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Nap
A term used to describe the soft, brushed surface of a fabric, or the direction of that surface, which is produced through a special finishing process. Characteristic of flannel and moleskin, nap typically adds coziness and warmth to fabrics.
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Nautical
A term used to describe any look inspired by traditional clothes worn by those who spend a lot of time at sea, specifically navy-and-white styles embellished with gold accents.
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Negligée
A woman's lightweight gown, often made of sheer or satin fabric trimmed with lace and ruffles, that is worn in the privacy of one's home or bedroom. From the French word for “neglected,” negligée dates back to the eighteenth century, when the word referred to a gown worn by women and men in-between changes of dress. Negligées became more elaborate in the nineteenth century, developing into the fancy item women slip into for quiet moments of pampering oneself about the house or for romantic private evenings.
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Neoprene
A stretchy rubberized material encased in nylon that offers incredible warmth and insulation. Neoprene is primarily used for diver's wetsuits but has also found its way into many types of active wear, always reflecting utilitarian style.
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Nightgown
A dresslike item of clothing worn for sleeping.
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Norfolk jacket
A man's sports jacket with a tailored collar, one or two box pleats down the front and back and a self belt that laces under or over the pleats at the waistline. Named after Norfolk County, England, the Norfolk jacket was originally paired with short baggy breeches and worn by royalty who hunted on nearby grounds in the 1880s. Cyclists adopted the comfortable style soon after, and eventually the Norfolk jacket became an 1890s icon of casual country living. Today, the style is sometimes translated for sportswear.
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Notched collar
A collar, most often used in men's sport coats, that has a triangular notch where the lapel meets the collar.
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Nub
A lump or fleck appearing irregularly along a yarn. Nubs are sometimes considered flaws, but in certain fabrics, these flaws are counted on to provide the characteristic look and beauty of the fabric.
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Nylon
A synthetic fiber that is silky, strong, resistant to creases and stains and washable. Originally invented by DuPont, nylon was introduced to the public in the 1940s in women's stockings. Today, nylon is used in everything from swimwear to outerwear and is often blended with natural fibers to increase durability.
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