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Glossary of Bespoke Tailoring and Fashion Terms by ARMOUR Bespoke

Welcome to the definitive ARMOUR Bespoke Glossary, your go-to resource for understanding the terms, traditions, and techniques that define bespoke tailoring and high-end fashion. This glossary is crafted to enrich your knowledge of bespoke clothing, formal wear, wedding attire, and Indian ethnic fusion. Whether you're exploring custom suits or wedding sherwanis, this resource offers everything you need to speak the language of luxury.

A

Achkan

  • A long coat-like garment worn during Indian weddings and festive occasions. Achkans are traditionally paired with churidar pants and often feature intricate embroidery.

Alterations

  • Adjustments made to ready-to-wear or bespoke garments to improve their fit.

Appliqué

  • Decorative patches or motifs sewn onto a garment for embellishment.

 

B

Bespoke Tailoring

  • A fully customized tailoring process where garments are made from scratch based on the client's measurements, fabric preferences, and design choices.

Bandhgala

  • Also known as a Nehru jacket, this is a high-collared, formal jacket popular in Indian and fusion wear.

Break (in Trousers)

  • The fold or creasing where the trouser fabric meets the shoe. Options include no break, half break, and full break.
     

C

Canvas (Suit)

  • A layer of fabric sewn between the suit's outer material and lining to provide structure and durability.

Cummerbund

  • A sash worn around the waist, typically paired with tuxedos for black-tie events.

Churidar

  • A traditional Indian trouser style characterized by its tight fit and extra fabric at the ankles.

 

D

Double-Breasted Suit

  • A formal suit jacket with two parallel rows of buttons, exuding sophistication and class.

Drape

  • The way fabric hangs or falls on a garment, a critical element in achieving a flattering fit.

Dress Shirt

  • A tailored shirt typically worn under a suit or tuxedo for formal occasions.

 

E

Embroidery

  • Decorative needlework often featuring intricate designs. Common in Indian wedding attire like sherwanis and lehengas.

Evening Wear

  • Formal clothing worn for evening events, including tuxedos, black-tie attire, and cocktail dresses.

 

F

Fabric Weight

  • Refers to the heaviness of fabric, influencing its suitability for different climates. Lightweight fabrics are ideal for summer, while heavier fabrics are perfect for winter.

Fusion Wear

  • A blend of traditional and modern elements in clothing, such as pairing a sherwani with sneakers.

French Cuffs

  • Shirt cuffs that require cufflinks for closure, often used in formal wear.

 

G

Gilet

  • A sleeveless jacket or vest, often used in layering formal or semi-formal outfits.

Groom's Attire

  • Custom-made garments designed specifically for the groom, including sherwanis, tuxedos, or bandhgalas.

 

H

Hand-Stitched

  • A tailoring technique where garments are sewn entirely by hand for superior precision and quality.

Herringbone

  • A V-shaped weaving pattern often found in suit fabrics, adding texture and style.

 

I

Inseam

  • The measurement from the crotch to the bottom of the trousers, critical for achieving the right fit.

Indian Wedding Wear

  • Traditional clothing like sherwanis, lehengas, and bandhgalas designed for Indian weddings.

 

J

Jacquard

  • A fabric featuring intricate patterns woven directly into the material, often used in formal and ethnic wear.

Jodhpurs

  • Riding pants that are tight-fitting below the knees and flared above, popular in traditional Indian attire.

 

K

Khadi

  • A handspun, handwoven fabric made from cotton, silk, or wool, often used in traditional Indian wear.

 

L

Lapel

  • The folded flaps on the front of a suit jacket, with styles including notch, peak, and shawl lapels.

Linen

  • A lightweight, breathable fabric ideal for summer suits and casual wear.

 

M

Mandarin Collar

  • A short, stand-up collar often seen in bandhgalas and Achkans.

Monogramming

  • Personalization of garments by embroidering initials or designs.

 

S

Sherwani

  • A long coat-like garment worn during Indian weddings and formal occasions, often richly embroidered.

Single-Breasted Suit

  • A classic suit jacket featuring a single row of buttons.

Silk

  • A luxurious, smooth fabric often used in formal wear and Indian ethnic attire.

 

T

Three-Piece Suit

  • A suit comprising a jacket, trousers, and a matching waistcoat, offering a formal and traditional look.

Tuxedo

  • A formal evening suit featuring satin lapels, often worn with a bow tie.

 

W

Wedding Trousseau

  • A collection of garments and accessories prepared for the bride or groom for the wedding festivities.

Wool

  • A durable, insulating fabric commonly used in suits and winter wear.

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