Design Room Terminology/FIDM/Apparel Process

Asymmetrical: Asymmetrical garments are garments that are uneven in construction. For example, one side of the dress my differ from the other side of the dress. A specific example is when one side of the dress has a sleeve, or strap, and the other side of the dress is sleeveless, or off shoulder dress, as in the shown in the example.

Collection/Line: A line, or collection, is a group of garments presented by a manufacturer each season to show their idea of new trends.  

Concept Boards: A concept board is a visual display on a board, poster, paper, or digital image, of an idea for the industry to consider

Groups: Groups are a coordinated set of garments designed to go with each other. This helps the garments sell because a customer will tend to by more if the she/he can wear the garments with each other.

Seasons: The four primary fashion seasons are spring, summer, fall and winter. Many people in the industry consider back to school and holiday a fashion season. For example, over half of the children’s wear is sold during the back to school season. In response to the change of season, manufactures present seasonal goods associated with the calendar year, such as heavy coats for winter and swimwear for summer.

Size ranges: A size range starts with the smallest size a designer offers and goes to the largest size a designer offers. For example, Calvin Klein offers sizes S-L, and 4-14. To see a size chart comparing current brands, and their size medium, click here/Size medium size chart by Carla Buchanan.