Fashion Terms

A dress, coat, or top that is close at the shoulders and gently flared at the hemline, resembling the letter A in design.

Form-fitting bodice that flares out from the waistline to a full skirt.

A skirt that is fitted at the waist and flares out in an A-line or tulip shape at the hem.

Stitching in which a design is created by sewing pieces of fabric (or other materials) together onto a fabric background.

Styles constructed of Lycra®/spandex or other fabrics that promote movement and breathability.

A short nightgown whose hem terminates just below the hip. A baby doll is longer than a crop top, but shorter than a chemise.

A length of material attached, sometimes removable, either at the shoulder or the waist that flows over the back to floor length.

A fitted or shaped piece at the top of a skirt or at the shoulder of various garments.

A flat shoe with a thin, skid-proof sole, often with a drawstring or elastic top line.

A low neckline that is often paired with strapless or spaghetti-strapped dresses.

A band-shaped bodice.

A dropped waist that starts at, or just below, the natural waistline, and dips in the center creating a "V" shape.

A high, wide, straight neckline that runs straight across the front and back, meeting at the shoulders; it has the same depth in the front and back.

Pants that flare at the hem.

A pocket sewn inside a garment with access through a welted slit-type opening.

Cut diagonally across the grain of a fabric. Used to create garments that follow the body curves closely.

A brief, close-fitting two-piece bathing suit.

Panties with full coverage in the front and back with high-cut sides.

Long baggy pants narrowing to a cuff at the ankles (worn below a skirt), intended to preserve Victorian decency while being less of a hindrance to women's activities than the long full skirts of the period. The original bloomers were an article of women's clothing invented by Elizabeth Cady Stanton but popularized by Amelia Bloomer in the early 1850s (hence the name, a shortening of "Bloomer suit"). They were worn by a few women in the 1850s, but were widely ridiculed in the press, and failed to become commonly accepted. These early bloomers were partly an attempt to adapt young girls' short skirts and pantalettes to adult women's attire, and were partly influenced by middle-eastern clothing styles (or what was thought to be middle-eastern styles) — hence they were occasionally called "Syrian costume".

The torso area of a woman's dress.

A girdle and bra combination with some control that extends from shoulder straps to the thighs.

Used to give a garment support and body contouring. Once actually constructed of whale bone, today's boning is usually made of plastic strips slipped into sheaths sewn into the garment.

Refers to trousers or jeans that are cut below the belly button and flare slightly from the knees to the ankles to accommodate any type of footwear.

An uneven yarn made with threads of varying looseness for a luxurious, nubby texture.

Two folds of fabric brought together to form a pleat.

A garment containing one or more box pleats.

Shorts, undergarments, or swimwear that have a close fitting leg that reaches to the top of the thigh.

A fitted top, usually a cotton/spandex knit, with spaghetti straps and a built-in shelf bra.

Cut to the waist, these panties feature full to medium coverage.

A fabric characterized by numerous pleats and crinkled material.

Fabric with an alternating solid and sheer design, often in a floral or animal print.

A sleeveless, strapless top or dress held in place by boning, elastic or stretch fabrics. It is designed to help shape and enhance the bust line.

A fitted top with spaghetti straps that can be worn alone or as a layering piece.

Pockets that are sewn to the outside of the garment, usually squared off and characterized by seaming.

A small, short sleeve that sits on the shoulder, either forming a stiff cap or falling on to the arm to provide minimal coverage.

Three-quarter length pants designed to hit mid-calf - first popularized on the Isle of Capri.

A usually collarless sweater or jacket that opens the full length of the center front.

Pants or shorts with patch pocket or bellows pocket with a flap (usually a button flap).

Five-pocket pants characterized by a hammer loop - a stretch of material connecting the outside seam to the back pocket.

Anything that is elegant, simple, and easy to wear, such as little black dresses and suits or multi-chain jewelry. Named after Coco Chanel.

