Mini Glossary of Common Fashion Terms

Now that you know how to pronounce the top designer fashion labels with ease, let’s discuss some common fashion terms and phrases. Some of these are pretty easy but then again not everyone is a well versed fashionista!

Think of this as a mini fashion glossary!

Dolman Sleeve Top (Image: Forever 21)

A-Line Dress / Skirt – A dress or skirt that is fitted at the waist and then flares out to a full skirt
Appliqué – A type of stitch where a design is created by sewing pieces of fabric or materials together onto another fabric
Basque Waist/V-Waist – A dropped waist that begins at the natural waistline and dips in the center to create a “V” shape.
Bateau Neck/Boat Neck – A wide neckline that runs straight across the front and back; the depth is the same for both front and back.
Bell Sleeve – A long sleeve that flares at the bottom
Boucle – A yard that is uneven and loose creating a nubby texture
Burnout – A fabric with a solid and sheer design or print
Cap Sleeve – A short sleeve that sits on the shoulder to form a stiff cap that provides minimal coverage of the arm
Couture – Made to order
Cowl Neck – A neckline featuring a piece of material attached at the neck of a top which drapes loosely; can be found at either the front of back
Crew Neck – A round neckline that fits close to the base of the neck.
Decollette – When a clothing item is cut very low at the neckline; usually reveals the shoulders, back and part of the chest area
Dolman/Batwing Sleeve – A deep and wide armhole that often reaches from the waist to the wrist or elbow.
Epaulet – Any kind of shoulder detail; a botton or trimming
Faux – A French word meaning imitation or fake
Grommet – An metal or plastic eyelet used as a closure or decoration.
Kitsch – A style incorporating elements from popular culture.
LBD/Little Black Dress – A black dress, usually cocktail style first introduced by Coco Chanel
OTS/Off-the-Shoulder – A wide neckline that generally exposed one or both shoulders
Paillette – A small sequin line disk that is sewn together to create a fish like scales on fabric
Pareo – A printed rectangular shaped piece of fabric that is usually worn as shawl, cover-up, skirt, dress or scarf
Peplum – A short flair or flounce that is attached to a fitted waistline in tops or jackets
Pin-tuck – Narrow pleats usually found on the front of a garment and sewn down
Prêt-a-porter – A French term for “ready to wear”; lower priced and popular collections from most design house
Ruching – The pleating or shirring done to a fabric for a textured or ruffled effect
Tunic – A top that usually falls below the hips or longer

Pretty easy right? If you have any suggestions for this list, feel free to add them below!