Glossary of Terms
This post is about the Glossary of Terms which is the proper terminology of things. Due to my progression route being fashion design my glossary of terms will be about garments and what the proper term is. In addition I will be trying to improve my language and descriptive skills using the following developed knowledge.
A
A-line: it is the term used for dresses which produce the shape of the letter A as they fit the shoulder or the waist and gradually flares out to a wider hemline.
Applique: it is the term used for cutting shapes from textile fabrics and attaching them to another fabric or garment in order to decorate the base material.
Accent: it is when emphasis is given to a specific characteristic of a garment
Accessories: They are items which complement and enhance the clothes being worn
Acid Wash: It is the treatment carried out with bleach on a fabric to fade out the colour
Achromatic colours: It is the term given to colours with no colour such as black and white
Androgynous Style: It is the term given to garments which make it hard to define the gender of the clothing hence it is another term for unisex or genderless clothing.
Anime: It is the fashion name used for clothes inspired by Japanese Anime cartoons which are leading towards a punk style.
Antique Style: It is the clothing which is inspired or is from the past meaning the old times.
Anti Pill: It is a treatment carried on clothes to increase the wear resistance.
Army Look: It is the term given to clothes that resemble army and military clothes.
Art Deco: It is the term given when a style incorporates geometric patterns typically in yellow green gold silver and black colours.
Art Nouveau: It is given to styles that incorporate linear and curvilinear designs.
Academic Costume: It is the term given to garments that characterise clothes worn by those studying or teaching in schools or universities.
Accent Shades: It is the term given to bright dark colours like fluorescent colours and are used as an emphasis rather than as the whole colour of a design.
Active Sportswear: It is the term given to clothes which are worn by participants in sports events.
Adaptation: It is the changing of some characteristics of a previous garment or design to produce a new innovative one.
Advanced colours: It is the name given to warm colours.
A-la-mode: It is the french term for fashion.
Accouterments: It is the term for the latest style of clothing, accessory etc.
American Style: It is given to clothes which are more casual and easy going.
Apparel: It is another word given for clothes.
Asymmetrical: It is the term given for clothes which are uneven on purpose.
Attire: It is another term for clothing.
Athletic clothing: It is a term given to clothes which are used for working out in a gym or sports.
Au naturel: It is the term for something in its natural state like a nude body.
Avant-Garde: It is used to describe garments which have never been seen before and are original and innovative towards the fashion industry.
Argyle: Describes knitted or woven patterns derived from the tartan of a West Scotland clan.
Anorak: It is a hooded sports jacket for extreme weather conditions.
Acrylic: It is used for acrylic fabrics which are synthetic man made polymer mediums.
Ascot Collar: It is a tall collar with points turned up over the chin.
Aviator Jacket: It is a jacket with a sheepskin collar.
Aviator Sunglasses: They are sunglasses which are oversized.
Astrakhan: It is used for the fur of young lambs with lustrous, closely curled wool, from Astrakhan which is a city of southwest Russia.
B
Balaclava: It is a knitted head covering that shows only the face or part of the face worn in extreme cold weathers.
Basket Bag: It is a bag shaped like a basket.
Basque: It is the extension below the waistline of a fitted bodice or a jacket.
Batik: It is a hand technique for decorating textiles in which parts of the fabric are covered with wax.
Batwing Sleeve: It is the term used for a sleeve that fits closely at the wrist but widens to be very full under the arm.
Bias cut: It is given to the diagonal direction of a woven fabric.
Bishop Sleeve: It is a basic sleeve style cut with minimal fullness where it is set into the armhole and then widens gradually to the wrist where it is gathered into a tightly fitting cuff.
Blucher: It is a type of oxford shoe that closes in which the tongue and vamp which is the front part of the shoe are cut in one.
Body/ Bodycon: It is the name given to garments that tightly fit the body.
Boiled Wool: It is the name of the wool that has underwent a process to make it more dense and compact.
Bonnet: It is a type of headcovering for women and children that cover the back and top of the head and usually tie under the chin.
Bretelles: It is a diagonal band of fabric or trimming similar to a turned back collar or revers that runs from the center of the waist to the outer edges of the shoulders.
Bugle Beads: It is the term given to beads of an elongated tubular shape that are often sewn onto garments as ornamentation.
Bustier: It is a garment that combines waist cinch and brasserie that ends at the waist or extends to the hips and is similar to a corset.
Bustle: It is an undergarment structure designed to hold out the back of a skirt.
Buttonholes: It is the opening into which a button fits in order to close a garment.
Balance: It is when garments have two opposing sides of the same dimension.
Bespoke: It is the term given to a made to order garment that is specifically made based on the clients measurements and style.
Barfly Apparel: It is clothing suitable to wear at cocktail bars.
Baroque: It is the term used for exaggerated style.
Beachwear: It is used for clothes that are suitable to be worn at the beach.
Beaumonde: It is the term used to describe the fashionable world.
Black Tie Event: It is a dress code for evening events and social functions.
Bling: It is the term used for flashy fancy accessories.
Boyfriend style: It is the term used for clothing taken from men made to suit females.
Border Print: It is a design made to be seen along the border of a fabric.
Boho: It is an unconventional style of dressing that draws inspiration from bohemian and hippie influences.
Business Formal Dress Code: It is the term given to clothes suitable for a formal event.
Business Casual Dress Code: It is the term given to clothes suitable for a semi formal event.
Bulky Clothing: It is the term given to clothes which are loose fitting.
Baby Doll: It is a type of short dress that is normally worn as a nightgown but has turned into a daytime dress.
Bag: It is a bag.
Bandana: It is a type of cloth worn around the head or neck.
Bandeau: It is a narrow piece of fabric worn around the breast as a strapless and it is an alternative to a bra.
Bell Sleeve: It is a type of sleeve that flares out from the elbow or upper arm to create a bell shape.
Bellow Pocket:A large gusseted pocket that is often featured on jackets, pants and skirts.
