Fashion Dictionary

Welcome to our Fashion Glossary, your ultimate guide to the language of style! Explore a curated collection of terms, from haute couture to Kitten Heels, demystifying fashion jargon. Whether you’re a seasoned fashionista or just starting your style journey, our glossary has something for everyone.

A:

  1. A-line: A silhouette that is fitted at the hips and gradually widens towards the hem, resembling the letter “A”.
  2. Avant-garde: Innovative and experimental fashion that pushes the boundaries of traditional design.
  3. Appliqué: Decorative embellishments or designs made by attaching fabric pieces onto a larger fabric surface.
  4. Accessories: Items such as jewelry, scarves, belts, and handbags that complement an outfit.
  5. Athleisure: Clothing designed for athletic activities but also suitable for casual, everyday wear.

B:

  1. Bespoke: Custom-made clothing tailored to a specific individual’s measurements and preferences.
  2. Bohemian: A style characterized by free-spiritedness, unconventional patterns, and a relaxed fit.
  3. Brocade: Richly decorative fabric with raised patterns, often woven with metallic threads.
  4. Button-up: Garments, typically shirts or blouses, fastened with buttons down the front.
  5. Bucket hat: A soft, wide-brimmed hat with a rounded crown, often made of cotton or canvas.

C:

  1. Couture: High-end fashion designs made to order for individual clients, often handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail.
  2. Chiffon: Sheer, lightweight fabric often used for formal dresses and blouses.
  3. Cropped: Referring to garments with a shortened length, typically exposing the midriff or ankles.
  4. Cowl neck: A draped neckline characterized by loose, gathered fabric resembling a hood or scarf.
  5. Chambray: A lightweight fabric woven with a colored yarn in the warp and a white yarn in the weft, creating a denim-like appearance.

D:

  1. Denim: A sturdy cotton twill fabric, typically used for jeans, jackets, and skirts.
  2. Drape: The way fabric hangs or falls on the body, influenced by its weight, texture, and cut.
  3. Double-breasted: A style of garment, such as a coat or blazer, with two parallel rows of buttons.
  4. Drop-crotch: Pants or shorts with a low-hanging crotch area, creating a relaxed and oversized look.
  5. Dolman sleeves: Loose, wide sleeves that are integrated with the bodice of a garment, creating a draped effect.

E:

  1. Empire waist: A high-waisted style where the waistline is raised above the natural waist, just below the bust.
  2. Espadrilles: Casual shoes with a canvas or cotton upper and a flexible sole made of rope or rubber.
  3. Embroidery: Decorative stitching or patterns sewn onto fabric by hand or machine.
  4. Evening gown: A formal dress worn for evening events, often featuring luxurious fabrics and intricate designs.
  5. Eyelash lace: Delicate lace fabric with frayed or scalloped edges resembling eyelashes.

F:

  1. Fit and flare: A style of dress fitted at the bodice and flared at the skirt, creating an hourglass silhouette.
  2. Fedora: A soft felt hat with a wide brim and indented crown, typically worn tilted to one side.
  3. Fringe: Decorative trim made of hanging threads or strips of fabric.
  4. Fishnet: Open-weave fabric resembling a net, often used for stockings, tops, and accessories.
  5. Faux fur: Synthetic material designed to resemble real fur, used in coats, jackets, and accessories.

G:

  1. Gingham: A lightweight, plain-woven fabric typically characterized by checked patterns.
  2. Gauchos: Wide-legged, calf-length trousers with a loose fit, often associated with South American style.
  3. Grosgrain: A ribbed fabric, usually made of silk or nylon, known for its distinctive ribbed texture.
  4. Guipure Lace: A type of lace made with heavy threads that are connected by large, intricate patterns.
  5. Gladiator Sandals: Strappy sandals with multiple straps that resemble the footwear worn by ancient Roman gladiators.

H:

  1. Haute Couture: High-end fashion that is custom-made for individual clients, often characterized by intricate designs and luxurious fabrics.
  2. Harem Pants: Loose-fitting pants with a dropped crotch, often tapered at the ankles, inspired by traditional Middle Eastern clothing.
  3. Headpiece: A decorative accessory worn on the head, such as a hat, fascinator, or headband.
  4. Hemline: The edge or border of a garment, typically where it is sewn to finish the fabric’s raw edge.
  5. Houndstooth: A distinctive checked pattern characterized by broken or jagged checks, often used in textiles and clothing.

