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Fashion Glossary

The words fashion people use, explained simply. From bias cut to zero-waste design: 475 terms about garments, fabrics, sewing, style, sustainability and the business of fashion.

475 terms

A

A-line
A shape that is narrow at the top and gets wider towards the hem, like a capital letter A. Used for skirts, dresses and coats.
Accessories
Items worn or carried to complete an outfit, such as bags, belts, hats, scarves, jewellery and shoes.
Acetate
A shiny fabric made from wood pulp, often used for linings and evening wear.
Acrylic
A synthetic fibre that feels soft and warm like wool. It is often used for cheap knitwear.
Alpaca
A soft, warm fibre from the fleece of the alpaca, an animal from South America.
Androgynous
A style that mixes looks seen as masculine and feminine, or doesn't fit either.
Anorak
A waterproof jacket with a hood, often pulled on over the head.
Appliqué
A piece of fabric cut into a shape and sewn on top of another fabric as decoration.
Archive
A brand's collection of its own past designs, sketches and photos. Designers often study it for ideas.
Argyle
A pattern of diamonds, often with thin diagonal lines crossing them, common on socks and jumpers.
Armhole
The opening in a garment where the arm goes through and the sleeve is attached.
Art Deco
A bold, geometric design style of the 1920s and 1930s that influenced fashion, jewellery and buildings.
Asymmetric
A design where the left and right sides are not the same, such as a one-shoulder top or an uneven hem.
Atelier
A designer's workshop or studio, especially one where clothes are made by hand.
Athleisure
Sportswear, such as leggings and hoodies, worn as everyday clothing.
Avant-garde
Fashion that is experimental and breaks the usual rules. It often looks unusual or challenging at first.

B

Baby doll
A short, loose dress with a high waist, often with a flared skirt.
Back-stitch
A strong hand stitch where each stitch goes back over the end of the one before.
Balaclava
A knitted head covering that leaves only the face, or part of it, showing.
Ballerina flats
Flat, slip-on shoes inspired by ballet slippers.
Bandeau
A strip of fabric worn around the chest as a top, or a strapless top shaped like one.
Basting
Long, loose temporary stitches that hold fabric in place before final sewing. Also called tacking.
Batik
A way of dyeing fabric where wax covers parts of the design so the dye can't reach them. Famous in Indonesia.
Batwing sleeve
A sleeve that is very wide at the armhole and narrow at the wrist, like a bat's wing.
Beading
Sewing small beads onto fabric as decoration.
Bell-bottoms
Trousers that are fitted to the knee and then flare out widely at the hem.
Beret
A soft, round, flat hat without a brim, often linked with France.
Bespoke
Made from scratch for one person, to their exact measurements and wishes. Most often used for tailored suits.
Bias
The diagonal direction across a woven fabric, where it stretches most.
Bias binding
A narrow strip of fabric cut on the bias, used to wrap and finish raw edges such as necklines and armholes.
Bias cut
Cutting fabric diagonally across the weave so it stretches and drapes smoothly over the body.
Binding
A strip of fabric folded over a raw edge to finish it neatly.
Blanket stitch
A decorative stitch used to finish the edges of thick fabric, often seen on blankets.
Blazer
A tailored jacket, often with metal buttons, worn more casually than a suit jacket.
Blind hem
A hem stitched so the thread can hardly be seen from the outside of the garment.
Block
A basic pattern, without style details, that a pattern cutter uses as a starting point for new designs. Also called a sloper.
Blouse
A loose-fitting top, usually for women, often with buttons and a collar.
Boat neck
A wide, shallow neckline that runs almost straight across from shoulder to shoulder. Also called bateau.
Bodice
The part of a dress or top that covers the body from the shoulders to the waist.
Bodycon
Short for "body-conscious". A tight, stretchy dress or top that hugs the body's shape.
Boiled wool
Knitted wool that has been washed hot so it shrinks into a thick, felt-like fabric.
Bomber jacket
A short jacket with a ribbed waistband and cuffs, first made for pilots.
Boning
Thin, stiff strips sewn into corsets and bodices to give them shape and support.
Bouclé
A yarn or fabric with small loops on the surface, giving it a bumpy, textured look.
Boutique
A small shop that sells a selected range of clothes or accessories.
Box pleat
A pleat made by folding fabric away from a centre line on both sides, so it looks like a flat box.
Brand
The name, look and reputation that make a company and its products recognisable.
Brand ambassador
A famous person paid to represent a brand, wear its products and appear in its campaigns.
Brand identity
Everything that makes a brand recognisable: its logo, colours, style and way of speaking.
Brocade
A heavy, richly decorated fabric with raised patterns woven into it, often using metallic threads.
Brogue
A sturdy leather shoe decorated with small punched holes.
Burnout
A fabric treated with chemicals that dissolve some fibres to create a see-through pattern. Also called devoré.
Business model
The way a company plans to make money, for example by selling online, in shops or to other stores.
Bust
The chest area of a woman's body, or the measurement around it.
Bustier
A close-fitting top that shapes the bust and waist, often with boning inside.
Button-down
A shirt collar whose points are buttoned to the shirt.
Buttonhole
A small slit in fabric, finished with stitching, that a button passes through.
Buyer
The person who chooses which products a shop will sell and how many to order.