Belt: It is a strip of flexible material made of various materials such as leather, cloth, woven fabrics or chain to hold up pants or used to accessorise dresses etc.
Beret: A beret is a soft round hat made of wool or felt.
Bermuda Shorts: They are shorts which are semi casual and fall down to the knee.
Bertha Collar: It is a collar that is flat and falls from the neckline to the shoulders opening at the front or the back.
Bib: It is a necklace that has a large front section that is decorated.
Blazer: It is the term given to a type of jacket with long sleeves and lapels.
Blouse: It is the term given to a womens' shirt.
Bootleg: It is the term used to describe a style of jeans or pants that taper to the knee and then slightly flare to the ankle.
Boucle: It is a woven or knitted fabric with a looped texture.
Breton Stripe: It is the term given to stripes which consist of thin blue horizontal stripes on a white background.
Brocade: It is an Italian term used to describe an embossed cloth which can feature elaborative designs.
Brogue: It is a flat heeled, leather, laced-up shoe with a perforated pattern design.
Ballet Flats: They are light, flat, hard-soled shoes resembling those worn by a ballet dancer.
Boat neck: It it the term given to a high, wide, straight neckline that runs straight across the front and back, meeting at the shoulders having the same depth in the front and back.
Boning: It is the technique carried out to give support to corsets etc.
Bootie: It is a type of shoe that is not really a boot nor a shoe.
Bubble Skirt: It is a voluminous skirt that is similar to the shape of a balloon.
Button Down Collar: It is a shirt that buttons down.
C
Capsule Wardrobe: It is the name given to a collection which holds clothes that are essential and timeless.
Cut of a garment: It is the style and shape of a garment and how it fits the body.
Caftan: It is a full-length garment with elbow-length or long sleeves consisting of a loose, usually brightly coloured waist-length or ankle-length tunic.
Camisole: It is a woman's under bodice with shoulder straps usually made of satin, silk or cotton.
Camouflage: This term describes clothing that is designed with elements like camouflage print.
Casual Wear: It is used to define informal clothing.
Channel suit: It is the term used to describe suits designed from Coco Chanel.
Chic: It is another word for stylish.
Chinois: It is the term used to describe Chinese style.
Cine Mode: It is the term that describes fashion that had been originated in movies.
City Wear: This describes street clothes with a sophisticated taste.
Cocktail Dress Code: It is how people are supposed to dress for a party event.
Collection: It describes the clothes released usually in the spring/summer or autumn/winter.
Colour Coordination: It describes clothes that follow colour theory and harmony.
Classic: It is used to characterise a piece considered timeless.
Colour Blocking: This is a technique in which large blocks of solid coloured fabric are joined to form the garment resulting in a visually striking effect.
Colour Fast: This refers to a dyed fabric’s ability to resist fading or colour running when it is washed or exposed to sunlight etc.
Colorway: This is the fashion terminology to describe something in a specific colour.
Country Look: Describes a rustic style look.
Cool Colours: They are normally colours towards the blues.
Contemporary Style: Describes the current looks.
Continental Style: It is used to characterise European style clothing.
Contrast: It is the method of using colours which are not similar to each other making them both stand out.
Conservative Styles: It refers to traditional dressing styles.
Cosmetic Colours: It refers to the colours that relate to the makeup used.
Cosmopolitan: It characterises a dress style that it universal.
Costume: A design inspired by a story or a theme.
Craze: It is a type of fashion which gains extreme popularity for a short amount of time.
Composite Style: It describes a combination of distinct styles.
Cultural Appropriation in Fashion: This term is used when some one inappropriately adopts the fashion of a minority and somehow makes a mimicry of it without respecting the particular culture.
Cable Knit: It is when knit in a raised loop stripe resembling a twisted cable.
Cap Sleeve: It is a small sleeve that is shorter than a normal sleeve that sits on the shoulder.
Cap Sleeve: It is a small sleeve that is shorter than a normal sleeve that sits on the shoulder.
Cape: It is a sleeveless outer garment that hangs from the shoulders.
Capri Pants: These are slimily pants finishing just bellow the knee.
Cardigan: It is a knitted woolen garment similar to a jacket with button or zipper fastening down front.
Cargo Pants: These are pants or shorts refer to pants with extra pockets designed for carrying supplies etc.
Chelsea Boots: These are ankle height slip on boot with elasticated side panels.
Chemise: It is a loose fitting dress that hangs straight from the shoulders without a defined waist.
Cigarette Pants: These are narrow fitted trousers that taper to the ankle.
Coat: It is outwear worn over a garment to provide protection from the elements.
Column Dress: It is a long, straight cut dress that does not have shaping.
Cowl: It is the soft draping of a fabric, cut so that the fabric can hang in soft folds and is often found on necklines and backs.
Crochet: It is a decorative knitting technique created by looping and knotting fibre with a special needle.
Cap: It is a headcovering generally worn for less formal occasions or sports that fits the head more closely than a hat and which often has a visor at the front.
Cheongsam: It is a Chinese garment that has a high, standing collar, short sleeves, a diagonal front closing with buttons or cloth frogs, a body-hugging fit, and a side slit that may reach as high as the thigh.
Cap Sleeves: It is a small short sleeve that sits exactly on the shoulder or falling just on the arm.
Cateye Sunglasses: It is a style of women's eyewear with flared outer edges where the arms join the frame
Chevron: It is the general shape of a 'V' or a triangular shape used in design.
Chiffon: It is a fine transparent or almost transparent plain-weave fabric of silk, nylon or rayon.
Circle Skirt: It is a skirt cut so that the hem of the skirt forms a circle without any gathers at the waist.
Coat Dress: It is a tailored dress featuring button, toggle or tie closures similar to those found on outerwear.
Corset: It is a slim fitting top, usually strapless with stiff boning inside as support and either laced up or with hooks as closures, sometimes used as a substitute for a blouse.
Costume Jewellery: It describes jewellery imitating precious stones.