A manmade, shiny, silk-like fabric.

A variety of patterns, including gingham, tattersall, houndstooth, plaid and checkerboard.

Usually a short nightgown hemmed below the hip but above the knee. Held up by thin spaghetti straps, the gown should fit snugly at the bust and upper torso and fall loosely and flow flatterringly past the hips.

A lightweight, plain-weave, sheer fabric made with very fine, tightly twisted yarns. It is very strong, despite its filmy look.

A casual shoe on a wood base, usually closed toe with open back.

Also referred to as a pencil skirt, this skirt is a straight line with no flare or fullness at the hem or waistline.

A slit in a garment where closures are hidden.

A rolled collar that can be worn open or closed. Sewn directly to the neckline.

A corset is a garment worn to mold and shape the torso into a desired shape for aesthetic or medical purposes (either for the duration of wearing it, or with a more lasting effect). Both men and women are known to wear corsets, though women are more common wearers.

In recent years, the term "corset" has also been borrowed by the fashion industry to refer to tops which, to varying degrees, mimic the look of traditional corsets without actually acting as one; such tops are frequently seen in stores which cater to fans of gothic fashion. While these modern "corsets" and "corset tops" often feature lacing and/or boning and generally mimic a historical style of corsets, they have very little if any effect on the shape of the wearer's body. Genuine corsets are usually made by a corsetmaker and should ideally be fitted especially for the individual wearer.
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Medium weight durable textured fabric made with cotton or cotton blends.

A heel that is covered with leather or man-made materials that match the color and texture of the vamp.

A neckline featuring a piece of material attached to a garment at the neck, which may be used as a hood or draped loosely in a swag from shoulder to shoulder at the front neckline or back.

A fabric characterized by a crinkled, puckered surface or soft mossy finish. Comes in different weights and degrees of sheerness.

Fine, lightweight silk fabric made with highly twisted yarns in the filling, yielding a slightly pebbly texture.

A round neck with ribbed banding that fits close to the base of the neck.

Cotton that is treated to give it a rich, plissé texture in the warp that requires no ironing.

A technique for making a garment or shoe with lacelike effect, involving a hook and yarn.

Pants cut to a length just above the ankles. They are longer than capris, but shorter than standard pants.

Hem is cut just above the waist.

Velvet material with an irregular pattern of nap going in different directions.

Cleavage, or highlighting the space between the breasts.

When a garment is cut very low at the neckline, revealing shoulders, back, and bosom.

A half bra that leaves the top of the bustline exposed; perfect worn with low-cut tops or dresses.

A diamond-shaped cutout that fastens at the front or back neckline.

Cut as an extension of the bodice, the dolman sleeve is designed without a socket for the shoulder, creating a deep, wide armhole that reaches from the waist to a narrowed wrist. Also called a batwing sleeve.

A style of closure in which one edge of a garment overlaps another with a double row of buttons or other fasteners.

A layered look with one T-shirt over another, usually connected.

Fabric made from silk-like yarn, or silk yarn reeled from double cocoons. The yarn has uneven slubs, rather than smooth, giving a decorative texture to the fabric.

The hang or fall of fabric when made into a garment.

An extra piece of material is draped over the bustline.

Characterized by the shoulder/sleeve seam falling off the shoulder.

A waistline that is sewn below the body's natural waistline - also called a low-slung waistline; intended to visually help lengthen the torso.

A long, open summer coat, with or without a button closure.

A style that is designed with a high waist to create a flattering sweep.

A bodice that ends just below the bust, sometimes gathered.

Seams that are sewn directly below the bustline.

This waistline begins just below the bust.

A hemline open at the bottom with angular, overlapping flounces. Also applies to a shoe's top-line detail, ie: envelope vamp.

Any shoulder ornament, usually a button strap; often seen with braiding or other trim.

A fabric punched with decorative holes embroidered with purl stitching.

A French word meaning imitation or fake. Used most often in connection with gems, pearls, leathers, and furs.

A smooth sweater knit garment that has little or no texture.

Fitted around the hips and flares out from the knee to the hemline, longer in the back.

A long, narrow sleeve that tapers to a point that rests against the back of the hand.

With the look and feel of a traditional underwire bra, the fixed underwire offers the most support and definition for full-busted women.

Pants that flare at the hem. Also called bell-bottoms.

Straight pants, often seamless and pocketless.

The floating underwire has a sleek appearance and easy fit while providing more support for average to full-busted women.

Pants cut at, or just above, the ankle.

A wide, square-cut neckline extending to the shoulders.

Straight from waist to ankle except for a slight curve around the hip.

A woven fabric, usually cotton, with loop pile on one or both sides.

A sturdy, durable, lightweight twill fabric of cotton, wool or rayon.

A woman's undergarment consisting of an elastic piece of cloth worn around the waist to which garters are attached to hold up stockings. In British English they are known as suspender belts. The garter belt was the precursor to pantyhose (tights in British English). A return to retro-styled garter belts and stockings has become especially popular due to the ultra-feminine iconization of pin up girls of the past.
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A technique that creates fullness by tightening threads in a row of stitching.

Wide-legged pants or divided skirt reaching mid-calf.

Characterized by its crispness, body and outstanding durability, georgette is a sheer fabric of silk or synthetic material with a dull, slightly crinkled surface.

The word girdle originally meant a belt. In modern English the term "girdle" is most commonly used for a form of women's foundation wear that replaced the corset in popularity. Constructed of elasticized fabric and sometimes fastened with hook and eye closures, the modern girdle is designed to enhance a woman's figure. Most open-bottom girdles extend from the waist to the upper thighs. In the 1960s, these models fell from favor and were to a great extent replaced by the panty girdle. The panty girdle resembles a tight pair of athletic shorts. Both models of girdles usually include suspender (garter) clips to hold up stockings. Girdles were considered essential garments by many women from approximately 1910 to the late 1960s. Later in the 1960s, the girdle was generally supplanted by pantyhose. Pantyhose replaced girdles for many women who had used the girdle essentially as a means of holding up sheer nylon stockings.
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A triangular piece of fabric sewn in to a skirt or sleeve for extra fullness, producing a trumpet-like effect. From the French for "trumpet."

An eyelet that is reinforced with metal or plastic; used as a durable closure or decoration.

High relief needlepoint lace.

Tape lace in large, dramatic patterns executed on coarse mesh. (See an image at "garter belt.")

A sleeveless bodice with a high choke or wrap-neck that is usually backless.

The hem of a blouse or skirt that is gently jagged to form flowing points.

Decorative border in which some threads have been removed and some bundled to create an evenly spaced openwork.

Panties that feature a high-cut leg and full front and rear coverage.

Typically refers to shoes or boots. Today, high-heels are typically worn by women, with heights varying from a Cuban heel of 1½" height to a stiletto heel (or spike heel) of 4" or more. Extremely high-heeled shoes, such as those higher than 5", are normally worn only for aesthetic or fetishistic reasons and are not considered practical.
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A hemline higher in the front or on one side for a dramatic flounce effect.

Low-slung pants, skirt or belt worn below the natural waist, creating the impression of a longer, leaner torso.

Any type of panty that are cut so the waist rests on or slightly below the hips.

A 2-part fastening device consisting of a metal hook that catches over a bar or into a loop.

A deep scoop neck resembling the shape of a horseshoe.

The inside seam of a pant leg.

Inside of a shoe, usually covered by a sock lining.

The arched middle part of the foot between toes and ankle.

Reversed box pleat with folds meeting at the top of the pleat.

A raised design or pattern woven into a fabric as opposed to being printed on the fabric. It often creates a shiny effect.

A high round neckline resting simply at the base of the neck.

