Textile Products, Excluding Clothing Industry Terminology

AATCC

American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists. An organization that develops globally recognized textile test methods for colorfastness, appearance, and performance.

-Specify lightfastness using AATCC 16, Option 3, grade 4 minimum -Verify wet and dry rubbing fastness with AATCC 8, grade 3–4 or better -Use AATCC 61 2A to simulate home laundering colorfastness

Abrasion Resistance

A fabric’s ability to resist surface wear from rubbing. Commonly measured by Martindale (ISO 12947) or Wyzenbeek (ASTM D4157) tests.

-Contract upholstery spec: 100,000 Wyzenbeek double rubs -Residential drapery may target 20,000–30,000 Martindale cycles -Compare two fabrics based on Martindale results to choose the more durable option

Air Permeability

The rate of airflow passing through a fabric under a defined pressure differential, indicating breathability. Measured by ASTM D737 or ISO 9237.

-Select filter media with 200 cfm/ft² at 0.5 in H2O pressure -Choose low air permeability for blackout drapery -Validate membrane laminates for target air permeability limits

AQL (Acceptance Quality Limit)

A statistical quality control threshold that defines the maximum acceptable defect rate in a sampling plan.

-Final inspection at AQL 2.5, General Level II -Tighten inspection to AQL 1.0 for premium hospitality bedding -Set different AQLs for critical vs. minor defects

Backing (Carpet Backing)

The primary and secondary layers that anchor tufted yarns and add dimensional stability to carpet; often polypropylene with latex or PVC for tiles.

-Specify action-back primary with latex secondary backing -Check delamination strength for carpet tile backing -Use felt backing where cushion and sound absorption are needed

BCF (Bulked Continuous Filament)

Textured continuous-filament yarn, commonly nylon or polypropylene, used mainly in carpet for bulk, resilience, and coverage.

-Solution-dyed nylon BCF for colorfast, high-traffic carpet -Heat-set BCF to reduce yarn frizz and improve appearance retention -Choose PP BCF for cost-effective entry-level rugs

Bluesign

A chemical management and product stewardship system ensuring safer inputs, responsible processes, and resource efficiency.

-Source from bluesign system partners to reduce chemical risk -Require bluesign approved chemistry in finishing lines -Use bluesign data to support sustainability claims

CA TB 117-2013

California Technical Bulletin 117-2013, a smolder resistance standard for upholstered furniture components; focuses on cigarette ignition without open-flame testing.

-Ensure upholstery foam passes TB117-2013 smolder test -Use barrier fabrics to help meet TB117-2013 with minimal chemistry -Differentiate from NFPA flammability standards in specs

Coating

Application of a polymer layer (PU, PVC, acrylic, silicone) onto fabric to impart properties like waterproofing, FR, or abrasion resistance; applied via knife-over-roll, transfer, or gravure.

-PU-coated polyester for outdoor cushions with 1,500 mm hydrostatic head -Acrylic foam coating to improve blackout performance of drapery -PVC coating for durable, cleanable wallcoverings

Colorfastness

Resistance of dyed or printed textiles to fading or color change under light, washing, water, perspiration, or rubbing.

-Lightfastness requirement: AATCC 16, Grade 4 after 40 hours -Wash fastness: AATCC 61 2A, Grade 4–5 for white towels with colored stripes -Poolside textiles need high lightfastness and chlorine fastness

Crocking

Transfer of color from a dyed or printed fabric to another surface via rubbing; measured by AATCC 8/116 (wet/dry).

-Dark upholstery fails wet crocking; switch to solution-dyed yarns -Set target: dry 4–5, wet 3–4 for hospitality seating -Rework pigment print to improve crocking grades

Denier

Linear mass density of fibers/yarns, grams per 9,000 meters; lower denier is finer. Related units: tex (g/1,000 m), dtex (g/10,000 m).

-1000D nylon for heavy-duty luggage fabric -1.5D microfibers in plush throws for soft hand -Choose 75D yarns to reduce sheeting transparency

Digital Textile Printing

Inkjet-based printing of textiles using reactive, disperse, acid, or pigment inks; enables short runs, customization, and reduced water use.

-Digitally printed upholstery panels for fast pattern updates -Pigment digital printing on cotton for low-MOQ home textiles -Compare rotary screen vs. digital for cost at different volumes

DWR (Durable Water Repellent)

A finish that causes water to bead and roll off fabric surfaces; performance measured by spray rating (AATCC 22) and durability to laundering.

-Switch from C6 fluorocarbon to PFC-free DWR for outdoor cushions -Target AATCC 22 spray rating 90 initial, 80 after 20 washes -Refinish patio umbrellas annually to maintain repellency

EPD (Environmental Product Declaration)

Third-party verified LCA-based document disclosing a product’s environmental impacts (e.g., carpet tile).

