Short Length

Definition and Overview

Short length refers to the remaining fabric cut from partway through a roll, or short fabric created after cutting or shipping. It is not a term that describes the weave, material, or quality of the fabric, but mainly a term that indicates the length status in inventory and trading.

There is no uniform standard for the length of a short length. It is shorter than a normal roll, and whether it meets the required quantity is judged for each product number and each stock item. Even for the same product number, the length differs from one short length to another, so the actual measured length must be checked before purchase.

When It Is Used in Fabric Trading

Fabric wholesalers, sewing factories, apparel manufacturers, and others may treat the remainder after part of a roll has been sold, or stock remaining after allocations for orders, as short length. It is considered for uses with limited required yardage, such as prototypes, sample making, partial use, accessories, and small-volume production.

Short length is often not assumed to be a continuous supply, and it is not always possible to secure additional fabric of the same type. When using it for full production, confirm in advance whether the required number of garments can be secured at the same time and whether additional orders are possible.

Points to Check and Required Yardage

Before placing an order, check the width and the actual usable length. Required yardage should be calculated including the pattern, size range, pattern matching, grain direction, and cutting loss, and it is important not to judge suitability based only on the listed length of the short length. For fabrics that may shrink or that require washing, factor that in as well.

For patterned fabrics, fabrics with nap, and prints with a clear direction, one-way cutting and pattern matching increase the required amount. When combining multiple short lengths, also check whether the color, lot, texture, and width match, and consider the cutting layout first.

• Fabric width and the actual measured length of each short length
• Quantity including cutting loss added to the required yardage
• Matching color number, lot, and texture
• Usable width excluding dirt, defects, and selvage edges
• Whether additional arrangements are possible and the delivery time

Trading Notes and Differences from Similar Terms

Short length indicates a short length, so it does not mean lower quality. However, because the ends may have wrinkles, dirt, or inspection marks, checking the usable range and whether there are any defects helps prevent misunderstandings. Also make clear whether the listed length is total length or usable length.

Remaining roll broadly refers to rolls or fabric inventory left after sale or use, and may include short length. On the other hand, B-grade fabric is generally a term for fabric that is classified separately from standard rolls for quality-related reasons, and it is treated separately from simply being short length.

Frequently Asked Questions