FOB, GSM, AQL, CMT: The Jargon, Plainly

Short answer: apparel manufacturing runs on shorthand — FOB, GSM, POM, AQL, CMT, GM/m. If you do not know them, quotes are hard to compare and factories can answer around you. This glossary gives plain definitions of the terms buyers meet most, grouped by category.

Fabric and Material Terms

Fabric Structures

Production and Costing Terms

Fit and Measurement Terms

Quality and Inspection Terms

Certification and Compliance Terms

Shipping and Order Terms

Conclusion

Apparel trade jargon is learnable, and knowing it changes your standing in every supplier conversation. Keep this glossary handy when comparing quotes (check the Incoterms), reading specs (GSM, Ne, gauge) and approving samples (POM, AQL, tolerance). Precise vocabulary produces precise orders.

Key Takeaways for Buyers

About HONGTEX

We knit, dye, cut and finish under one roof, which is why our sampling does not queue behind an outside dye house. Development samples come back in 7-10 days and the fee is credited against bulk. Send us the spec and we will tell you honestly whether a style needs full development or can go straight to a pre-production sample.