Ever run across a fashion term you're not quite sure of? Below you'll find our Fashion Terms Glossary, a comprehensive list of our most commonly used terms. From necklines and waistlines to coats and dresses, and everything in between, it's easy to find the answer to your fashion queries — and you'll come away with a greater appreciation of the classic components of fashion design.
Coats and Jackets
Anorak
Fingertip length jacket that has a drawn-in waist and is generally hooded.
Balmacaan
Loose fitting, calf-length overcoat with a small collar and a covered placket.
Bomber
Short jacket with patch pockets that buttons up the front.
Cardigan
Jacket with front button closure, jewel neckline and no lapels or collar.
Double-breasted
Jacket or coat with a double row of buttons down the center.
Funnel-neck jacket
Slightly structured silhouette with defining stitches at back of neck and top of collar.
No-close jacket
Jacket without buttons or other closures, meant to highlight the garment underneath it.
Peacoat
Double-breasted short coat with oversized lapels and high-set buttons.
Poncho
Pull-on, sweater-like outer garment.
Polo
Straight, double-breasted coat with a half-belt in back.
Reefer
Slim-fitting, 3/4-length style that flares under the arms to make a full A-line shape. Could be double- or single-breasted with notch lapels.
Safari
Structured, belted jacket with numerous front patch pockets and topstitching.
Single-breasted
Jacket or coat with a single row of button(s) down the center.
Shirt jacket
Relaxed jacket with buttons from the neckline to the hipline.
Swing
Generously cut coat that flares from the shoulders.
Toggle/Duffel
A 3/4-length, hooded coat with rod-shaped wooden buttons fastening through rope or leather toggles.
Trench coat
Long, roomy coat with a flattering, streamlined shape and a wrap belt.
Walker
3/4-length coat.
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Dresses
Chemise
Straight cut dress with few darts and no waistline.
Coatdress
Double or single-breasted dress, opening down the front like a coat.
Column
Straight cut dress with no darts for shaping.
Fit and flare
Dress is fitted at the bodice with the skirt portion flaring and widening toward the bottom.
Jumper
Sleeveless and collarless dress, usually worn over a contrasting blouse or sweater.
Mock wrap
Garment appears to be a full wrap, but does not open completely at the top.
Sheath
Straight, narrow fitted dress, usually with no marked neckline.
Shirtwaist
Dress with top styled like a tailored shirt, usually buttoned from neck to waist, with either a straight or full skirt.
Swing
Dress cut with such fullness that it swings when worn.
Wrap
Dress wrapping either to the front or the back, with an extra lap equal to the width of the skirt.
Skirts
A-line
Slightly flared skirt with a flattering silhouette.
Gored
Skirt that fits through the waistline and flares at the hem.
Flippy
Bias-cut silhouette that creates a kicky shape.
Pencil
Very slim skirt without fullness.
Sarong
Skirt that tucks and/or ties at the hip.
Waist Shapes
Contoured waistband
A shaped waistband that follows the curve of the waist.
Yoke waist
Smooth front pant, feels comfortable and looks flattering.
Hollywood
Waistband lining is stitched through the outer fabric to appear as a regular waistband.
Surplice wrap
One side of front closure overlaps the other at the waistline.
Leg Shapes
Wide leg
Full from the thigh down.
Slim leg
A trim, not tight look with tapered legs from the thigh down.
Flared leg
Gently flared from the knee down.
Collars
Band collar
Collar which stands up around neck and buttons.
Convertible collar
Rolled shirt collar that can be worn as a sport collar or fastened by a small, concealed button loop.
Envelope
Collar with each lapel turned down flat.
Johnny-collar
Very small pointed collar.
Notched collar
Tailored collar which has an indentation or "notch cut" where the lapel joins the collar.
Portrait collar
Large collar that is squared off in the front and back and extends as far as the shoulder seams.
Shawl collar
Collar cut in one piece or seamed in the back that follows the front opening of the garment with long lapels.
Shirt collar
Small turned-down collar with medium points.
Stand collar
Single layer collar that stands up from the neckline without folding over.
Wing collar
Tailored shirt collar with spread points.
Necklines
Ballet neck
Lower, wider scoop neckline.
