common terms used in the fashion industry

Has anyone ever mentioned a term concerning a field everyone knows you are interested in but you don’t understand it? That is the kind of embarrassment no one wants to go through. For this same reason, the fashion freak you think you are needs to know these fashion related terms and their  meanings  to know when and where to use them.

brand- Is made up of designers that have been in the fashion business for longer and is already a known name. more like a label though a label is not established. An example we can give is ZARA.

Label – usually run by an individual with one designer and a small team of people working for it unlike a brand that makes new ready-to-wear outfits in limited numbers. These outfits are high on style and are often expensive than regular store clothes but less than the usual for example CHLOE.

Ensemble –a complete outfit with jewelry, accessories etc.

Off-the-rack -Non designer outfits made in a large number and are readily available in cloth stores or ready-made garments made in standard sizes.

In vogue –this means in fashion or what is trending at a particular time.  

Fashion-forward -styles that are not currently trending but show signs of trending in the                     nearby future because they are   good. It is also means people good at their fashion game right and can predict what will trend in the near future.

Monochrome- refers to an outfit that is only in black and white colors. Accessories too in

the same colors.

monochrome outfit

Active-wear- refers to clothing worn during an active sport, such as yoga pants, track pants, swim shorts, rugby shorts etc

Anorak- hooded sports jacket specifically designed for extreme weather conditions. (i.e. windy, snowy etc.) An anorak is also known as a Parka, Windbreaker or Windcheater

Apparel- Apparel is a common term used to describe clothing, attire, clothes and/or garments.

 Bag- Made from leather, plastic or fabric; that can be worn over the shoulder, across the body, on the back or carried in the hand. They are categorized into; clutches, totes, satchels, backpacks, purses, shoulder bags, messenger bags and many more.

  

Bandana- A piece of cloth worn tied around the head or neck.
       
Belt- material made of various materials such as leather, cloth, woven fabrics worn around the waist to support trousers.

Beret- a beret is a soft round hat traditionally made of felt or knitted wool.

Blazer- A jacket with long sleeves and lapels. Blazers can be worn formally or casually.

Blouse- A women's shirt.

Cape- Sleeveless outer garment that hangs from the shoulders.

Cardigan- A knitted, woolen garment similar to a jacket with button or zipper fastening down front.

Coat- Outwear worn over a garment to provide protection from the elements. These include Duffel Coats, Trench Coats and Great Coats.

Cocktail Dress- A short evening dress worn to formal, semi-formal and cocktail events. These usually fall to mid-thigh or to the knee.

Crochet- A decorative knitting technique created by looping and knotting fibre with a special needle

Evening Wear- An outfit suitable for formal events.

Fabric- Any material made by weaving, knitting, crocheting, or bonding yarns or threads to form a textile.

Fashionista- a person who follows fashion, or is involved in the fashion industry.

      

Floral- Fabric printed with flower motifs.

        

Fragrance- Perfume from essential oils, aroma compounds and other elements to provide a pleasing and attractive smell.

       

Hats- A piece of clothing worn on the head, with a high crown and brim.

        

Heels- a top piece that is added to the rear end of the sole of a shoe, lifting the back of the shoe away from the ground.

        

Jacket- A thigh or waist length coat that may be fastened with buttons, a zip, press studs or toggles.

   

 Jewelry- Decorative objects worn on the person or clothes, often made with precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum and gemstones such as diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. These include; necklaces, watches, bracelets among others.

Accessories -Extra items jewelry, hats, bags and the rest of the kind.

male

female

Lame- Shiny fabric made with either gold or silver metallic threads. Luxurious and glamorous.

        

Leather- A material produced from the tanned hides and skins of many different animals, but usually cattle, sheep, pig and goat.

       

Leg warmers- Knitted footless socks, worn by ballet dancers to conceal warmth during and after exercise. Come in a wide range of colors.

        

Lingerie used by women as underwear, made from materials such as silk, cotton, satin, polyester and nylon.

        

Logo A graphic symbol designed to represent the character of a company, product, service, or other industry.

        

Open Back shows the entire back without the use of straps, sheer fabric, etc. to obstruct the view of the back.

        

Pockets- A bag-like container created in a garment for carrying small items.

        

Stole- A band of cloth or a shawl worn around the shoulders and left to fall down the body front.

        

Suit- A set of clothes cut from the same fabric, designed to be worn together.

     

Thong- A narrow piece of cloth that passes between the buttocks and attaches to a band around the hips.

     

Tie- A piece of cloth that is tied with a knot at the throat and worn under a shirt collar.

     

Tuxedo- Formal wear comprising a black, vent less dinner or smoking jacket with silk or satin lapels.

     

Zeitgeist- The moral and intellectual trends of a given era. Taken from the German zeit meaning time and geist meaning spirit, the term’s literal translation is ‘the spirit of the age’.

     

Zipper Pull- Refers to a metal accessory that allows for the opening of a zipper; usually in various shaped and sizes.

The terms are more and not limited to this but with these basic ones, you are ready to rock that fashion jazz. You and we are BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE.