fashion midterm

Zeitgeist

spirit or mood of a particular time period as reflected in fashion, culture, and trends

Ready to wear

Clothing made in standard sizes and sold finished, not custom-made

Haute couture

High-end, custom-fitted fashion made to order for specific clients

Conglomerate

A large corporation that owns multiple smaller fashion brands

Plus-size

Size 14+

Straight size

The standard clothing range found in most stores, usually U.S. sizes 0–12

Mid-size

U.S. sizes 10–14

Sample size

designers use for making prototypes or runway pieces

Grade/Grading

process of creating different sizes from a base pattern.

DTC (Direct-to-Consumer)

Selling products directly to customers without using retailers or wholesalers.

Pattern

The blueprint or template used to cut fabric pieces for a garment.

Bias

diagonal cut across the grain of the fabric that allows stretch and drape.

Seam

line where two pieces of fabric are stitched together.

Erogenous zone

body area emphasized by clothing to attract attention.

Knit fabrics

looped and stretchy

Woven fabrics

interlaced and structured

Fabric

finished material used for garments.

Textile

material made from fibers

Fiber

raw material

Synthetics

man-made (polyester, nylon)

Natural

come from plants or animals (cotton, silk, wool)

Dart

A folded and sewn wedge of fabric that helps shape a garment so it fits the curves of the body (like at the bust or waist)

Pleat

A fold of fabric that’s pressed or stitched into place for decorative or functional fullness (like in skirts or trousers)

Cuff

The finished edge at the end of a sleeve or pant leg can be turned up, buttoned, or elasticized for style and structure

Button Placket

A strip of fabric where buttons and buttonholes are placed, often found at the front of shirts or dresses.