stretch ability, which generally makes for a less satisfactory fit. Can be desirable for varying reasons such as fashion or medical conditions.
Nylon
Man-made fiber introduced in 1938. It is the first and the oldest of the true synthetics. Chemically, nylon is a man-made polyamide fiber derived from coal, air, and water. This fiber is famous for its strength, abrasion resistance, dimensional stability, soft hand, elasticity, and easy-washing and quick-drying characteristics. There are two basic types of nylon used in hosiery. They are Type 6 and Type 6,6. Type 6 nylon is softer and has less memory when textured than Type 6,6. Most of the yarns used in ladies hosiery are made of Type 6,6 nylon to impart the maximum memory to the fabric. In socks, it is used primarily in men's dress socks, novelties, and as reinforcement with other fibers. Another use for nylon in socks is the stretch filament nylon plaited with other fibers to obtain multi-sizes.
Olefin
Man-made fibers derived from polypropylene or polyethylene.
One Size
The term applied to hosiery products that fit most sizes from very small to large.
Opacity
Degree to which light passes through, not transparent. The hosiery panty’s opacity helps create a sense of security when wearing hosiery without undergarments.
Opaque
Stockings or pantyhose made of yarn which give them heavier appearance, usually 40 denier or greater in weight. (See DENIER.)
Over-The-Calf
Hosiery product that extends above the widest part of the calf.
Panty/Pantyhose
A hosiery garment that includes a true knitted-in panty, constructed of heavier weight nylon or cotton.
Pantyhose
Combines both panty (cut & sewed or knitted in) and stocking legs into a one-piece garment that can extend from below the breastbone to the toes.
Patterned
Socks or sheers having a design knitted into the garment or impressed on the side, front or over-all surface.
Plus Size
Stockings, pantyhose, or knee-highs designed to fit larger-size woman.
Polyester
Polyester is a man-made fiber that has abrasion-resistance, excellent washability, and is fast drying. It is readily heat-settable and dyeable. Polyester is used in dress socks, in decorative applications such as cross-dyeing and jacquards, and as a reinforcement.
Queen Size
Stockings, pantyhose, or knee-highs sized to fit larger woman. Queen size is usually considered an extension of standard garments into a larger size. Outsize, on the other hand, is considered a separate category of merchandise altogether.
Rayon
A generic term for filaments made from various solutions of modified cellulose by pressing or drawing the cellulose solution through an orifice and solidifying it in the form of a filament. Rayon has a soft hand, high moisture absorbency and retention, and good dyeability and washability.
Reinforced Toe
The toe area is reinforced for durability and this area is typically darker than the leg. Helps hosiery last longer.
Ribbed
Vertical pattern of alternating ridges in hosiery products. Design may be formed through differences in weight, in knit stitch or opacity.
Runguard
Acts as a deterrent to runs from the foot into the leg, or from the panty into the leg. A stitch is sewn along the edge of the panty (where the panty and the sheer leg meet) to prevent runs from traveling into the panty area. It can be made of heavier yarn, or can be a change of stitch from plain to mesh.
Runs
Stitches that have unchained due to broken stitches.
Sandalfoot/Sheer Toe
This is a nude toe, meaning no heavier yarn in the toe than is in the leg.
Seamed
Hosiery manufactured in the old full-fashioned manner with a seam running up the back of the leg. In the past, these garments were manufactured by cutting fabric and sewing it together. Today these products are generally made on a full circular knitted two bases and a fake seam is added up the back for a particular fashion look. Some tights are seamed on the inside of the leg but these are generally not produced by hosiery manufacturers.
Seamless
Stockings knit in one operation on circular machines (one continuous operation) so that no seaming is required up the back.
Shaper or Shaper Panty
Want to smooth your look in pants, or look fabulously sleek in a clingy dress? Try Shaper Panty hosiery. Extended control top panty gives more support than a regular control. The shaper extends from the stomach to the upper thigh area.
Sheer Support
Forget the early stereotypes about unattractive support hose. Now, thanks to improved yarns and manufacturing techniques, you can enjoy sheer support pantyhose that are considerably more sheer than the original support garments.
Sheer-To-The-Waist
Pantyhose without visible panty line or reinforcement in the panty portion. It is an all-sheer garment from waist to toe.
Sheers
Dress sheers are hosiery fashioned generally of 15 or 20 denier yarns - to be worn for daytime glamour. Evening sheers are hosiery fashioned of wisp-weight 10, 12, or 15 denier yarns - to be worn for special occasions.
Silk
The filaments obtained from the cocoons of various types of silkworms. Valued for its strength, smoothness and luster.
Silken Sheers
Category of soft, silky well-fitting pantyhose made from nylon and fine-denier spandex.
Spandex
When you want support or slimming, or just a smooth fit, look to spandex. Spandex is a generic term denoting a man-made elastomeric fiber used in place of rubber. Spandex offers a unique capacity for stretch and recovery. It can stretch to over five times its relaxed strength and fully recover. Spandex is used in support and light support products to provide the energy to shape and compress the leg. Spandex yarns are often covered with nylon yarns to protect the spandex. Spandex is widely used in sock tops and pantyhose waistbands for its stretch/recovery properties and "stay up" holding power. It is increasingly used in core spun yarn and as plaiting yarn to replace textured nylon for better size range, improved fit, and comfort.
Spandex Sheers
A category of sheer hosiery styles. The leg yarn is composed of sheer nylon and single covered lightweight spandex (20 denier or finer) to give this hosiery good fit, sheerness, and softness. Spandex sheers do not give a support leg, but the spandex does enhance fit and comfort.
Stretch Hosiery
Stockings knit of processed nylon filament yarn treated to give permanent stretchability. Stretch stockings change size to fit each foot, leg length, and volume perfectly. Keeps hosiery from bagging on slim legs or squeezing larger legs.
Support Hosiery
Socks or other hosiery made of nylon or polyester with spandex or other elastic fiber added to give support to the leg. Support hosiery has spandex in the legs to reduce leg fatigue. The principle of support is to provide graduated compression to the leg. Total support pantyhose have control in the panty portion as well as support in the legs. Support no longer means a heavy, surgical garment. Today, it has fashion sheerness and color as well as durability.
Textured Yarns
Yarns modified so they have desirable properties such as hand (feel), increased softness, and greater fit latitude. (Same as stretch yarns).
Textures
A general term that includes all knitted-in patterns. Typical textures include cable, herringbone, basketweave, fisherman and pointelle.
Texturizing
A method of processing continuous filament yarns using heat and twist to give them bulk, elasticity, and/or better recoverability or memory.
Thermal Socks
Winter-weight boot length socks favored by skiers, skaters, or anyone who spends a great deal of time outdoors in cold weather. They can be made of heavy duty Orlon acrylic, wool, Thermax, silk, polypropylene, or Hollofil yarns, or a blend of fibers.
Thigh-Highs
Stockings that just reach the thigh and are held up by elasticized bands.
Ultra Sheer
A fine denier fiber that gives the ultimate in sheerness. It is usually 20 denier or less and a low filament count.
Waistband
An elastic band either knitted into or sewn onto the top portion of the pantyhose, to hug the waist and hold the pantyhose up.
Waistcincher Panty
Extended panty to control your entire waistline. |