Wholesale & Manufacturing Terms Explained
Plain-language definitions for the trade, compliance, fabric, and product terms used throughout this site — so you can source with confidence.
Trade & Logistics
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)
The smallest quantity a manufacturer will produce per style, color, or order.
FOB (Free on Board)
The seller delivers goods on board the vessel at the origin port; the buyer takes over from there.
EXW (Ex Works)
The buyer takes full responsibility for goods from the factory door onward.
CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight)
The seller books and pays freight and insurance to the destination port.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
The seller manages the full chain, including destination duties, to the buyer's door.
Incoterms
Standardized international trade terms defining who is responsible for shipping, insurance, and customs at each stage.
FCL / LCL (Full / Less than Container Load)
Two sea freight shipping methods — a full dedicated container versus shared container space.
Wholesale Pricing
Bulk unit pricing offered to businesses buying for resale, distinct from retail pricing.
Quality & Compliance
OEKO-TEX Standard 100
A certification testing finished textiles for limits on harmful substances.
ISO 9001
An international standard for quality management systems within a manufacturing organization.
WRAP Certification
A social compliance certification for ethical and legal manufacturing practices.
SEDEX / SMETA
A widely used ethical audit framework covering labor, health & safety, environment, and business ethics.
BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative)
A European-led social compliance auditing system for supply chain labor standards.
AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit)
A statistical sampling standard used to inspect a bulk shipment without checking every unit.
Colorfastness
A fabric's resistance to fading or bleeding color during washing, light exposure, or rubbing.
Manufacturing
Private Label
Manufacturing an existing or lightly modified product under the buyer's own brand.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
Production of a garment built to the buyer's own tech pack and specification.
ODM (Original Design Manufacturer)
A manufacturer that contributes design and development support alongside production.
Tech Pack
A detailed specification document covering a garment's measurements, materials, and construction.
Lead Time
The time from order confirmation to finished goods ready to ship.
Pantone Matching
Custom-dyeing fabric to match a specific Pantone color reference for private label brands.
Fabric
GSM (Grams per Square Meter)
A standard measure of fabric weight and density.
Nida Fabric
A matte, medium-weight polyester weave and the standard base fabric for abayas.
Chiffon Fabric
A lightweight, sheer-to-opaque fabric developed specifically for hijabs.
Georgette Fabric
A crinkled-texture polyester weave known for visible movement without added weight.
Crepe Fabric
A textured occasion fabric that diffuses light attractively and holds embellishment well.
Product
Abaya
A loose-fitting, full-length outer garment, typically worn open-front or closed over daily clothing.
Jilbab
A looser-cut outer garment, often produced as a two-piece top-and-skirt set.
Khimar
A cape-style garment covering the head, neck, and shoulders in a single piece.
Hijab
A headscarf worn to cover the hair and neck, wrapped or pinned into place.
Niqab
A face veil, typically worn with a separate hijab, covering the face below the eyes.
Amira Hijab
A two-piece pull-on instant hijab styled to look like a wrapped headscarf.