Have you ever found yourself lost in a fashion magazine, wondering what exactly makes a piece 'boho', or stumbled upon terms like 'haute couture' or 'prêt-à-porter'? Or perhaps why everyone is talking about 'sustainable fashion'? You're not alone. Many fashion enthusiasts start their journey passionate about style but puzzled by the industry's language. This blog post is here to help, offering clear explanations of essential fashion terms. Whether you're a budding designer, a student, or just want to shop smarter, understanding these terms is key.
Let’s begin our style education together!
Term | Meaning |
A-line | A dress or skirt shaped like the letter A, fitted at the hips and gradually widening towards the hem. |
Appliqué | A decorative design made of one piece of fabric sewn on top of another. |
Abstract Print | A fabric print featuring irregular shapes and patterns that do not depict a specific object or scene. |
Accordion Pleat | Narrow, evenly spaced pleats pressed in the same direction that resemble the folds of an accordion. |
Argyle | A pattern consisting of diamond-shaped sections typically overlaid with crisscross lines, commonly used in knitwear. |
Babydoll Dress | A short, sleeveless, loose-fitting nightgown or dress, often intended as nightwear for women. |
Back Yoke | A piece of fabric in the upper back part of a garment, usually found in shirts and blouses, which allows for better fit and movement. |
Balloon Sleeve | A long sleeve that is puffed and gathered at both the shoulder and cuff, creating a voluminous silhouette. |
Bateau Neckline | A wide neckline that runs horizontally, front and back, almost to the shoulder points, across the collarbone. |
Batik | A technique of hand-dyeing fabrics by using wax as a dye repellent to cover parts of a design, typical in Indonesian cultures. |
Bespoke | Custom-made clothing tailored to a buyer's specifications. |
Bias Cut | Cutting fabric at a 45-degree angle to the grain for greater elasticity and drape. |
Bodice | The part of a woman's dress (excluding the sleeves) that is above the waist. |
Boxy | Square in shape with minimal tailoring. |
Brocade | A class of richly decorative shuttle-woven fabrics, often made in colored silks and with or without gold and silver threads. |
Buckram | A stiff cloth, made of cotton or linen, which is used to stiffen clothes, hats, and other garments. |
Cami | Short for camisole, a lightweight, usually sleeveless and tight-fitting women's undergarment that covers the top part of the body. |
Canvas | A heavy-duty, plain-woven fabric, often used in making sails, tents, marquees, backpacks, and other items for which sturdiness is required. |
Cap Sleeve | A small, short sleeve that sits on the shoulder, either forming a cap over the arm or sitting on the edge of the shoulder. |
Chambray | A lightweight plain-weave fabric, typically blue in color, that resembles denim but is softer and finer. |
Chevron | A pattern characterized by inverted 'V' shapes, often used in knitwear and prints. |
Chiffon | A lightweight, sheer fabric made from silk or polyester. |
Chino | A twill fabric, typically made of cotton, used for military uniforms and subsequently for casual and work clothes. |
Colorfast | The ability of a fabric to resist fading or running of colors. |
Cowl Neck | A draped, flowing neckline that creates a loose and flowing appearance at the neck. |
Dart | A sewn fold in the fabric of a garment that helps to give shape to the piece. |
Denim | A sturdy cotton twill fabric, traditionally dyed blue, used for jeans and other garments. |
Dirndl Skirt | A full, wide skirt with a tight, fitted waistline. |
Distressed | Fabric or clothing that has been treated to appear faded or worn, often used in denim. |
Dobby | A woven fabric produced on the dobby loom, characterized by small geometric patterns and extra texture in the cloth. |
Dolman Sleeve | A sleeve that is cut wide at the armhole and narrows towards the wrist, giving a bat-like appearance. |
Double Breasted | A style of jacket or coat that has wide, overlapping front flaps with two parallel columns of buttons or snaps. |
Drape | The way in which a fabric hangs and falls, often used to give a garment a fluid and elegant appearance. |
Drapery | Cloth arranged gracefully in folds or the manner of hanging of a garment. |
Embroidery | The art of decorating fabric with needle and thread or yarn, incorporating various materials such as beads or sequins. |
Empire Waist | A style in which the waistline is raised above the natural waist, often just below the bust. |
Engineered Print | A pattern or print that is designed to be aligned and placed strategically on the garment to enhance the design. |
Epaulet | An ornamental shoulder piece on an item of clothing, typically on the coat or jacket of a military uniform. |
Espadrille | A light canvas shoe with a plaited fiber sole, traditionally worn in Spain. |
Eyelash Trim | Trim where threads extend from the seam, resembling eyelashes. |