C

Cable knit
A knitted pattern of twisted, rope-like ridges, common on jumpers.
CAD
Short for computer-aided design. Software used to draw designs, patterns and prints on a computer.
Caftan
A long, loose robe with wide sleeves, worn in many cultures. Also spelled kaftan.
Calico
A plain, cheap cotton fabric. In the UK it is also the fabric used to make test garments (toiles).
Camisole
A light top with thin shoulder straps, often worn under other clothes.
Canvas
A heavy, strong woven fabric, often made of cotton, used for bags, shoes and tailoring.
Cap sleeve
A very short sleeve that just covers the top of the shoulder.
Cape
A sleeveless outer garment that hangs from the shoulders.
Capsule collection
A small, focused set of designs, often made in limited numbers or with a partner brand.
Capsule wardrobe
A small set of versatile clothes that can be mixed and matched to make many outfits.
Cardigan
A knitted jumper that opens down the front, usually with buttons.
Cargo pants
Loose trousers with large pockets on the sides of the legs.
Cashmere
A very soft, warm wool that comes from the undercoat of cashmere goats.
Casting
Choosing the models who will walk in a show or appear in a photo shoot.
Catwalk
The long, raised stage that models walk along during a fashion show. Also called a runway.
Chambray
A light cotton fabric that looks like denim but is thinner and softer.
Cheongsam
A close-fitting Chinese dress with a high collar and side slits. Also called qipao.
Chiffon
A very light, sheer fabric that floats and drapes easily. Often made from silk or polyester.
Chinos
Casual trousers made from cotton twill, usually in beige or khaki.
Chintz
A glazed cotton fabric printed with bright flowers.
Chunky knit
Knitwear made with thick yarn, giving a heavy, cosy look.
Circular fashion
A system where clothes are designed to be used for longer, repaired, resold and finally recycled, instead of being thrown away.
Clutch
A small handbag without a handle, held in the hand.
Co-ord
A matching top and bottom sold or worn as a set. Short for coordinates.
Collaboration
When two brands, or a brand and a famous person, design a product or collection together.
Collar
The band of fabric around the neck of a shirt, dress or jacket.
Collection
A group of designs created by a designer or brand for one season and shown together.
Colour palette
The set of colours chosen for a collection or design.
Colour theory
The ideas behind how colours work together, such as which colours match, clash or stand out.
Colourway
One version of a design in a particular set of colours. The same jacket might come in three colourways.
Commission
A payment based on a percentage of sales, often paid to sales agents and stylists.
Concept store
A shop that sells a carefully chosen mix of products around a theme or lifestyle.
Consignment
An arrangement where a shop sells items for their owner and they share the money when they sell.
Contrast stitching
Stitching in a different colour from the fabric, so it stands out.
Corduroy
A fabric with raised, soft ridges running down its length.
Corset
A tight, stiffened garment worn around the torso to shape the waist.
Costume
Clothing worn to play a role, as in theatre or film. Also an old word for a style of dress.
Costume designer
A person who designs the clothes for films, TV, theatre or dance.
Cotton
A natural fibre from the fluffy seed pods of the cotton plant. It is soft, breathable and widely used.
Couture house
A fashion house that makes haute couture.
Couturier
A designer who makes haute couture clothes.
Cowl neck
A neckline with soft folds of fabric draped at the front.
Creative director
The person who decides the overall look and direction of a fashion brand's collections and campaigns.
Crepe
A fabric with a slightly crinkled, grainy surface.
Crew neck
A round, close-fitting neckline, as on most T-shirts.
Crinkle
A fabric with a wrinkled surface made on purpose.
Crinoline
A stiff underskirt, or a cage made of hoops, worn in the 1800s to make skirts stand out wide.
Crochet
Making fabric from yarn by pulling loops through other loops with a single hooked needle.
Cropped
Cut shorter than usual, such as a top that ends above the waist or trousers that end above the ankle.
Cross-stitch
An embroidery stitch shaped like an X.
Cruise collection
Another name for a resort collection, released between the main seasons.
Cuff
The band of fabric at the end of a sleeve or the turned-up hem of trousers.
Culottes
Wide trousers that end around mid-calf and look like a skirt.
Cultural appropriation
Using clothing, symbols or styles from another culture without understanding or credit, especially from a group that has been treated unfairly.
Customisation
Changing a garment to make it personal, for example by adding patches, prints or names.
Cut-and-sew
Making clothes by cutting pieces from fabric and sewing them together, rather than knitting the garment in one piece.
Cutting table
A large, flat table where fabric is laid out and cut.