D
Dated Fashion: Describes clothing that is no longer trending.
Day to evening: It describes garments that can be worn during the day but in the night as well.
Decollete: It refers to the area of the neckline and bosom when a garment is cut very low.
Deconstruction: It is a term used to describe clothing that has been taken apart and put back together in a new unexpected way, or looks unfinished, raw and as though it may be deteriorating.
Demi Bra: This is a bra that has half a cup and covers half of the breast.
Demi Bra: This is a bra that has half a cup and covers half of the breast.
Drainpipe: This describes pants which are continuously narrow down the entire leg.
Diffusion Line: This is a line of garments that is designed by an haute couture designer and are very pricey.
Drop Tail Style: It is when the bottom of the back of a piece has more fabric than the front.
Deadstock: This refers to clothes that have not been sold from the previous season.
Design Elements: This refers to things to consider when designing like colour, shape, material, harmony etc.
Double Denim Trend: It is when more than a piece of denim is being worn.
E
Elbow Patch: This is usually leather or suede worn over the elbow for reinforcement.
Embellishments: These are decorative pieces that add more taste to a garment.
Empire Line: This refers to a low cut dress with a high waistline.
Evening Wear: This refers to clothes worn in the nighttime.
Espadrille: It is a Shoe with a canvas upper and rope sole.
Earth Colours: It refers to colours close to brown.
Electric Colours: These are brilliant tones and very vibrant.
Ethnic: This refers to native or traditional styles.
Exotic: This is a style that evokes a the look of a foreign land.
Ensemble: These are a set of clothes that give out a look of unity and coordination.
F
Finish: It is the level of perfection in which a garment is completed.
Fishtail Skirt: It refers to a tightly fitted around the hip and flaring out from the knee to the ground skirt.
Form Fitting: It refers to the style closely skims the body and emphasizes the natural curves
Funnel Neck: It is a type of garment neckline that is wide and high, resembling a funnel, attached to the body of the garment, rather than sewn at the neckline.
Fabric: It is any material made by weaving, knitting, crocheting, or bonding yarns or threads to form a textile.
Fad: It is a fashion that becomes popular in a culture or subcultures relatively quickly, remains popular, often for a rather brief period, then loses popularity dramatically
Fashionista: It is a term which describes a person who follows fashion, or is involved in the fashion industry.
Fishnet: It is an open weave knit more often associated with hosiery.
Fit and Flair: It refers to a dress style characterised by a form-fitting Bodice with a skirt which flairs out towards the hemline, often with pleats or folds.
Flannel: It is a short pile fabric.
Floral: It is when fabric is printed with flower motifs.
Footwear: These are shoes extending to the ankle worn to protect the feet and made in a range of styles and materials.
Fluted: It is a long sleeve flared at the wrist.
Face: It is the outer side of a textile fabric.
Fad: It is a fashion that becomes popular in a culture or subcultures relatively quickly, remains popular, often for a rather brief period, then loses popularity dramatically
Fashionista: It is a term which describes a person who follows fashion, or is involved in the fashion industry.
Flannel: It is a short pile fabric.
Floral: It is when fabric is printed with flower motifs.
Footwear: These are shoes extending to the ankle worn to protect the feet and made in a range of styles and materials.
Fluted: It is a long sleeve flared at the wrist.
Fashion Faux Pas: It is when the wrong choice of clothing is made in fashion.
Fashion forward: It defines a person who is ahead and knowledgeable of fashion trends.
Garcon look: It is a boyish fashion worn by women.
Halter: It is a sleeveless top whose cut leaves the shoulders bare and is quite often backless.
Handkerchief Hem: It is a hem that falls in several graceful points.
Haute Couture: It is high fashion, hand made, staggeringly expensive one of a kind pieces that often require three or more fittings.
Hipsters: These are low cut pants, whose waist rests on or below the hip.
Havelock: It is a cap usually with a visor that has a piece of fabric that extends from the back edge of the cap to the base of the neck.
Imitation: It is a copy or a fake usually used for describing fur and jewellery
Iridescent colours: This is the action of imitating the colours of the rainbow
Impact colours: It is a colour used in a fashion design for an impact
Ikat: It is a handicraft where the yarns are carefully tie-dyed in a particular design before they are woven together.
Instep:It is the arched middle part of the foot between toes and ankle.
Intarsia: It is a knitted design resembling a mosaic that is visible on both sides of a fabric.
Inseam: It is the seam in a trouser/pants or short that runs from the crotch to the hem.
J
Jewel Tones: These are deep colours.
Jersey: It is a fabric which can be made of made of wool, silk, cotton, rayon or a synthetic.
Kilt: It is a one piece garment from Scotland made from tartan or plaid cloth.
Kimono: It is a Japanese coat like garment belted with long wide rectangular sleeves.
Knee-Length: This refers to a dress or skirt that falls on or about the knees.
Knife–pleat: This describes very narrow pleats pressed to form regular sharp pleats to skirts and dresses.
Knitting: This is a method for producing cloth from wool or other types of thread, in which loops or stitches are pulled through each other using two or more needles.
Kitten Heel: A short heel about 1 ½ - 2 inches high with a distinctive curve.
Kawaii: It is a cute fashion trend that originated in Japan.
Fashion sketch: It is the initial drawing made for the purpose of garment design which gives a basic idea about the garment.
Fashion subcultures: These are subdivisions of society that influence fashion and have a heavy influence on fashion elsewhere everywhere.
Fashion victim: This defines a person who slavishly follows current fashion.
Fabric Prints: These are prominent fabric patterns which are very popular like animal prints African prints.
Foundation: It is an undergarment worn to smooth a figure.
G
Garcon look: It is a boyish fashion worn by women.
Genderqueer: It is a person whose gender identity cannot be categorised as solely male or female.
Gradation: These are shades of the same colour.
Groufit: It is used to describe athleisure clothing in grey colour.
Grunge: It is a messy un-coordinated style of dressing seen in people who follow or like grunge music.