Eyelet | Small holes cut into fabric, often round or teardrop-shaped, that are finished with stitching around the edges. |
Eyelet Fabric | A type of decorative fabric that is characterized by small, round or tear-shaped holes that are finished with stitching. |
Faille | A somewhat shiny, closely woven silk, rayon, or cotton fabric characterized by slight ribs in the weft. |
Faux Fur | Synthetic fiber material made to resemble fur, used in clothing and decor. |
Filigree | Ornamental work of fine wire, usually in silver or gold, with the addition of tiny beads. |
Fishnet | A material with an open, diamond-shaped knit, used in hosiery, dresses, and as detailing on other garments. |
Fishtail Hem | A hem that is longer in the back than the front, resembling the shape of a fishtail, often used in formal dresses and skirts. |
Flannel | A soft, woven fabric made from wool, cotton, or synthetic fiber. |
Flounce | A wide strip of fabric attached to a garment and gathered or pleated to create a decorative wavy ruffle. |
French Cuff | A style of cuff on a dress shirt that is folded back before fastening, creating a double layer and used with cufflinks. |
French Terry | A knit fabric with loops on one side and soft piles of yarn on the other, which makes it absorbent and comfortable. |
Gaiter | A piece of fabric worn over the shoe, extending to the ankle or the knee. |
Garment Dye | A process where finished garments are dyed after construction as opposed to the fabric being dyed before being cut and sewn. |
Gather | A technique in sewing where fabric is bunched together and sewn to create fullness or decorative frills. |
Gingham | A plain-woven fabric made from dyed cotton or cotton-blend yarn, characterized by its checkered pattern. |
Godet | A piece of fabric that is inserted into the hem of a skirt or sleeve to create extra fullness and flare. |
Gore | A panel in a skirt or dress inserted to give it more width and flared shape. |
Gore-Tex | A waterproof, breathable fabric membrane able to repel liquid water while allowing water vapor to pass through. |
Grain | The direction or alignment of the weave in a fabric relative to the edges. |
Grosgrain | A tightly woven, ribbed fabric often used for ribbons and trimmings. |
Gusset | A triangular or square piece of fabric inserted into a seam to add breadth or reduce stress from tight-fitting clothing. |
Haberdashery | A store where men's clothes are sold, as well as materials and trimmings for sewing and tailoring. |
Halter Neck | A style of neckline that features straps that wrap around the back of the neck, often leaving the back uncovered. |
Handkerchief Hem | A hemline made up of several points, or panels, often seen on skirts and dresses, giving a handkerchief-like appearance. |
Hem | The edge of a piece of cloth or clothing that has been folded and sewn down to prevent the raw edge from unraveling. |
Hemline | The line formed by the lower edge of a garment, such as a skirt, dress, or coat. |
Herringbone | A V-shaped weave resembling the skeleton of a herring fish. |
High-waisted | A style where the waistline of pants, skirts, or other garments is high, typically above the natural waistline. |
Hopsack | A loose basket weave fabric that gives a surface a rough texture, typically used in making suits and outerwear. |
Houndstooth | A duotone textile pattern characterized by broken checks or abstract four-pointed shapes. |
Illusion Neckline | A neckline on a garment, particularly on dresses, where a sheer or translucent fabric extends from the bust to the collar; creates a floating effect. |
Inlay | Fabric or material inserted into the surface of a garment to create a design. |
Inseam | The seam in a pant or trouser that runs from the crotch to the hem. |
Intarsia | A knitting technique used to create patterns with multiple colors, where the yarns are interlocked at the color changes. |
Interfacing | A fabric added to the interior of garments to add structure and support. |
Interlock Knit | A type of knit fabric with a smooth surface on both sides, making it thicker and warmer than a standard knitting pattern. |
Invisible Zipper | A zipper sewn into a garment in such a way that it does not show on the outside of the garment. |
Iridescent Fabric | A fabric that appears to change color as it catches the light, due to its surface coating or fibers. |
Italian Leather | Leather produced in Italy known for its quality, craftsmanship, and durability, often used in high-end products. |
Jacquard | Fabric featuring intricate patterns woven into the material rather than printed on the surface. |
Jacquard Knit | A type of knit fabric created using a Jacquard loom, characterized by complex patterns, such as brocades and damasks. |
Jacquard Loom | A type of loom that uses a series of punched cards to create intricate woven patterns automatically. |
Jerkin | A sleeveless jacket, often made of leather. |