A 1-pc. swimsuit usually with a tank or maillot bodice, full-cut attached shorts, inner panty; hides tummy, hips, thighs; comfortable for swim, sports.

A full-cut, dramatic top with dolman-style sleeves and a collarless square or boat neckline.

A pocket formed by sewing a piece of cloth over the garment leaving two open ends.

Shoe or glove leather from skins of goats; very soft and fine to the touch.

A Scottish garment for men (only), made like a knee-length skirt. Traditionally, it must be made of wool, woven with a special plaid, called a tartan, pleated on the repeat (sett), and wraps with the left side (the apron) overlapping the right side. Usually includes leather buckles to close. Will generally include a kilt pin - a weight to deter the wind from blowing it open, but must never go through both sides of the wrap.

A skirt which resembles a kilt, that is, pleated, wrapped (usually right-over-left), and made of plaid material. Will generally include a kilt pin.

A kitten heel is a short, slender heel, usually from 1½ inches to 2 inches high with a slight curve setting the heel in from the edge of the shoe. They are classified as stiletto heels and despite their lack of height are generally classified as 'high heels' because of their sex appeal; particularly when teamed with a sharp pointed toe or long 'winklepicker' toe. The style was popularized by Audrey Hepburn. They are particularly common on sandals.

The dressed or tanned hide of an animal, typically a cow. Any of various articles or parts made of leather. It is protective, comfortable, and it breathes.

A loose, full sleeve, rounded from the shoulder to just below the elbow, then shaped to the arm, often ending in a point at the wrist.

Unfooted tights.

A thin ruffle at neckline, cuff or hem.

Fabric that is cooler, stronger and more absorbent than cotton; woven from threads made from the flax plant.

The Du Pont Corporation's name for their trademarked brand of spandex stretch material.

Shirting fabric woven in structured patterns; usually in fine cotton.

(properly pronounced "my-yo"). A 1-piece swimsuit with sewn-on straps and scoop, squared, or sweetheart neckline; designed to flatter most figure-types.

A short, band collar, adopted from the close-fitting Asian collar.

Fine-knitted fabric with a flat finish.

An extra-long and full bigshirt.

This skirt hugs the body until it reaches the knees or just below and then ends in a dramatic flare.

The type and name of machine to stitch overlock edges of emblems.

A silky synthetic material, usually woven polyester.

A polyester fleece, very soft and dense, but not bulky or fluffy.

Soft loafer-like leather shoes constructed with lacing to attach the sole portion to a U-shaped upper. Often elaborately beaded. Derived from designs of Native Americans.

Synthetic materials that have been developed specifically to channel perspiration away from the body. Used in active wear and athletic shoe linings.

A cotton or synthetic twill fabric that has a warm, brushed hand.

Long, curly woolen fibers used as a fluffy collar or trims on garments.

Shoes with high or low heel in which the vamp does not reach far beyond the toes.

A seam or waistband that secures or falls at the natural curve of the body, which is the indentation between the hips and the rib-cage.

Oversized (usually knee-length) shirt designed to be worn while sleeping.

Leaving the waistband out of pants or a dress to achieve an elegant simplicity and a smoother silhouette.

Short fibers that create a slubbed effect on the surface of a fabric.

A round neckline having a small triangular cutout in the front center.

A two-piece collar that can be only worn open.

Suede that is sanded down to a skin-like smoothness and softness.

With the combined strength of nylon and the supple elasticity of spandex, this fabric is ideal for foundation garments and shape-giving lingerie.

A neckline that lies gently hovering across the top of the bustline with the shoulders uncovered.

Woven or knit fabrics that are loosely-stitched, achieving a semi-transparency.

Fine, sheer, lightweight, crisp fabric with a stiff feel. It crushes or musses fairly easily, but it is easily pressed. Dressy type of fabric, sometimes has a silvery sheen.

Interesting color-on-color effect obtained by adding color dye during the washing process; the more dye added, the more intense the color.

A skirt worn over another skirt.