Godet: It is a triangular piece of fabric that is inserted into the lower edge of a skirt or sleeve in order to provide additional fullness.
Gusset: It is a small piece of fabric which is diamond-shaped and is sewn into the underarm of a sleeve or into the crotch of pants
Gingham: It is a cotton fabric usually woven of two coloured yarns in a checked design.
Gladiator Sandals: These are flat sandals that have several straps across the top holding the sole to the foot and a strap around the ankle.
Garment: It is a piece of clothing made up of various pieces of fabric and fastenings which is is the variation in the style of these elements that defines different fashions.
Garter: It is a loop of cloth used to hold up the stockings.
Geometric: These are designs based on simple shapes such as the circle, square, triangle and trapezoid.
Glam: This refers to music related fashion with colorful ambisexual outfits, such as platform shoes and single piece glitter suits.
Gunmetal: It is a color that refers to an Alloy which is a mixture of 90\% copper and 10\% tin.
Garter: It is a loop of cloth used to hold up the stockings.
Geometric: These are designs based on simple shapes such as the circle, square, triangle and trapezoid.
Glam: This refers to music related fashion with colorful ambisexual outfits, such as platform shoes and single piece glitter suits.
Gunmetal: It is a color that refers to an Alloy which is a mixture of 90\% copper and 10\% tin.
H
Halter: It is a sleeveless top whose cut leaves the shoulders bare and is quite often backless.
Handkerchief Hem: It is a hem that falls in several graceful points.
Haute Couture: It is high fashion, hand made, staggeringly expensive one of a kind pieces that often require three or more fittings.
Hipsters: These are low cut pants, whose waist rests on or below the hip.
Havelock: It is a cap usually with a visor that has a piece of fabric that extends from the back edge of the cap to the base of the neck.
Hems: It is the lower edge of a part of a garment that has been finished off with some type of sewing to cover the raw edge.
Hoop: It is an undergarment used to hold out a full skirt.
Hoop: It is an undergarment used to hold out a full skirt.
Harem pants: These are loose fitting trousers tied or gathered at the ankle.
Harris tweed: It is a soft thick tweed woven from hand dyed woolen yarns.
Harris tweed: It is a soft thick tweed woven from hand dyed woolen yarns.
Hats: It is a piece of clothing worn on the head, with a high crown and brim.
Heels: It is an element called a top piece that is added to the rear end of the sole of a shoe which lifts the back of the shoe away from the ground.
Hosiery: These are tight fitting knitted garments worn on the feet and legs.
Hounds-tooth: It is a duotone textile pattern of checks and four-pointed shapes.
Haberdashery: These are sewing notions like buttons zippers etc.
Heels: It is an element called a top piece that is added to the rear end of the sole of a shoe which lifts the back of the shoe away from the ground.
Hosiery: These are tight fitting knitted garments worn on the feet and legs.
Hounds-tooth: It is a duotone textile pattern of checks and four-pointed shapes.
Haberdashery: These are sewing notions like buttons zippers etc.
High stepper: It is a colloquial term for a person who is very aware or conscious of fashion and how he/ she looks.
Hand of a fabric: It is the feel of the fabric
Heavy metal fashion: It is fashion adopted by fans of heavy metal music
Heavy metal fashion: It is fashion adopted by fans of heavy metal music
High Fashion: It is the designing, making, and marketing of expensive, fashionable exclusive clothes.
Hippie style: It is an unusual bohemian fashion style
Hourglass figure: It is the female body shape with a narrow waist and proportionately bigger hips ad bust
House: It is the name used for a company dealing in fashion.
Hot number: It is a style which sells very fast at that time.
I
Iridescent colours: This is the action of imitating the colours of the rainbow
Impact colours: It is a colour used in a fashion design for an impact
Ikat: It is a handicraft where the yarns are carefully tie-dyed in a particular design before they are woven together.
Instep:It is the arched middle part of the foot between toes and ankle.
Intarsia: It is a knitted design resembling a mosaic that is visible on both sides of a fabric.
Inseam: It is the seam in a trouser/pants or short that runs from the crotch to the hem.
J
Jewel Tones: These are deep colours.
Jersey: It is a fabric which can be made of made of wool, silk, cotton, rayon or a synthetic.
Jodhpurs: These are riding pants, with loose fabric at the hip and fitting tightly from knee to ankle.
Jacket: It is a thigh or waist length coat that may be fastened with buttons, a zip, press studs or toggles.
Jacquard Weaving: It is a versatile weaving method that allows a wrap thread to be raised independently of the other wrap threads.
Jewellery: These are decorative objects worn on the person or clothes, often made with precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum and gemstones such as diamonds, rubies, and emeralds.
Jacket: It is a thigh or waist length coat that may be fastened with buttons, a zip, press studs or toggles.
Jacquard Weaving: It is a versatile weaving method that allows a wrap thread to be raised independently of the other wrap threads.
Jewellery: These are decorative objects worn on the person or clothes, often made with precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum and gemstones such as diamonds, rubies, and emeralds.
K
Kimono: It is a Japanese coat like garment belted with long wide rectangular sleeves.
Knee-Length: This refers to a dress or skirt that falls on or about the knees.
Knife–pleat: This describes very narrow pleats pressed to form regular sharp pleats to skirts and dresses.
Knitting: This is a method for producing cloth from wool or other types of thread, in which loops or stitches are pulled through each other using two or more needles.
Kitten Heel: A short heel about 1 ½ - 2 inches high with a distinctive curve.
Kawaii: It is a cute fashion trend that originated in Japan.
Kitsch: This refers to low quality style
Knock Off: It is a design that is a copy of a more expensive clothing
Lame: This is used to describe shiny fabric made with either gold or silver metallic threads which is luxurious and glamorous.
Lapel: This describes the two triangular pieces of cloth that extend from the collar of a suit jacket.
Leather: It is a material produced from the tanned hides and skins of many different animals.
Leg warmers: These are knitted footless socks.