Jersey | A soft stretchy, knitted fabric used predominantly for clothing manufacture. |
Jersey Knit | A type of knit fabric that is lightweight, stretchy, and soft, typically made from cotton or a synthetic blend. |
Jersey Mesh | A type of fabric characterized by a very small, breathable, mesh-like pattern, often used in athletic wear. |
Jodhpur Pants | Trousers that are tight-fitting around the calf and ankle, flared at the hip; originally designed for horse riding. |
Jouy Print | A white or off-white background on which a repeated pattern, depicting a detailed scene, appears. |
Jumpsuit | A one-piece garment consisting of a blouse or shirt with attached trousers or shorts. |
Kente Cloth | A type of silk and cotton fabric made of interwoven cloth strips, native to the Akan ethnic group of Ghana. |
Keyhole | A small hole or cutout, typically at the neckline or back of a garment, often secured with a button or loop. |
Kilt | A type of pleated skirt traditionally worn by men as part of Scottish Highland dress. |
Kimono | A traditional Japanese garment, a long robe with wide sleeves, tied with a sash. |
Kimono Sleeve | A wide, square armhole with the sleeve in a T-shape, a style borrowed from traditional Japanese garments. |
Knife Pleat | A type of pleat made by folding fabric into simple, straight pleats all facing one direction. |
Knit | Fabrics made by interlocking loops of yarn, resulting in a flexible and stretchy texture. |
Knit Mesh | A type of fabric characterized by open spaces between the yarns, making it lightweight and breathable. |
Knitwear | Clothing made from knitted fabric, which can include sweaters, scarves, hats, and socks. |
Lace | A delicate fabric made of yarn or thread in an open weblike pattern, made by machine or hand. |
Lamé | A type of fabric woven or knit with thin ribbons of metallic fibers, usually gold or silver. |
Laminate Fabric | Fabric that has been coated with a layer of plastic or other protective material, often used for waterproofing. |
Lapel | The folded flaps of cloth on the front of a jacket or coat. |
Lettuce Hem | A lettuce (frilled) hem is a simple finish of hems that creates a frilled or wavy effect on the edge of the hem |
Linen | A textile made from the fibers of the flax plant, known for its strength, absorbency, and coolness in hot weather. |
Lining | A layer of fabric on the inside of clothing which helps the garment to slide on smoothly and improves its wear. |
Loden Fabric | A type of water-resistant woolen fabric that is typically green, used especially for making coats and jackets. |
Loopback | A knit fabric construction where the back of the fabric has uncut loops, often used in sweatshirts. |
Lurex | A type of yarn or fabric which incorporates a glittering metallic thread. |
Macramé | A form of textile produced using knotting (rather than weaving or knitting) techniques. |
Mandarin Collar | A small, upright collar style that does not fold down and typically rises vertically one to two inches. |
Merrow | A type of stitch that overcasts the edge of one or two pieces of cloth for edging, hemming, or seaming. |
Millinery | The trade or business of designing, making, or selling women's hats. |
Mitered Corner | A technique used in sewing to neatly finish the corners of items like tablecloths, napkins, or some garment edges. |
Modal | A type of rayon, a semi-synthetic cellulose fiber made by spinning reconstituted cellulose, often from beech trees. |
Mohair | A silk-like fabric made from the hair of the Angora goat. |
Muslin | A plain-woven cotton fabric, that is typically lightweight and unbleached used primarily for making clothing prototypes, pattern drafting, and sometimes curtains. |
Neats | Small socks with evenly spaced designs. |
Neatsfoot Oil | An oil used in the conditioning and softening of leather. |
Neckline | The top edge of a garment that surrounds the neck, especially from the front view. |
Neoprene | A synthetic rubber that is resistant to oil, heat, and weathering, used in fashion for its sleek, smooth texture. |
Neoprene | A synthetic rubber that is resistant to oil, heat, and weathering, used in fashion for its sleek, smooth texture. |
Notch | A V-shaped cut in the seam allowance, used to help the fabric lay smoothly on curves. |
Notched Collar | A type of collar often seen on blazers and jackets, characterized by a notch or cut in the collar where it meets the lapel. |
Nubuck | Top-grain leather that has been sanded or buffed on the grain side to give a slight nap of short protein fibers, producing a velvet-like surface. |
Nylon | A synthetic thermoplastic polymeric fabric, known for its durability and resistance to heat and light. |
Oilcloth | A waterproof, durable fabric made of cotton with a shiny coating, traditionally used as a tablecloth or cover. |
Ombré | A gradual change of one shade from dark to light (also referred to as degrade). |
Organdy | A stiff transparent fabric made from cotton, used in formal clothing and interior decor for its crisp texture. |
