Formal Fashion Glossary
Here are just a few definitions of common terms you will
hear when it comes to formal fashion.
Coats
Tailcoat. Short in
the front and long in the back. Considered very formal.
Tuxedo. A suit length
coat, single or double breasted. A general term for men's
formalwear.
Morning Suit. Often
worn for morning weddings. Tailcoat length, buttons in front
and then angling towards the back.
Stroller. A matching
short coat for the morning suit. Generally worn with striped
trousers.
Lapels
Shawl. No change from
the collar to the lapel, it is a rounding continuation of
the collar.
Notch. A notch is cut
between the collar and the lapel.
Peak. The top of the
lapel is pointed sharply upward and outward.
Collars
Wing. Also known as a
stand up collar; it is a formal shirt, often with a pleated
front that has wing-like pointed appendages.
Laydown. Similar to
most men's dress shirts, a regular fold over style collar.
Mandarin. A formal
shirt, with banded collar only, no wing-like appendages.
Crosswick. A formal
shirt, with a crossover spread collar. Worn with a button
cover.
Accessories
Bolo. A western style
tie, also known as a string tie. A black cord with a slide
adjustment, usually ornamental.
Button Covers.
Ornamental device worn at the neck of the shirt, clipping
onto the button of the collar.
Cuff Links.
Ornamental device of two parts joined by a shank, chain or
bar for passing through button-holes to fasten shirt cuffs.
Cummerbund. A broad
sash worn over the waist band of the pants.
Studs. A small
ornamental button mounted on a short post for insertion
through an eyelet next to the shirt button. |
