Swimwear Glossary
Plain-English definitions of the terms used in swimwear development, materials, production and shipping.
Sourcing swimwear comes with its own vocabulary. Use this glossary to check a term before you brief a factory, compare a quotation or read a specification. Where OYOYI uses a term in a specific way, the definition says so.
51 terms
A
- Adjuster
A small piece of hardware, usually metal or plastic, that lets the wearer change the length of a strap.
- AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit)
A sampling standard used in inspection. It sets the maximum number of defective items that is considered acceptable in a random sample, so a batch can be accepted or rejected without checking every piece.
B
- Bonded seam
A seam joined with heat-activated adhesive tape rather than stitching, which gives a flatter, smoother finish.
- Bulk production
Full-quantity production of an order, started after the sample has been approved.
C
- Care label
A label sewn into a garment that states its fiber content and care instructions. Requirements differ by market.
- Chlorine resistance
The ability of a fabric to keep its color, shape and elasticity after repeated exposure to chlorinated pool water. It depends on the fiber and construction, and needs test evidence rather than a fabric category name.
- Colorway
A specific combination of colors in which a style is offered.
- Commercial invoice
A document that states the goods, their value and the parties in an international shipment. It is used for customs clearance.
- Compression fit
A close, firm fit designed to hold the body in place. It is common in competitive and athletic swimwear.
- Cover-up
A garment worn over swimwear, such as a beach dress, shirt or wrap.
D
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
A shipping arrangement in which the seller pays shipping, import duties and taxes, and delivers the goods to the buyer's destination. Under other arrangements, duties and taxes are usually paid by the buyer. Confirm the terms before ordering, and tell us in advance if you need DDP.
- Digital printing
Printing a design onto fabric directly from a digital file. It allows detailed, multicolor artwork without a separate screen for each color.
- Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing
Printing a design directly onto a garment with inkjet technology.
E
- Elastane (spandex)
A highly elastic fiber blended with nylon or polyester to give swimwear stretch and recovery. Elastane and spandex are two names for the same type of fiber.
F
- Fabric weight (GSM)
The weight of a fabric, measured in grams per square meter (GSM). It affects feel, opacity and drape.
- FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon)
An Amazon program in which products are stored in, and shipped from, Amazon warehouses. Shipments to FBA must follow Amazon's labeling and packing requirements.
- Fit sample
A sample made to check how a garment fits the body before it is approved for production.
- Flatlock stitch
A flat seam in which fabric edges meet without overlapping, giving a smooth seam that sits comfortably against the skin. It is common in athletic swimwear.
G
- Grading
Creating the pattern for each size in a size range, starting from a base-size pattern.
- Gusset
A panel sewn into the crotch area of swim bottoms, usually lined, for coverage and comfort.
H
- Hangtag
A tag attached to a garment with a string or plastic fastener, carrying brand and product information.
- Hardware
Metal or plastic parts on a garment, such as rings, sliders, adjusters, clasps, buckles and zipper pulls.
L
- Lab dip
A small piece of fabric dyed to match a target color, sent for approval before bulk dyeing.
- Lead time
The time from a confirmed order or approval until the goods are ready or delivered, depending on what the quotation defines. At OYOYI, the standard sampling reference is 7–15 days plus shipping, and bulk production typically takes 15–25 days after sample confirmation.
See:Pricing & Fees
- Lining
A layer of fabric sewn inside swimwear for coverage, comfort and shape.
M
- Mesh
A fabric with an open, net-like structure, used for panels and decorative details.
- Modest swimwear
Swimwear that gives fuller coverage, such as high-neck, long-sleeve, skirted or full-coverage styles.
- Mold fee
A one-time fee for making a tool or plate for a custom part, such as hardware, labels or printed packaging.
See:Pricing & Fees
- MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)
The smallest quantity a manufacturer will produce for one order. At OYOYI, the standard MOQ for custom production is 60 pieces per style per color, mixed across 1–4 sizes. First orders for startup brands can be as low as 20–30 pieces per style, at a slightly higher unit price.
See:Pricing & Fees
N
- Neoprene
A thick, stretchy, synthetic rubber fabric used for structured swimwear.
O
- ODM (Original Design Manufacturer)
A manufacturer that designs and develops a product, which a brand then sells under its own name.
- OEKO-TEX
A testing and certification system for textiles. A certificate covers the specific material and scope named in it, so confirm that it applies to your selected item.
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
A manufacturer that produces goods to the buyer's own design and specifications.
P
- Packing list
A document that lists the contents of a shipment, such as quantities per carton, weights and dimensions.
- Padding
Removable or sewn-in inserts that shape or support the bust area.
- Pantone
A standardized color matching system. A Pantone code or a physical fabric swatch gives the most precise color reference.
See:Sample Making
- Pattern making
Creating the flat templates from which a garment's fabric pieces are cut.
- Plus-size swimwear
Swimwear in sizes above a brand's standard range. The definition varies by brand and market. At OYOYI, plus-size swimwear covers XL to 6XL.
- PP sample (pre-production sample)
A sample made before bulk production starts, to confirm that materials, construction and fit match the approved reference.
- Private label
Products made by a manufacturer and sold under another company's brand name.
R
- Reversible swimwear
A style designed to be worn on both sides. It needs more complex construction than a single-sided style.
- RFQ (Request for Quotation)
A request that asks a supplier for a price based on defined requirements such as styles, quantities and timing.
See:Get Quotes
S
- Size chart
A table of body or garment measurements for each size in a range.
- Sourcing agent
A person or company that helps a brand find, compare and coordinate suppliers, often working on the brand's behalf in the supplier's country.
- Stretch recovery
How well a fabric returns to its original shape after being stretched.
- Swatch
A small piece of fabric used to judge its color, feel and appearance.
T
- Tech pack
A production document that describes a garment so a factory can make it: drawings, measurements, materials, construction details, colors and trims. An AI-generated tech pack is a starting point and is not automatically production-approved.
See:Tech Packs
- Tolerance
The allowed variation from a specified measurement, for example in size or seam placement.
- Trims
All the non-fabric components added to a garment, such as elastic, cord, hardware, labels and padding.
U
- UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor)
A rating of how much ultraviolet radiation a fabric allows through. A sun protection claim needs applicable test evidence.
W
- Woven label
A label made by weaving a design into thread, usually used for brand names and logos.
Not sure what a term means for your project?
Tell us what you are planning. We explain the terms that matter and confirm scope, price and timing before any work begins.