Words in the textile trade, a small glossary

Short answer: Viscose, jersey, rib, GSM, elastane and pre-shrunk are the six words that come up most often in clothing product descriptions. Here is what they mean in practice and what they tell you when you choose. At the end come the words for fit and cut.

Viscose

Viscose is a fibre type made from plant cellulose, such as bamboo or wood. The cellulose is dissolved and formed into new, long fibres that are spun into yarn. The result is a soft, smooth fabric that absorbs moisture well. The word tells you what the fibre is made of, not how it is knitted. Most pieces in our most popular styles are viscose.

Jersey

Jersey is a knitting technique, not a material. It is the smooth, slightly stretchy knit you know from most T-shirts and much underwear. One side is smooth, the other a little rougher. Jersey is light and soft, but the edges can curl slightly if the fabric is cut without a seam. It can be knitted from viscose, cotton and other fibres.

Rib

Rib is a knit with clear vertical ridges, the kind you know from waistbands, cuffs and many tops. The structure gives the fabric extra stretch across, so it fits close to the body and springs back into shape. That is why rib is often used where clothes should fit well without feeling tight. It is also a little thicker than jersey in the same yarn.

GSM

GSM stands for grams per square metre and is the weight of the fabric. A higher number means more material and usually a thicker, warmer fabric. The number says something about thickness and how see-through the fabric is, but not about the quality of the yarn or the sewing. Only compare GSM between garments of the same type.

Elastane

Elastane is a very stretchy fibre added in small amounts to give stretch and shape retention. It helps clothes return to shape after wear and stops them bagging at the knees or elbows. Elastane does not like heat, though, so wash at 40 degrees at most and skip the dryer. See the blends in our most popular styles for women.

Pre-shrunk

Pre-shrunk means the fabric has been treated so it shrank at the factory before the garment was sewn. That lowers the risk of the garment getting smaller after its first wash at home. No fabric is entirely free of shrinkage, but the difference is usually small. Follow the care label and avoid the dryer to keep shrinkage to a minimum.

Fit and cut

Slim fit is narrower across the chest and waist, regular fit is neutral, and loose fit is roomy on purpose. The words describe the cut, not the size, so a slim fit in medium has the same length as a regular fit in medium. Choose by how you want the garment to sit. Compare both cuts in the bamboo tank tops for men.

More words you may meet

Interlock is two layers of jersey knitted together, so the fabric is thicker and does not curl at the edge. Flatlock is a flat seam that lies smooth against the skin and does not rub. Modal and lyocell are other cellulose fibres similar to viscose but made in slightly different ways. Knowing the words makes product descriptions easier to read.

Frequently asked questions

What does GSM mean

Grams per square metre. It is the weight of the fabric and says something about thickness and how much light shines through, but not about the quality of the yarn or the sewing.

Are rayon and viscose the same

Yes. Rayon is the American term for the same type of fibre. Both words describe a fibre made from cellulose that has been dissolved and formed into new threads.

What is interlock

Two layers of jersey knitted together. It gives a thicker, heavier fabric that does not curl at the edge and feels firmer than ordinary jersey.