1. Why Garment Anatomy Matters
Understanding how clothing is put together helps you:
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Describe your designs clearly
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Customize styles without reinventing the wheel
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Make smarter fabric and construction choices
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Communicate faster with your manufacturer
At HEM APPAREL, we often support clients who bring ideas like “I want a crewneck with drop shoulder sleeves and ribbed hem” — which is much more helpful than “a cool T-shirt.”
2. Common Neckline Types
The neckline is the top edge of a garment around the neck. It greatly affects the style and fit of tops and dresses.
| Neckline Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Crewneck | Round and tight, common in T-shirts |
| V-neck | V-shape cut, more open neckline |
| Scoop neck | U-shape, wider and lower than crewneck |
| Mock neck | Short collar that doesn’t fold over |
| Turtleneck | High neck that folds over itself |
| Henley | Crewneck with button placket |
Tip: For blank T-shirts, crewneck is most popular due to its unisex appeal and structure stability.
3. Sleeve Styles
Sleeves are not just about function — they define the garment’s shape and style.
| Sleeve Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Set-in Sleeve | Sewn at shoulder seam, common in basics |
| Raglan Sleeve | Extends to collar, sporty look |
| Drop Shoulder | Arm seam falls below shoulder line |
| Cap Sleeve | Short sleeve, just covers shoulder |
| Long Sleeve | Full-length sleeve |
| Sleeveless | No sleeve at all |
At HEM APPAREL, drop shoulders and raglan sleeves are often requested in oversized and sporty styles.
4. Hem and Bottom Finishes
Hems refer to how the bottom of the garment is finished:
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Straight hem: Basic flat finish — clean and simple
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Curved hem: Rounded shape — used for shirts, activewear
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Ribbed hem: Stretchy, usually in sweatshirts and hoodies
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Raw edge: Unfinished look — often seen in streetwear
Tip: Ribbed hems help retain garment shape, especially for heavier fleece.
5. Closure Types
Closures keep garments secure and influence wearability. Common types include:
| Closure Type | Where it’s used |
|---|---|
| Buttons | Shirts, polos, pants |
| Zippers | Jackets, hoodies, bottoms |
| Snap buttons | Lightweight outerwear |
| Drawcords | Hoodies, joggers, shorts |
| Elastic bands | Waistbands, cuffs |
Tip: For hoodies, combining zippers + drawcords offers both function and design detail.
6. Label Placement and Interior Details
Small interior elements matter too:
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Main label (inside neckline or side seam)
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Size tag (with or without main label)
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Care label (bottom side seam or center back)
HEM APPAREL offers woven, printed, or heat-transfer labels depending on your branding style and quantity.
🔚 Conclusion
Knowing the language of garment anatomy helps you make better design decisions and communicate clearly with manufacturers. Whether you’re customizing a basic T-shirt or developing a full apparel line, understanding the details — from necklines to closures — helps turn your ideas into precise production-ready garments.
HEM APPAREL – Your trusted manufacturing partner for high-quality custom apparel, made in Vietnam
