Fashion glossary
Ajouré pattern
A fine pattern on nylon mesh or fabrics.
Androgynous
The combination of male and female characteristics and traits in one person. The androgynous style is created in ladies fashion by using the same cuts, materials and details as in men’s fashions.
Application
A form of decorative adornment, either stuck to or sewn on to an item of clothing.
Astrakhan
Short hair plush that looks like poodle's hair straight out of the dog hairdresser's.
Authentic
Genuine. An authentic look in fashion means keeping the original forms of an item of clothing, or imitating a look which features all of the style’s properties.
Balloon skirt
A skirt which is tight at the waist and voluminous beneath. The lower hem is covered.
Bandeau band/ tube top
Pronounced “bandoh”. A bra-like top, with a straight band to cover the breasts. The band can be gathered in the middle to emphasise the cleavage.
Basics
Basic items of clothing that are always needed and can be combined with many other garments.
Batwing sleeves
A special type of kimono sleeve that extends from under the arm to the waist or hips, running to the wrist.
Blazer
A hip-length single or double-breasted buttoned jacket with collar and lapels. A classic blazer has golden buttons and attached pockets.
Bolero
A short,waist-high jacket with long sleeves.
Borsalino
A hat and a company, founded in 1857 by Giuseppe Borsalino in Alessandria, Italy. Borsalino still produces high quality hats for men and women. It used to be the a trademark hat of gangsters in the 1930s.
Burnt effect
Fabrics with a pattern made with corrosive paste (the print is partially transparent).
Caban jacket
Short jacket, usually made of rough woollen material and often double-breasted.
Camouflage pattern
From the French term, a military uniform-style fabric dyed with splotches of foliage and earth colours (green, brown, black and tan).
Cape
A sleeveless garment.
Cardigan
A single or double-breasted buttoned, collarless jacket with a V-neck.
Casual style
Casual, as in comfortable. Informal, but not carelessly dressed, in contrast to formal attire.
Chapka
A cap with earflaps, often lined with fur.
City style
Smart clothing, suitable for city life and a working environment.
Cloating
Clothing with a lining made of chemical substances (e.g. polyurethane, Teflon) which change the surface of textile and nylon mesh for functional reasons (stain protection, weather protection) or the purpose of fashion (enamel or leather look).
Coordinates
Ensembles. Mostly blazer and trousers or blazer and skirt. A waiter's waistcoat can be added to the combination.
Cord
Corduroy or velveteen. The ribs can be fine (baby cord), medium width (Genoa cord), very wide (wide cord), or different widths (fancy cord).
Cotton
A seed-hair fibre from a subtropical perennial plant, similar to Malva. Cotton products are felt-free, hard-wearing, gentle on the skin and heat-resistant. They absorb moisture, are highly tear-resistant and are easy to clean. Cotton can be washed at up to 95 degrees.
Dandy
Men from the 19th century who used to be well-groomed and fashion conscious. This means elegance and style.
Denim
A rugged, durable twill fabric that is most popular in indigo blue. Denim rules the casual apparel world, but it has also become popular in decorative fabrics for the home.
Duffle Coat
A sporty, short coat for men and women with a hood, wooden toggle-fastenings, ribbons (cord) and large outside pockets, often with visible seams.
Equestrian style
Ladies wear style, based on horse riding attire. Typical garments of this style include waist-enhancing sports jackets (often past the waist) and tight trousers, which are wider around the hips and thighs (and are worn with boots).
Ethnic style
Clothing from faraway countries, with typical colours and patterns of their cultures.