-Provide EPDs to support green building credits -Compare embodied carbon among flooring options -Use product category rules (PCR) when developing EPDs

Face Weight (Carpet)

The mass of pile yarn per unit area, excluding backing; affects feel, appearance, and performance.

-Specify 32 oz/yd² face weight for premium hospitality corridors -Clarify that total weight includes backing and adhesive -Balance face weight with tuft density for durability

Filtration Efficiency (MERV/HEPA)

Effectiveness of filter media to remove particles. MERV rates HVAC filters; HEPA captures 99.97% of 0.3 μm particles.

-Upgrade to MERV 13 media in building HVAC systems -Use meltblown layers to reach HEPA-grade efficiency -Validate baghouse filter performance via particle counts

FOB (Free On Board)

Incoterm where the seller delivers goods on board the vessel at the named port; risk costs transfer at loading.

-Price quoted FOB Shanghai excludes ocean freight and insurance -Compare CIF vs. FOB to understand total landed cost -Request FOB to control your own freight arrangements

Flame Retardant (FR)

Chemistries or fibers that reduce fabric flammability by slowing ignition or flame spread; can be topical finishes or inherent fiber properties.

-Use inherently FR polyester for drapery instead of topical FR -Ensure FR complies with NFPA 701 without halogenated additives -Verifiy FR durability after 50 wash cycles

Geotextile

Permeable textile used in civil engineering for separation, filtration, drainage, reinforcement, or protection; made as woven or nonwoven.

-Specify 8 oz/yd² nonwoven for roadway subgrade separation -Define AOS and permittivity per ASTM standards -Use woven high-tenacity geotextiles for reinforcement

GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)

Certification covering organic fiber content and processing criteria, including social and environmental requirements.

-Offer GOTS-certified bed linens for retailers with organic programs -Track transaction certificates across the supply chain -Audit dyehouses for GOTS-compliant chemical inputs

GSM (Grams per Square Meter)

Basis weight of fabric; a key specification for towels, nonwovens, and upholstery.

-400 GSM towel for plush feel -70 GSM spunbond for landscaping fabric -Adjust GSM to meet blackout and drape requirements

Higg Index

Suite of tools (e.g., FEM) to measure environmental and social performance of facilities and products.

-Mill completes Higg FEM to benchmark water and energy -Brand requests Higg data for supplier scorecards -Use Higg results to target dyehouse improvements

HS/HTS Code

Harmonized System/Harmonized Tariff Schedule classification for trade, affecting duties, quotas, and compliance.

-Classify cotton bed linen under HTS 6302.31 -Evaluate duty impact when switching to synthetic fibers -Verify origin rules for preferential tariffs

Hydrostatic Head

Measure of fabric’s resistance to water penetration, reported as height of water column (mm).

-Waterproof cushion cover requires 1,500 mm hydrostatic head -Lamination defects lower hydrostatic head and cause leaks -Test per AATCC 127 or ISO 811

Incoterms

International trade terms defining delivery obligations, risk transfer, and costs between buyer and seller.

-Choose DDP for end-to-end cost predictability -Compare EXW vs. FOB for control over export clearance -Update contracts to Incoterms 2020

Inherent FR Fiber

Fiber with built-in flame resistance (e.g., aramid, modacrylic, FR polyester/viscose), not dependent on finishes.

-Specify Trevira CS polyester for hotel drapery -Use meta-aramid felts for high-temperature filtration -Reduce re-treatment costs vs. topical FR finishes

Jacquard

Weaving or knitting method enabling complex, large-scale patterns via individual yarn control.

-Woven jacquard upholstery with multi-color patterning -Jacquard mattress ticking for brand differentiation -Balance complexity with loom capacity and lead time

Knitting, Warp (Raschel/Tricot)

Warp knitting systems producing stable, run-resistant fabrics; Raschel for nets/spacers, tricot for smooth, lightweight goods.

-Raschel spacer fabrics for breathable cushions -Tricot brushed fabrics for mattress covers -Warp-knit shade cloth with high dimensional stability

LCA (Life Cycle Assessment)

Framework to quantify environmental impacts across a product’s life stages (cradle-to-gate or cradle-to-grave).

-Compare embodied carbon of PET vs. PP geotextiles -Inform material selection for carpet tile backing systems -Use LCA results in EPD development

Lead Time

Time from order to delivery, including raw material, production, finishing, and logistics.

-10–12 weeks for new jacquard programs including lab dips -Extend lead time for peak season and port congestion risks -Shorten lead time with local dyeing and finishing

LOI (Limiting Oxygen Index)

Minimum oxygen concentration needed to sustain combustion of a material; higher LOI indicates better flame resistance.

