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Glossary
Fashion terms, explained
Short, plain definitions of the words you'll see on product pages and spec sheets. Each one links to a guide when there's more to know.
B
- Break
- The fold where a trouser hem meets the shoe. Read the guide →
C
- Capsule wardrobe
- A small set of versatile pieces that combine into many outfits. Read the guide →
- Care symbol
- A pictogram on a clothing label describing a permitted or prohibited garment washing or finishing method. Read the guide →
E
- Ease
- Extra room built into a garment beyond body measurements. Read the guide →
- Elastane
- A stretch fiber (also called spandex or Lycra) added for comfort and shape. Read the guide →
F
- Four-in-hand
- A compact necktie knot made by wrapping the wide blade around the narrow end and through the neck loop. Read the guide →
- Full-grain leather
- The strongest leather grade, with the natural grain intact. Read the guide →
I
- Inseam
- The length from the crotch seam to the hem along the inside leg. Read the guide →
L
- Lyocell
- A soft, breathable fiber made from wood pulp, often sold as Tencel. Read the guide →
M
- Merino wool
- Fine, soft wool that regulates temperature and resists odor. Read the guide →
- Midsole
- The cushioning layer between a shoe's upper and outsole. Read the guide →
N
- Natural waist
- The narrowest part of the torso, above the belly button. Read the guide →
- Neck size
- Dress shirt collar size in inches. Read the guide →
O
- Oxford cloth
- A sturdy basketweave shirting fabric, slightly casual. Read the guide →
P
- Patina
- The natural darkening and sheen leather develops with age. Read the guide →
R
- Rise (jeans)
- The distance from a jeans crotch seam to the top of the waistband, affecting where the waistband sits. Read the guide →
S
- Shoe width
- Letters such as B, D and 2E that describe the width of a shoe. Read the guide →
- Sleeve length
- Dress shirt measurement from the center back of the neck to the wrist. Read the guide →
- Suppression
- How much a jacket is shaped in at the waist. Read the guide →
T
- Top-grain leather
- Leather with the surface sanded and finished for a uniform look. Read the guide →
V
- Vegetable-tanned
- Leather tanned with plant tannins, firm and aging to a rich patina. Read the guide →