The world of fashion is cut from a different cloth if you’ll agree with me. There are quite a number of terms, phrases, words and even expressions used to express different techniques, styles and processes in dress making. Starting from the basics, let’s examine some fashion terms.

Fabrics

Fabrics are the raw materials or textiles that are made into the desired clothes and outfits. Fabrics are the plain canvases before any style is spun from them. There are different types and kinds of fabrics. The variation in fabric types ranges from the fabric texture, its production, color and use. Some common types of fabrics include lace, silk, chiffon, crepe, tulle, organza, satin, muslin etc.

Cutting and Stitching

Before raw fabrics can be made into desired outfits, they are first cut using a size guide according to the body measurements of the wearer of the clothes. Fabrics have to be cut using a scissors or rotary cutter after the measurements have been marked. Stitching is putting together and sewing these different pieces of cut out fabrics together to make the clothes.

Embroidery

This is the designing of clothes and fashion pieces with needles and hand stitched designs to create aesthe patterns like flowers and geometric designs. Embroidery can be done with hand or an embroidery machine.

Haute Couture

This is a french term meaning high sewing. Haute couture is a type of fashion where the clothes are made for the clients exact measurements and body size. They are often limited edition and are more expensive than clothes that made as ready-to-wear.

In Vogue

When a fashion piece or style is popular at a particular tome, it is said to be In vogue. Different reasons could make for the popularity of fashion pieces at a particular time. Factors like season and weather often make clothes in vogue at a particular time of the year than at other times.

Appliques and Embellishments

Appliques are parts of fabrics that are cut out to decorate a particular clothes. Embellishments are decorative features added to a garment to make it more attractive. Appliques and embellishments make for an overly attractive clothes when used properly with the correct color and texture play.

More jargons coming up in a sister article.  🙂