Organza | A thin, plain weave, sheer fabric traditionally made from silk. |
Ottoman Rib | A fabric characterized by a pronounced ribbed or corded effect, often used in the construction of coats and suits. |
Overlay | A layer of fabric, lace, or other material sewn over another for added detail and dimension. |
Overskirt | A skirt worn over another dress or skirt to add layers or volume, or for stylistic reasons. |
Oxford | A type of fine cotton or blended fabric used in the weaving of dress shirts. |
Panel | A section of fabric that is part of a garment, used to alter the shape or design. |
Paperbag Waist | A loose, pleated waistline that gives the impression of a scrunched bag when gathered at the waist. |
Patchwork | Needlework in which small pieces of cloth in different designs, colors, or textures are sewn together. |
Peekaboo Cutout | Cutouts in garments that offer a peek of skin, often found in dresses and tops. |
Peplum | A short, gathered, or pleated strip of fabric attached at the waist of a woman's jacket, dress, or blouse to create a hanging frill or flounce. |
Piping | A type of trim or edging formed from a narrow strip of fabric, typically folded over a cord, and sewn along the edge of a garment and upholstery. |
Piqué | A method of knitting that creates a fine textured surface, often used in polo shirts and other types of clothing. |
Pleat | A double or multiple fold in a garment, pressed, ironed, or sewn into place. |
Ponte | A thick, double-knit fabric with two-way stretch, used to make dresses, skirts, pants, and other garments. |
Quarter | The section of a shoe that covers the heel. |
Quilted | Made of two layers of fabric with a layer of padding in between, stitched together in a decorative pattern. |
Quilted Leather | Leather that has been stitched in lines or patterns to create a padded effect. |
Quilting Cotton | A medium-weight, plain-woven cotton fabric typically used in quilt making. |
Raglan Sleeve | A sleeve that extends in one piece fully to the collar, leaving a diagonal seam from underarm to collarbone. |
Raw Edge | The unfinished, unhemmed edge of a fabric that is intentionally left that way for a stylistic feature. |
Raw Silk | Silk that has not been treated after harvesting from the cocoon, maintaining its natural texture. |
Rayon | A manufactured regenerated cellulose fiber, used extensively in textiles due to its silk-like qualities. |
Reversible | Able to be worn with either side facing out; typically refers to garments. |
Ribbed | A pattern in knitwear that features raised rows or columns of loops, often used for cuffs and collars to provide stretch. |
Ripstop | A fabric woven with a reinforcing technique that makes it resistant to tearing and ripping. |
Ruching | A gathered overlay of fabric strips that adds a rippled effect to garments. |
Sash | A long strip of fabric worn around the waist or over the shoulder used to cinch clothing and as a decorative accessory. |
Sateen | A cotton fabric woven like satin with a glossy surface, with the sheen and softer feel typically produced by a luster weave. |
Scallop | An edge or border having a series of semi-circles, used as a decorative hem on clothing and other textiles. |
Seersucker | A thin, puckered, cotton fabric. |
Selvage | The self-finished edge of fabric, tightly woven to prevent fraying. |
Selvedge Denim | A type of denim that forms a clean natural edge that does not unravel, typically more tightly woven and heavier than standard denim. |
Shantung | A type of silk fabric known for its rough texture and lustrous appearance. |
Sheath Dress | A close-fitting dress, often sleeveless, that is typically cut to fit close to the body. |
Smocking | An embroidery technique used to gather fabric so that it can stretch and is often found in cuffs, bodices, and necklines. |
Suede | Leather with the flesh side rubbed to make a velvety nap, used in shoes, clothing, and upholstery. |
Taffeta | A crisp, smooth plain-woven fabric made from silk or synthetic fibers, known for its lustrous sheen. |
Tailored | Clothing fitted specifically to the wearer's body or to a particular style. |
Tartan | A pattern consisting of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors, typically associated with Scottish kilts. |
Tencel | A brand of lyocell, a fiber made from the wood pulp of trees that are grown and replaced on specialized tree farms. |
Ticking | A strong, durable material, traditionally used to cover mattresses and pillows, characterized by a striped design. |
Tricot | A type of knitted fabric that is usually made from lightweight, synthetic fibers, commonly used in underwear and sportswear. |
Trompe L'Oeil | An artistic technique where realistic imagery is used so to appear three dimensional. |
Tulle Netting | A light, very fine netting which is often starched, used in the making of gowns, veils, and tutus. |
Tweed | A rough-surfaced woolen cloth, typically of mixed flecked colors, originally produced in Scotland. |