A bra with padded lower cups for a fuller bustline.

Small glittering disk, similar to a sequin, sewn together with others on fabric to create a fishscale effect.

Fabric in rich, swirling print either woven in or screened. Based on fine Scottish wool fabrics designed in yarn-dyed colors.

Sleepwear set that includes a top and matching bottoms.

Sleepwear set that includes a tank or cami, a (usually) long-sleeve over-shirt, and matching bottoms.

Often confused with pantaloons. Pantalettes are undergarments covering the legs worn by women, girls, and very young boys (before they were breeched) in the early- to mid-nineteenth century. They were a form of leggings or long drawers, which originated in France in the early 19th century, and quickly spread to Britain and America. Whether one-piece or two separate garments (one for each leg), they generally attached at the waist with buttons or laces. They were most often of white linen fabric and could be decorated with tucks, lace, cutwork or broderie anglaise. Ankle-length pantalettes for women were worn under the crinoline and hoop skirt to ensure that the legs were modestly covered. Pantalettes for children and young girls were mid-calf to ankle-length and were intended to show under their shorter skirts.

Full-legged pants, often as short as knee-length. Later in their existence, pantaloons became underwear that was usually allowed to show below the hem of a skirt.

Sheer, close fitting coverings of the body from the waist to the feet, almost exclusively worn by women. Like stockings, pantyhose are usually made of nylon. The one-piece pantyhose garment appeared in the 1960s and provided a convenient alternative to stockings. In British English pantyhose are known as tights.

A versatile rectangle of printed fabric worn as a shawl, swimsuit cover-up, skirt, dress, or scarf. Based on garments worn by natives of Pacific Islands.

Woven fabric that combines together pieces of different prints and designs with stitching sometimes quilted. Often seen in romantic or country looks. Can also be achieved in knits by combining elaborate patterns of stitching.

Heavy, warm hip-length woolen jacket with double-breasted front and a wide notched collar; originally worn by sailors in the color known as navy blue.

Fabric that is processed to achieve a surface that has the soft sueded feeling of a fresh peach.

Romantic style often characterized with a low neckline, ruffles, or free flowing material.

Straight cut pants, often cuffed, that fall just below the knee.

Any part of the garment which has been cut out to reveal skin.

A loose dressing gown and robe.

A straight skirt

Short flounce attached to a snugly fitting waistline.

A woman's half-slip or underskirt that is often full and trimmed with ruffles or lace. Also called pettiskirt. See Wikipedia.

Generally worn by young girls, much like a petticoat but full-length.

A row of small loops woven along the edge of fabric in ribbon or lace for a decorative effect.

A look created by sewing several pieces of material together to form the garment, much like a quilt.

Yarns colored with material that is of animal, vegetable or mineral origin before they are spun into fabric.

Narrow, sewn-down pleats, usually on the front of a garment.

(Pronounced "pee-kay"). Durable, knit or woven fabric with raised lengthwise cords or squares which are part of the weave.

Slit at neckline in a dress, blouse or skirt, usually reinforced with a fold of fabric.

Fabric with a puckered surface. French word meaning gathering, folding, pleating.

Boots with extra fullness at the wide part of the calf of the leg.

Usually a blouse or top, characterized by loose, floppy ruffles.

An open-hole stitch usually in the shape of a V, flower or diamond.

A long or knee-length sheath designed as an extension of the classic, cotton knit polo shirt.

A wrinkle resistant fabric made from synthetic resin.

Straight piece of fabric, usually waterproof, with an opening in the center for the head. Originally a Latin American garment in colorful woven fabrics that is used as outerwear.

A tight knit weave that's soft with just enough stretch for comfort.

A finely ribbed fabric, usually made of cotton.

A one-piece dress that pulls over the head with a back zipper closure; may be designed to look like two pieces.

Seams that can be found in the front or the back of a garment that create a figure-flattering, form-fitting shape.

