Encyclopedia Archive

Eco

Of or relating to habitat or household, mostly used as a prefix related to ecology. Eco comes from the ancient Greek word “oikos” (house). e.g. eco-label, eco-friendly, eco-shopping. Within the textile industry, “eco” refers to fibers/fabrics that are sustainable or friendly to the environment

Eco-Friendly

A term used to describe services and goods that cause very little, if any, harm to the environment.

Edge

The front margin of the garment that extends from front corner to front corner.

Edge Tape

A tape sewn along the front edge of a coat from top of the lapel to bottom of the facing. On less expensive coats, this tape starts at the bottom of the lapel (called the breakline). The tape is usually sewn with an edge-knife machine.

Elastane

A term used to describe fibers that are composed of synthetic linear macromolecules having in the chain at least 85% (by mass) of segmented polyurethane groups and which rapidly revert substantially to their original length after extension.

Elasticity

The ability of a fiber or fabric to return to its original length, shape, or size immediately after the removal of stress.

Embossing

A calendering process in which fabrics are engraved with the use of heated rollers under pressure to produce a raised design on the fabric surface.

Embroidery

An embellishment of a fabric or garment in which colored threads are sewn on to the fabric to create a design. Embroidery may be done either by hand or machine.

Encapsulation

A process in which the fibers of a fabric are coated with a filmy substance to create certain high performance qualities, such as breathability.

End-on-End

Also known as fil-à-fil is a type of closely woven, plain weave cloth created by the alternation of light and dark warp and weft threads, resulting in a heathered effect. It is most commonly woven from cotton or linen fibers. End-on-end is almost identical to cambric (also known as chambray), lacking only the calendering which gives cambric fabric its glossy…