Garment Trimmings & Accessories

All the materials except the main fabric used for apparel manufacturing are included in trimmings and accessories.

What Are the Purposes of Using Trimmings and Accessories?

These are used for mainly two purposes –

Functional Purpose – Zipper, Button, etc
Decorative Purpose – Motif, Lace, etc

What Are Garment Trimmings?

The components that are sewn with the main fabric of a garment, especially for a functional purpose, are called trimmings.

The number of trimmings in the garment industry is uncountable. This is not necessary that all trimmings are visible from the outside body of a garment. There are some which remain in the inner portion of a garment as well; for example, Interlining.

Some trimmings that are used in the garment industry are given below:

1. Sewing Thread; 2. Button; 3. Lace Braid & Elastic; 4. Label & Motif; 5. Zipper; 6. Interlining; 7. Lining; 8. Hook & Loop Fastening; 9. Wadding; 10. Shoulder Pad

What Are the Requirements of Trimmings?

Some requirements should be fulfilled before using trimmings in a garment. If those requirements are not met, garments quality may be deteriorated. Before making a garment, the main fabric & trimmings to be used in garments should be selected with special care so that the quality of garments is not hampered during the making of garments or the use of the garment.

Lifetime of Garment Trimmings

The desired lifetime of a garment and lifetime of the trimmings used in that garment should be contemporary; otherwise, the garment may be rejected before its desired lifetime.

Shrinkage of the Garment Trimmings

Trimmings should not be shrunk during washing or ironing. For that reason, the shrinkage test should be done before using in a garment.

Color Fastness of the Garment Trimmings

Colorfastness is very important otherwise the color of trimmings may fade or bleed by any out force such as light, washing, rubbing, perspiration, etc

Comfortability of the Garment Trimmings

Trimmings should be as comfortable as the main fabric. These should not arise any discomfort or skin irritation.

Actual Pictures of Some Garment Trimmings

Types of Trimmings

Trimming can be divided into two categories –

Visible Trimmings – It is found from the outside of the garment.
Invisible trimmings – It is present in the inside, so not evident.

What Are Garment Accessories?

The materials that are not attached to garments by sewing are termed as accessories. Accessories are the ultimate materials that are not attached to the garments. These are used for decorative purposes. Not for functional use.

Some accessories are used in the garment industry are given below:

1. Neck board; 2. Hang Tag; 3. Price Tag; 4. Collar Stand; 5. Carton; 6. Poly Bag; 7. Plastic Clip; 8. Tape; 9. Barcode; 10. Tag pin; 11. Hanger; 12. Butterfly; 13. Safety Sticker

Actual Pictures of Some Garment Accessories

What Are the Differences Between Trimmings and Accessories?

Now, after going through the details about trimming and accessories you might already have grasped their differences. Anyway, I have listed them below briefly for your convenience –

Trimmings	Accessories
1. Trimmings are attached with garments by sewing stitches	1. Accessories are not attached with garments by sewing
2. These are used for functional purposes	2. These are used mainly for decorative purposes. Generally, used in garment finishing and packaging.
3. Trimmings are the ultimate materials that are attached to the garments while using by the end-users	3. Accessories are not attached to the garments while using by the end-users.
4. Example: sewing thread, interfacing	4. Example: polybag, carton, clip

Key Points of Some Trimmings & Accessories

Label (Trimmings)

It contains some essential information regarding garments such as the size of the garments, the types of fiber used, caring instruction, country of origin, etc
It is used for functional purpose
Generally, it is made of woven fabric or paper
It is attached to the garment by sewing
It remains in the inner portion of a garment

Motif (Trimmings)

It is used to increase the beauty of a garment
It is used the outer portion of a garment
Generally contains the company logo, trademark, or various types of symbol
These are made by embroidery or by printing
For making some motifs, thermoplastic threads are used, and those are attached in garments by ultrasonic welding
It is an optional part of a garment

Zipper (Trimmings)

It is used for opening and closing of some specific parts of a garment
Since it is a functional component but nowadays it is being used for decorative purpose as well
Zipper consists of different parts such as zipper tape, teeth, chain, slider, top stop, runner, etc
It enables to close a garment completely which is not possible by button
The zipper can be made by plastic, metal, nylon, etc
Zipper Type: Regular zipper, Invisible zipper, Separated Zipper, Continuous Zipper

Lining (Trimmings)

It remains inside of some of the garment but separates to the main fabrics
It is used to increase the shape, hang and comfort of garments
It works as an insulator
It helps to increase the beauty of the inner side of the garment by covering any complicated design

Buttons (Trimmings)

It is a disc or knob shaped substance
These can be produced by plastic, nylon, polyester, wood, coconut, ivory, shell
Buttons may be of various types such as two holes, four holes or without holes
Various types of buttons are attached with garments by sewing

Interlining (Trimmings)

It gives desired shape and also strengthening and stiffening some of the parts of a garment.
Generally, it is used in collar, cuff, facing, the front part of jacket and coat, waistband, etc
There are two types of interlinings are used in garment production; Fusible interlining and sewn interlining. The best fusible webs are used for DIY crafting projects as well.

Hook and Loop Fastener or Velcro (Trimmings)

It is a special type of interlining which can be used instead of chain or button
The special feature of it is that its use for kids, old or disabled person is very easy and comfortable
Generally use in suitcase, shoes, purse, moneybag

Shoulder Pads (Trimmings)

It is used to maintain size and shape and also provide the requisite amount of bulk of a garment
Shoulder pads are made from various material, but foam made shoulder pads are comparatively popular
It is widely used in coat, blouse, etc.

Hang Tag (Accessories)

It is a finishing item
It contains some important information like material details, manufacturers’ information, often the price of a garment
It is usually made by Hard paper, cardboard paper
It is hanged with garment by plastic staple or string

Price Tag (Accessories)

It is a label or tag that shows the price of the garment
Generally, it is made by paper
Usually barcode sticker is attached with price tag

Polybag (Accessories)

A polythene bag, especially used to store or protect the garment
It is regarded as a finishing item which is used for packing purpose

Paper (Accessories)

The items used to pack the garment which will hold the garment components in position.
For example, the paper used at the collar and sleeves of a shirt

Carton (Accessories)

A cardboard or plastic box used typically for storage or shipping of garments
Carton quality is very important otherwise garments may be damaged during shipment

Tape (Accessories)

It is a long, narrow strip of linen, cotton, or the like
It is used for tying garments, or garment components

Hanger (Accessories)

It is one kind of accessories used for hanging the garments
It is used for hanging t shirt, coat, and also different types of garments, most preferably in the best garment bag for storage units.

Tassel (Accessories)

Tassel is a finishing material used in fabric decoration
It is an ornament usually made by threads, cord, string, and generally attached with bottom hems or sleeve to garments or other hangings
It is more commonly used in ladies’ attire

For further info, you can go through this book. And do give our article on best hot comb for wigs a read if you’re interested.