Bateau neck
Characterized by a long, narrow opening, similar to a boat neck.
Boat neck
A long, horizontal neckline.
Crew neck
Ribbed neckline.
Drape neck
Neckline that plunges into a " V" with drapes of fabric on either side to soften the " V".
Envelope neck
Similar to boat neck, with overlapping material on both shoulders.
Henley style
Round, collarless neckline with a front placket opening.
Jewel neck
Plain, round neckline at the base of the throat.
Keyhole closure
Neck fastening with one button and a key-shaped cutout.
Mock turtleneck
Sweater collar that stands up against the neck but does not fold over.
Scoop neck
Low, curved neckline extending to the shoulders or cut deep in front or back, or both.
Scrunch neck
Turtleneck collar with extra fabric gathered at the neck.
Square neck
Lower neckline that is horizontal across the front and back and extends straight across the shoulders.
Sweetheart neckline
Low neckline where the front edge is cut like the top curves of a heart.
Turtleneck
Sweater collar that stands up against the neck and folds over evenly.
Patterns and Stitches
Aran-inspired cable
A Shetland cable which is chunkier and larger than is typical.
Argyle
Knitting pattern of multi-colored diamonds.
Basket weave
Weave resembling a basket with a more open, slightly coarser look.
Birds-eye weave
Weave characterized by diamond-shaped texture.
Broken cable
There is a break in the cable stitch.
Cable
Yarn or rope construction in which each successive twist is in the opposite direction to the previous twist.
Checks
Patterns of bars and stripes that cross each other at right angles.
Crochet
Interlocking loops or stitches done with a hook in a plain or fancy pattern.
Drop needle stitching
A stitch is left out forming parallel lines at even intervals.
Embossed
Figures or raised designs on a surface.
Fair Isle
Distinctive design, usually geometric around the neck.
Fine gauge
Knitting that produces a small, finer texture.
Gingham
Pattern of small checks or plaids.
Glen plaid
Woven design pairing small checks with larger checks.
Herringbone
Broken twill weave with a distinctive "v" pattern.
Houndstooth
Broken twill with a four-pointed star check.
Intarsia
Decorative motifs knitted into a solid color fabric, giving an inlay effect. Patterns on both sides of the fabric are identical.
Marled
Two single yarns of different colors twisted together to give a mottled effect.
Ottoman weave
Weave that produces a very subtle ribbed texture.
Paisley
Swirled and scrolled pattern or design in rich colors.
Patchwork
Square pieces of plaid sewn together to make a patchwork design.
Plaid
A multi-color pattern consisting of bars and stripes which cross each other at right angles.
Pointelle
Open-hole stitch usually in the shape of a flower or diamond.
Popcorn stitch
Knit or crocheted stitch that projects like a round pompon.
Shaker stitch
Traditional vertical stitch with a rich, dense surface texture.
Tattersall
Simple overcheck pattern generally executed in two colors on a white or contrasting color background.
Tucks
To make one or more small folds in a fabric.
Whipstitch
Short, overcast stitch used in rolled or raw edges, especially on glove seams.
Edges, Trims and Seams
Abalone buttons
Made from the pearly part of the shell.
Appliqué
Material or design that is cut out and sewn, embroidered or fastened to a garment.
Battenburg lace
Genuine lace made from linen braid or tape and linen thread.
Caviar beads
Extremely small round beads.
Confetti beading
Beading which is placed randomly on a garment.
Cuff
Finish for sleeve or turned up band on end of trouser leg.
Epaulet
Ornamental shoulder trim; a flat band of fabric usually fastened with a button.
Flocked (flocking)
Fibers are applied to a fabric resulting in a velvet-like surface.
French cuffs
Cuffs that are fastened with cuff links.
French knot
Ornamental embroidered knot made by twisting the thread around the needle.
Fringe
Ornamental trim consisting of loose strands of thread, yarn or beads, fastened to a band.
Gore
Panels in a skirt.
Grommet
Metal eyelet punched into a garment for decoration.
Grosgrain ribbon
Ribbon with a heavy crosswise rib.
Inverted pleat
Reversed box pleat with folds meeting at the top of the pleat.
Jet beads
Black beads with a high luster.
Knife pleats
Folds are pressed in the same direction.