Ultrasuede | An artificial suede fabric made from synthetic fibers, known for its soft texture and durability. |
Umbrella Skirt | A skirt with a wide, flared hem that gives it the appearance of an umbrella silhouette. |
Unbleached | Fabric that has not undergone a whitening process, retaining its natural color. |
Underlay | A layer of material put under another for stabilization, comfort, or insulation. |
U-neck | A neckline that is shaped like a U, typically lower than a crewneck but not as deep as a scoop neck. |
Unitard | A skin-tight, one-piece garment that covers the body from the neck to the wrists and ankles. |
Unstructured | A style of garment that lacks the rigid, tailored fit, offering a relaxed and softer silhouette. |
Upholstery | The materials used to make soft coverings of furniture, which can also be used in heavy-duty clothing. |
Utility Clothing | Clothing designed for practicality and functionality, often with a focus on durability and comfort. |
Varsity Jacket | A jacket traditionally worn by high school and college students in the USA to represent school and team pride, often adorned with school symbols. |
Varsity Letter | A type of patch or embroidery on a jacket representing school letters earned through academic or athletic achievement. |
Vegan Leather | A synthetic material designed to mimic the look and properties of real leather without using animal products. |
Velcro | A brand name for a fastening tape consisting of a hook side and a loop side that attach to each other. |
Velour | A plush, knitted fabric or textile, similar to velvet. |
Velvet | A type of woven tufted fabric in which the cut threads are evenly distributed, giving it a distinctive soft feel. |
Vent | A split in a garment to allow for movement. |
Voile | A soft, sheer fabric, usually made of cotton or cotton blends. |
Waffle Weave | A type of fabric weave that is textured and resembles a waffle pattern, used commonly in towels and bathrobes. |
Waterproof | Fabric or material treated to resist water penetration and absorption. |
Waxed Cotton | Cotton fabric that has been treated with wax to make it water-resistant, often used in outdoor clothing. |
Weft | The yarn that is shuttled back and forth across the warp to create a woven fabric. |
Welt | A strip of fabric placed in a seam to add structure, particularly in the construction of pockets or shoe edges. |
Welt Pocket | A pocket in which the opening is finished by a narrow strip of fabric. |
Whalebone | Historically, strips of baleen used for stiffening corsets; now generally refers to synthetic materials serving the same purpose. |
Wicking Fabric | Fabric that is designed to move moisture away from the skin and to the exterior of the fabric where it can evaporate. |
Wool | The fine, soft curly or wavy hair forming the coat of a sheep, goat, or similar animal, used in making textiles. |
X-ray Fabric | A sheer, translucent fabric that offers a see-through effect. |
X-stitch | A cross stitch used decoratively in embroidery or for edging. |
Yardage | The amount of fabric measured in linear yards, often used in fabric buying and selling contexts. |
Yarn | A long continuous length of interlocked fibers, suitable for use in the production of textiles, sewing, crocheting, knitting, weaving, embroidery, or ropemaking. |
Yarn Bombing | A type of street art that employs colorful displays of knitted or crocheted yarn or fibre. |
Yarn-Dyed | Fabric that is colored before being woven into cloth, leading to high-quality color retention. |
Yoke | The part of the garment around the neckline on the front and the back. |
Yoke Back | A panel found on the upper back of garments, often to allow for a comfortable fit and adjustability. |
Yoke Skirt | A skirt that has a fitted band, which is often horizontal, around the hips and from which the remainder of the skirt hangs. |
Zardozi | An elaborate style of embroidery that uses gold and silver threads, often with pearls and precious stones. |
Zero Waste | A design principle where patterns are created to use every bit of fabric, avoiding any waste during production, contributing to sustainable fashion practices. |
Zibeline | A soft piled wool fabric used especially for women's clothing. |
Zigzag Stitch | A stitch that moves diagonally from side to side and is used to prevent stretching and to allow for expansion in stretchy fabrics. |
Zipper | A device consisting of two flexible strips of metal or plastic with interlocking projections closed or opened by pulling a slide along them. |
Zori | A Japanese sandal. |
This concludes our fashion glossary journey. We've explored the ABCs of fashion together, and now it's your turn to use these terms confidently in your daily style and professional interactions. I hope this guide enriches your understanding and expression of style. Keep these terms handy, and let your fashion conversations be as vibrant as your wardrobe!
Thanks for reading, and stay stylish!