D

Damask
A reversible fabric with a pattern woven into it, shiny on one side and matt on the other.
Dart
A folded, stitched wedge of fabric that shapes a flat garment to fit the curves of the body.
Deadstock
Unused fabric or finished products left over from factories or brands, which designers can buy and reuse.
Deconstruction
A design approach that shows how clothes are made, by leaving seams, linings or unfinished edges visible on purpose.
Demi-couture
Clothing made with some couture techniques but not fully made-to-measure.
Denim
A strong cotton twill fabric, usually blue, used to make jeans.
Department store
A large shop that sells many kinds of products, including clothes, from many brands.
Design brief
A set of instructions describing what a designer has been asked to create.
Diffusion line
A cheaper range from a designer brand, made to reach more customers.
Digital fashion
Clothes that exist only on screens, worn by avatars or added to photos.
Digital printing
Printing designs directly onto fabric with a large inkjet printer.
Direct-to-consumer
When a brand sells straight to customers, usually online, instead of through other shops. Often shortened to DTC.
Distressed
Made to look old and worn, with fading, rips or frayed edges.
Double-breasted
A jacket or coat that overlaps widely at the front, with two rows of buttons.
Drape
The way a fabric hangs and falls.
Draping
Designing a garment by pinning and shaping fabric directly on a dress form or body, instead of drawing a flat pattern first.
Dress form
A model of the human body used to fit and drape garments. Also called a mannequin or stand.
Drop
A release of new products on a set date, often in limited numbers. Common in streetwear.
Duchess satin
A heavy, smooth and shiny satin, often used for wedding and evening dresses.
Dungarees
Trousers with a bib at the front and straps over the shoulders. Also called overalls.
Dye
A substance used to colour fibres, yarns or fabric.

E

E-commerce
Buying and selling online.
Easing
Gently fitting a slightly longer piece of fabric to a shorter one without making pleats, as when setting in a sleeve.
Editorial
Fashion photos and stories in magazines, made to tell a story rather than to advertise one product.
Elastane
A very stretchy synthetic fibre added to fabrics so they stretch and spring back. See spandex.
Embellishment
Decoration added to a garment, such as beads, sequins, embroidery or crystals.
Embroidery
Decorating fabric by stitching patterns or pictures onto it with thread.
Empire line
A dress shape with a high waistline just under the bust, falling loosely to the hem.
Espadrille
A shoe with a canvas top and a sole made of rope.
Ethical fashion
Fashion made in ways that treat workers, animals and the planet fairly.
Eyelet
A small reinforced hole in fabric, for laces or decoration.

F

Fabric
Material made by weaving, knitting or bonding fibres together.
Facing
A piece of fabric sewn to the inside edge of a neckline or armhole to finish it neatly.
Fair trade
A system that makes sure producers in poorer countries are paid fairly and work in decent conditions.
Fashion cycle
The rise and fall of a style, from first appearing to becoming popular and then fading away.
Fashion house
An established fashion company, usually named after its founder.
Fashion illustration
Drawings and paintings of clothes and the people wearing them.
Fashion plate
A printed illustration showing the latest styles, common in magazines of the 1700s and 1800s.
Fashion show
An event where models wear a designer's new collection for an audience.
Fashion week
A week-long series of fashion shows in a city where designers present new collections. The best known are in New York, London, Milan and Paris.
Fast fashion
Cheap, trendy clothing made very quickly and in huge amounts. It is often criticised for its effect on workers and the planet.
Faux fur
Fabric made to look like real animal fur, usually from synthetic fibres.
Fedora
A soft felt hat with a brim and a dent along the top of the crown.
Felt
A thick fabric made by pressing and matting fibres together instead of weaving or knitting them.
Fibre
The thin strands that are spun into yarn. Fibres can be natural (cotton, wool, silk) or synthetic (polyester, nylon).
Fishtail
A skirt or dress that is fitted and then flares at the hem, like a fish's tail. Also called mermaid.
Fit
How well a garment matches the shape and size of the body.
Fit model
A person whose body measurements a brand uses to test and adjust how its clothes fit.
Flagship store
A brand's main and usually biggest shop, used to show off the brand at its best.
Flannel
A soft, slightly fuzzy woven fabric, usually of wool or cotton.
Flat lay
A photo of clothes or products laid flat and arranged neatly, taken from above.
Flat sketch
A simple technical drawing of a garment laid flat, showing seams, stitching and details. Also called a technical flat.
Fleece
A soft, warm fabric with a fluffy surface, usually made of polyester. Also the wool coat of a sheep.
Flounce
A wide strip of gathered or circular fabric sewn onto a garment so it ripples, often at the hem.
Fly
The opening with a zip or buttons at the front of trousers, covered by a flap of fabric.
Footwear
Anything worn on the feet, such as shoes, boots and sandals.
Fringe
A decorative edge of hanging threads or strips of fabric or leather.
Front row
The seats closest to the runway at a fashion show, usually for important editors, buyers and celebrities.