L
Lame: This is used to describe shiny fabric made with either gold or silver metallic threads which is luxurious and glamorous.
Lapel: This describes the two triangular pieces of cloth that extend from the collar of a suit jacket.
Leather: It is a material produced from the tanned hides and skins of many different animals.
Leg warmers: These are knitted footless socks.
Line: It is the various different divisions of a garment that are used to describe its shape and appearance.
Lingerie: They are a variety of garments used by women as underwear, made from materials such as silk, cotton, satin, polyester and nylon.
Logo: It is a graphic symbol designed to represent the character of a company, product, service, or other industry.
Look Book: This is a publication featuring styles and conceptual creative ideas, influences, and inspirations.
Lycra: This is a man made stretch fabric made from elasticated yarns.
Laser-cut: This is a modern technique for cutting openwork patterns into fabric or leather using laser-equipped computerised equipment.
Lining: This is the inner layer used to cover the inside of garment.
Little Black Dress: This is a black cocktail dress that has become a fashion staple after being first introduced by Coco Chanel which is reinvented every season.
Loafer: It is a moccasin style classic slip on shoe that has a slotted strap at the front.
Lagenlook style: This is a style in which different garments are layered over each other in different lengths.
Lingerie: They are a variety of garments used by women as underwear, made from materials such as silk, cotton, satin, polyester and nylon.
Logo: It is a graphic symbol designed to represent the character of a company, product, service, or other industry.
Look Book: This is a publication featuring styles and conceptual creative ideas, influences, and inspirations.
Lycra: This is a man made stretch fabric made from elasticated yarns.
Laser-cut: This is a modern technique for cutting openwork patterns into fabric or leather using laser-equipped computerised equipment.
Lining: This is the inner layer used to cover the inside of garment.
Little Black Dress: This is a black cocktail dress that has become a fashion staple after being first introduced by Coco Chanel which is reinvented every season.
Loafer: It is a moccasin style classic slip on shoe that has a slotted strap at the front.
Lagenlook style: This is a style in which different garments are layered over each other in different lengths.
Limited edition clothing: This is a special designer collection made in limited numbers.
Long line clothing: These are clothing meant for tall people.
Long line clothing: These are clothing meant for tall people.
Loungewear: These are garments worn around the house.
Macrame: It is a knotting technique popular with handbags.
Mary Jane: It is a flat female shoe with rounded, closed toes and a buckled strap across the instep.
Maxi skirt: It is the the name given to a long, full length skirt.
Merino wool: This is a very fine woolen cloth made from the merino sheep.
Micro-skirt: It is a very short skirt that barely covers the buttocks.
Mini skirt: It is a short skirt with a hemline that is usually at least 20cm above the knee.
Mohair: It is a silk-like fibre made from the hair of the angora goat.
Monochromatic: It is the use of a single color.
Muscle back: It is a feature usually in vest tops where the back is cut away to reveal the wearers shoulder blades.
Mailot: It is a one-piece swimsuit with sewn-on straps and scoop, squared or sweetheart neckline.
Mandarin Collar: This is a short band stand up collar adapted from the traditional Chinese collar.
Marabou: These are feathers of the Marabou Stork, which are native to Africa, are harvested from their wing covers and tails and are typically used to accent jackets, dresses and shoes.
Maxi Dress: A Maxi Dress is a floor- or ankle-length informal dress, formfitting at the top and loose flowing at the bottom, cut to flow over the body.
Minaudiere: It is a handbag for the evening that is made of metal pieces that are often highly ornamented with jewels, worked metal, or other decorative techniques. These bags vary in shape, from square, oval or oblong or based on whimsical designs of animals, plants or monuments, often having a short chain by which to carry them.
Minimalism: This is a trend in design where clothes are stripped down to their most basic elements and produce a look characterised by simple forms and basic colour schemes.
Moto Jacket: This is designed based on a traditional black leather men's jacket.
Mules: This is a shoe without any back strap.
Messenger bag: This is designed to be similar to the bags carried by messengers, these handbags usually have a zippered large central compartment and a flap folds down over the front and closes with a buckle or snap.
M
Mary Jane: It is a flat female shoe with rounded, closed toes and a buckled strap across the instep.
Maxi skirt: It is the the name given to a long, full length skirt.
Merino wool: This is a very fine woolen cloth made from the merino sheep.
Micro-skirt: It is a very short skirt that barely covers the buttocks.
Mini skirt: It is a short skirt with a hemline that is usually at least 20cm above the knee.
Mohair: It is a silk-like fibre made from the hair of the angora goat.
Monochromatic: It is the use of a single color.
Muscle back: It is a feature usually in vest tops where the back is cut away to reveal the wearers shoulder blades.
Mailot: It is a one-piece swimsuit with sewn-on straps and scoop, squared or sweetheart neckline.
Mandarin Collar: This is a short band stand up collar adapted from the traditional Chinese collar.
Marabou: These are feathers of the Marabou Stork, which are native to Africa, are harvested from their wing covers and tails and are typically used to accent jackets, dresses and shoes.
Maxi Dress: A Maxi Dress is a floor- or ankle-length informal dress, formfitting at the top and loose flowing at the bottom, cut to flow over the body.
Minaudiere: It is a handbag for the evening that is made of metal pieces that are often highly ornamented with jewels, worked metal, or other decorative techniques. These bags vary in shape, from square, oval or oblong or based on whimsical designs of animals, plants or monuments, often having a short chain by which to carry them.
Minimalism: This is a trend in design where clothes are stripped down to their most basic elements and produce a look characterised by simple forms and basic colour schemes.
Moto Jacket: This is designed based on a traditional black leather men's jacket.
Mules: This is a shoe without any back strap.
Messenger bag: This is designed to be similar to the bags carried by messengers, these handbags usually have a zippered large central compartment and a flap folds down over the front and closes with a buckle or snap.
Mood Board: It is a physical or digital collage of design ideas used by fashion designers to consolidate their collections or get ideas.
