This glossary explains the activewear manufacturing terms buyers hear when sourcing leggings, sports bras, swimwear, seamless sets, and private-label collections. Definitions are written in plain English so founders can brief factories more clearly and compare quotes with fewer surprises.
Activewear
Performance clothing designed for exercise and athletic activities, typically featuring stretch fabrics, moisture-wicking properties, and athletic cuts.
Antimicrobial finish
A fabric treatment that inhibits bacterial growth, reducing odor during and after workouts. Common in performance base layers.
AQL (Acceptable Quality Level)
The maximum defect rate accepted during quality inspection. YOUMEGA uses 2.5 AQL standard for all production runs. Learn more in how our production process works.
Bonded seam
A seam joined with heat-activated adhesive tape instead of thread, creating a flat, smooth finish that reduces skin irritation.
Breathability
A fabric’s ability to allow air and moisture vapor to pass through, keeping the wearer cool and dry during activity.
Bulk production
The main manufacturing run after sample approval. At YOUMEGA, bulk lead time is typically 15-30 business days. See YOUMEGA’s production timeline.
Circular knit
A knitting method using circular machines to produce seamless tubular fabric, the foundation of seamless activewear.
CMT (Cut-Make-Trim)
A manufacturing model where the factory handles cutting fabric, sewing garments, and finishing but the client supplies the fabric.
Colorfast
Fabric that resists color fading or bleeding during washing and wear. Essential for activewear that undergoes frequent laundering.
Compression fabric
Stretch fabric engineered to apply targeted pressure to muscles, improving blood flow and reducing fatigue during exercise.
Cut-and-sew
A construction method where fabric panels are cut from flat material and sewn together. It offers unlimited design flexibility for color blocking, pockets, zippers, and complex patterns. Read Seamless vs Cut-and-Sew Activewear.
Deadstock
Surplus fabric from previous production runs available at reduced MOQ. YOUMEGA maintains a rolling deadstock list for brands seeking lower minimums. See YOUMEGA sustainability practices.
Drop shipping
A fulfillment model where the factory ships directly to the brand’s customers. Not typically offered by OEM activewear manufacturers.
DTC (Direct-to-Consumer)
A business model where brands sell directly to end consumers, bypassing retailers. Most YOUMEGA clients are DTC activewear brands.
Elastane
Generic term for spandex or Lycra, a synthetic fiber with exceptional stretch and recovery. It is blended with nylon or polyester in activewear fabrics.
Embroidery
A logo application method using stitched thread. It is best suited for cut-and-sew garments and not recommended for seamless fabrics due to needle holes. See YOUMEGA logo services.
ECONYL
A branded regenerated nylon fiber made from recycled fishing nets and industrial waste, used in sustainable activewear collections.
Flatlock seam
A sewing technique that joins fabric panels with a flat, wide stitch that sits flush against the skin, minimizing chafing.
FOB (Free on Board)
A shipping term meaning the price includes delivery to the port. The buyer handles ocean freight and import duties from that point.
Four-way stretch
Fabric that stretches in both horizontal and vertical directions and recovers to its original shape. Essential for activewear that moves with the body.
Garment dye
A dyeing process where the completed garment is dyed rather than the raw fabric, creating a soft, vintage wash effect.
GRS (Global Recycled Standard)
An international standard verifying recycled content and tracking chain of custody. YOUMEGA holds GRS certification; see certifications.
GSM (Grams per Square Meter)
The standard measurement of fabric weight and density. YOUMEGA seamless fabrics are typically 280-300 GSM; cut-and-sew fabrics are 220-230 GSM.
Heat transfer
A logo application method using heat and pressure to bond a printed design onto fabric. It works on all fabric types including seamless. See logo application services.
High-waist
A leggings or shorts waistband that sits at or above the natural waist, typically 3-4 inches above the hip bone.
Laser cut
A finishing technique using laser to cut fabric edges, creating a clean, sealed edge without traditional hemming.
Lead time
The total time from order confirmation to delivery. At YOUMEGA: sampling 3-5 days, bulk production 15-30 days. See lead time steps.
Logo placement
The position where a brand’s logo is applied on a garment. YOUMEGA offers fully customizable logo placement per brand specifications. See customization services.
