TRIMS AND ACCESSORIES

Apparel manufacturing is the main goal of textile manufacturing

processes. Trimmings, and accessories have great importance in garments manufacturing.
The main difference between trimming and accessories is, trimmings are used for functional
purposes, and accessories are used for decorative purposes.
Different types of trimmings and accessories which are used in
garments manufacturing are mentioned in the following.

1. Trims: - The raw materials used in sewing other than fabric are called Trims. In other
words, materials are directly attached to the fabric for the construction of a garment, are
called trims.
E.g., Threads, buttons, lining, Interlining, zippers, labels, care labels, etc. (Interlining is
used as shape forming/preserving materials).

Trims Used in Garments

 Labels  String/Draw Cord  Weaving Belt
 Buttons  Piping Cord  Hook and Eye
 Zippers  Emblem  Velcro Tape
 Padding  Logo Print  Seam Sealing tape
 Interlining  Swivel Hook  Shoulder pad
 Down  Eyelet/ Grommet  Cable (steel ware)
 Elastic  Collar Stay  Adjuster
 Thread  Cord Bell  Recco
 Twill Tape  Buckle  Elastic Threads
 Stopper  Rivet  Shoulder Tape

2. Garment accessories: - Accessories are not directly attached with garment by sewing.
The materials, which are used to make a garment attractive for sale and packing, other than
fabrics and trims, are called accessories.

Garment Accessories
  Polybag  Gum Tape  Size Stickers
 Elastic bag  Arrow Sticker  Carton Pad
 Mini Polybag  Scotch Tape  Both Side Tape
 Master Carton  Barcode  Plastic Staple
 Inner Carton  Defect Indicator  Iron Seal
 Size Clip  Tissue Paper  Clip
 P.P. Band  Backboard  Ball chain
 Tag Pin  Neck Board  Size Tag
 Brass Pin  Butterfly  Carton Sticker
 Collar Stand  Numbering Stickers  Safety Sticker
 Safety Pin  Hanger  Plastic Clip

Trims and Accessories

1. 1. Advanced Apparel Manufacturing AZMIR LATIF, MSc.Engr (Textile) Question:

What are the differences between Trims and Accessories? Give me example of 5
trims and 5 accessories. Trims and Accessories Trims and accessories are those
materials that are used in a garment other than main fabric (shell fabric). Even lining
materials (fabrics) fall under trims and accessories. At first, when we read or heard
these two terms, it seems that trims and accessories may refer to two different types/
kinds/ categories of materials. One term may be used as functional components and
others term is used for non-functional and decorative purpose. But this is an
assumption. I referred a book (Apparel Manufacturing by Glock and Kunz) and found
following definitions Accessories: Item that enhances the aesthetic appeal or function
of a garment including belt, scarves or other objects. In generally these components
are sewing less. Type of Accessories  Accessories that are carried (Small pets, toy
dog, cats, birds, snakes, taking parrots)  Accessories that are worn,(Necklace,
Umbrella, Bag, Parts etc.) Trims: Materials used to ornament or enhance garments.
These components are attach in the garment by sewing. (Button, Zipper, Sewing
thread, Lace, tape etc.) Above definitions are fine when those are used as individual
form. What happened when these terms used as “trims and accessories” in garment
manufacturing industry?
2. 2. Advanced Apparel Manufacturing AZMIR LATIF, MSc.Engr (Textile) To know
actual meaning and difference between these two terms I picked few production files
from a factory. I have gone through documents such as,  Garment techpack/
specification sheet that was made by merchants and designers from buyer end,  Bill
of materials made by factory merchants using well known ERP system  Accessory
approval sheets and Trim cards made by factory merchants,  Accessory received
notes made by stores I found both terms in those documents. Where one document
used the term “trims” the other one used “accessories” and both mean the same list
of materials. Some document use these terms as "Trims/ Accessories". Based on
this study, I would say there is no difference between trims and accessories, when
these terms are used in garment manufacturing. Still if you know something different
 and want to share your thought or different views with us please drop your
comments. Use following comment box post your feedback. Example of Trims and
Accessories As we have come to know that there is no such difference between trims
and accessories, I am listing 10 trims/accessories for example. 1. Sewing thread 2.
Buttons 3. Zippers 4. Lace/tape 5. Labels 6. Rivets 7. Lining fabrics 8. fusing material
9. Elastic 10.Crochet Trimmings Trimmings :The material component except main
fabric which are used in the garments are called trimming or accessories .Besides
fabric various additional things are use for making garments .Fore the example
sewing thread ,button, etc.
3. 3. Advanced Apparel Manufacturing AZMIR LATIF, MSc.Engr (Textile) There are two
types of trimming .They are (a)visible trimming& (b) invisible trimming Visible
trimming can be seen from outside of the garments .For example: interlining. Some
trimming used for functional purpose which is used for decorative purpose. List of
trimming used in shirt, jackets and trousers: 1. Label 2.Motif 3.Button 4.Swing thread
5.Interling 5.Zipper7.Hook &loop fastening 9.lignin 10.Sholder pad 11.Rivte
12.Lace,braid,&elastic 13.Collar insert, butter fly, plastic clip ,buckle , pin, poly bag.
Bar code. Button: Buttons are hardware items used in junetion with buttonholes for
the fastening of garments. Purpose: The purposes of using buttons are A) Functional
purpose: This referee to buttons which are used to open and close garments with
security. B) Decorative purpose: These are buttons which are used purely for
decorative purpose .for example, Sleeve vents. Types of buttons: Buttons can be
classified in various types, some are mentioned below. 1 According to line no .There
are various types of buttons. Ligne is the measuring unit of button diameter .To
maser the outer diameter of button we use ligne no 1 ligne = 0.025‟‟ or 0.0635 mm
The button sizes are a16 L b.18L c.24L d.12L e.28L f .32L g.36L In shirts mostly we
use 16L button is also used .In button (B.D) shirts 12L button are use d.
4. 4. Advanced Apparel Manufacturing AZMIR LATIF, MSc.Engr (Textile) In most
common parts 24L button is used .Sometime times 26L snap button are also used.
To purchase button the GG is very important. 1 (Grand Gross) GG=12*12*12=1728
pieces. 1 Gross= (dozon*12) 2. According to the no of holes: There are three types of
button. A) 2-hole button B) 4-hole button C) Special button (a) shank button (b) snap
button (c) decorative button used in sleeve. 3According to material: According to the
manufacturing material there are the following types of button – Plastic button: This
button are made of polyamide, polyester,polyacrylonitriteetc.they are cheap, not