I:

  1. Ikat: A fabric dyeing technique in which the yarns are tie-dyed before weaving, resulting in a blurred or hazy pattern.
  2. Inseam: The length of the inner seam of a pair of pants, measured from the crotch to the hem.
  3. Infinity Scarf: A looped scarf that has no end, designed to be worn wrapped around the neck multiple times.
  4. Illusion Neckline: A neckline style that gives the illusion of bare skin through the use of sheer fabric or lace.
  5. Ironing: The process of pressing fabric with a heated iron to remove wrinkles and create a smooth finish.

J:

  1. Jacquard: A type of fabric woven on a special loom to create intricate patterns, often featuring raised designs.
  2. Jodhpurs: Tight-fitting trousers that end at the ankle, originally designed for horseback riding, often with a flared thigh and a snug cuff.
  3. Jumpsuit: A one-piece garment that combines a top and trousers or shorts, often featuring a fitted waist.
  4. Jersey: A stretchy knit fabric commonly used for t-shirts, dresses, and athletic wear.
  5. Jewelry: Decorative items such as necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings worn for personal adornment.

K:

  1. Kitten Heels: Low, slender heels usually between 1.5 to 2 inches in height.
  2. Kimono: Traditional Japanese garment with wide sleeves and a sash.
  3. Knitwear: Garments made by knitting yarn, including sweaters and cardigans.
  4. Kaftan: Loose, ankle-length garment with wide sleeves, originating from the Middle East.
  5. Kilt: Traditional Scottish garment, usually worn by men, consisting of a pleated skirt.

L:

  1. Lingerie: Undergarments worn by women, including bras, panties, and nightwear.
  2. Loafers: Slip-on shoes, often with a low heel and a moccasin-like construction.
  3. Lapel: The folded flaps on the front of a jacket or coat, often forming a notch or peak.
  4. Lace: Delicate fabric with an open weblike pattern, often used for decoration in garments.
  5. Leather: Material made from animal hides, commonly used for jackets, bags, and shoes.

M:

  1. Moccasins: Soft leather shoes, typically with a flat sole and no heel, inspired by Native American footwear.
  2. Maxi Dress: Floor-length dress, often characterized by a loose and flowing silhouette.
  3. Miniskirt: Short skirt with a hemline well above the knees, popularized in the 1960s.
  4. Mandarin Collar: Stand-up collar that lies flat against the neck, often found on Asian-inspired garments.
  5. Mullet Dress: Dress with a short hemline in the front and a longer hemline in the back.

N:

  1. Nylon: Synthetic polymer material used in the production of textiles, known for its strength and elasticity.
  2. Neon: Bright, fluorescent colors often used in fashion to create bold statements.
  3. Nautical: Style inspired by maritime themes, featuring stripes, anchors, and navy blue hues.
  4. Neckline: The top edge of a garment that surrounds the neck, such as a crew neck or V-neck.
  5. Nap: The fuzzy surface of a fabric that’s raised through brushing or shearing.

O:

  1. Oxford Shirt: Button-down dress shirt with a collar and long sleeves, often made of cotton.
  2. Overalls: One-piece garment with attached trousers and a front flap covering the chest, typically secured with shoulder straps.
  3. Oversized: Garments intentionally designed to be larger than standard sizes, for a relaxed or exaggerated fit.
  4. Off-the-Shoulder: Neckline that exposes the shoulders, often seen in dresses or tops.
  5. Organza: Sheer, lightweight fabric with a crisp texture, commonly used for formal attire and bridal wear.

P:

  1. Peplum: Flared ruffle attached to the waistline of a garment, often seen in tops and dresses.
  2. Pashmina: Soft, fine wool or cashmere scarf, shawl, or wrap, originating from the Indian subcontinent.
  3. Platform: Shoes with thick soles that elevate the wearer’s height, often with a retro or chunky style.
  4. Pleats: Folds of fabric sewn into garments to create texture, movement, or shape.
  5. Patchwork: Technique of sewing together small fabric pieces to create a larger design or garment.

Q:

  1. Quilted: Textile technique where layers of fabric are stitched together to create a padded effect, often seen in jackets and bags.
  2. Quiff: Hairstyle where the front hair is styled upward and backward, often associated with the rockabilly and punk subcultures.
  3. Quick-Dry: Fabric treated or designed to dry rapidly, commonly used in activewear and swimwear.
  4. Quirky: Unconventional or eccentric style or design elements that add a unique touch to an outfit.
  5. Quintessential: Representing the most perfect or typical example of a particular style or trend.

