| Waffle weave |
A fabric characterized by recessed squares, for a surface effect that resembles a waffle. Waffle weave knits are commonly used in long johns and other garments in which warmth is of prime importance. Also called a honeycomb weave |
| Waistband |
A strip of fabric, usually enforced with interfacing, that is seamed to the waistline to secure the garment during wear |
| Waistline |
A tailoring term usually describing the line that encircles the narrowest part of the waist, but sometimes describing a line above or below this point that is arbitrarily designated according to the silhouette that is popular at the time |
| Wale |
One of a series of vertical rows or ridges in a fabric that can vary in width. Pinwale is the thinnest and wide wale is the thickest |
| Water-resistant |
A term used to describe a garment or accessory that is made of a fabric that is treated to repel water and dry easily |
| Waterproof |
A term used to describe a garment or accessory that is made of a fabric that cannot be penetrated by water |
| Windowpane |
A fabric pattern characterized by continuous vertical and horizontal lines that intersect to form boxes evocative of a windowpane. |
| Wraparound |
A term used to describe a garment that wraps about the body to fit its shape |
| Wrinkle-resistant |
A term used to describe a fabric (or garment made from that fabric) that resists creasing. Fabrics made of natural fibers are usually not wrinkle resistant unless they are treated or flat. |
