COMMON FASHION TERMINOLOGY YOU COULD USE NEXT TIME YOU SEARCH
Searching for things online with fashion terminology can be helpful if you’re looking for specific items, trends, or designers within the fashion industry. Using relevant fashion terminology can help you find more accurate and specific search results. For example, if you are looking for a specific type of dress, searching with the term “A-line dress” will likely provide more accurate results than searching with a more general term like “dress.”
However, using fashion terminology is not always necessary or appropriate. If you’re simply browsing or looking for inspiration, you may not need to use specific fashion terms. Additionally, if you’re not familiar with fashion terminology, it may be more helpful to use simpler, more general terms in your search.
Ultimately, the decision to use fashion terminology in your online searches depends on your specific goals and level of knowledge about fashion. If you’re unsure, you can start with more general terms and refine your search as needed.
HOW TO USE FASHION TERMINOLOGY ?
To find the right fashion terminology while searching for products, here are some tips:
Use specific keywords: Try to use specific keywords that describe the product you’re looking for. For example, if you’re searching for a type of shirt with a high collar, try using keywords like “turtleneck,” “mock neck,” or “mandarin collar.”
Use industry terminology: Use industry terminology that is commonly used in the fashion industry to describe specific styles, fabrics, and trends. For example, using terms like “denim,” “pleats,” “ruffles,” or “maxi dress” can help you find products that match your search.
Use brand or designer names: If you’re looking for products from a specific brand or designer, use their name in your search terms. This can help you find products that are made by that brand or designer.
Use modifiers: Use modifiers to help narrow down your search results. For example, you can use terms like “vintage,” “modern,” “classic,” or “fitted” to describe the style or fit of the product you’re looking for.
Use search filters: Most online retailers allow you to use filters to narrow down your search results by size, color, price range, and other criteria. Use these filters to help you find the right product based on your specific needs.
Overall, the key to finding the right fashion terminology while searching for products is to be specific and use industry-standard terms when possible. This will help you find the products that best match your search criteria.
HOW DO BRANDS COME UP WITH FASHION TERMINOLOGY?
Brands come up with terminology for their clothing by using a combination of creativity, research, and marketing strategies. Here are some common ways brands may come up with fashion terminology:
Creative inspiration: Brands may come up with new terminology based on creative inspiration, such as a designer’s vision for a new collection. For example, a designer may create a new fabric or technique and come up with a unique name to describe it, such as “lacey eyelet” or “textured crochet.”
Historical references: Brands may also draw inspiration from historical fashion trends and terminology, such as using terms like “Victorian lace” or “Art Deco embroidery” to describe certain styles.
Collaboration with suppliers: Brands may work closely with suppliers and manufacturers to develop new fabrics or techniques, and then come up with terminology to describe them based on their unique properties or features.
Consumer research: Brands may conduct consumer research to determine what terms resonate with their target audience and use that information to come up with new terminology that will appeal to them.
Marketing strategies: Finally, brands may come up with new terminology as part of their marketing strategies, such as creating buzzwords or catchy phrases to describe their products in a way that will capture the attention of consumers.
Overall, brands come up with fashion terminology through a combination of creativity, research, and marketing strategies, in order to create unique and appealing products that stand out in the fashion industry.
WHY SHOULD I LEARN SOME OF THESE TERMS?
Using correct fashion terms on fashion apps can help you get better search results for a few reasons:
More accurate results: Using correct fashion terms can help the app’s search algorithm better understand what you’re looking for, and provide more accurate search results. For example, if you’re searching for a “blazer” and use that specific term, the app is more likely to show you blazers as opposed to other types of jackets or coats.
Narrow down results: Using correct fashion terms can help you narrow down your search results to find exactly what you’re looking for. For example, if you’re searching for a “midi dress” rather than a “dress,” you’re more likely to find the specific length and style you want.
Access to more products: Some fashion apps may use advanced search algorithms that take into account the use of fashion terms. By using correct fashion terms, you may have access to a wider range of products that match your search criteria.
Better communication: Using correct fashion terms can also help you communicate more effectively with sellers or other users on the app. If you’re looking to buy or sell a specific item, using the correct terminology can help ensure that you’re on the same page and can communicate clearly.
Overall, using correct fashion terms on fashion apps can help you get better search results by providing more accurate and specific matches, narrowing down your results, and helping you communicate more effectively with other users.
SO WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR TERMS I SHOULD KNOW?
Here are 50 fashion terminologies that you should know while searching fashion apps:
A-line: A dress or skirt that flares out slightly from the waist to create a “A” shape.
Asymmetric: Clothing with an uneven or irregular shape, hemline, or neckline.
Balloon sleeve: A sleeve that is gathered at the shoulder and expands outwards, creating a balloon-like shape.
Bardot: A neckline that exposes the shoulders, also known as off-the-shoulder.
Bell sleeve: A sleeve that flares out from the elbow or wrist, creating a bell-like shape.
Bodycon: A tight-fitting dress or skirt that accentuates the curves of the body.
Boxy: Clothing with a square, box-like shape.
Boyfriend: Clothing that is designed to look like it has been borrowed from a boyfriend, typically loose-fitting and casual.
Cap sleeve: A short sleeve that covers only the top of the shoulder.