R:

  1. Ruffles: Gathered or pleated strips of fabric used for decoration on garments, often seen on sleeves, collars, and hems.
  2. Romper: One-piece garment combining shorts and a top, typically worn by women or children.
  3. Rayon: Semi-synthetic fabric made from cellulose fibers, known for its softness and drape.
  4. Reversible: Garments or accessories designed to be worn inside-out, offering versatility in styling.
  5. Retro: Style inspired by trends from the past, often characterized by nostalgic elements from specific eras.

S:

  1. Satchel: Bag with a long strap, often worn across the body, originally used for carrying books.
  2. Sequins: Small, shiny embellishments often sewn onto fabric for decorative purposes, adding sparkle to garments.
  3. Suede: Soft, velvety leather with a napped surface, commonly used in shoes, bags, and jackets.
  4. Sarong: Rectangular piece of fabric worn as a skirt, often associated with Southeast Asian cultures.
  5. Stilettos: High-heeled shoes with a thin, pointed heel, known for their elegance and elongating effect on the legs.

T:

  1. Tulle: Fine, lightweight netting fabric often used for skirts, veils, and petticoats.
  2. Tailoring: The process of shaping and sewing garments to fit an individual’s body measurements.
  3. Turtleneck: High, close-fitting collar that extends upward, covering the neck, commonly found on sweaters and tops.
  4. Tweed: Rough-textured woolen fabric, often characterized by its muted, earthy tones and traditional patterns.
  5. Trench Coat: Waterproof coat with a double-breasted front and a belt, originally designed for military use and now a classic outerwear staple.

U:

  1. Underwire: Wire sewn into the underside of a bra cup to provide support and shaping to the bust.
  2. Umbrella Skirt: Full, flared skirt resembling the shape of an open umbrella.
  3. Utility: Functional and practical clothing design, often inspired by workwear or military attire.
  4. Upcycling: Process of transforming old or discarded materials into new garments or accessories.
  5. Understated: Style characterized by simplicity, minimalism, and subtle elegance.

V:

  1. Velvet: Luxurious fabric with a soft pile, often used for eveningwear and upholstery.
  2. V-neck: Neckline shaped like the letter “V”, often flattering for a variety of body types.
  3. Vintage: Clothing or accessories that are at least 20 years old, often prized for their unique style and craftsmanship.
  4. Viscose: Semi-synthetic fiber made from natural cellulose, known for its softness and drape.
  5. Varsity Jacket: Traditional American sports jacket with contrasting sleeves and ribbed cuffs.

W:

  1. Wool: Natural fiber derived from the fleece of sheep or other animals, known for its warmth and durability.
  2. Waistcoat: Sleeveless garment worn over a shirt and under a jacket, typically fastened with buttons.
  3. Wrap Dress: Dress with a front closure formed by wrapping one side across the other and tying at the waist.
  4. Wide-leg: Style of trousers or pants with a relaxed fit and wide leg openings.
  5. Wedge heels: Shoes with a sole in the form of a wedge, providing more stability and comfort than traditional heels.

X:

  1. X-ray fabric: Sheer or translucent fabric that reveals what is worn underneath, creating a suggestive or provocative effect.
  2. Xanadu: Term used to describe an extravagant or fanciful style, inspired by the film or its aesthetic.
  3. Xenial: Fashion inspired by cultural exchange and inclusivity, celebrating diversity and global influences.
  4. X-shaped: Design element resembling the letter “X”, often seen in straps or fastenings.
  5. Xenophile: Someone who appreciates and embraces fashion from different cultures and countries.

Y:

  1. Yoke: Panel of fabric sewn across the shoulders of a garment for shaping or decoration.
  2. Yarn: Spun fibers used for knitting, weaving, or crocheting into textiles.
  3. Y-strap: Style of sandal or shoe with a strap that splits into two, resembling the letter “Y”.
  4. Yuletide: Fashion inspired by the festive season, featuring motifs such as snowflakes, holly, and reindeer.
  5. Yachting: Nautical-inspired fashion, often characterized by crisp whites, stripes, and navy blue hues.

Z:

  1. Zigzag: Pattern or stitching resembling a series of connected diagonal lines, often seen in embroidery or knitwear.
  2. Zoot Suit: Elaborate men’s suit with exaggerated proportions, popularized in the 1940s.
  3. Zenith: Fashion at its peak or highest point, often representing the pinnacle of style.
  4. Zipper: Fastening device consisting of two strips of fabric with interlocking metal or plastic teeth.
  5. Zebra print: Animal-inspired print resembling the stripes of a zebra, often used for a bold and graphic effect in fashion.