glossy and widely used in shirt. Metal button: They are used in denim pants, trousers
etc. Wooden button: They are used in decorative and functional purpose Horn button:
They are made up of horns of animals used in shirt, pants. Artificial horns are also
used which are made up of nylon ,plastic and additives. Chalk button: It is used to
make plastic glossy, used in shirt. Printed button: They are used only in decorative
purpose. Rivet: Rivet is not used to open or close the opening the garments .They
are used for the following purpose. a) Widely used for decorative and reinforcement
purpose of denim or jeans garments. b) It has two parts and requires an appropriate
device to attach on garments. Velcro: This item consists of two woven polyamide
tapes one covered with very fine hooks and the other very fine loops .When pressed
together they adhere securely to each other. This fastener
5. 5. Advanced Apparel Manufacturing AZMIR LATIF, MSc.Engr (Textile) is used
instead of zipper and button. A Swiss inventor made this product and he offered the
trade name „VELCRO‟ for it „VELCRO‟ come,s form two France words „velour‟ and
„crochet‟. It is used in only a limited number of garments like shoes, belts ,sports
were children wear,madecal textile etc. Zipper: Zipper Construction: A zipper consists
of five Main Parts: 1. Chains 2. Slider 3. Tapes 4. Stops and 5. Pull. This is one kind
of trimming which is use open and close of special parts of garments. Purpose:
 Functional: Functional purpose of zipper is as a part of a garment here zipper is used
to open and close the openings. Decorative purpose: Where zipper is used as a
decorative purpose, it inches the beauty of germens. Uses: In making trousers and
jackets , chain or zipper is in essential component which is used to open or close of
special parts of garment.
6. 6. Advanced Apparel Manufacturing AZMIR LATIF, MSc.Engr (Textile) Types of
zipper: According to manufacturing material there are 3 types of zipper. 1. Metal
zipper: Metal zipper is used in trousers and shorts. 2. Polyester zipper: Polyester or
nylon zipper are used in jackets .It is made from a continuous filament paced onto
narrow fabric tape. 3. Plastic - molded zipper: This types of zipper is used in pants.
Slider: It is move up and down. Function of slider is to engage or disengage the teeth
of opposite sides of chain. Slider mainly three types they are:- 1. Non –locking. 2.
Semi-looking. 3. Full or auto locking. Label: Label is an attached component of
garment on which important information regarding the garment are written or printed.
No garment can be sold without some kind of label attached to it .Specially in case of
exporting label on a garnets is must .For example the size of garment trade mark
country of origin type of fiber etc, are written on label There are mainly 3 types of
label . 1. Main label: Main label contains brand name or trade name of buyer which is
registered by the buyer .For example Levis .Polo, lee etc. 2. Size label: Indicate the
size of garment I e L, M, XL, XXL or collar length of shirt 15,16,17,18 etc. 3. Care
label: It indicates the care instruction of the garment by some internationally
recognized signs. It shows the washing, drying, dry-cleaning, and ironing conditions
of garments. The all other labels are called sub –labels. Motif: The special
component which is attached outside of the garement for decorative purpose is
called motife.Company name ,trade mark or other symbols can be written on the
motif. Hangtags:
7. 7. Advanced Apparel Manufacturing AZMIR LATIF, MSc.Engr (Textile) Hangtags are
designed to draw attention to the garments and are hung on the side of the garments
and sometimes in front of button line so that the customers can see them
easily .Hangtags are printed paper tags hung from the garments by plastic staple or
string. They usually show the brand name, style no, etc. It is regarded as finishing
accessories, not sewing accessories. Lining: Lining are generally a functional part of
garment .They are used to maintain the shape of a garment to the hang and comfort
by allowing it to slide over other garment .Lining are are available as knitted and
woven fabric made from polyester .polyamide .acetate, viscose for use where
slippery material is required and from cotton, polyester cotton wool where decoration
and worm handle is required. Linings are joined to main garment by sewing and for
this purpose normal plain swing machines are used. Lining are widely used in jackets
coats overcoats pockets flaps children wear etc .Genaraleycheap fabrics are used as
lining material. Interlining: Interlining are used to support reinforce and control the
shape of some areas of garments such as collar, cuffs, waist bands ,facings and in
front of corts .They may be sewn into the garments or they may be attached by the
fusing .Nowadays sewn interlining are hardly used and usable interlinings are widely
used. Interlining is available in a wide variety of weights and constructions to mach
