20 Fashion Terms Every Student Must Know

Ready To Wear

Meaning: This is a fashion term for clothing that are produced by the factory in standard sizes.

Detail: Originating from the French phrase “prêt-à -porter”, it means any attire, which is not custom-made. Almost every fashion house and contemporary brand makes it.

Haute Couture

Meaning: The business of designing and selling custom-made garments for exclusive clients.

Detail: This clothing is especially worn by celebrities and high-profile people. According to French law, to be considered an Haute, you need to employ 15 or more people and showcase your collection twice a year.This fashion term is french inflected and ‘haute’ means elegant and ‘couture’ means dressmaking.

Capsule Collection

Meaning: An edited collection of replaceable cloth items.

Detail: Under this idea, customers are given nearly ten staple cloth pieces like trousers, coats, blouses, etc. that are mixed and matched for maximising outfit potential. This fashion term has been gaining popularity given the social media influencers are focusing on sustainable habits in the fashion industry.

Pop-Up Shop

Meaning: A temporary retail store.

Detail: Depending on the retailer, a trendy pop-up shop generally lasts anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Some brands use it for the promotion of campaigns, while some use it for sample sales and parties.

Lookbook

Meaning: Fashion catalog of well-styled images that showcases a designer’s forthcoming compilation.

Detail: This is useful for brands that don’t have a runway show, but are willing to showcase their collection in a creative manner. This is helpful in showing different ways in which a product can be styled so that customers can have a look at it. This fashion term for clothing can be used by small scale designers who want to launch their seasonal collection.

Silhouette

Meaning: General outline of a garment.

Detail: It is the contour of a clothing piece. For instance, a shift dress has a straight and shapeless silhouette.

Bias Cut

Meaning: A diagonally cut garment.

Detail: The fabric adheres and cascades over the curves because it is cut diagonally, thereby creating a flattering shape.

Knife Pleat

Meaning: Tight pleats situated one inch apart

Detail: It is a sharp and narrow pleat that is folded in the same direction, overlapping each other. This is among the most popular forms of a pleat.

Applique

Meaning: Stitching or embroidering one fabric onto another.

Detail: This is ornamental needlework in which fabric pieces are stuck or sewn on a larger fabric to create a pattern or picture.

Seersucker

Meaning: Checkered or lightweight striped fabric used for making summer and spring clothes.

Detail: Made of rayon, linen, or cotton, this fabric has an uneven or puckered surface.

Fluted Hem

Meaning: Ahem with fabric that alternates inward and outward.

Detail: The fluted hem skirt is slim along the waist and hips having a ruffled, flared hem that results in a snake-like effect.

Cap Sleeves

Definition: A sleeve that extends a short distance from the shoulder and tapers to nothing under the arm.

Detail: It is a flattering cut elongating arms and covering shoulders.

Dirndl Skirt

Definition: A full, wide skirt having a tight and fitted waistline.

Detail: It originated from a traditional German ensemble that is popular with 50s-inspired collections. It also includes a bodice, blouse, and an apron.

Epaulet

Definition: An ornamental shoulder embellishment.

Detail: An epaulet can be usually seen on trench coats and military uniforms. It also provides authenticity to replica styles.

Filigree

Definition: Decorative fine wirework that is generally in silver/gold with an addition of small beads.

Detail: This jewellery method is known for its delicate and feminine finish. It has been a popular decorative technique since 3000 BC.

Gaiter

Definition: Piece of fabric worn overshoes that extends to the ankle or knee.

Detail: This is a protective covering of cloth/leather for the ankle and lower leg. It is majorly used in the equestrian and military worlds for protection.

Herringbone

Definition: A V-shaped weave resembling the skeleton of a herring fish.

Detail: It comprises columns of short parallel lines. This is a trendy pattern for tweed and wool outerwear.

Iridescent

Definition: Fabric’s property that appears to change color when it comes in contact with light.

Detail: It means showing luminous colors that appear to change when seen from different angles. This is popularly used for making party clothes. This is a fashion technology meaning the use of synthetic fibres to create a mesh that reflects light.

Jouy Print

Definition: White/off-white background on which a repeated pattern displaying a detailed scene appears.

Detail: Designers adopt this design to depict scenes of safari, sea, garden, etc. on different fabric pieces.

Mandarin Collar

Definition: A close, small, and upright collar.

Detail: This type of collar originated from traditional Chinese garments. It creates a minimalist feel and is widely used in oriental-inspired collections.