Womens Apparel and Accessories Key Terms

It's good to know popular women's apparel key terms when purchasing inventory

Shopping for ladies' clothing requires that you know popular women's apparel and accessories key terms. While fashions change with the seasons, some fashion terms are in use year round. Knowledge of key terms used in the fashion industry can help you locate the attire you want without looking through every store or catalog. As you study the key terms in this guide, you may notice that many of the definitions originated in the lingerie industry but now apply to clothing and outerwear as well.

 

Babydoll

Babydoll, or baby-doll, clothing started as lacy lingerie tops with matching panties. Baby doll fashions are popular in clothing and outwear as well as lingerie today. Typically the top has a high waist that may or may not have gathers under the bust line. The top usually has narrow or spaghetti straps and a low-cut neckline. The skirt is loose and flowing and can be any length.
Try: You can read the definition of baby doll at ClothingDictionary.com, along with many other womens apparel and accessories key terms. I Heart Luxe, a shopping magazine, pictures a babydoll-style dress.

Bodice

The bodice of a dress refers to the portion between the shoulders and the waistline. Some bodices have fitted shapes while others are looser.
Try: Sempstress.org has a guide to what, exactly, bodices are, and has a guide to making them.

Camisole

A camisole is a fitted top. Most camisoles have spaghetti straps. Typically a camisole serves as an undergarment or as a top worn with a suit jacket. Some camisoles have a built-in shelf bra for support.
Try: The lingerie glossary on Freshpair shows a typical camisole.

Faux fur

Faux fur is not an animal byproduct. Instead it consists of man made fibers constructed in a way that resembles real animal fur both in appearance and feel. Faux fur fabric often trims outfits as well as serves as the main fabric.
Try: Donna Salyers Fabulous-Furs has examples of faux fur coats for women and children. The company also pictures samples of faux fur accessories.

Low rise, or low rider

Low rise, low rider or low-cut refers to pants, usually jeans, which sit below the waist. Some low rise pants even sit low on the hips. Because of the fit, low rise pants need to fit snugly to stay up.
Try: Stylelist has a picture of low rise trousers for women.

Tummy shaper

Tummy shaper pants and jeans have a built-in control panel below the waist that slenderizes the wearer. The control panel may be of the same fabric as the pants, a lighter woven fabric or a stretch material.
Try: See an example of tummy shaper dress pants at Christopher & Banks.

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