| Binding or Piping |
A thin tube or band of fabric that outlines
the suit. |
 |
| Color Blocking |
A suit with two or more colors in large blocks. |
|
| Color Splicing |
A block of color inserted between another color in
a suit. |
|
| Cup Size |
Any suit made specifically to fit a particular bra
size. The sizes usually are D, DD or E cups. |
|
| Dyed to Match |
Accessories that are dyed to match are the same color,
but not necessarily the same fabric, as the suits they
match. |
|
| Embellishment |
Detail added to suits such as: hardware, embroidery
or shirring. |
|
| Embroidery |
Design stitched onto fabric to create a pattern. |
|
| Four-Way Stretch |
A fabric that stretches in four directions. |
|
| Girth |
The vertical length of the torso from the front of
the neck, all the way around to the back of the neck. |
|
| Hardware |
Detailing added to suits, usually metal, plastic,
wood, rings, buckles, buttons, rhinestones or zippers. |
|
| Inner Construction |
Any treatment on the inside of a suit to add support
or shape |
|
| Logo |
Prominently displayed emblem used exclusively by a
specific manufacturer by which their suits can be identified.
|
|
| Long Torso |
A suit manufactured specifically for women with long
torsos. |
|
| Maillot |
The industry term for a one-piece suit (pronounced
“my-O") |
|
| Overlay |
Panel of thin fabric, usually mesh over another piece
of fabric |
|
| Power Netting |
Girdle-like fabric. |
|
| Self |
Refers to the different elements of a suit being made
of the exact fabric. For instance the strings on a triangle
top with is made of the exact color and fabric of the
rest of the suits would be “self.” |
|
| Separates |
Any suits sold as individual pieces for a customized
fit. |
|
| Shirring |
Loosely gathered fabric, usually draped down the front
or sides of a suit |
|
| Silhouette |
Describes the shape of a suit (high neck, triangle
top, tie side, etc). |
|
Swimwear Language