Passementerie
Trimming made of cord, beads, braid, etc.
Peplum
Short flounce attached to a snugly fitting waistline.
Picot edge
Decorative woven edge of tiny loops in selvages of ribbon, lace or fabric.
Piping
Pipe-like fold of material which edges or trims seams.
Pintucks
Narrow, sewn-down pleats, usually on the front of a garment.
Princess seams
Seams that extend from mid-armhole to the edge of the garment to give it shape and definition.
Ruching
Gathered trimming made by pleating a strip of fabric so that it ruffles on both sides to create flattering lines.
Raffia straw
Fiber made from palm leaves, used for hats and handbags.
Rickrack
Flat ribbon with a zigzag form used for trimming.
Scalloped
Curved projections forming an ornamental border on necklines and sleeves.
Sequin
Small, shiny plastic disk with a hole in the middle.
Shirring
Gathering of material.
Stitched-down pleats
The top portion of the pleats is anchored with stitching.
Tulip edge
Garment edges overlap in the shape of tulip petals.
Smocking
Multiple rows of gathered shirring used to elasticized a fabric.
Soutache
Woven, satin braid used as a decoration for dresses and suits.
Toggle closure
Rod-pin or bolt for inserting through a loop of rope to make an attachment.
Trapunto
Quilted trim stitch.
Pockets
Besom
Pocket that has separate strips of material that are folded and sewn into the top and bottom openings of the pocket.
Button-through
Welt or besom pocket with button on inside of pocket and buttonhole on outside of pocket. When fastened, the pocket is secured.
Coin
Small patch pocket found on inside of J-pocket of five-pocket jeans.
Faux
False pocket.
Flap
Pocket that has a strip of material folded and sewn into the top portion of the pocket. The flap extends downward from the seam.
J-pocket
Pocket shaped like the letter "j". Usually found on casual pants.
Patch
Pocket sewn to the outside of garment.
Side Seam
Pocket opening that is incorporated into the side seam of a garment.
Slash
Pocket extending diagonally from the front of the waistband to the side seam.
Welt
Pocket that has a folded strip of material sewn into the front portion of the pocket. The welt extends upward from the seam.
Finishes
Mercerized
Process using caustic soda on yarn or fabric, resulting in additional luster, strength and ability to receive dye.
Pigment-dyed
Process of dyeing that gives garment rich, slightly washed color tones and a very soft hand.
Waterproof
Water does not penetrate the surface.
Wrinkle-resistant
Retains crisp shape after washing and drying.
Handbags
Bucket
Resembling a bucket. A deep narrow bag at the bottom and wide at the top.
Clutch
Small bag which fits in the hand. Usually carried without a chain or handle.
Drawstring
Can be in leather or fabric. Large bag with two handles at the top.
Hobo
Bag with a snap or zip closure. Shoulder straps and sides of bag are a continuous band of material.
Backpack
Bag with straps that fit over the shoulders so that it can be worn on the back.
Messenger
Tote style bag with a large front flap closure and wide adjustable shoulder strap.
Pouch
Small drawstring bag.
Shopper
Broader-based shopping satchel with double handles.
Sling
Bag with a drawstring closure and flat bottom.
Tote
Can be opened or closed with straps. Usually has two long straps.
Wristlet
Small essentials bag with a wrist loop.
Shoes and Accessories
Boa
Scarf defined by heavy loops.
Boot
Higher-cut shoe with an upper that usually rises to or above the ankle.
Espadrille
French canvas shoe with a rope sole. The toe and vamp are cut in one piece and seamed to side. They may have lacings around throat or wrap around the ankles.
Flat
Any shoe with a low heel.
Loafer
Slip-on casual shoe.
Moccasin
Slip-on, soft-soled casual shoe, usually without laces. Can be worn as a slipper.
Muffler
Scarf.
Mule
Slip-on silhouette without a back strap.
Pump
Slip-on heel in a variety of styles.
Sandal
Open shoe with a sole and straps.
Slingback
Open-back shoe with strap around the back of the heel to hold it in place.
Sneaker
Shoe with a lightweight rubber sole and usually a canvas top.
Spectator
Two-tone pump or flat in contrasting colors.
T-strap
Pump with straps.