Fashion Glossary
Academy Modestyling Lexicon from A to Z
The most important fashion terms simply explained
A-Line
A garment that fits tightly at the top and flares out towards the bottom, forming an "A" shape. A-line dresses, skirts, and coats are common examples.
Accessories
Items that complement an outfit, such as jewelry, bags, scarves, hats, belts, or sunglasses.
Apron:
A garment worn over regular clothes to protect them from dirt or stains, commonly used by chefs, waiters, or homemakers.
Asymmetrical
A design featuring uneven shapes or cuts, such as an off-the-shoulder top with a strap on only one side, or a blouse with sleeves of different lengths.
Athleisure
A fashion style that incorporates sportswear into everyday clothing.
Avant-Garde
An artistic and experimental style characterized by unconventional designs and shapes.
Baggy
A loose-fitting cut of clothing, often found in pants and shorts.
Balloon Sleeves
A sleeve that fits tightly at the armhole and then expands into a voluminous shape.
Bandeau
A strapless garment that fits snugly around the upper body, such as a top or a dress.
Basics
Essential clothing pieces that form the foundation of many outfits, such as T-shirts, jeans, or white shirts.
Blazer
A classic, tailored garment with a collar and button closure, typically worn in formal or business settings
Blouses
A top made of lightweight material, available in various cuts and styles.
Boho
A style inspired by Bohemian culture, characterized by flowing garments, fringe, ethnic patterns, and accessories.
Bootcut
A pant cut that fits closely through the thighs and flares slightly from the knee down.
Boat Neck
A neckline that is wide and reaches the shoulders, often found on tops and dresses.
Boyfriend Jeans
A relaxed, masculine-cut pair of jeans that is often worn with rolled-up cuffs.
Bralette
A short, strapless top that can be worn as a bra replacement or as part of an outfit.
Bustier
A tight-fitting, strapless top that is often worn as part of an outfit or as a bra alternative.
Calf-Length
A garment that reaches the middle part of the calf. Also called midi when referring to dresses and skirts.
Cape
A draped cloak worn over clothing, usually fastened with a button or clasp.
Capsule Wardrobe
A collection of clothing pieces that can be mixed and matched easily to create a versatile base wardrobe.
Cardigan
A soft, open-knit top with buttons or a zipper down the front.
Chinos
Trousers with a straight or slightly tapered leg made from lightweight fabric, often cotton or linen.
Cocktail Dress
A dress that falls between formal and casual wear, often worn to events like cocktail parties. It is typically knee-length and available in various styles.
Crop Top
A short-cut top that often exposes the belly or navel.
Cut-Out
A design where parts of the fabric are cut away or removed to create a pattern or shape.
Cut:The shape of a garment, including length, width, depth, and the placement of seams and darts.
Denim
A sturdy cotton fabric commonly used for jeans and casual wear.
Drawstring Bag
A bag shaped like a pouch that often features a drawstring closure.
Designer
A fashion creator or label that designs and produces clothing, accessories, or shoes.
Distressed
A style, also known as the "used look," where the fabric appears intentionally faded, ripped, or worn.
Dolman Sleeves
A wide-cut sleeve that fits closely at the armhole and widens toward the wrist.
Double-Breasted:
A closure system featuring two rows of buttons or fasteners on the front of a garment to secure it.
Empire Style
A clothing style where the waistline is positioned just below the bust, with the skirt or pants flowing down from there.
Ethnic Style
Clothing inspired by the cultural aesthetics of distant regions, often using traditional colors and patterns.
Faux Fur
A synthetic material designed to look like real fur, used in clothing and accessories.
Faux Leather
A synthetic material that looks like real leather, often used in clothing and accessories.
Flared
A cut of clothing where the lower part flares out, such as in flared jeans, also known as bell-bottoms.
Fleece:
A soft, fluffy fabric often used in jackets, coats, and accessories that provides insulation.
Flip-Flops
A type of footwear consisting of a sole and a thin strap, often worn in warm weather or at the beach.
Fringe
A design element where thin cords or threads are attached to clothing or accessories and swing with movement.
Front Closure:A fastening system located on the front of a garment, such as a button placket or zipper.
Gladiator Sandals
Sandals with multiple straps around the ankle and foot, often extending up to the knee.
Glam / Glamorous: A luxurious, polished, and often sparkling look with bold makeup, shiny fabrics, and dramatic silhouettes. Think red carpet or Hollywood style.
Goth / Gothic: Dark, mysterious, and edgy style. Common elements: black clothing, lace, leather, corsets, boots, and silver jewelry. Often inspired by Victorian or punk elements.
Grunge:Originated in the '90s, featuring oversized flannels, ripped jeans, band tees, and a deliberately unkempt look. Think Nirvana-inspired fashion.
Gothic
A fashion style inspired by Gothic culture, characterized by dark colors, lace, leather, and metal details.
Handkerchief Hem
A garment hem shaped like a handkerchief, usually cut irregularly or with waves, to create a casual yet elegant look.
Harem Pants
Loose pants with a low crotch and tight cuffs at the ankles.
Haute Couture
High-quality, custom-made clothing produced by renowned fashion designers.
Hemline
The line where the hem of a garment ends.
High-Waist
A cut of pants or skirts where the waistband sits above the natural waist.
Horizontal StripesA pattern where the stripes run horizontally, often found on shirts, dresses, and pants.
Hoodie
A hooded sweatshirt, often made from soft fabric, featuring a hood and a kangaroo pocket.
Janker
A traditional jacket with a box pleat in the back and a stand-up or lapel collar. Typical features include contrasting edges and decorative buttons made of metal or deer horn.
Jumper
A sporty, pullover-style top that typically falls around hip length.
Jumpsuit
A one-piece garment consisting of pants and a top, often giving the appearance of a dress.
Kaftan
A long, loose garment with wide sleeves and a breezy cut, often made from lightweight fabrics like silk or chiffon.
Kimono
A traditional Japanese garment with wide sleeves and a broad belt.
Knee-Length Pants
Pants that reach the knee, often worn in summer or during sports activities.
Knitwear
Clothing made from knitted fabric, such as sweaters, cardigans, or scarves.
Leggings
Tight-fitting pants made from stretchy materials like cotton, nylon, or Lycra.
Lingerie
Underwear designed specifically for women, often made from silky or lace fabrics.
Loafers
Flat, comfortable shoes often made of leather without laces or fasteners.
Lycra
A stretchy synthetic fabric commonly used in sportswear or leggings.
Mesh
A net-like fabric often used in clothing and accessories to create a sheer or textured look.
Metallics
Colors that have a metallic appearance, such as gold, silver, or copper.
Milky Washed
A very light bleaching of denim, tending towards white.
Mules
A shoe that is open at the back with no heel cover, often featuring a heel.
Overall
A one-piece garment combining a top and pants in a single piece.
Overdressed
Dressed too formally or elaborately for a particular occasion.
Oxford
A colorful woven shirt fabric with a very fine texture.
Oversized
A style of clothing intentionally designed to be large and loose-fitting to create a comfortable and relaxed look.
Pattern
A pattern made up of square blocks in different colors and sizes.
Palazzo Pants
Loose pants with wide legs, often made from lightweight fabrics like chiffon or silk.
Pencil Skirt
A tight-fitting skirt that usually reaches the knee.
Pleats
A design element where fabric is folded into small folds to create a textured effect.
A storage compartment built into clothing, accessories, or bags to hold items.
Poncho
A loose, usually sleeveless garment pulled over the head that covers the torso and arms.
Pinstripes
Very fine vertical stripes; light stripes on a dark background. A typical pattern for well-tailored men's suits
A pattern or design printed on clothing or accessories, such as floral, stripes, or animal prints.
Pyjama Style
A fashion style inspired by sleepwear, often made from soft fabrics like silk or satin.
Qipao
A traditional Chinese dress, usually made from shiny fabric, also known as Cheongsam, that fits closely to the body and often features a high collar and side slits.
Quilt / Quilting
Eine Nähtechnik, bei der zwei Stofflagen mit einer Füllung dazwischen zusammengenäht werden – oft mit dekorativen Steppnähten. Beliebt bei Jacken, Westen und Taschen.
Quilted Fabric
Gestepptes Material, häufig in Wintermode verwendet. Typisch z. B. bei „Puffer Jackets“ (Steppjacken).
Quirky Style
Ein verspielter, individueller Modestil, der kreative, unerwartete Elemente kombiniert. Oft bunt, mutig und nicht an Trends gebunden.
Ruching
A technique where fabric is gathered into small folds or ruffles to create a textured appearance.
Rayon
A synthetic fabric made from cellulose, often used in clothing and accessories.
Retro
A fashion style that recalls past decades, such as the 50s, 60s, or 70s.
Ruffles
Small folds in fabric, often attached to dresses, blouses, or skirts to create a feminine or playful look.
Ruffle
A piece of fabric attached in a layer around the hem or neckline of a garment to create volume and movement.
Safari Style
A fashion style inspired by safari adventurers’ clothing, often including khaki-colored garments with pockets and belts.
Sequins
Small, round discs made of metal or plastic attached to clothing and accessories to create a sparkling or glittering effect.
Sheath Dress
A form-fitting dress that closely follows the contours of the body
Studs
Small metal spikes attached to clothing and accessories to create a punk or rock look.
Straps
Thin, often adjustable bands wrapped around the ankle, wrist, or other body parts for decorative or functional purposes.
Satin
A shiny fabric with a smooth, silky surface, frequently used in evening dresses and other formal garments
Stitching
An Decorative ornamental seam or embellishment added to a garment to enhance its appearance.
Tassel
A decorative ornament made of fringes or cords, often attached to clothing, bags, and jewelry.
Tailcoat
A formal garment for men, often worn at weddings or other festive occasions, consisting of a black tailcoat, a white waistcoat, and a white bow tie.
Tie-Dye
A dyeing technique in which color is applied to the fabric to create a specific pattern.
Tie
An accessory worn by men around the neck, made from a narrow strip of fabric.
Train
The long part of a dress or skirt that trails behind the wearer, often found in wedding gowns.
Tank Top
A sleeveless top, usually made of cotton or other lightweight material, that fits closely to the body.
Waistband
A fabric or leather belt worn around the waist to tighten a garment or emphasize the waistline.
Tartan
A checkered pattern often associated with Scotland, available in many colors and designs.
Tie-Dye
A dyeing technique in which color is applied to fabric to create a specific pattern.
Tunic
A loose-fitting, longer top, usually reaching the hips or thighs, often paired with leggings or skinny jeans.
Tweed
A rough, durable woolen fabric often found in jackets, coats, and pants, creating a classic, traditional look.
Tulle
A fine, sheer fabric often used in dresses, skirts, and veils to create a feminine, playful look.
Uniform
Standardized clothing worn by people in specific professions or roles, such as soldiers, pilots, nurses, or students.
Utility Style
A fashion style inspired by the functionality and design of workwear, often including cargo pants, field jackets, and other practical garments.
V-Neck
A neckline in the shape of a "V," commonly found on shirts, t-shirts, and sweaters.
Velour
A fabric with a short, dense pile, often used in jackets, coats, and pants, creating a soft, luxurious feel.
Velvet
A soft, plush fabric often used in clothing and accessories to create a luxurious or elegant look.
Waist
The narrowest part of the body, usually between the ribcage and hips, where many garments fit closely.
Wax Coating
A wax layer applied to fabric to make it water-resistant and more durable.
Wrap Dress
A dress that is wrapped and tied around the waist by crossing over, creating a flattering fit.
Wide-Leg Pants
Pants with a wide leg that usually reaches the ankle or below, offering a comfortable yet stylish look.
Wool
A natural fiber fabric obtained from the fleece of sheep and other animals, often used in dresses, coats, and pants.
Yoga Pants
Tight, elastic pants usually made from cotton or other soft materials, suitable for yoga and other activities.
Yoke
A piece of fabric attached over the shoulders and upper back to improve the cut and fit of garments.
Zoot Suit
A distinctive style of suit from the 1940s characterized by long jackets with wide lapels and high-waisted, wide-legged trousers, popular in African American and Latino communities.
Zen Style
A minimalist and calm fashion style inspired by Japanese aesthetics, focusing on simplicity and comfort.
Zero Waste Fashion
A sustainable fashion approach aimed at producing no textile waste during garment construction.