Textile Glossary

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OcclusiveA covering (eg wound dressing) to protect and/or heal a moist wound.
OEM"Original equipment manufacturer. In the automotive supply chain, OEMs are vehicle manufacturers."
Offshore processingSee outward processing.
OilingSee finish oil.
OleophilicA propensity to absorb oil.
Olefin (also known as polyolefin and polypropylene)"A manufactured fiber characterized by its light weight, high strength, and abrasion resistance. Olefin is also good at transporting moisture, creating a wicking action. End-uses include activewear apparel, rope, indoor-outdoor carpets, lawn furniture, an
Ombré"A term used to describe fabrics with a dyed, printed or woven design in which the colour is graduated from light to dark and often into stripes of varying shades."
OndéA fabric with a waved effect produced by calendering or weaving.
Open end spinningA spinning system in which sliver feedstock is highly drafted and thus creates an open end or break in the fibre flow. The fibres are subsequently assembled on the end of a rotating yarn and twisted in. Techniques for collecting and twisting the fibres in
Open-end spinningA spinning system in which sliver feedstock is highly drafted and thus creates an open end or break in the fibre flow. The fibres are subsequently assembled on the end of a rotating yarn and twisted in. Techniques for collecting and twisting the fibres in
OPTSee outward processing.
OrgandyA plain-weave fabric of light weight and with a permanent stiff finish.
OrganzaA thin but stiff plain woven silk fabric.
Organzine"A silk yarn used for weaving or knitting. The yarn comprises single threads which are twisted, folded two-, three- or four-fold, and finally twisted in the direction opposite to that of the single yarn."
Osnaburg"A tough medium to heavyweight coarsely woven plain weave fabric, usually made of a cotton or cotton/poly blend. Lower grades of the unfinished fabric are used for such industrial purposes as bags, sacks, pipe coverings. Higher grades of finished osnaburg
OttomanA warp-faced fabric showing a bold weft-way rib.
Outward processing"A procedure whereby a company based in one country exports material to another country for additional processing, and then reimports the processed products for further treatment, for domestic distribution, or for re-export. The most common form of outwar
OxfordA plain-weave shirting of good quality yarns that has two warp ends weaving as one.