the fabric of garment. They can be woven non –woven product .Woven interlining are
most commonly of plain weave construction, whereas non-woven interlining are
made directly from textile fibers and are held together by
mechanical ,chemical ,thermal or solvent means or combination of these. Swing
interlining is made by swing .Some plies of fabrics together by swing densely then it
is joined with main garments by swing. Where fusible interlines have coating of
thermoplastic material on them and are joined to the garment by adhering them with
the help of pressure and heat. Fusible interlining give better result then that of sewn
 ones. Shoulder pad: Shoulder pad is a standard item in tailored garments both for
women and for men. Linings are used on the top and bottom of shoulder pad.As a
result the appearance become beautiful ,comfortable and lasts for long time.
Shoulder pads are for functional purpose and some times for decorative purpose.
Quality of trimmings: Trimmings may be of textile materials or non-textile materials.
They should be selected carefully to get desired performance. The quality of
trimmings are described below- 1. Lifetime: The life time of garments and that of the
trimming should be equal .Otherwise the trimming
8. 8. Advanced Apparel Manufacturing AZMIR LATIF, MSc.Engr (Textile) will be faded
or spoiled by washing, pressing, ironing, rubbing. 2. Shrinkage: The appearance of
the garment may be hampered if the accessories shrink due to ironing, washing or
pressing. Fore example seam pueker will be result in if the sewing thread shrinks. So
the shrink ability of the dress material and the trimming should be checked earlier. 3.
Color fastness: The fastness properties of accessories should be good. The color of
trimming should not be faded due to washing or exposure to sunlight. The
appearance of garment will be hampered if the trimming materials are faded. 4. Rust:
Where items are made from metal, the main construction is the problem of rusting.
The button, clamp, rivets etc may be made up the metals like iron, brass, steel etc .If
rusting occurs they will create spot on garment. So to avoid this problem the metal
trimmings should be electroplated or they should be made up of non-rusting
materials. 5. Comfortability: Trimming should not create any uncomfortable felling to
the wearer .They should be hygienic also as to cause no skin disease. KNOW WHY
USE ACCESSORIES & TRIMS IN THE GARMENTS A supplementary part , object
or the like, used mainly for functional convenience, attractiveness ,safety etc.
Accessories /Trims types & using purpose: 1.Zip Fasteners: Functional accessories
where long area need to cover 2.Metal Fasteners: Functional accessories where
weight/fabric thickness high 3.Sewing thread: Functional accessories where stitching
required 4.Reflective tape: Functional accessories when need to attract on darkness
or low light 5. Cord and Pipings: Functional or sometimes decorative 6. Seam seal
Tape: Special purpose work wear, safety wear etc. 7.Elastics: Functional accessories
where flexible diameter is required. 8.Labels& Tags: Special purpose where need to
mention some special instruction or Specific logo on product
9. 9. Advanced Apparel Manufacturing AZMIR LATIF, MSc.Engr (Textile) 9.Interlinling:
Special accessories where special shape is required to maintained 10.Bias Bindings:
Special purpose is to make the clothing design & placed at the edge- seamstresses
and Tailors. It also used to bind and enclosed straight or curved area. 12.Hook&
Loop: Functional accessories consists of two component Hook & Loop to make a
bonding closure 13.Buttons: Functional accessories. A disk like piece of solid
material having holes or Shank through which it is sewed to one side of an article of
clothing and used to fasten. DIFFERENT TYPE OF GARMENT STITCHES Different
type of Garment Stitches Are: a) Lock stitch b) Chain Stitch c) 3 Thread Over lock d)
4 Thread Over lock e) 5 Thread overlock f) Baby Lock g) Foot stitch h) Flat Lock i)
Box stitch j) Stab Stitch k) Bar Tack l) Zig-Zag
10. 10. Advanced Apparel Manufacturing AZMIR LATIF, MSc.Engr (Textile) GARMENT
ACCESSORIES/TRIMS NAME, USE & APPEARANCE IMAGE (PART 5) A) Strap
Fastener B) Bias Bindings C) Label(Printed & Woven) &Tag (Cardboard) D) 2 hole
Plastic button E) 4 hole Plastic button F) Interlining G) Twill Tape H) Heat Seal
Tape(Use Work wear, Safety wear, police uniform)
11. 11. Advanced Apparel Manufacturing AZMIR LATIF, MSc.Engr (Textile) GARMENT
ACCESSORIES/TRIMS NAME & APPEARANCE IMAGE(PART 2) A) Military Buckle
B) Plastic Buckles C) Fame Buckle(Frame & Pin) D) Brace Clip/Dungaree Clip E)
Claw F) Popper Press Fastener G) Metal Eyelet
12. 12. Advanced Apparel Manufacturing AZMIR LATIF, MSc.Engr (Textile) USE OF
GARMENT EMBELLISHMENT & APPEARANCE IMAGE (Decorative Item) 1)
Crochet Flower 2) Crochet Flower 3) Crochet Fruit 4) Satin ribbon bow 5) Satin