-Select fibers with LOI above 28 for safer furnishings -PP’s LOI near 18 requires FR treatment for some uses -Compare LOI alongside NFPA 701 results

Martindale Abrasion

Circular abrasion method (ISO 12947) reporting cycles to endpoint; widely used in Europe for upholstery and contract textiles.

-Specify 40,000 cycles for commercial seating -Include pilling assessment with ISO 12945 in test plan -Use Martindale to compare durability among fabric options

Meltblown

Nonwoven process producing microfibers by blowing molten polymer; delivers fine filtration and barrier properties.

-Meltblown PP layer in SMS for medical drapes -Increase basis weight to boost filtration efficiency -Use electret treatment to enhance particle capture

MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)

Minimum volume a supplier will produce per item/color to be economical.

-MOQ 3,000 m per color for digitally printed drapery -Negotiate lower MOQ with surcharge for trials -Aggregate colors to meet dyehouse MOQ

MVTR (Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate)

Rate at which water vapor passes through a material; indicates breathability of coated or laminated fabrics.

-Mattress protector target MVTR 5,000 g/m²/24h -Balance MVTR with hydrostatic head for outdoor covers -Test via ASTM E96 or ISO 15496

Needlepunch

Mechanical nonwoven formation where barbed needles entangle fibers into a fabric without binders.

-600 g/m² needled felt for acoustic panels -Drainage geotextiles produced by needlepunching -Calender after needling to improve strength

NFPA 701

Flammability standard for draperies and other hanging textiles used in public spaces in North America.

-Theater curtains certified to NFPA 701 Type B -Retest after laundering to ensure continued compliance -Use inherently FR yarns to simplify NFPA 701 compliance

Nonwoven (SMS)

Composite of spunbond–meltblown–spunbond layers combining strength and fine filtration.

-35 GSM SMS for medical gowns and drapes -Upgrade meltblown layer to improve barrier -Specify SMS for breathable protective covers

OEKO-TEX Standard 100

Certification verifying textiles are tested for harmful substances to protect human health.

-Towels labeled OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Class II -Require OEKO-TEX for bedding to meet retailer programs -Use certificates to simplify compliance documentation

PCM (Phase Change Materials)

Materials that absorb and release heat at specific temperatures to regulate microclimate; often microencapsulated and applied to fabrics.

-Mattress toppers with PCM finish for cooling effect -PCM-coated upholstery in automotive interiors -Balance PCM add-on with hand feel and breathability

Pilling

Formation of small fiber balls on fabric surface due to wear; assessed by ASTM D3512 or ISO 12945.

-Anti-pilling finish for fleece blankets -Specify pilling grade 4 after 2,000 cycles -Choose longer-staple fibers to reduce pilling risk

Quality Control (QC)

Processes and procedures to maintain product quality, including inspections, testing, and statistical control.

-Incoming QC checks yarn denier and color -In-process QC monitors loom defects via SPC charts -Final AQL inspection before shipment

REACH Regulation

EU regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals; governs substances in articles.

-Declare no SVHCs above 0.1% w/w in upholstery -Verify azo dye restrictions for dyed home textiles -Align MRSL with REACH Annex XVII limits

Solution-Dyed (Dope-Dyed)

Colorant added to polymer melt before fiber extrusion, yielding excellent lightfastness and lower water/energy use.

-Solution-dyed acrylic for awnings with UV stability -Use solution-dyed nylon BCF for fade-resistant carpet -Reduce shade variation vs. piece dyeing

Spunbond

Nonwoven process forming continuous filaments laid and bonded into a web; strong and breathable substrates.

-Spunbond PP landscaping and weed control fabric -Use as outer layers in SMS composites -Laminated spunbond for furniture dust covers

Tensile Strength (Grab/Strip)

Resistance to breaking under tension; measured by grab (ASTM D5034) or strip (ASTM D5035) methods; ISO 13934 equivalents.

-Set grab tensile minimums for geotextiles -Verify warp/weft balance in woven upholstery -Track tensile after finishing to catch strength loss

Tufting

Carpet manufacturing process inserting yarn tufts through a primary backing; key parameters are gauge, pile height, and stitch rate.

-1/10 gauge tufted carpet for dense construction -Adjust stitch rate to reach target face weight -Cut vs. loop pile selection for performance and look

Warp and Weft

Warp: lengthwise yarns on the loom; Weft (picks): crosswise yarns inserted during weaving. Core to woven construction.

-Increase warp ends per inch for higher cover -Inspect selvage along warp direction for fraying -Diagnose skew from differential warp/weft tensions

Wyzenbeek Abrasion

U.S.-favored abrasion test (ASTM D4157) using oscillatory rubbing with cotton duck or wire screen; reported as double rubs.

-Heavy-duty upholstery: 100,000 double rub target -Use wire screen for coated fabrics per spec -Compare with Martindale when selling into EU markets