Motif: A design used in a pattern/ print / embroidery etc which is usually found recurring.
N
Natural Fibres: These are fibres from plants and animals that can be spun into thread such as wool, silk, linen, cotton and hemp.
Neoprene: This is a man made fabric, used for wetsuits and other water sports attire.
Nylon: It is a strong, lightweight material with elastic properties used for clothing and other items.
Neckline:The most popular necklines are V-neck, square neck, round neck, boat neck, scooped neck, halter and keyhole and it is the shape of the top of the garment.
Neutral Colours: Neutral means without colour.
O
Opaque: This is another word for non transparent or sheer.
Open Back: This refers to a back style that shows the entire back without the use of straps, sheer fabric, etc. to obstruct the view of the back.
Oversized: These are enlarged garments, scales are played with to alter the natural silhouette of the wearer.
Ombre: It is a French word meaning shaded describing the appearance of related colors shading from light to dark or vice versa within one garment.
Organza: It is a stiff see-through fabric which is usually silk, rayon, or nylon.
Oxford: It is a basic shoe style that either laces shut or is closed with some other fastening.
N
Neoprene: This is a man made fabric, used for wetsuits and other water sports attire.
Nylon: It is a strong, lightweight material with elastic properties used for clothing and other items.
Neckline:The most popular necklines are V-neck, square neck, round neck, boat neck, scooped neck, halter and keyhole and it is the shape of the top of the garment.
Neutral Colours: Neutral means without colour.
O
Opaque: This is another word for non transparent or sheer.
Open Back: This refers to a back style that shows the entire back without the use of straps, sheer fabric, etc. to obstruct the view of the back.
Oversized: These are enlarged garments, scales are played with to alter the natural silhouette of the wearer.
Ombre: It is a French word meaning shaded describing the appearance of related colors shading from light to dark or vice versa within one garment.
Organza: It is a stiff see-through fabric which is usually silk, rayon, or nylon.
Oxford: It is a basic shoe style that either laces shut or is closed with some other fastening.
Off the rack: This is another name for ready to wear mass-produced clothing in standard sizes that are made in a large number and are readily available in retail stores.
P
Peek-a-boo: It is when any part of a garment that has been cut-out to reveal skin or underwear.
Petticoat: This is an undergarment worn by women under a skirt, dress or sari.
Plaid: It is a patterned, woolen cloth with repeat horizontal and vertical blocks of colour such as tartan.
Pleats: This is a fold of doubled fabric that is secured in place.
Pockets: It is a bag-like container created in a garment for carrying small items.
Poncho: This is an outer garment comprising a single sheet of fabric with an opening for the head and perhaps the arms.
Pret-a-Porter: These are designer clothes sold in standard sizes rather than made to measure.
Print: This is defined as an inked design applied with pressure to fabrics such as cotton, silk or polyester.
Pullover: It is a garment which is put on by being pulled over the head.
Pagoda Sleeve: This is a sleeve that is narrow at the top where it fits the upper arm closely, then gradually flares out to become wide at the bottom.
Paillette: It is a small glittering disk, similar to a sequin, sewn together with others on fabric to create a fishscale effect.
Palazzo Pants: These are extremely wide-legged pants for women.
Pareo: It is a wraparound skirt.
Patchwork: These are pieces of cloth of various colours and shapes sewn together to form a garment or accessory.
Patent Leather: This is a type of leather with a hard smooth glossy coated surface.
Peak Lapel: The peak lapel is defined as having two points of fabric that run on both sides of the jacket and project upwards and forms a broad "V-shaped" opening on the jacket.
Peasant top: This is a romantic style top, often characterised with a low neckline, ruffles, or free flowing material.
Peep toe: It is a shoe which has an opening at the end that shows part of the toes, but not the whole toe line.
Platform Heels: These are shoes with thick soles made of wood, cork, plastic or any other materials creating the illusion of height without the discomfort of regular heels.
PVC: It is defined Polyvinyl chloride and is the third-most widely produced plastic that is used as a medium to create garments.
Princess line: This is a garment style in which the sections of the garment are cut in one from shoulder to hem, with no waistline seam.
Passe: This refers to anything that is no longer fashionable.
Panache: This style represents flamboyance or confidence.
Placement prints: This refers to fabric patterns with a print that consists of a large motif or design which is a stand out design and which is strategically placed on the garment which makes it a highlight.
Post modern fashion: This is referred to decoration being given more importance than function.
Power dressing: This refers to a style of dressing that emphasises one’s power.
Preppy style: This is a collegiate look
Power dressing: This refers to a style of dressing that emphasises one’s power.
Preppy style: This is a collegiate look
Print on print: This is defined as colourful and vibrant clothing with lots of different prints mixed in.
Punk style: This is a style which epitomises the punk subculture with its roots in music: Distressed jeans, metal studs, chains, body piercing and leather jackets all are characteristics of this style.
Q
Quilted: This is a padding technique which encloses a layer of wadding between two pieces of fabric, held in place by sewing a diamond pattern over fabrics.
Racer back: This is a feature usually in vest tops where the back is cut away to reveal the wearers shoulder blades.
Reversible: It is a garment such as a coat that can be worn inside out.
Ribbing: It is a knit pattern that produces vertical stripes of stockinette stitch alternating with vertical stripes of reverse stockinette stitch.
Ruche/Ruched: It is when fabric is gathered and sewn into a seam shorter than the length of the fabric.
Romper: It is a one-piece garment with the lower part shaped like bloomers.
Resort wear: This is a line of clothing meant as holiday or travel collection
Ready to wear: This is the term for factory made clothing in standardized sizes.
Punk style: This is a style which epitomises the punk subculture with its roots in music: Distressed jeans, metal studs, chains, body piercing and leather jackets all are characteristics of this style.
Q
R
Reversible: It is a garment such as a coat that can be worn inside out.
Ribbing: It is a knit pattern that produces vertical stripes of stockinette stitch alternating with vertical stripes of reverse stockinette stitch.
