The glossary

A one-piece garment covering the torso and hanging over the legs.

15 references

A formal, usually floor-length dress built for evening events.

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Any upper-body garment worn on its own, from tanks to blouses.

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A loose-fitting woven top, often with a placket, collar or decorative sleeves.

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A fitted bodice stiffened with boning that shapes the waist and supports the bust.

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A close-fitting one-piece that covers the torso and closes between the legs, like a leotard.

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A tailored jacket with lapels, cut like a suit jacket but worn as a separate.

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A hip-length outer layer lighter than a coat.

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A waist-length zip jacket with ribbed collar, cuffs and hem, from WWII flight jackets.

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A cropped leather jacket with an off-centre zip and wide lapels.

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An outer layer that reaches at least the hip, built for warmth and weather.

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A double-breasted belted raincoat with storm flap, epaulettes and gun flap.

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A garment hanging from the waist that covers part or all of the legs.

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Tailored two-legged garment from waist to ankle.

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Loose trousers with large bellowed pockets on the thighs.

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A knit sweatshirt with a hood, usually with a front pouch pocket.

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A single-piece swimwear garment covering the torso.

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Two-piece swimwear: a bra-style top and a separate bottom.

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A one-piece that covers the torso and legs, often the arms too.

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Protective plate or leather pieces; in fantasy styling usually a cuirass with pauldrons.

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Fitted at the top and gradually widening toward the hem, like a capital A.

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Skin-tight from shoulder to hem, following every curve.

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Fitted through the bodice and waist, then flaring out sharply.

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Fitted to the knee, then flaring out dramatically toward the floor.

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A fitted bodice over a very full, often layered skirt.

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Straight and narrow from top to bottom without a defined waist.

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Cut diagonally across the grain so the fabric drapes and clings fluidly.

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Cut deliberately larger than the body, with dropped shoulders and extra volume.

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Structured and fitted through darts, seams and interfacing.

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Square outline with little shaping at the waist.

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Trousers that are loose from hip to hem.

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Close to the body without being skin-tight.

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Straps that run up and fasten behind the neck, leaving shoulders and back bare.

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Sits below the shoulders, baring them and the collarbone.

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Neckline cut in a V shape at the front.

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A deep V that drops to or below the sternum.

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Two curves across the bust meeting in a dip at the centre, like the top of a heart.

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Straight horizontal front edge with vertical sides.

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A wide, rounded U-shaped neckline.

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Extra fabric that drapes in soft folds at the front neckline.

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Rises up the neck without folding over.

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A close round neckline at the base of the neck.

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No straps or sleeves; held up by structure at the bust.

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A lapel with a triangular notch where collar meets lapel, the classic suit cut.

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Finished with an attached hood.

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No sleeves; the armhole is finished at the shoulder.

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Very thin shoulder straps.

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Sleeves that reach the wrist.

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Sleeves ending above the elbow.

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Gathered at the shoulder or cuff so the sleeve balloons outward.

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The shoulder seam sits down on the upper arm rather than at the shoulder point.

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Armour plates covering the shoulders.

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Ends above the natural waist, showing the midriff.

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Hem falls at the hip.

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Hem well above the knee.

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Hem at or just around the knee.

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Hem between the knee and the ankle, usually mid-calf.

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Hem reaching the floor or ankle.

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A weave with a glossy face and dull back; catches light in liquid highlights.

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Natural protein fibre with soft sheen and fluid drape.

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Tanned hide, smooth or grained, with a subtle sheen and stiff hand.

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Sturdy cotton twill, usually indigo with a diagonal rib.

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Openwork fabric with patterned holes, often floral.

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Dense short pile with a deep, light-absorbing surface.

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Looped yarn construction with natural stretch, from jersey to ribbed.

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Fine transparent net or tulle.

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Matte plant fibre in poplin, twill or jersey.

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Warm animal fibre, matte, often tailored or felted.

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Tight water-resistant twill used for trench coats.

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Smooth synthetic with a slight sheen; bombers and technical wear.

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Very high-gloss, mirror-like skin-tight surface.

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Hammered or polished metal, as in plate armour.

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Surface covered in small reflective discs.

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Stiff vertical channels sewn into a bodice to hold its shape.

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Closed by cord laced through eyelets, like a shoe.

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Fabric folded and pressed into crisp repeating folds.

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Gathered strips of fabric that frill along an edge.

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Wide overlapping front with two columns of buttons.

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Comes with a self-belt or sash at the waist.

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Opens with a centre-front zipper.

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Front zipper placed off-centre, as on a biker jacket.

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An opening cut up from the hem for movement or reveal.

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Large pockets stitched to the outside, often with flaps and bellows.

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Cord threaded through a channel to cinch an opening.

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Stretchy ribbed knit bands at collar, cuffs or hem.

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Metal studs fastening or decorating panels.

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Visible seams dividing the garment into shaped panels, often contrast-piped.

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A strip of fabric holding a row of buttons down the front.

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Leg openings cut up high over the hip bone.

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Clean lines, no ornament, restrained palette.

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Refined and graceful; reads expensive.

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High-shine, high-drama, made to be noticed.

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Soft, feminine, with ruffles, puff or lace.

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Dark palette, corsetry, lace and leather.

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Recalls a past decade without being a costume.

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Casual, oversized, sportswear-derived.

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Workwear and military references: pockets, straps, hardware.

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Collegiate classics: blazers, pleats, neat tailoring.

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Medieval or mythical, for games and storytelling.

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Sci-fi surfaces, panelling and technical finishes.

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Vacation and poolside dressing.

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Galas, red carpets, formal dinners.

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Nightlife and celebrations.

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Workplace appropriate.

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Everyday, relaxed.

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Sun, sand, pool.

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Performance and music video wardrobe.

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Character costume for games, film, cosplay.

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Covers shoulders, torso and most of the legs.

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Shows arms, shoulders or legs but covers the torso.

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Bares significant skin: midriff, back, high-cut legs.

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A clean line drawing of the garment laid flat, as used in tech packs.

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Photographed or rendered alone on a plain background.

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Shown with 3D volume as if on an invisible body.

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Photographed laid flat from above.

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Worn by a person; used only as a secondary view.

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