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Fabric Glossary

Technical Terms for Fabric Development

Use a shared vocabulary when discussing construction, performance and finishing with your fabric supplier.

Denier

A unit used to indicate yarn thickness. Lower denier generally means finer and lighter yarn.

GSM

The weight of fabric measured in grams per square meter.

Fabric Density

The number of yarns arranged within a defined area of woven fabric.

Calendering

A finishing process that uses heat and pressure to improve surface smoothness, density or down-proof performance.

DWR

A surface treatment that helps water form droplets and roll off the fabric.

Lamination

The bonding of a fabric to a membrane or another layer to create combined performance.