Ruche/Ruched: It is when fabric is gathered and sewn into a seam shorter than the length of the fabric.
Romper: It is a one-piece garment with the lower part shaped like bloomers.
Resort wear: This is a line of clothing meant as holiday or travel collection
Ready to wear: This is the term for factory made clothing in standardized sizes.
Retro: It is style imitative of or derived from the trends of the recent past.
S
S
Satin: This is a cloth, usually woven from silk, which has a lustrous top surface and a dull back.
Seam: This is the join line formed when two pieces of fabric are sewn together
Season: It is a time period that corresponds to the seasons of the year for which designers produce specific garment collections.
Shape: These are various outlines or profiles that characterise the body form.
Sheer: This is a semi-transparent and flimsy fabric with a very fine knit, often used to produce tights, leggings and stockings in addition to lingerie and blouses.
Shoes: These are footwear extending to the ankle, worn to protect the feet and made in a range of styles and materials such as leather, plastic, rubber or canvas.
Silhouette: It is the outline or contour that a garment creates when worn.
Spaghetti Strap: It is a very tiny shoulder strap used on garments such as camisoles, cocktail dresses, and evening gowns.
Spandex: This is a man made fabric, shiny to look at popular sportswear fabric often used in swimwear, leotards and hosiery.
Stole: It is a band of cloth or a shawl worn around the shoulders and left to fall down the body front such as a mink or fox-fur stole.
Stripe: This is a straight band or line differing colour to the material on either side of it.
Suit: It is defined as a set of clothes cut from the same fabric, designed to be worn together.
Sarong: It is a garment consisting of a length of printed cloth wrapped about the waist that is worn by men or women.
Sequin: It is a small piece of shiny, often coloured metal foil or plastic, usually round, used to decorate a garment.
Shirt Dress: A shirt dress borrows details from a man's shirt and is frequently made up in crisp fabrics like cotton and it has a looser fit with waist definition given by a belt.
Skort: These are shorts that have a flap in the front so as to resemble a skirt.
Straight Legged: These are pants that have been cut straight from the hip to the floor which are of equal width throughout.
Sweetheart neckline: This is a low-cut neckline with two curves over the bust, making the bodice look heart-shaped.
Sportswear: This term is used to refer to clothing for active sports.
Safari style: This is the kind of clothing that resembles clothes worn during hunting.
Sleek style: This is the style which gives a slender slim streamlined look.
Slip on clothes: These type of clothes are worn without any fastenings and just slip on through the head.
Slim fit: These are clothing which are made to fit close to the body.
Statement Jewellery: This are bold and attention grabbing objects meant to grab all eyeballs.
Statement Jewellery: This are bold and attention grabbing objects meant to grab all eyeballs.
Street wear: These are clothes meant for the streets meaning skater friendly garments.
Sweats: They are cotton jersey sports wear.
Tailoring: It is defined as production in which garments such as suits are completely original and made to the measurements of the specific client.
Tank Top: It is a sleeveless t-shirt worn by both men and women.
Tapered Leg: These are pant legs that become progressively narrower toward the ankle.
Tartan: It is a repeated multicolored, square pattern in wool cloth created from the coloured threads used to weave it.
Tea length: It is a dress or gown that extends to the end of the shin.
Thong: It is a narrow piece of cloth that passes between the buttocks and attaches to a band around the hips but it can also describe sandals attached to the wearer’s foot by a thong positioned inside the big toe.
Tie: It is a piece of cloth that is tied with a knot at the throat and worn under a shirt collar.
Top Hat: This is a tall, flat crowned, broad-brimmed hat.
Train: This is the long, rear part of a skirt or dress that trails behind the wearer.
Trench Coat: It is a double-breasted, loose belted knee-length raincoat made of waterproof heavy-duty cotton drill or poplin.
Tulle: This is a very fine mesh like net fabric, used in eveningwear and bridal gowns.
Tunic: It is a long or short, usually sleeveless, straight, tubular garment.
Tuxedo: This is formal wear comprising a black, ventless dinner or smoking jacket with silk or satin lapels.
Twin Set: It is defined as matching cardigan and jumper set worn by women.
Tankini: This is a two-piece bathing suit with the upper portion resembling a tank top.
Tie dye: Tie-dye is a method of dyeing clothing originally popularized by members of the hippie subculture in which clothes are tied, either with string or rubber bands into some sort of pattern and are then dyed by submerging them or by squirting dye solution onto them and where the fabric is tied, some areas do not absorb the dye which forms a pattern.
Tranny Shoe: This is a slang term that describes shoes that over-the-top transvestites or female impersonators wear that has been embraced by top fashion houses for 'real' women and are usually impossibly high and very dramatic.
Tube Top: This is any short top that does not have shoulders or sleeves.
Throwback fashion: This is fashion belonging to the past.
Yarn: It is any long, continuous piece of entwined fibre that is used for the production of textiles or knits.
Yoke: This is a fabric cut that is seamed across the top of a shirt, trouser, or skirt.
Zeitgeist: These are the moral and intellectual trends of a given era meaning ‘the spirit of the age’.
Zipper Pull: This refers to a metal accessory that allows for the opening of a zipper.
Bibliography:
Sweats: They are cotton jersey sports wear.
T
Tailoring: It is defined as production in which garments such as suits are completely original and made to the measurements of the specific client.
Tank Top: It is a sleeveless t-shirt worn by both men and women.
Tapered Leg: These are pant legs that become progressively narrower toward the ankle.
Tartan: It is a repeated multicolored, square pattern in wool cloth created from the coloured threads used to weave it.
Tea length: It is a dress or gown that extends to the end of the shin.
Thong: It is a narrow piece of cloth that passes between the buttocks and attaches to a band around the hips but it can also describe sandals attached to the wearer’s foot by a thong positioned inside the big toe.
Tie: It is a piece of cloth that is tied with a knot at the throat and worn under a shirt collar.
Top Hat: This is a tall, flat crowned, broad-brimmed hat.