Ribbon 6) Embroidery ribbon 7) String 8) Variety of Badge
13. 13. Advanced Apparel Manufacturing AZMIR LATIF, MSc.Engr (Textile) Functional
and Non-Functional (Mock) garment accessories, Drawstrings, Cords/Ties (Children)
Below are applies to Children‟s clothing only. Functional drawstring Cord, chain,
ribbon, string or tape of any textile or non-textile material which passes through a
channel, loop(s) or eyelet(s) or similar, has 2 loose hanging ends and is used to
adjust the size of the opening, or part of the garment or to fasten the garment itself.
14. 14. Advanced Apparel Manufacturing AZMIR LATIF, MSc.Engr (Textile) Continuous
drawstring Cord, chain, ribbon, string or tape of any textile or non-textile material
which passes through a channel around the total circumference of a garment, has no
loose hanging ends and is used to adjust the size of the opening. Two loose hanging
ends cannot be knotted together to form a continuous drawstring. Non-functional
(decorative) drawstring Non-functional cord, chain, ribbon, string or tape of any textile
or nontextile material, of fixed length which has two loose hanging ends and is used
to simulate the use of a functional drawstring, but is not in fact a drawstring and has
no drawstring functionality and is not intended to be used to adjust the size of the
garment opening or fasten the garment itself. Functional Cord/Tie Cord, chain,
ribbon, string or tape of any textile or non-textile material, which is attached to the
outside of the garment and is used to adjust the size of the opening, or part of the
garment or to fasten the garment itself.
15. 15. Advanced Apparel Manufacturing AZMIR LATIF, MSc.Engr (Textile) Non-
functional (decorative) cord/tie Non-functional cord, chain, ribbon, string or tape of
any textile or nontextile material, of fixed length and not intended to be used to adjust
the size of the garment opening or fasten the garment itself. Elastic Cord/Tie Cords
containing yarns of rubber or elastodiene or elastic polymer or similar, having high
extensibility & complete or near complete recovery. Halter Neck Cord/Tie Functional
cord worn round the back of the neck holding the garment (for example dress, blouse
or bikini) together leaving the shoulder and back bare. Loop Cord or narrow strip of
fabric curved in shape, which maybe fixed or adjustable in length, where both ends
are attached to the garment. Sash Drawstring, decorative or functional cord of textile
material of not less than 3cm/1 ¼” in width worn round the waist area of a garment
and tied in a bow. Functional and decorative loops Fixed loops that protrude from the
garment also have length restrictions and safety must be considered when designing
garments with either functional or decorative loops. The loop length must be
measured end to end, the end being the point at which the loop is attached to the
garment. The extension must be measured from the fabric surface to the centre of
the loop when it is extended to its maximum without distorting the fabric surface.
16. 16. Advanced Apparel Manufacturing AZMIR LATIF, MSc.Engr (Textile) Any loops
must not be more than 7.5cm (3”) in total loop length. Belt loops Belt loops can be
used on garments designed for children 3 years and under. However, they must be a
maximum of 4cm (1½”) in length between bar tacks. Belt loops must be attached so
that they lie flat against the garment. This is to reduce the risk of entrapment. Belt
loops must be securely attached and reinforced with a bartack. Back neck (locker)
loops Back neck (locker) loops should be located in the centre back neck and
positioned at the inside of a garment only. Hanger loops the use of hanger loops
longer than 7.5cm (3”) in total circumference is not permitted for children‟s clothing.
17. 17. Advanced Apparel Manufacturing AZMIR LATIF, MSc.Engr (Textile) Button loops
Using of button loops – maximum circumference 7.5cm (3”) – is permitted for
childrens clothing. The length, however, should be restricted to the minimum required
 for fastening. Brass Pin (Accessories) Stopper Tag Pin (Accessories) Strings Collar
stay Swivel hook Recco Shoulder tape Eyelet

Difference between Trims and Accessories:

The main key differences are mentioned below in part by part:
Sl No. Subject Trimmings Accessories
The materials which are not attached to
The materials which are attached to the the body of garments by sewing, only
Technical body of garments by sewing are termed used for garments finishing and packing
01 Definition trimmings. are termed as accessories
Non- Trimmings are the ultimate materials that Accessories are the ultimate materials
Technical are attached to the garments while using that are not attached to the clothing while
02 Definition by the end-users. using by the end-users.
Trimmings are used for functional Accessories are used for decorative
03 Key Point purposes. purposes.
04 Example Sewing Thread, Button, Interlining, etc. Carton, Gum Tape, Polybag etc.