G

Gabardine
A tightly woven, hard-wearing twill fabric, often used for coats and trousers.
Garment
Any single piece of clothing.
Garment district
An area of a city where many clothing factories and suppliers are based.
Gather
Pulling fabric together along a line of stitching to create soft folds.
Gauze
A thin, loosely woven, see-through fabric.
Gender-neutral
Clothing designed to be worn by anyone, whatever their gender.
Georgette
A sheer, lightweight fabric with a slightly crinkled feel, a little heavier than chiffon.
Gilet
A sleeveless jacket, often padded. Also called a vest or body warmer.
Gingham
A cotton fabric with a checked pattern, usually white with one other colour.
Glam rock
A 1970s music and fashion style with glitter, platform shoes and bold make-up.
Glove
A covering for the hand, with separate parts for each finger.
Godet
A triangle of fabric sewn into a seam to add flare, often near the hem of a skirt.
Gore
A tapered panel of fabric, wider at the bottom, used to make skirts flare.
Grading
Making a pattern bigger and smaller so a design can be produced in a range of sizes.
Grain
The direction of the threads in a woven fabric. Cutting along the grain affects how a garment hangs.
Greenwashing
When a brand makes itself look more environmentally friendly than it really is.
Grosgrain
A firm fabric or ribbon with fine raised ribs running across it.
Grunge
A messy, layered 1990s style linked with rock music, featuring flannel shirts and ripped jeans.
Gusset
A small piece of fabric sewn into a seam to add room or strength, such as under an arm.

H

Haberdashery
Small sewing items such as buttons, zips, thread and ribbons. Also the shop that sells them.
Hacking jacket
A tailored riding jacket with slanted pockets and a long back vent.
Halterneck
A top or dress held up by a strap that goes around the back of the neck, leaving the shoulders bare.
Hand-finished
A garment whose final details are done by hand rather than by machine.
Hand-stitched
Sewn by hand rather than by machine.
Harem pants
Loose trousers gathered at the ankle.
Haute couture
Made-to-measure clothes sewn largely by hand in Paris. Only fashion houses that meet strict rules set in France may officially use the name. Read more →
Heel
The raised part under the back of a shoe.
Hem
The bottom edge of a garment, folded and stitched so it doesn't fray.
Hemline
The line where the bottom of a skirt, dress or coat ends.
Heritage brand
A brand with a long history that uses its past as part of its identity.
Herringbone
A woven pattern of V shapes in rows, like the bones of a fish.
Hessian
A rough, strong fabric made from jute. Also called burlap.
High street
Ordinary, affordable fashion shops found in town centres. Used mainly in the UK.
Hoodie
A sweatshirt with a hood.
Hook and eye
A small metal fastening made of a hook that catches onto a loop.
Hosiery
Tights, stockings and socks.
Houndstooth
A two-colour pattern of broken checks with jagged, tooth-like points.
Hype
Strong excitement and demand around a product, often because it is limited or promoted heavily.

I

Ikat
A way of making patterns by dyeing the threads before they are woven. Found in many parts of Asia, Africa and South America.
Indigo
A deep blue dye, originally made from plants, used to colour denim.
Influencer
A person with many social media followers whom brands pay to promote their products.
Inseam
The seam along the inside of a trouser leg, from the crotch to the hem. Also the length of that seam.
Inspiration
The ideas, images or experiences that spark a design.
Intarsia
A knitting method for making blocks of different colours, as in a picture knitted into a jumper.
Interfacing
A hidden layer of fabric added inside collars, cuffs and waistbands to make them firmer.
It bag
A handbag that becomes extremely popular and wanted for a season.

J

Jacquard
A fabric with a complex pattern woven into it on a special loom, rather than printed on top.
Jersey
A soft, stretchy knitted fabric, used for T-shirts and casual dresses.
Jumpsuit
A one-piece garment with a top and trousers joined together.

K

Kick pleat
A short pleat at the bottom of a narrow skirt that lets the wearer walk more easily.
Kimono
A traditional Japanese robe with wide sleeves, wrapped around the body and tied with a sash.
Knit
Fabric made by looping yarn together, which makes it stretchy. The opposite of a woven fabric.
Knitwear
Clothes made by knitting yarn, such as jumpers and cardigans.

