Textile Glossary

Trim

Definition

Trim refers to decorative or functional elements added to a garment or textile product. Examples include ribbons, lace, buttons, and piping.

Use in the textile industry

In the textile industry, trims are used in both men's and women's outerwear as well as in home textile production to enhance the visual appearance of products or to fulfill technical functions such as edge reinforcement or closure. Typical applications include finishes at sleeves, collars, and hems, as well as the ornamentation of eveningwear, traditional costumes, and uniforms. The selection of trim material is based on requirements regarding appearance, hand feel, care properties, and compatibility with the base fabric.

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Frequently asked question

The term "trim" refers generally to the applied decorative or functional elements themselves — that is, the material or notions as such. A "facing," by contrast, is a prefabricated, self-contained cut or sewn piece made from the base material of the garment; it is used to finish edges or necklines and is clearly distinguished in pattern-making from independently sourced trim notions.

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