Moisture-wicking
A fabric property that draws sweat away from the skin to the fabric surface where it evaporates.
Mock-up
A digital rendering showing how a finished garment will look with the client’s logo, colors, and design specifications before sampling.
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)
The smallest order a factory will accept. YOUMEGA’s MOQ is 100 pieces for stock styles with custom logo. Read Low MOQ vs High MOQ Activewear.
Nylon (Polyamide)
A synthetic fiber known for strength, elasticity, and soft hand feel. YOUMEGA uses 80-90% polyamide in premium activewear.
ODM (Original Design Manufacturer)
A factory that designs and manufactures products that brands sell under their own label. YOUMEGA offers both OEM and ODM services; see services.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
A factory that manufactures products based on the client’s design specifications and brand. YOUMEGA’s primary service model is OEM activewear. See OEM services.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100
An independent certification ensuring textiles are free from harmful substances. All YOUMEGA products are OEKO-TEX certified. See certifications.
Pantone matching
The process of dyeing fabric to match a specific Pantone color code, ensuring color consistency across orders.
Performance fabric
Textile engineered with functional properties such as stretch, moisture-wicking, UV protection, or compression for athletic use.
Polyester
A synthetic fiber known for durability, wrinkle resistance, and moisture management. It is often blended with spandex for activewear.
Private label
Products manufactured by one company and sold under another company’s brand name. YOUMEGA specializes in private label activewear manufacturing.
Raglan sleeve
A sleeve construction where the seam runs diagonally from the neckline to the underarm, allowing greater shoulder mobility.
Recycled polyester (rPET)
Polyester fiber made from recycled plastic bottles, offering similar performance to virgin polyester with lower environmental impact.
Rib knit
A knitting pattern that creates vertical ridges in the fabric, adding stretch and texture for waistbands and cuffs.
Sampling
The process of producing a prototype garment before bulk production. YOUMEGA provides samples in 3-5 business days for stock styles. See sampling steps.
Seamless
A construction method using circular knitting machines to produce garments with no side seams, offering comfort and a second-skin fit. Read Seamless vs Cut-and-Sew.
Silicone 3D logo
A raised, rubberized logo applied to garments using heat press, creating a premium tactile effect. See logo methods.
Spandex
A highly elastic synthetic fiber also known as elastane or Lycra. It typically makes up 10-20% of activewear fabric composition.
Squat-proof
A term describing leggings fabric that remains opaque and non-transparent when stretched during deep squats or bending.
Sublimation
A printing method where ink is heat-transferred into polyester fabric, becoming part of the fiber for all-over prints with no hand feel.
Tech pack
A detailed specification document provided by a brand to a manufacturer with all design, measurement, fabric, and construction details.
Two-way stretch
Fabric that stretches in one direction, usually horizontal, and recovers. It is less flexible than four-way stretch.
Ultrasonic bonding
A seam-joining technique using high-frequency sound waves to fuse fabric layers together without thread or adhesive.
UV protection
Fabric property that blocks ultraviolet radiation and is measured by UPF rating. Important for outdoor activewear and swimwear.
Warp knit
A knitting method where yarn loops are formed vertically, producing stable run-resistant fabrics often used in swimwear and compression garments.
Weft knit
A knitting method where yarn loops are formed horizontally. It is common in jersey, rib, and interlock fabrics.
Woven label
A small fabric label with brand name or logo woven into the material, sewn into garment seams or hems for branding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does MOQ mean in activewear manufacturing?
MOQ stands for Minimum Order Quantity — the smallest number of pieces a factory will produce in a single order.
What is the difference between seamless and cut-and-sew?
Seamless garments are knitted in one piece on circular machines with no side seams. Cut-and-sew garments are made from fabric panels cut and stitched together.
What does GSM mean for activewear fabric?
GSM (Grams per Square Meter) measures fabric weight. Higher GSM means thicker, more substantial fabric. Activewear typically ranges from 200-300 GSM.
What certifications should I look for in an activewear factory?
Key certifications include OEKO-TEX Standard 100 (chemical safety), BSCI (social compliance), GRS (recycled content), REACH and CPSIA (regulatory compliance).
What is a tech pack?
A tech pack is a detailed specification document you provide to a manufacturer containing all design, measurement, fabric, and construction details needed to produce your garment.