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As my husband started building Cleo Madison with me, he had a lot of learning to do. He was always asking me, “what does this word mean?”. It’s because of this that I thought to myself that others might not know what these things mean either and that it would be helpful to put them all in one place – hence this dictionary if you will.
There are all sorts of interesting words being thrown around casually in the clothing industry. Have a word you’d like us to add to this list? Comment below and we’ll add it!
Paper Bag
Shop this paper bag skirt here
Paper bag refers to the top of a skirt or pants. It is when the material is gathered up or cinched up to look like a paper bag. It creates a ruffle at the top and is often paired with a belt.
Argyle
Argyle is a pattern that consists of a couple different colors of diamond shapes on a solid background. It is usually woven or knit. Argyle is commonly seen on socks and sweaters.
Bomber Jacket
This type of jacket also goes by the names of flight jacket and bombardier jacket. It was originally made for pilots but has made it’s way into the fashion industry. They come in all kinds of varieties, but usually have a thick lining made of sheepskin.
Boho
Boho, boho-chic and Bohemian chic are all the same thing. This style of clothing is generally loose, long and flowing.
Cap Sleeve
Shop this cap sleeve tee here.
Items like shirts and dresses can be cap sleeve. This is when the sleeve is shorter than short sleeve and just barely covers your shoulders.
Chambray
Shop this chambray shirt here.
Denim and chambray are similar in the material that’s used to make them, but they differ in the way they are produced and that’s what gives them their unique color. For example, denim is weaved diagonally, whereas chambray is weaved in a crisscross fashion. Chambray fabric is lighter in color when compared to denim, soft, and durable.
Chevron
Shop this chevron maxi skirt here.
Whenever you see the inverted V zigzag on clothing, you’re looking at chevron print. There’s a debate online as to whether or not this is timeless or a trend. We personally think it’s a trend that’s come and gone.
Chiffon
Originally made from silk, then nylon and nowadays generally made from polyester. You’ll find that it’s stretchy, rough, sheer, and lightweight.
Culottes
These are basically pants where the legs hang like a skirt. I actually don’t own a pair, but I think I might need to get some. Don’t they look so comfortable?
Empire Waist Dress
Shop this empire waist dress here.
A style of dress that is fitted to just below your chest and then has a loose fitting skirt. This emphasizes the breast area and helps to hide one’s stomach. Individuals with a pear shaped body look great in these!
Herringbone
Shop this herringbone vest here.
The way the fabric is woven resembles the bones in a herring fish.
Hi-Low
Any item that’s considered to be hi-low, is generally shorter in the front and longer in the back.
Jersey Dress
Dresses made from jersey fabric are way comfortable, lightweight, and come in a variety of styles, These types of dresses are not recommended for individuals with curves, as they hug your body, but maybe you’re okay with showing them.
Maxi
Shop this floral maxi dress here.
This is for dresses, skirts and sometimes coats that are floor length and go to the ankle.
Midkini
This is a two piece swimsuit that’s basically a bikini with high waist bottoms. It shows less stomach that a normal bikini would.
Related Content: What is Modest Swimwear?
Monokini
A monokini is a one piece with cutouts in the stomach area. Here’s a good example of this!
Pinafore
Shop this pinafore dress here.
This is similar to an apron, but it differs in that it’s basically a dress or a skirt with no sleeves that is worn over the top of a shirt or a blouse.
Rayon
Shop this rayon maxi dress here.
This is a synthetic fiber that’s highly durable and soft. A lot of dresses are made with this material.
Scallops
Scallops are usually half circled and add a decorative edge to many clothing items.
Sequin
Shop this sequin pencil skirt here.
A sequin is a small, shiny disk that’s sewn onto clothing as a decoration. They are often found on bags, shoes, shirts, skirts, and dresses.
Spandex
Shop these spandex leggings here.
This is a tight, but stretchy material commonly used in the making of leggings, skirts, shorts, and etc. Volleyball players and other athletes wear shorts often made with spandex.
Tankini
A tankini is a two piece swimsuit that covers your whole stomach.
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