Fashion Glossary

​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.

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Accessories

Items that complement an outfit, such as jewelry, bags, scarves, hats, belts, or sunglasses.

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Apron:
A garment worn over regular clothes to protect them from dirt or stains, commonly used by chefs, waiters, or homemakers.

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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.

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Athleisure

A fashion style that incorporates sportswear into everyday clothing.

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Avant-Garde

An artistic and experimental style characterized by unconventional designs and shapes.

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Baggy

A loose-fitting cut of clothing, often found in pants and shorts.

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Balloon Sleeves

A sleeve that fits tightly at the armhole and then expands into a voluminous shape.

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Bandeau

A strapless garment that fits snugly around the upper body, such as a top or a dress.

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Basics

Essential clothing pieces that form the foundation of many outfits, such as T-shirts, jeans, or white shirts.

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Blazer

A classic, tailored garment with a collar and button closure, typically worn in formal or business settings

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Blouses

A top made of lightweight material, available in various cuts and styles.

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Boho

A style inspired by Bohemian culture, characterized by flowing garments, fringe, ethnic patterns, and accessories.

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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.

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Boyfriend Jeans

A relaxed, masculine-cut pair of jeans that is often worn with rolled-up cuffs.

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Bralette

A short, strapless top that can be worn as a bra replacement or as part of an outfit. 

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Bustier

A tight-fitting, strapless top that is often worn as part of an outfit or as a bra alternative.

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Calf-Length

A garment that reaches the middle part of the calf. Also called midi when referring to dresses and skirts.​

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Cape

A draped cloak worn over clothing, usually fastened with a button or clasp.

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Capsule Wardrobe

A collection of clothing pieces that can be mixed and matched easily to create a versatile base wardrobe.

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Cardigan

A soft, open-knit top with buttons or a zipper down the front.

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Chinos

Trousers with a straight or slightly tapered leg made from lightweight fabric, often cotton or linen.

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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.

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Crop Top

A short-cut top that often exposes the belly or navel.

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Cut-Out

A design where parts of the fabric are cut away or removed to create a pattern or shape.

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Cut:The shape of a garment, including length, width, depth, and the placement of seams and darts.​

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Denim

A sturdy cotton fabric commonly used for jeans and casual wear.

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Drawstring Bag

A bag shaped like a pouch that often features a drawstring closure.

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Designer

A fashion creator or label that designs and produces clothing, accessories, or shoes.

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Distressed

A style, also known as the "used look," where the fabric appears intentionally faded, ripped, or worn.

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Dolman Sleeves

A wide-cut sleeve that fits closely at the armhole and widens toward the wrist.

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Double-Breasted:

A closure system featuring two rows of buttons or fasteners on the front of a garment to secure it.

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Empire Style

A clothing style where the waistline is positioned just below the bust, with the skirt or pants flowing down from there.

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Ethnic Style

Clothing inspired by the cultural aesthetics of distant regions, often using traditional colors and patterns.

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Faux Fur

A synthetic material designed to look like real fur, used in clothing and accessories.

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Faux Leather

A synthetic material that looks like real leather, often used in clothing and accessories.

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Flared

A cut of clothing where the lower part flares out, such as in flared jeans, also known as bell-bottoms.

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Fleece:

A soft, fluffy fabric often used in jackets, coats, and accessories that provides insulation.​

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Flip-Flops

A type of footwear consisting of a sole and a thin strap, often worn in warm weather or at the beach.

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Fringe

A design element where thin cords or threads are attached to clothing or accessories and swing with movement.

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Front Closure:A fastening system located on the front of a garment, such as a button placket or zipper.​

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Gladiator Sandals

Sandals with multiple straps around the ankle and foot, often extending up to the knee.

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Glam / Glamorous: A luxurious, polished, and often sparkling look with bold makeup, shiny fabrics, and dramatic silhouettes. Think red carpet or Hollywood style.

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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.

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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.

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Handkerchief Hem

A garment hem shaped like a handkerchief, usually cut irregularly or with waves, to create a casual yet elegant look.

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Harem Pants

Loose pants with a low crotch and tight cuffs at the ankles.

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Haute Couture

High-quality, custom-made clothing produced by renowned fashion designers.

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Hemline

The line where the hem of a garment ends.

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High-Waist

A cut of pants or skirts where the waistband sits above the natural waist.

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Horizontal StripesA pattern where the stripes run horizontally, often found on shirts, dresses, and pants.​

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Hoodie

A hooded sweatshirt, often made from soft fabric, featuring a hood and a kangaroo pocket.

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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.

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Jumper

A sporty, pullover-style top that typically falls around hip length.

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Jumpsuit

A one-piece garment consisting of pants and a top, often giving the appearance of a dress.

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Kaftan

A long, loose garment with wide sleeves and a breezy cut, often made from lightweight fabrics like silk or chiffon.

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Kimono

A traditional Japanese garment with wide sleeves and a broad belt.

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Knee-Length Pants

Pants that reach the knee, often worn in summer or during sports activities.

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Knitwear

Clothing made from knitted fabric, such as sweaters, cardigans, or scarves.

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Leggings

Tight-fitting pants made from stretchy materials like cotton, nylon, or Lycra.

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Lingerie

Underwear designed specifically for women, often made from silky or lace fabrics.

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Loafers

Flat, comfortable shoes often made of leather without laces or fasteners.

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Lycra

A stretchy synthetic fabric commonly used in sportswear or leggings.

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Mesh

A net-like fabric often used in clothing and accessories to create a sheer or textured look.

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Metallics

Colors that have a metallic appearance, such as gold, silver, or copper.

