FASHION GLOSSARY
July 5, 2006
Certain words useful in the world of fashion and style.
Halter - Straps go around to back of neck
Off-the-Shoulder - Gown sits just below shoulder line and is held up by bodice
Portrait - Wide scoop that sits just on shoulder bone
Scoop - Wide “U” shape
Spaghetti Straps - Thin straps that go over shoulders
Square - Self explanatory
Strapless - No straps, gown is kept up by bodice
Sweetheart - Heart shaped
T-Shirt or Jewel - Round like a T-shirt
V-Neck - Shaped like a “V”
Fabrics
Brocade - Heavy material with a pattern
Batiste - Semi-transparent fabric
Chiffon - Lightweight, flowing sheer fabric
Damask - Medium weight patterned fabric
Crepe - Lightweight porous-like fabric
Duchess Satin - Hybrid of silk and polyester
Dupioni - Thick coarse looking silk
Gazar - Criss cross weaved fabric,linen-like
Organdy - Stiffer transparent fabric
Illusion - Semi-transparent fabric similar to organza
Organza - Sheer fabric similar to tulle but more tightly woven
Polyester - Man made fabric often blended with silks or made to mimic a certain type of fabric
Rayon - Similar to polyester but more elastic
Shantung - Rough textured fabric with lines and “nubs”. Comes in Silk or Polyester
Satin - Smooth textured fabric very common in wedding gowns. Comes in Silk or Polyester
Silk - A soft and fine fabric that comes in a variety of finishes such as shantung or satin
Silk Mikado - A type of blended silk that is heavier than regular silk
Taffeta - Crisp, rustling fabric
Tulle - Stiff netting similar to organza but stiffer and coarser
Silhouttes
2Piece - Separate skirt and top. This may apply to any of the silhoutees below
A-line - Fitted bodice with slight flare starting at the waist or higher and going to the floor
Ball Gown - Traditional full skirt and fitted bodice
Mermaid - Sheath gown to the knees and then a flare out
Sheath - Tube shaped gown following the contours of the body
Waistlines
Basque - Waistline dips below natural waist forming a “V” in the center
Dropped - Waistline dips below natural waistline and sits more on hips
Empire - High waistline just under bust
None - Many gowns especially a-lines have no defined waist
Comments
Got something to say?