Train: This is the long, rear part of a skirt or dress that trails behind the wearer.
Trench Coat: It is a double-breasted, loose belted knee-length raincoat made of waterproof heavy-duty cotton drill or poplin.
Tulle: This is a very fine mesh like net fabric, used in eveningwear and bridal gowns.
Tunic: It is a long or short, usually sleeveless, straight, tubular garment.
Tuxedo: This is formal wear comprising a black, ventless dinner or smoking jacket with silk or satin lapels.
Twin Set: It is defined as matching cardigan and jumper set worn by women.
Tankini: This is a two-piece bathing suit with the upper portion resembling a tank top.
Tie dye: Tie-dye is a method of dyeing clothing originally popularized by members of the hippie subculture in which clothes are tied, either with string or rubber bands into some sort of pattern and are then dyed by submerging them or by squirting dye solution onto them and where the fabric is tied, some areas do not absorb the dye which forms a pattern.
Tranny Shoe: This is a slang term that describes shoes that over-the-top transvestites or female impersonators wear that has been embraced by top fashion houses for 'real' women and are usually impossibly high and very dramatic.
Tube Top: This is any short top that does not have shoulders or sleeves.
Throwback fashion: This is fashion belonging to the past.
Theme: This refers to a concept behind a collection of clothes designed by fashion designers that usually have a message or an attitude.
U- Shaped neckline: This is a deeply scooped neckline shaped like letter "U".
Underwires: These refer to rigid U-shaped rods arcing underneath the base of some bra cups which are used for support and structure and give the wearer a more pushed-up bust appearance, hence enhancing the cleavage.
Utilitarian: These are clothing that primarily serves a functional purpose, such as providing warmth, protection or some other practical use.
Ultrasuede: This is a synthetic microfiber fabric and it is often described as an artificial substitute for suede leather.
Unisex style: This is clothing suitable for both female and male gender.
U
Underwires: These refer to rigid U-shaped rods arcing underneath the base of some bra cups which are used for support and structure and give the wearer a more pushed-up bust appearance, hence enhancing the cleavage.
Utilitarian: These are clothing that primarily serves a functional purpose, such as providing warmth, protection or some other practical use.
Ultrasuede: This is a synthetic microfiber fabric and it is often described as an artificial substitute for suede leather.
Unisex style: This is clothing suitable for both female and male gender.
Up cycled clothing: This is the creative reuse of old clothes by changing certain design elements.
V-shaped neckline: This is a neckline shaped or cut like letter "V".
Variegated: This is a fabric produced with different coloured yarns or threads to provide streaks, marks, or patches of different colours.
Velour: This is similar to velvet and is a soft material of short pile.
V
V-shaped neckline: This is a neckline shaped or cut like letter "V".
Variegated: This is a fabric produced with different coloured yarns or threads to provide streaks, marks, or patches of different colours.
Velour: This is similar to velvet and is a soft material of short pile.
Velvet: This is closely woven short pile fabric, soft and rich to touch
Vent: It is an opening in the fabric that allows for greater movement.
Vintage: These are garments originating in, or whose design is inspired by, a previous era.
Vogue: This is another word for the current fashion trend.
Vamp: It is the portion of a shoe or boot upper that covers the instep and toes.
Waistcoat: This is a sleeveless, upper-body garment cut at waist level with a vertical, button-fastened front opening worn over a dress shirt and underneath a suit jacket of a three-piece suit.
Weave: This is the pattern of interlinking threads or yarns called the wrap and weft created during the cloth production process on a loom.
Wide Leg: This refers to a type or style usually associated with jeans where the entire leg portion is extra wide. Wide Leg pants are designed with a wider fit around the hip, thigh, knee and hem, which helps to balance out curvy hips.
Wool: It is a fibre found in the coats of sheep and other animals of the caprinae family, such as sheep, goats, alpacas and rabbits.
Waist belt: This is a belt that is designed to be worn around and to highlight the waist.
Wedge Heel: Wedge soles literally form a triangular wedge between the foot and the ground and they provide height and lift under all parts of the foot, not just at the heel.
Wrap: This involves the overlapping fabric around the waist, either in the front or the back to create a fitted waistline.
Warm colours: These are Red, yellow and orange and in between colours in the colour wheel.
X-ray Fabric: This is sheer fabric used to make clothes.
Y
Vent: It is an opening in the fabric that allows for greater movement.
Vintage: These are garments originating in, or whose design is inspired by, a previous era.
Vogue: This is another word for the current fashion trend.
Vamp: It is the portion of a shoe or boot upper that covers the instep and toes.
W
Weave: This is the pattern of interlinking threads or yarns called the wrap and weft created during the cloth production process on a loom.
Wide Leg: This refers to a type or style usually associated with jeans where the entire leg portion is extra wide. Wide Leg pants are designed with a wider fit around the hip, thigh, knee and hem, which helps to balance out curvy hips.
Wool: It is a fibre found in the coats of sheep and other animals of the caprinae family, such as sheep, goats, alpacas and rabbits.
Waist belt: This is a belt that is designed to be worn around and to highlight the waist.
Wedge Heel: Wedge soles literally form a triangular wedge between the foot and the ground and they provide height and lift under all parts of the foot, not just at the heel.
Wrap: This involves the overlapping fabric around the waist, either in the front or the back to create a fitted waistline.
Warm colours: These are Red, yellow and orange and in between colours in the colour wheel.
X
Y
Yoke: This is a fabric cut that is seamed across the top of a shirt, trouser, or skirt.
Z
Zeitgeist: These are the moral and intellectual trends of a given era meaning ‘the spirit of the age’.
Zipper Pull: This refers to a metal accessory that allows for the opening of a zipper.
Bibliography:
Conlon, S. (2018) The Vogue Glossary [online] British Vogue, Available at: <https://www.vogue.co.uk/gallery/the-vogue-glossary> [Accessed 19 May 2021]
Reference where you got this information from.
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