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Milky Washed

A very light bleaching of denim, tending towards white.

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Mules

A shoe that is open at the back with no heel cover, often featuring a heel.

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Overall

A one-piece garment combining a top and pants in a single piece.

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Overdressed

Dressed too formally or elaborately for a particular occasion.

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Oxford

A colorful woven shirt fabric with a very fine texture.

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Oversized

A style of clothing intentionally designed to be large and loose-fitting to create a comfortable and relaxed look.

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Pattern 

A pattern made up of square blocks in different colors and sizes.

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Palazzo Pants

Loose pants with wide legs, often made from lightweight fabrics like chiffon or silk.

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Pencil Skirt

A tight-fitting skirt that usually reaches the knee.

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Pleats

A design element where fabric is folded into small folds to create a textured effect.

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Pocket

A storage compartment built into clothing, accessories, or bags to hold items.​

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Poncho

A loose, usually sleeveless garment pulled over the head that covers the torso and arms.

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Pinstripes

Very fine vertical stripes; light stripes on a dark background. A typical pattern for well-tailored men's suits

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Print

A pattern or design printed on clothing or accessories, such as floral, stripes, or animal prints.

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Pyjama Style

A fashion style inspired by sleepwear, often made from soft fabrics like silk or satin.

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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.

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Quilt / Quilting

Eine Nähtechnik, bei der zwei Stofflagen mit einer Füllung dazwischen zusammengenäht werden – oft mit dekorativen Steppnähten. Beliebt bei Jacken, Westen und Taschen.

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Quilted Fabric

Gestepptes Material, häufig in Wintermode verwendet. Typisch z. B. bei „Puffer Jackets“ (Steppjacken).

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Quirky Style

Ein verspielter, individueller Modestil, der kreative, unerwartete Elemente kombiniert. Oft bunt, mutig und nicht an Trends gebunden.

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Ruching
A technique where fabric is gathered into small folds or ruffles to create a textured appearance.

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Rayon
A synthetic fabric made from cellulose, often used in clothing and accessories.

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Retro
A fashion style that recalls past decades, such as the 50s, 60s, or 70s.

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Ruffles

Small folds in fabric, often attached to dresses, blouses, or skirts to create a feminine or playful look.

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Ruffle

A piece of fabric attached in a layer around the hem or neckline of a garment to create volume and movement.

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Safari Style
A fashion style inspired by safari adventurers’ clothing, often including khaki-colored garments with pockets and belts.

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Sequins

Small, round discs made of metal or plastic attached to clothing and accessories to create a sparkling or glittering effect.

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Sheath Dress

A form-fitting dress that closely follows the contours of the body

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Studs

Small metal spikes attached to clothing and accessories to create a punk or rock look.

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Straps

Thin, often adjustable bands wrapped around the ankle, wrist, or other body parts for decorative or functional purposes.

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Satin
A shiny fabric with a smooth, silky surface, frequently used in evening dresses and other formal garments
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Stitching

An Decorative  ornamental seam or embellishment added to a garment to enhance its appearance.​

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Tassel

A decorative ornament made of fringes or cords, often attached to clothing, bags, and jewelry.

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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.

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Tie-Dye

A dyeing technique in which color is applied to the fabric to create a specific pattern.

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Tie

An accessory worn by men around the neck, made from a narrow strip of fabric.

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Train

The long part of a dress or skirt that trails behind the wearer, often found in wedding gowns.

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Tank Top
A sleeveless top, usually made of cotton or other lightweight material, that fits closely to the body.

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Waistband
A fabric or leather belt worn around the waist to tighten a garment or emphasize the waistline.

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Tartan
A checkered pattern often associated with Scotland, available in many colors and designs.

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Tie-Dye
A dyeing technique in which color is applied to fabric to create a specific pattern.

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Tunic
A loose-fitting, longer top, usually reaching the hips or thighs, often paired with leggings or skinny jeans.

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Tweed
A rough, durable woolen fabric often found in jackets, coats, and pants, creating a classic, traditional look.

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Tulle
A fine, sheer fabric often used in dresses, skirts, and veils to create a feminine, playful look.

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Uniform
Standardized clothing worn by people in specific professions or roles, such as soldiers, pilots, nurses, or students.

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Utility Style
A fashion style inspired by the functionality and design of workwear, often including cargo pants, field jackets, and other practical garments.

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V-Neck
A neckline in the shape of a "V," commonly found on shirts, t-shirts, and sweaters.

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Velour
A fabric with a short, dense pile, often used in jackets, coats, and pants, creating a soft, luxurious feel.

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Velvet

A soft, plush fabric often used in clothing and accessories to create a luxurious or elegant look.​

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Waist

The narrowest part of the body, usually between the ribcage and hips, where many garments fit closely.​

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Wax Coating
A wax layer applied to fabric to make it water-resistant and more durable.

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Wrap Dress
A dress that is wrapped and tied around the waist by crossing over, creating a flattering fit.

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Wide-Leg Pants
Pants with a wide leg that usually reaches the ankle or below, offering a comfortable yet stylish look.

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Wool
A natural fiber fabric obtained from the fleece of sheep and other animals, often used in dresses, coats, and pants.

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Yoga Pants
Tight, elastic pants usually made from cotton or other soft materials, suitable for yoga and other activities.

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Yoke
A piece of fabric attached over the shoulders and upper back to improve the cut and fit of garments.

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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.

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Zen Style

A minimalist and calm fashion style inspired by Japanese aesthetics, focusing on simplicity and comfort.

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Zero Waste Fashion

A sustainable fashion approach aimed at producing no textile waste during garment construction.

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