L

Lab-grown leather
Leather-like material grown from cells or made from fungi, instead of animal skin.
Lace
A delicate fabric made of open, web-like patterns of thread.
Lamé
A fabric woven with shiny metallic threads.
Lapel
The folded-back flaps on the front of a jacket or coat, below the collar.
Lawn
A light, fine, smooth cotton fabric, often used for shirts and summer dresses.
Layering
Wearing several garments on top of each other for style or warmth.
Lead time
The time between ordering products and receiving them.
Leather
Material made from animal skin that has been treated (tanned) so it lasts.
Legacy brand
A brand that has existed for many decades and is known for its history.
Licensing
When a brand lets another company make and sell products with its name, in return for a fee.
Limited edition
A product made in a small, fixed number.
Line sheet
A document showing every product in a collection with pictures, prices and codes, sent to shops that might buy it.
Linen
A natural fabric made from the flax plant. It is cool to wear and creases easily.
Lingerie
Women's underwear and nightwear.
Lining
An inner layer of fabric inside a garment that hides seams and helps it hang well.
Loafer
A slip-on leather shoe without laces.
Logo
A symbol or design that represents a brand.
Logomania
A style where big, visible brand logos are the main feature of the clothes.
Lookbook
A set of photos showing the outfits in a collection, used to present it to buyers, press and customers.
Loom
A machine or frame used to weave threads into fabric.
Luxury
Expensive, high-quality goods sold by brands with a strong image of rarity and craft. Read more →
Luxury conglomerate
A large company that owns many luxury brands, such as LVMH or Kering.
Lycra
A brand name for spandex, a very stretchy fibre.
Lyocell
A soft fibre made from wood pulp using a process that recycles its chemicals. Tencel is one brand name.

M

Macramé
Making patterns by knotting cords or strings.
Made-to-measure
A garment adapted from an existing pattern to fit one person's measurements. Less personal than bespoke.
Maison
French for "house". Used for established fashion brands, especially French ones.
Mannequin
A life-size model of a body used to display clothes in shops. Also used for a dress form.
Mark-up
The amount added to the cost of a product to set its selling price.
Markdown
Lowering the price of products that haven't sold, usually during a sale.
Mass production
Making large numbers of the same product in factories.
Maternity wear
Clothes designed for pregnant women.
Maxi
Long, reaching the ankles or the floor, as in a maxi dress or maxi skirt.
Mélange
A yarn or fabric made by mixing fibres of different colours, giving a speckled look.
Menswear
Clothing designed for men.
Merchandiser
A person who plans what a shop sells, in what amounts and at what prices, to meet sales targets.
Merchandising
Planning and displaying products so they sell well.
Merino
A fine, soft wool from merino sheep.
Mesh
A fabric with a net-like structure full of small holes.
Microfibre
An extremely fine synthetic fibre, used for soft fabrics and sportswear.
Microplastics
Tiny pieces of plastic that come off synthetic clothes, for example when they are washed, and end up in water.
Midi
A length between the knee and the ankle.
Millinery
The craft of making hats. A hat maker is called a milliner.
Minaudière
A small, decorative evening bag, often made of metal.
Mini
Short, well above the knee.
Minimalism
A style based on simple shapes, plain colours and very little decoration.
Moccasin
A soft, flat leather shoe, first made by Indigenous peoples of North America.
Mod
A neat, sharp 1960s British style with tailored suits, short dresses and bold patterns.
Modal
A soft, smooth fabric made from beech tree pulp, often used for underwear and T-shirts.
Model
A person who wears clothes to show them in fashion shows, photos and adverts.
Mohair
A shiny, fluffy yarn made from the hair of the Angora goat.
Moiré
A fabric with a wavy, rippled pattern, like water.
Monogram
A design made from initials or letters, often repeated as a pattern on bags and fabric.
Mood board
A collage of images, colours, fabrics and words used to plan the look and feel of a collection.
Muff
A tube of fur or fabric used to keep the hands warm.
Muse
A person who inspires a designer's work.
Muslin
A plain, light cotton fabric. In the US it is also the name for a test garment made before using expensive fabric.

N

Nap
The raised surface of fabrics such as velvet, which looks different depending on the direction it is brushed.
Natural fibre
A fibre that comes from plants or animals, such as cotton, linen, wool or silk.
Neckline
The shape of the opening around the neck, such as V-neck, crew neck or boat neck.
New Look
Christian Dior's 1947 style with a small waist, soft shoulders and a full skirt.
Notch
A small mark cut on the edge of a pattern piece that shows where it lines up with another piece.
Notched lapel
The most common lapel style on suit jackets, with a small V-shaped cut where the lapel meets the collar.
Nylon
A strong synthetic fibre first made in the 1930s, used for stockings, sportswear and bags.

