Fashion Terms

20 Terms Every Fashion Student Must Know
Being a fashion aspirant, are you familiar with what

does haute couture, lookbook or mandarin collar mean? If your answer is “no” to
any of these, then don’t worry as you are definitely not alone in facing this
challenge. All your confusion regarding the ambiguous fashion jargon is going to
be clarified now. Careers360 has presented here fashion terms and their
meanings that you must know in order to get acquainted with the domain.
Below is your fashion lingo cheat sheet in which you can find meanings of the
stylish terms.
No. Terms & Details Examples
Ready To Wear
Meaning: Garment that is produced by factory
in standard sizes
Detail: Originated from French phrase “prÃªt-
1
Ã -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
2 celebrities. According to French law, to be
considered a haute, you need to employ 15 or
more people and showcase your collection
twice a year.
Capsule Collection
Meaning: An edited collection of replaceable
cloth items
Detail: Under this idea, customers are given
3
nearly ten staple cloth pieces like trousers,
coats, blouses, etc. that are mixed and matched
for maximising outfit potential.
Pop-Up Shop
Meaning: A temporary retail store
Detail: Depending on retailer, a trendy pop-up
shop generally lasts anywhere from few days to
4
several weeks. Some brands use it for
promotion of campaigns, while some use it for
sample sales and parties.
Look book
Meaning: A collection of images that showcases
a designer’s forthcoming compilation
Detail: This is useful for brands that don’t have
5 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.
Silhouette
Meaning: General outline of a garment
6 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
7
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
8 folded in the same direction, overlapping each
other. This is among the most popular forms of
pleat.
Applique
Meaning: Stitching or embroidering one fabric
onto another
9 Detail: This is an 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
10
clothes
Detail: Made of rayon, linen or cotton, this
fabric has uneven or puckered surface.
Fluted Hem
Meaning: A hem with fabric that alternates
inward and outward
11 Detail: The fluted hem skirt is slim along 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 shoulder and tapers to nothing
12 under arm
Detail: It is a flattering cut elongating arms and
covering shoulders.
Dirndl Skirt
Definition: A full, wide skirt having tight and
fitted waistline
13 Detail: It has originated from 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
14 Detail: An epaulet can be usually seen on
trench coats and military uniforms. It also
provides authenticity to replica styles.
Filigree
Definition: Decorative fine wire work that is
generally in silver/gold with an addition of small
beads.
15
Detail: This jewellery method is known for its
delicate and feminine finish. It is a popular
decorative technique since 3000 BC.
Gaiter
Definition: Piece of fabric worn over shoes that
extends to ankle or knee
Detail: This is a protective covering of
16
cloth/leather for ankle and lower leg. It is
majorly used in equestrian and military worlds
for protection.
Herringbone
Definition: A V-shaped weave resembling
skeleton of a herring fish
Detail: It comprises columns of short parallel
17
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
18
appear to change when seen from different
angles. This is popularly used for making party
clothes.
Jouy Print
Definition: White/off-white background on
which a repeated pattern displaying a detailed
19 scene is appeared
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 has originated from
20 traditional Chinese garments. It creates a
minimalist feel, and is widely used in oriental-
inspired collections.

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20 Terms Every Fashion Student Must Know

Being a fashion aspirant, are you familiar with what

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