Menswear Glossary
A
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Ascot
A wide necktie worn with the ends folded over and fastened with a pin.
B
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Bespoke
Custom-made clothing, typically of high quality and made to the client's exact specifications.
C
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Cufflinks
Decorative fasteners used to secure the cuffs of dress shirts.
D
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Drape
The way fabric hangs or falls on the body.
E
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Epaulette
An ornamental shoulder piece on a coat or jacket, often used in military uniforms.
F
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Foulard
A lightweight fabric, usually silk or silk-like material, with a small printed pattern.
G
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Gusset
An extra piece of fabric sewn into a garment to give it more shape or strength.
H
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Herringbone
A pattern of parallel lines that reverse direction, creating a V-shaped or zigzag effect.
I
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Inseam
The inner seam of trousers, running from the crotch to the hem.
J
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Jacquard
A fabric with an intricately woven pattern created on a special loom.
K
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Kipper Tie
An exceptionally wide necktie, popular in the 1960s and 1970s.
L
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Lapel
The folded flaps of cloth on the front of a jacket or coat.
M
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Merino
A fine, soft wool from Merino sheep, known for its warmth and comfort.
N
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Nap
The raised fuzzy surface on certain fabrics, such as flannel or velvet.
O
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Oxford Cloth
A type of woven fabric commonly used in dress shirts, characterized by a basket-weave pattern.
P
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Pique
A fabric woven with raised parallel cords, often used in polo shirts and formal wear.
Q
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Quiff
A hairstyle that combines the 1950s pompadour with a modern approach, characterized by volume at the front.
R
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Raglan Sleeve
A type of sleeve that extends in one piece to the collar, leaving a diagonal seam from underarm to collarbone.
S
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Selvedge
The self-finished edge of fabric, often visible on high-quality denim jeans.
T
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Tuxedo
A formal evening suit for men, typically with satin facings on the lapels.
U
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Undercollar
The part of a jacket collar that sits against the neck, often made of a different fabric than the outer collar.
V
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Vamp
The front part of a shoe's upper that covers the toes and instep.
W
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Welt
A strip of leather that runs around the perimeter of a shoe, connecting the upper to the sole.
X
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Xtra Fine
A term used to describe extremely high-quality wool or other fabrics.
Y
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Yoke
A shaped pattern piece fitted across the shoulders of a shirt or bodice.
Z
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Zoot Suit
A style of suit with high-waisted, wide-legged trousers and a long coat with wide lapels and padded shoulders.