Fashion Terminologies Every Fashion Enthusiast Should Know
The vocabulary of fashion is something whose meaning eludes many. You may know what’s hot and what’s not, but you can’t create a unique style statement without knowing the basic terminology. Fashion terminologies can give you an edge in your knowledge of the world of fashion. A thorough understanding of fashion terminologies will help you explore various styles and designs with confidence.
Trendy terminologies you should know
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Appliqué (a decorative design made from one piece of fabric sewn onto another): The perfect appliqué design is a prolific art form in haute couture.
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Boxy (boxy shape with minimal tailoring): Most commonly seen on jackets, a boxy cut provides an androgynous element as silhouettes remain undefined.
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Short Sleeves (one sleeve that falls between sleeveless and short): A flattering cut that elongates the arms and covers the shoulders. Cap sleeves are synonymous with the ’90s.
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Dirndl skirt (a full, voluminous skirt with a fitted, fitted waist): Popular with 1950s-inspired collections, it originates from the traditional German ensemble that also consists of a bodice, bodice, and apron.
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Epaulettes (a decorative shoulder adornment): Typically found on military uniforms and trench coats, an epaulette lends an air of authenticity to replica styles. Balmain and Burberry Prorsum have been the great champions of the epaulette recently.
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Filigree (ornamental work of fine wire, usually in silver or gold, with the addition of tiny beads): This method of jewelry has been a decorative technique since 3000 BC. C., favored for its delicate and feminine finish.
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Gaiter (a piece of fabric worn over the shoe, extending to the ankle or knee) – Used primarily in the equestrian and military worlds for protection, they inject a heritage aesthetic onto the runway.
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Herringbone (a V-shaped weave resembling the skeleton of a herring fish): A popular pattern for tweed and woolen outerwear.
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Iridescent: (The property of a fabric that appears to change color when it catches the light): Found naturally in seashells, iridescent garments have an aquatic, mermaid-like character popular during the holiday season.
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Jouy Print (a white or off-white background on which a repeating pattern depicting a detailed scene appears): Recent adopters of the design include Carven, who depicts a safari scene for his spring/summer collection.
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Knife pleat (a sharp, narrow crease): Issey Miyake popularized the knife pleat in the late 1980s, not to mention that it was immortalized in the fashion world for tuxedo-front shirts.
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Lettuce Hem: (The result of stretching the fabric as it is sewn, resulting in a billowy hem): Alberta Ferretti used the technique to add a feminine finish to her part-flamenco, part-party spring/summer 14 collection .
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Mandarin Collar (A small, tight, straight collar): Originating in traditional Chinese garments, it is used in oriental-inspired collections and to create a minimalist feel.
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Neats (little socks with evenly spaced designs): As popular with adults as they are with kids, little socks are constantly appearing on the runways for quirky brands like Miu Miu and Dries Van Noten.
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Ombré (a gradual change of shade from dark to light, also known as degradé): Fendi led the charge for spring/summer 14, creating a watercolor effect on the lighter layers of chiffon.
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Paperbag Waist (a loose, pleated waistband that gives the impression of a crinkled bag when gathered at the waist): Adding volume while defining shapes, the paperbag waist exudes a laid-back, carefree style.
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Quarter (The section of a shoe that covers the heel): The quarter connects the heel and the upper.
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Raglan (The one-sleeve style, where a continuous piece of fabric continues to the neck with no shoulder seam): Found on bomber jackets and basketball jerseys, the raglan sleeve says sporty in an instant.
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Seersucker (a crinkled, thin cotton fabric) – Due to the way the fabric is sewn, it is held away from the body allowing air to circulate, making it popular during the summer months.
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Trompe L’Oeil (an artistic technique in which realistic images are used to make them appear three-dimensional): Mary Katrantzou is almost single-handedly responsible for the popularity of trompe l’oeil in contemporary ready-to-wear since she first exhibited her bottle of fragrance. inspired dresses for fall/winter 2010.
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Unitard (A skin-tight garment that covers the body from the neck to the wrists and ankles): Unlike a leotard that has no legs. Look to Pam Hogg for the best in the business.
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Venting (an opening in a garment to allow movement) – common in 1940s silhouettes and pencil skirts. It is also found in trench coats and formal tailoring.
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Welt pockets (pocket inserted into the garment with an opening at the entrance, as opposed to a patch or flap pocket): Due to its understated appearance, the welt pocket is used for uncomplicated tailoring.
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X-ray Fabrics (sheer fabrics with a translucent effect): A popular trend on the Spring/Summer 14 runways, everyone from Burberry to Giambattista Valli jumped on it.
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Yoke (The part of the garment around the neckline in the front and back): Often applied with jewels or appears as a contrasting fabric insert.
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Zori (A Japanese Sandal) – Flip-flops, flip-flops, and slip-on sandals all trace their origins to this Japanese original.
Knowing these terminologies will not only improve your knowledge of the fashion world, but it will also accentuate your penchant for fashion. You will get better mental clarity while shopping at any online women’s shopping store in India.