Chiffon: A lightweight, sheer fabric that is often used for dresses and blouses.
Crochet: A method of creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with a hook.
Culottes: A type of wide-legged pants that resemble a skirt.
Denim: A sturdy cotton fabric that is typically used for jeans.
Distressed: Clothing that has been intentionally made to look worn or faded.
Empire waist: A dress or top that cinches just below the bust, creating a high waistline.
Flare: A type of pants or jeans that flare out from the knee to the ankle.
Gingham: A fabric pattern characterized by small, checkered squares.
Halter: A neckline that ties or fastens around the neck, leaving the shoulders and back exposed.
High-low: A dress or skirt that is shorter in the front and longer in the back.
Jumpsuit: A one-piece garment that combines a top and pants or shorts.
Kimono: A loose-fitting robe with wide sleeves that is typically worn as a traditional Japanese garment.
Lace: A delicate fabric with intricate patterns, often used for dresses and lingerie.
Leather: A material made from the skin of animals, often used for jackets and accessories.
Maxi: A dress or skirt that is long, typically reaching the ankles.
Metallic: Clothing or accessories with a shiny, metallic finish.
Midi: A dress or skirt that falls below the knee and above the ankle.
Off-the-shoulder: A neckline that exposes the shoulders, also known as Bardot.
Oversized: Clothing that is intentionally designed to be larger than the wearer’s size.
Pencil skirt: A narrow, form-fitting skirt that is typically knee-length.
Peplum: A ruffle or flounce that is attached to the waistline of a garment.
Plaid: A fabric pattern characterized by vertical and horizontal stripes of different colors.
Pleats: Folds of fabric that are sewn into a garment to create texture or movement.
Polka dot: A fabric pattern characterized by small, round dots.
Pom-pom: A small, fluffy ball of yarn or fabric that is often used as a decoration.
Printed: Clothing or accessories with a pattern or design that is printed onto the fabric.
Puff sleeve: A sleeve that is gathered at the shoulder and puffs outwards.
Ruched: Fabric that is gathered or pleated to create a ruffled or rippled effect.
Sequin: A small, shiny disk that is used all over the garment to create a shiny finish
Sheer: A fabric that is transparent or semi-transparent, often used for dresses and blouses.
Shift: A dress that is loose-fitting and has a simple, straight shape.
Skinny: A type of pants or jeans that are tight-fitting and tapered at the ankle.
Slip dress: A lightweight, often silky dress that is designed to be worn under another garment or as a standalone piece.
Smocked: A method of creating fabric by gathering and sewing it into small, tight pleats.
Strappy: Clothing or shoes that have thin, delicate straps.
Tulle: A lightweight, sheer fabric that is often used for dresses and skirts.
Tweed: A fabric characterized by its nubby texture and multicolored yarns.
Utility: Clothing that is designed to be functional and practical, often with pockets and other features.
Velvet: A soft, plush fabric with a short, dense pile.
Wrap: A dress or top that wraps around the body and is fastened with a tie or button.
Yoke: A decorative panel or band of fabric that is attached to the upper part of a garment.
BEST REFERENCES TO LEARN FASHION TERMINOLOGY?
Here are some recommended books for learning fashion terminology:
“The Fashion Dictionary” by Emily Angus and Linda Tain. This comprehensive guide provides definitions for more than 5,000 fashion terms and concepts, from the basic to the obscure.
“The Fairchild Books Dictionary of Fashion” by Phyllis G. Tortora and Robert S. Merkel. This industry-standard reference book covers everything from garment construction to textile technology to fashion history.
“The Little Dictionary of Fashion” by Christian Dior. Written by one of the most influential designers of the 20th century, this classic book offers insights into the world of high fashion and includes definitions of essential fashion terms.
“Fashionpedia: The Visual Dictionary of Fashion Design” by Fashionary. This illustrated guide features more than 1,500 fashion terms and concepts, accompanied by colorful illustrations and photographs.
“The Language of Fashion” by Roland Barthes. In this seminal work, the French philosopher and cultural critic explores the symbolic meanings of clothing and fashion, offering insights into the social and cultural significance of fashion terminology.
These books are all great resources for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of fashion terminology.
SO, HOW DO I ACTUALLY SEARCH?
Sure, here’s an example of how you can search for a dress using fashion terminology:
Let’s say you’re looking for a dress to wear to a summer wedding. You want something that’s lightweight and flowy, with a bohemian vibe. Here’s how you can search for it using fashion terminology:
Start by opening the fashion app or website of your choice and navigating to the dress section.
In the search bar, type in “boho dress” or “bohemian dress”. This will bring up dresses that have a relaxed, hippie-inspired style.
If you want something with a specific silhouette, you can add that to your search terms. For example, if you want a flowy dress, you could try “boho maxi dress” or “bohemian midi dress”.
To narrow down your search further, you can add details about the fabric or design elements you’re looking for. For example, you could search for “crochet boho dress” or “eyelet bohemian dress” if you want something with a delicate, lacy texture.
Finally, you can refine your search by adding details about the color or pattern you want. For example, you could search for “floral boho dress” or “pastel bohemian dress” if you want something with a soft, romantic look.
By using fashion terminology in your search, you’ll be able to find dresses that fit your specific style and preferences.
That’s all from us to you!
Lots of Love,
RDT x
