Fashion Terminologies Every Fashion-Enthusiast Should Know

The fashion vocabulary is something the meaning of which eludes many. You may know what is in and out of fashion but you cannot create your unique style statement without knowing the basic terminologies. The fashion terminologies can give you an edge in your knowledge of the fashion world. An in-depth knowledge of the fashion terminologies will help you to explore various styles and designs confidently.

Fashion Terminologies You Should Know

A
Appliqué (A decorative design made of one piece of fabric sewn on top of another): The perfect appliqué design is a prolific art in couture.

B
Boxy (Square in shape with minimal tailoring): Most commonly seen on jackets, a boxy-cut lends an androgynous element as silhouettes remain undefined.

C
Cap Sleeves (A sleeve that sits in between sleeveless and short): A flattering cut as it elongates arms and covers shoulders. Cap sleeves are synonymous with the Nineties.

D
Dirndl Skirt (A full, wide skirt with a tight, fitted waistline): Popular with Fifties-inspired collections, it originates from the traditional German ensemble that also comprises a bodice, a blouse and an apron.

E
Epaulets (A decorative shoulder adornment): Usually found on military uniforms and trench coats, an epaulet lends an air of authenticity to replica styles. Balmain and Burberry Prorsum have been the greatest champions of the epaulet recently.

F
Filigree (Ornamental work of fine wire, usually in silver or gold, with the addition of tiny beads): This jewelry method has been a decorative technique since 3000 BC, favored for its delicate, feminine finish.

G
Gaiter (A piece of fabric worn over the shoe, extending to the ankle or the knee): Used primarily in the equestrian and military worlds for protection, they inject a heritage aesthetic to the catwalk.

H
Herringbone (A V-shaped weave resembling the skeleton of a herring fish): A popular pattern for tweed and wool outerwear.

I
Iridescent: (The property of a fabric that appears to change color as it catches the light): Found naturally occurring in sea shells, iridescent garments have an aquatic mermaid-like character, popular during the party season.

J
Jouy Print (A white or off-white background on which a repeated pattern, depicting a detailed scene, appears): Recent adopters of the design include Carven, which chose to depict a safari scene for its spring/summer collection.

K
Knife Pleat (A sharp, narrow fold): The knife pleat was popularized by Issey Miyake in the late Eighties, not to mention being immortalized in the fashion world by tuxedo bib shirts.

L
Lettuce Hem: (The result of fabric being stretched as it is sewn, resulting in a wavy hemline): Alberta Ferretti used the technique to add a feminine finish to her part flamenco, part fiesta spring/summer 2014 collection.

M
Mandarin Collar (A small, close fitting and upright collar): Originating from traditional Chinese garments, it is used in oriental-inspired collections and to create a minimalist feel.

N
Neats (Small socks with evenly-spaced designs): Popular with adults as they are with children, little socks constantly pop up on the catwalks of quirky labels like Miu Miu and Dries Van Noten.

O
Ombré (A gradual change of one shade from dark to light, also referred to as degradé): Fendi lead the charge for spring/summer 2014, creating a watercolour effect in the lightest layers of chiffon.

P
Paperbag Waist (A loose, pleated waistline that gives the impression of a scrunched bag when gathered at the waist): Adding volume at the same time as defining silhouettes, the paperbag waist emanates an effortless, insouciant cool.

Q
Quarter (The section of a shoe that covers the heel): The quarter connects the heel and the upper part.

R
Raglan (The style of a sleeve, where a continuous piece of fabric continues to the neck with no shoulder seam): Found on bomber jackets and basketball T-shirts, the raglan sleeve says sporty in an instant.

S
Seersucker (A thin, puckered, cotton fabric): Because of the way the fabric is stitched, it stands away from the body allowing air circulation, making it popular during summer months.

T
Trompe L’Oeil (An artistic technique where realistic imagery is used so to appear three dimensional): Mary Katrantzou is almost single-handedly responsible for the popularity of trompe l’oeil in contemporary ready-to-wear since first parading her perfume-bottle inspired dresses for autumn/winter 2010.

U
Unitard (A skin-tight garment that covers the body from the neck to the wrists and ankles): Different to a leotard which doesn’t have legs. Look to Pam Hogg for the best in the business.

V
Vent (A split in a garment to allow for movement): Common in Forties silhouettes and pencil skirts. Also found on trench coats and formal tailoring.

W
Welt Pockets (A pocket set into the garment with a slit entrance, as opposed to a patch or flap pocket): Thanks to its discreet appearance, the welt pocket is used for fuss-free tailoring.

X
X-ray Fabrics (Sheer fabrics with a translucent effect): A popular trend on the spring/summer 2014 catwalks, everyone from Burberry to Giambattista Valli got on board.

Y
Yoke (The part of the garment around the neckline on the front and the back): It is often appliquéd with jewels or appears as an inserted, contrasting fabric.

Z
Zori (A Japanese sandal): Flipflops, toe thongs and slip-on sandals all originate from this Japanese original.

Knowing these terminologies will not only enhance your knowledge of the fashion world but will also accentuate your penchant for fashion. You will get better clarity of mind while shopping from any online women shopping store India.