O

Off-the-rack
Clothes made in standard sizes and sold ready to wear. Also called off-the-peg.
Ombré
Colour that fades gradually from dark to light, or from one colour to another.
Organic cotton
Cotton grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers.
Organza
A thin, stiff, sheer fabric that holds its shape, often made from silk or polyester.
Outerwear
Coats and jackets worn over other clothes.
Outlet
A shop that sells a brand's leftover or older stock at lower prices.
Overlocker
A sewing machine that trims, stitches and neatens a fabric edge in one go so it won't fray. Also called a serger.
Oversized
Cut deliberately bigger and looser than a normal fit.
Oxford
A smart lace-up shoe. Also a type of woven cotton used for shirts.

P

Paillette
A large, flat, shiny disc sewn onto fabric, like a big sequin.
Palazzo pants
Long trousers with very wide, flowing legs.
Pantone
A company whose numbered colour system is used across fashion and design to match exact colours.
Paper pattern
A set of paper templates for each piece of a garment, used to cut the fabric.
Pashmina
A fine type of cashmere wool from Himalayan goats, or a shawl made from it.
Pastiche
A design that openly imitates or mixes the style of other works or periods.
Patchwork
Small pieces of different fabrics sewn together to make a larger piece.
Pattern
The paper or digital template used to cut fabric pieces for a garment. Also a repeated design on fabric.
Pattern cutter
A person who turns a designer's sketch into paper or digital pattern pieces that can be cut and sewn. Also called a patternmaker.
Peak lapel
A lapel with sharp points that face upwards, often seen on formal jackets.
Pencil skirt
A narrow, straight skirt that usually ends at or below the knee.
Peplum
A short, flared strip of fabric attached at the waist of a top, dress or jacket.
Petticoat
An underskirt worn to give shape or fullness to a skirt.
Pile
Raised loops or threads on the surface of fabrics such as velvet, corduroy and towelling.
Pinstripe
A pattern of very thin stripes, often seen on suits.
Piping
A narrow, rounded strip of fabric sewn into a seam to outline or decorate it.
Plaid
A pattern of crossing stripes. In the US, the word is used for tartan.
Platform shoes
Shoes with a very thick sole under the front as well as the heel.
Pleat
A fold in fabric that is pressed or stitched in place.
Plus size
Clothing made in sizes larger than a brand's standard range.
Polo shirt
A short-sleeved knitted shirt with a collar and a few buttons at the neck.
Polyester
A common synthetic fibre made from oil. It is strong, cheap and doesn't crease easily.
Pop-up shop
A temporary shop that opens for a short time.
Poplin
A smooth, tightly woven fabric, often cotton, used for shirts.
Portfolio
A collection of a designer's best work, used to apply for jobs or courses.
Power dressing
Wearing strong, tailored clothes to look confident and in charge. Linked with the 1980s.
Pre-fall
A collection that arrives in shops between the summer and autumn collections.
Pre-loved
Second-hand items that have been owned before.
Press day
An event where brands show their new products to journalists and stylists.
Press release
A written announcement sent to journalists to share news about a brand.
Prêt-à-porter
French for "ready-to-wear": designer clothes made in standard sizes, not to measure.
Princess seam
Long, curved seams running from the shoulder or armhole down the front of a garment to shape it.
Print
A pattern or picture applied to the surface of fabric, as opposed to woven in.
Product development
The process of turning a design into a finished product that can be made in a factory.
Production run
The number of pieces of a design made in one batch at a factory.
Prototype
The first full version of a garment, made to test the design. Also called a sample.
Punk
A rebellious 1970s style with ripped clothes, safety pins, studs and tartan.

Q

Quilting
Stitching layers of fabric together, often with padding in between, in a pattern.

R

Raw edge
The cut edge of fabric that hasn't been finished, so it may fray.
Rayon
Another name for viscose, a fabric made from wood pulp.
Ready-to-wear
Clothes made in standard sizes and sold finished, ready to be worn. See prêt-à-porter.
Recycled polyester
Polyester made from used plastic, such as bottles, instead of new oil.
Recycling
Breaking down old textiles or clothes to make new fibres or products.
Reefer jacket
A short, double-breasted wool jacket, first worn by sailors.
Rental fashion
Renting clothes for a short time instead of buying them.
Repair
Fixing damaged clothes so they can be worn for longer.
Resale
Selling used clothes and accessories again, in shops, apps or websites. Read more →
Resort collection
A collection released between the main seasons, first made for people taking winter holidays in warm places. Also called cruise.
Retail
Selling products directly to customers.
Retail price
The price a customer pays in a shop.
Retro
A new design that copies the style of an earlier time.
Reversible
A garment that can be worn inside out, with either side showing.
Rib knit
A stretchy knit with raised vertical lines, used for cuffs, collars and fitted tops.
Ripstop
A woven fabric with a grid of thicker threads that stops small tears from spreading.
Rouleau
A thin tube of fabric used for straps, loops and button fastenings.
Ruching
Fabric gathered into rows of small folds for decoration or shaping.
Ruffle
A strip of gathered or pleated fabric used as a decorative edge.
Runway
The stage where models walk at a fashion show. Also called a catwalk.