A plissé fabric with a crinkled or puckered effect; usually some spandex is required to create this textured, stretchy surface.

A full sleeve of varying lengths, created by generous gathering around the armhole.

Slip-in shoe with a medium to high heel for day or evening.

Knitting stitch employed to create a ribbed effect.

A fine palm leaf used for decorative effects. Can be woven into shoes or hats.

Silky, lustrous material manmade from natural fibers, with excellent drape and dyeability.

Any loose, open-front garment worn before dressing, while lounging, or after a bath or swim. Usually closed by a tie around the waist.

(Pronounced "rooshing"). Shirring or pleating for a textured effect, or an applied border of pleated ribbon for a ruffled effect.

Strip of cloth, lace or ribbon at the edge of a garment that creates a rippled effect.

Small running stitches visible on the outside of shoes and accessories.

Safari Style Garments adapted from bush jackets worn by hunters on African safaris; including such features as bellows pockets, belting and epaulettes.

A shoe held on by straps or a wide-banded vamp.

Long cloth that is wrapped around the entire body.

Lustrous cotton or rayon, this fabric has a smooth hand with a soft sheen.

A smooth fabric woven with a glossy face and a dull back.

Edges either cut, knit or crocheted in a tight wave pattern.

A low, U-shaped or round neckline.

Term derived from the Persian "shirushaker", a kind of cloth, literally "milk and sugar". The woven crinkle is produced by alternating slack and tight yarns in the warp.

A heavy fabric with a rough, slubbed surface usually made of silk or some other soft material (often rayon or cotton).

Undergarments with special features including tummy-control panels, thigh slimmers, and bust support.

A one-piece collar that is turned down to form an elegant, continuous line around the back of the neck to the front of a garment.

A straight narrow dress fitted to the body with vertical darts or a set-in waist.

A bra that is built into a garment and offers the lightest support. It has a smooth, seamless appearance.

A straight lined basic dress of the 1960s, hanging away from the body.

A decorative gathering (as of cloth) made by drawing up the material along two or more parallel lines of stitching.

Gathering of material usually used for visual figure enhancement.

A dress cut similar to a man's shirt with buttons down the front.

A button front top that can be worn as a shirt or layered as a jacket over another top.

A woman's small, waist-length or shorter jacket.

An extremely soft, natural fabric made from the secretions of silkworms.

Shorts that have a front covering to resemble a skirt.

Any style of backless slip-on shoe.

Any shoe characterized by a strap that crosses behind the heel or ankle and is otherwise open behind the heel. A slingback is distinguishable from an ankle-strap shoe in that the latter has a strap that crosses around the front of the ankle as well as the back.

Usually silk, polyester, or nylon, these sleeveless women's undergarments are worn under skirts and dresses to prevent visible creases caused by foundation garments as well as static cling.

Bias-cut dress with a fitted top, no waistline and camisole straps.

A dress that has a shoulder yoke with gathering for a full sweep.

With light support and a sleek, smooth appearance, soft cups give just the right amount of support for small to average-busted women.

(Pronounced "sootash"). Woven, satin braid used as a decoration for dresses and suits.

A thin tubular strap that attaches to the bodice, named for its likeness to a strand of spaghetti.

An elastic fabric made from a polymer containing polyurethane.

A round neckline that looks like it has been cut in the center to form a small "V".

An open-yoke neckline shaped in the form of a half square.

A heel constructed from individual layers of leather or manmade material laminated together for strength, durability and pattern.

A pump or slingback with a high narrow heel.

A stocking is a close-fitting, variously elastic garment covering the foot and lower part of the leg. In modern usage, stocking specifically refers to the form of women's hosiery configured as two pieces, one for each leg. The term hold-ups and thigh highs refers to stockings that stay up on their own, while the word stockings is the general term or refers to the kind of stockings that need a garter belt, and are quite distinct from tights or pantyhose.
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Pant legs that are cut an equal width from the waist to ankles.

