Fashion Glossary
Essential fashion terminology and definitions for understanding the language of style, from basic garment construction to industry-specific terms.
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A-line
A style of dress or skirt that is narrower at the top and gradually widens towards the hem, resembling the letter 'A'.
Apparel
A broad term for all types of clothing and accessories worn by individuals, reflecting personal style.
Appliqué
A decorative design made by sewing one piece of fabric on top of another, often used for an artisanal effect.
Atelier
The French word for a workshop or studio where a designer creates their collections.
Bespoke
Clothing that is custom-made for a particular person, with the pattern created specifically for that individual. Most common for men's suits.
Capsule Wardrobe
A collection of essential, versatile clothing items designed to be worn together in various combinations.
Couturier
A designer who specializes in creating haute couture garments.
Dart
A tuck sewn into clothing to help it fit curvy parts of the body, such as the bustline.
Diffusion Line
A secondary line by a high-end designer that offers more affordable and accessible versions of their main collection's aesthetic.
Embellishment
Decorative elements added to a garment to enhance its appearance, such as embroidery, beading, sequins, or appliqué.
Empire Waist
A waistline on a dress or top that is placed directly below the bust.
Ensemble
A complete outfit, including all pieces of clothing and accessories used to create a particular look.
Ethical Fashion
The production and consumption of clothing that prioritizes social and environmental responsibility, including fair wages and safe working conditions.
Fashion Week
A series of industry events held in fashion capitals where designers showcase their latest collections to buyers, press, and the public.
Fast Fashion
A business model characterized by the rapid production of inexpensive clothing in response to the latest trends, often criticized for its environmental and social impact.
Hemline
The finished edge at the bottom of a garment, which can be straight, curved, or asymmetrical.
Inseam
The measurement from the crotch seam of a pair of pants to the hemline, used to determine length.
Knit
A method of creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn, known for its stretchability and flexibility.
Neckline
The shape of the upper part of a garment around the neck, with styles like V-neck, scoop neck, and boat neck.
Runway
A narrow platform that models walk on during a fashion show to present clothing collections.
Silhouette
The overall shape or outline of a garment when worn. Common styles include A-line, fitted, and oversized.
Sizing
The standardized system used to categorize garments into different sizes, which can vary between brands and regions.
Slow Fashion
A movement advocating for a more conscious approach to fashion, encouraging mindful consumption, quality over quantity, and support for ethical brands.
Textile
Any material made from fibers through processes like weaving or knitting. It is a fundamental component in garment production.
Trend
A popular or prevailing style or fashion movement that represents the direction fashion is moving towards.
Upcycling
The process of transforming discarded materials or garments into new items of higher value, reducing waste.
Weave
The pattern formed by interlacing threads in a fabric. Different weaves like plain, twill, and satin create distinct textures.
Understanding Fashion Language
Construction Terms
Understanding garment construction terminology helps in appreciating the craftsmanship behind fashion pieces and making informed purchasing decisions.
Industry Vocabulary
Fashion industry terms provide insight into the business side of fashion, from production processes to market segments and professional practices.
Style Terminology
Style and silhouette terms help in communicating preferences, understanding fashion descriptions, and developing personal style vocabulary.