S

Sample
A test version of a garment made before mass production, used for fittings, photos and showing to buyers.
Sample size
The single size a brand makes its samples in, usually small.
Sari
A long piece of fabric, usually five to nine yards, wrapped and draped around the body. Worn in South Asia.
Sarong
A long piece of fabric wrapped around the waist or body, worn in South and Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
Sateen
A cotton fabric woven to have a soft shine like satin.
Satin
A smooth, shiny fabric made with a special weave. It can be made from silk, polyester or other fibres.
Savile Row
A street in London famous for its bespoke tailors.
Scale
Growing a business so it can make and sell much more.
Scallop
An edge cut into a series of curves, like the edge of a shell.
Seam
The line where two pieces of fabric are sewn together.
Seam allowance
The extra fabric between the edge of a piece and the line of stitching.
Season
The time of year a collection is made for, usually Spring/Summer (SS) or Autumn/Winter (AW), also called Fall/Winter (FW).
Seasonless
Clothing designed to be worn all year round, not tied to one season.
Second-hand
Owned and used by someone else before.
Selvedge
The tightly woven edges of a length of fabric that stop it from unravelling. Also spelled selvage.
Sequin
A small, shiny disc with a hole in the middle, sewn onto fabric to make it sparkle.
Serger
The American name for an overlocker.
Shantung
A silk fabric with an uneven, bumpy texture.
Shawl collar
A rounded collar with no notch, that flows in one curve down the front of a jacket.
Shearling
Sheepskin with the wool left on, used for warm coats and boots.
Sheath dress
A fitted, straight dress that follows the body without a waist seam.
Shift dress
A simple, straight dress that hangs loosely from the shoulders.
Shirring
Several rows of gathers, often made with elastic thread, so the fabric stretches.
Shirtdress
A dress styled like a long shirt, with a collar and buttons down the front.
Shoulder pad
Padding sewn inside the shoulder of a garment to shape it.
Showroom
A space where brands show their collections to buyers and press.
Shrinkage
How much a fabric gets smaller after washing.
Silhouette
The overall outline or shape of a garment or outfit when seen from a distance.
Silk
A smooth, shiny natural fibre made by silkworms.
Single-breasted
A jacket or coat that closes with one row of buttons and only a small overlap.
Size chart
A table that shows which body measurements match each size a brand sells.
Skinny jeans
Very tight jeans that fit closely all the way down the leg.
Sleeve
The part of a garment that covers the arm.
Sloper
Another name for a block: a basic pattern used to create new designs.
Slow fashion
An approach that favours fewer, better-made clothes that last a long time.
Smocking
Decorative stitching that gathers fabric into tight, stretchy honeycomb patterns.
Sneaker
A sports shoe with a rubber sole, also worn as everyday fashion. Called trainers in the UK.
Social media
Websites and apps, such as Instagram and TikTok, where brands and people share content. Now a key part of fashion marketing.
Sourcing
Finding and buying the materials and factories needed to make products.
Spandex
A very stretchy synthetic fibre. Also known as elastane or Lycra (a brand name).
Spinning
Twisting fibres together to make yarn.
Sportswear
Clothing made for sport, or casual clothes inspired by it.
Stiletto
A shoe with a very high, thin heel.
Stitch
A single loop of thread made by a needle in sewing, or by a hook or needles in knitting and crochet.
Stock
The products a shop or brand has available to sell.
Store design
How the inside of a shop is planned and decorated to show off a brand.
Street style
How people dress in everyday life, often photographed outside fashion shows.
Streetwear
Casual fashion that grew out of skate, surf and hip-hop culture, such as hoodies, sneakers and graphic T-shirts.
Structured
A garment that holds its own shape, often with stiff fabric, padding or boning.
Stylist
A person who chooses and puts together outfits for photo shoots, shows, films or famous clients.
Subculture
A group whose style sets it apart from the mainstream, such as punks or skaters.
Suede
Leather with a soft, brushed surface, made from the inner side of the skin.
Supply chain
All the steps and companies involved in making a product, from raw material to the shop.
Sustainability report
A document in which a company explains its effects on people and the environment.
Sustainable fashion
Clothes designed, made and used in ways that do less harm to people and the planet.
Swatch
A small sample of fabric used to show its colour, feel and pattern.
Sweatshop
A factory where workers are paid very little and work long hours in poor conditions.
Synthetic fibre
A fibre made by people from chemicals, often from oil, such as polyester, nylon and acrylic.