A cotton fabric usually with spandex or Lycra® spandex for greater comfort, a better fit and superior wrinkle resistance.

A thong panty.

Leather that is buffed on the inside to raise a slight nap -- giving it a textured appearance.

A graceful, open yoke, shaped like the top half of a heart.

A high-cut panty.

A top similar to an undershirt with narrow straps, a U neck and deep armholes.

A two-piece bathing suit with the upper portion resembling a tank top. A tankini provides the coverage of a maillot and the freedom of a bikini.

Pant legs that become progressively narrower toward the ankles.

A plaid which follows special rules for the stripes (setts) and repeat. Generally "belongs" to a family group, trade, or location.

A dress or skirt hemmed to end at the shins.

Knit shirt with short or long set-in sleeves.

A sandal held on the foot by a strap between the first and second toes.

Briefs with a single strap back, V-shaped front and elastic waist.

The waist is pulled tight around the body with a tie.

A type of fabric leg covering, usually extending from the waist to feet, and fitting as tightly as possible to the body (from which the name derives). In American English, the difference between pantyhose and tights in women's fashion is determined in the weight of the yarn used and the thickness to which the garment is knitted. Generally, anything up to 40 denier is known as pantyhose and anything over can be classified as tights. In the United Kingdom the word "tights" is used in all cases when referring to pantyhose. In women's fashion, unfooted tights are usually called leggings.

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The upper edge of a shoe.

Machine stitching showing on the right side of a garment for decorative effect. Also a shoe detail or decoration.

Tank top style with a fuller bottom sweep.

A waterproof overcoat styled along military lines.

A strapless top made with stretch fabric.

A fine sheer net fabric.

Soft leather with a slightly pebbled grain.

A simple slip-on top that usually falls below the hips or longer.

A high, close-fitting, turnover collar used especially for sweaters and knit tops.

A coarse wool or synthetic fabric used chiefly for casual suits and coats.

A basic weave characterized by diagonal wales on the face.

A cardigan sweater over a matching sleeveless or short-sleeve sweater.

Registered trademark of Springs Mills, Inc. for luxury suede-like fabric.

This traditional style underwire bra offers the most support and definition for full-busted women.

An open yoke coming to a "V" shape midway down the bodice.

The upper part of a shoe or boot covering the instep.

Trademark for a closing consisting of a tape woven with minute nylon hooks that mesh with loops on an opposite tape. First used by astronauts.

Soft velvety thick pile fabric made of various fibers and yarns. Used primarily for coats, warm-up suits, knit shirts and dresses.

Fabric made of various fibers in different weights woven with an extra yarn in the warp. This fabric is cut and brushed to form a soft, luxurious pile. Pile velvet has the pile uncut, standing in loops, and cut velvet has the loops cut apart.

Cut-pile fabric (often cotton) made with an extra filling yarn. The pile is not more than 1/8 inch (3 mm) high (shorter than velvet). Used primarily for dresses, suits, and sportswear.

A lightweight, open-weave fabric made from wool, silk, cotton, or rayon; soft, used especially for women's summer clothing.

A waist cincher and Waspie, since the 1980s, is a type of wide, laced or elastic belt, generally with soft plastic stiffeners (stays).
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Pocket that has a folded strip of material sewn into the front portion of the pocket. The welt extends upward from the seam.

A collar with projections that cover shoulder seams of bodices and doublets

A bodice created by the cross-wrapping of fabric; may be in front or back, and associated with a high or low neckline.

Yarn that has been dyed prior to the weaving or knitting of the garment. Yarn-dyed garments hold their color after repeated cleaning.

The fitted top of a garment across the shoulders in front or back, usually a separate piece seamed across the front and back; sometimes lined.

The Spanish word for shoe.

Trademark of E. I. Du Pont for a compound used to make a fabric stain repellent.

A completely removable lining inserted into a coat or jacket by means of a zipper or buttons around the coat facing. Also called a shell.