|
| |
|
Baby bunting
An infant's hoodie made of soft blanketing fabric that envelops the entire baby.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Baby hem
Very small couture hemming technique, 1/8" wide, requiring a high degree of skill and a delicate hand.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Ballet flat
Low shoe with a thin sole, flat heel and rounded toe inspired by footwear worn by ballet dancers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Balmacaan
Named after a Scottish estate, a raincoat or topcoat with raglan sleeves, a loose fit and a short turnover collar.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Bamboo
Natural fibers of the bamboo plant used to create a very soft, eco-friendly fabric with antibacterial and moisture-wicking capabilities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Band collar
A collar that stands up straight, encircles the neck and buttons in the front.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Bandeau
An elasticized strapless swimsuit cut straight across the top. French for "binding," the term also refers to a strapless bra and a narrow piece of fabric worn around the head to pull back hair.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Bar tack
A width of fabric or a stitch on the back of a tie that helps maintain the tie's shape.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Baranil
Naturally tanned in France, a type of leather known for its rich color and ability to age well over time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Barathea
A fabric with a distinctive pebbly texture. In wool, it is a dress fabric often used for men's tuxedos and fine women's garments; in silk, it is a common neckwear fabric.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Barn jacket
A utilitarian overcoat in durable, water-resistant oiled cotton that has a corduroy collar, large pockets and a wool or flannel lining. Most commonly used for hunting, the barn jacket has become a classic casual sport coat for everyday use.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Barrel cuff
A band of fabric stitched onto the sleeve end that closes with one or more buttons.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Basket weave
Type of weave that produces a subtle checkerboard effect.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Bateau neckline
Named after the French word for "boat," a high neckline that follows the line of the collarbone and mimics the shape of the top of a rowboat.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Batik
A fabric-dyeing method using wax to create a cracked effect on prints. Batik is said to have originated 1,500 years ago in Indonesia where the art form was reserved for royal use only.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Batiste
Cotton, silk or wool that is lightweight and sometimes sheer. Batiste is typically used in women's blouses and dresses and in some men's shirts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Bedford cord
A durable fabric, often cotton, silk or wool, typically cut so that its signature raised rib appears vertically. The heavyweight textile is often used for clothing that undergoes rough wear, such as riding trousers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Bemberg
Often used in linings, a fine Italian fabric made from natural cellulose fibers known for its silky texture and breathability.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Bengaline
Cotton, silk or acrylic fabric with a fine rib that originated in Bengal, India.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Beret
A woolen cap with a tight headband and relaxed flat top. Originally worn by the Basques, this cap has come to typify chic Parisian style.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Bermuda shorts
Casual knee-length shorts, originally made fashionable on the island of Bermuda.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Besom pocket
A pocket finished with a narrow folded piece of fabric at the opening. This finishing technique reinforces the pocket opening and is typically used in finely tailored garments.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Bespoke
A term referring to custom-made clothing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Bi-swing jacket
A sports jacket with pleats in the back to allow increased freedom of movement.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Bias cut
A technique of cutting fabric at a diagonal angle to achieve the most give possible. This cut has many fine tailoring applications but is usually seen in women's apparel, where the flowing, clingy drape of the bias cut is used for skirts, tops, dresses and gowns.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Bikini
A two-piece women's swimsuit dating back to 1946 when Jacques Heim sought to create the smallest swimsuit possible.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Bird's eye
Cotton or fine wool fabric distinguished by small repetitive diamond shapes that resemble a bird's eyes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Bit
In equestrian sports, a metal piece placed in the horse's mouth to control the animal while riding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Black watch tartan
Worn by members of the Black Watch Scottish regiment, a plaid design of dark blue and green squares with wide and narrow black lines in both directions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Black Watch
Professional polo team based in East Hampton, NY and Palm Beach, FL and officially sponsored by Polo Ralph Lauren.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Blazer
A single- or double-breasted sports jacket with a notched collar that has become a men's wardrobe staple and a favorite dressing option for women as well.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Boiled wool
Wool that has been subjected to a finishing process in which heat and pressure are used to compress the fabric, creating a felt-like texture.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Bomber jacket
Originally used by US Air Force pilots, a leather jacket with a zippered front, elasticized cuffs and waistband and sheepskin lining.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Bootcut
A pant cut in which the leg gently flares to a slightly wide hem. Originally designed so cowboys could pull their pants over Western boots, this cut is now a staple in contemporary design.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Bouclé
From the French for "to buckle or curl," a type of yarn with a looped effect that is woven or knit to create a nubbed and highly textured surface. Although bouclé can produce a lightweight fabric, it is more often used in a heavier weight for sweaters and coats.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Bow tie
A necktie worn around the collar of a shirt that is knotted like a bow. Bow ties date back to the 1800s when visiting Croatian cavalrymen introduced the look to the French regency. Today the more tailored version has come to show distinguished elegance, especially in black-tie dressing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Box pleat
A pleat made by joining two folded edges, one facing right and the other left.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Boxer short
A men's undergarment staple often in cotton or silk, based on the garment worn in the sport of boxing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Breathability
A fabric property referring to the ability to release body heat.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Bridle
Equestrian equipment placed over the horse's head for control.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Broadcloth
A shirting fabric with a plain weave usually made of combed cotton or cotton blends.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Brushed
A fabric finish in which the surface is brushed to produce a soft nap. Chino and flannel are two examples of fabrics that are often brushed for softness and comfort.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Bullion
Fine metal wire wound in a tubular shape resembling thin coils. Traditionally used in military badges in France, bullion embroidery is considered an extremely specialized skill.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Burnished calf
Calfskin that is hand-finished to achieve depth and dimension in color.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Button-down collar
A collar that is secured to the shirt by small buttons on both points. Originating in England during the 1800s, button-down collars were used by polo players to keep their collars in place during play.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