T

Taffeta
A crisp, smooth fabric that rustles when it moves, used for evening dresses.
Tailoring
The craft of making structured, closely fitted garments such as suits and coats.
Tank top
A sleeveless top. In the UK, also a sleeveless knitted jumper.
Tartan
A pattern of criss-crossing stripes in several colours, linked with Scotland. Called plaid in the US.
Tassel
A bunch of threads tied together at one end, used as decoration.
Tech pack
A detailed document with drawings, measurements, materials and instructions that tells a factory exactly how to make a garment.
Tencel
A brand name for lyocell, a soft fibre made from wood pulp.
Terry cloth
A fabric covered in small loops that soak up water, used for towels and bathrobes.
Textile
Any cloth or fabric, or the fibres and yarns used to make it.
Textile designer
A person who designs patterns, prints and fabrics.
Thread count
The number of threads in one square inch of fabric. A higher number usually means a finer fabric.
Tie-dye
A way of dyeing fabric by tying parts of it tightly so the dye makes patterns.
Toggle
A long button, often wooden, pushed through a loop to fasten coats.
Toile
A test version of a garment made in cheap fabric to check the fit and shape before cutting the real fabric.
Topstitch
A line of stitching on the outside of a garment, often for decoration, as on jeans.
Tote bag
A large, open bag with two handles.
Traceability
Being able to track where a product and its materials came from, step by step.
Trapeze
A dress shape that is narrow at the shoulders and widens greatly towards the hem.
Trench coat
A belted, double-breasted raincoat first made for soldiers, now a classic coat.
Trend
A style, colour or idea that becomes popular for a period of time.
Trend forecasting
Predicting which colours, styles and ideas will be popular in the future.
Trim
Decorative items added to a garment, such as ribbon, lace or braid.
Tulle
A fine, light net fabric, often used for veils, ballet tutus and layered skirts.
Tunic
A simple, loose garment that reaches the hips or knees.
Turtleneck
A high, close-fitting collar that folds over and covers the neck. Called a polo neck in the UK.
Tuxedo
A formal evening suit, usually black, with satin on the lapels. Called a dinner jacket in the UK.
Tweed
A rough, thick woollen fabric, often in mixed colours, first made in Scotland and Ireland.
Twill
A weave that creates diagonal lines on the fabric, as on denim.

U

Underwire
A thin, curved wire sewn into a bra or top to support the bust.
Uniform
Matching clothes worn by members of a group, such as a school, team or job.
Unisex
Designed to be worn by any gender.
Upcycling
Turning old or unwanted clothes and materials into new products of higher value.
Utility wear
Practical clothing with lots of pockets and strong fabrics, inspired by workwear and military clothes.

V

V-neck
A neckline shaped like the letter V.
Vegan leather
Leather-like material made without animal products, often from plastics or plants.
Velvet
A soft fabric with a thick, short pile that feels smooth and looks rich.
Vent
A slit at the back or sides of a jacket that lets it move freely.
Vintage
Clothing from an earlier era, usually at least 20 years old.
Viscose
A soft fabric made from wood pulp. Also called rayon.
Visual merchandising
Arranging products, windows and displays in a shop so they look appealing and sell well.
Voile
A light, soft, see-through fabric, often cotton, used for summer clothes and curtains.

W

Waistband
The band of fabric around the top of a skirt or pair of trousers.
Waistcoat
A sleeveless, buttoned garment worn over a shirt, often as part of a suit. Called a vest in the US.
Wardrobe
All the clothes a person owns. Also the cupboard they are kept in.
Warp
The threads that run lengthwise on a loom, held tight while the weft threads are woven across them.
Water footprint
The amount of water used to make a product, from growing the fibre to finishing the garment.
Weave
The way threads are crossed over and under each other to make fabric, such as plain, twill or satin.
Weft
The threads that are woven across the warp threads on a loom.
White label
A product made by one company and sold under another company's brand name.
Wholesale
Selling products in large amounts to shops, at a lower price than customers pay.
Womenswear
Clothing designed for women.
Wool
A natural fibre from the fleece of sheep and some other animals. It is warm and holds its shape.
Workwear
Strong, practical clothes made for physical jobs, now also worn as fashion.
Worsted
A smooth, strong wool yarn or fabric made from long fibres, often used for suits.
Wrap dress
A dress that wraps across the body and ties at the waist.

Y

Y2K
A style inspired by the late 1990s and early 2000s, with low-rise jeans, crop tops and shiny fabrics.
Yarn
A long, continuous thread made by spinning fibres together, used for knitting and weaving.
Yoke
A fitted panel across the shoulders or hips that the rest of the garment hangs from.

Z

Zero-waste design
Designing garments so the pattern pieces use the whole piece of fabric, leaving little or no waste.
Zipper
A fastening with two rows of teeth that lock together. Called a zip in the UK.

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