A garment is an item of clothing made from fabric. The word is formal and slightly old-fashioned, often used in the industry rather than in everyday conversation. A shirt, a dress, a pair of trousers, a coat: each is a garment. The term covers both simple and complex constructions, from a basic t-shirt to an elaborate couture gown.

Garment construction involves several steps. The design is sketched and turned into a pattern. Fabric is cut according to the pattern pieces. The pieces are sewn together, often in a sequence from the inside out. Finishing steps include hems, buttons, zippers, and pressing. Quality varies widely. A mass-produced garment may have simple seams and fused interfacing. A tailored garment may have hand-finished details and canvassed construction.

The garment industry employs millions worldwide. Production is concentrated in countries with lower labor costs, including Bangladesh, Vietnam, China, and India. Working conditions vary from modern factories to unsafe workshops. Consumers rarely see the conditions behind their clothes. Certifications and audits aim to improve standards, but enforcement is uneven. The word garment carries this hidden supply chain behind it, whether shoppers think about it or not.

Common categories

• Tops
• Bottoms
• Dresses
• Outerwear
• Underlayers