The fashion industry has come a long way over the past century. If you’ve ever seen old photos or movies that show women wearing dresses and gowns all day, every day, it might seem like women of today are more “free” with their clothing choices than they used to be. But this is not true at all! Women now have so many options for what to wear (especially if they can afford them), but there are still some terms in the fashion world that make us scratch our heads… letter S words, here we go!
- Seersucker: This word comes from the Indian word “shirkeer kurkur” which means “milk-and-water cloth.” It is a cotton fabric usually striped and printed. It is also one of the most commonly used boys’ clothing materials in the hot summer seasons.
- Seam: The line where two pieces of material are joined together or sewn together, such as along a dress or shirt hemline. If the lines don’t match up perfectly at the shoulder seams you might have to get your clothing taken in by a seamstress who can adjust them so your garment fits you better.
- Seam ripper: This tool has a sharp point on one end and a little hook-like blade on the other for cutting open stitches and removing the fabric from clothes without damaging them too much, but it’s necessary if you want to wear something new! There isn’t a lot of room for error when you’re making your own clothes, so getting a good quality seam ripper is the way to go.
- Sewing machine: A sewing machine is a mechanical device that sews together pieces of fabric using a metal thread and needle. There are many different kinds of sewing machines that can do different things from sewing more or fewer stitches per inch, to adjusting the length and width of zigzag stitching for hemming.
Fashion Terms Starting with Letter S
If you're the kind of fashion-savvy person who keeps up with all the latest trends, chances are you already know a thing or two about sun hats. But for those who may be less familiar with them, a sun hat...
There are several ways to add some excitement and visual interest to an article of clothing, but one well-known method is the shark bite hem. As the name implies, this design resembles the impression a shark's teeth would make after...
What are skate shoes? This is a question that often comes up when someone sees someone skating. Skate shoes are very specific shoes that are made for skating. They have a number of features that regular shoes do not have,...
Street chic is a subculture of fashion that borrows from the styles of urban youth culture, such as hip-hop and skateboarding. Street chic usually includes oversized clothing, sportswear, sneakers, and lots of accessories. The style can also be called streetwear...
A sweep train is when the hemline of a dress or skirt has been designed to move when the wearer walks, giving the illusion that they are floating. A sweep train is the total length of a wedding dress's train....
Sequins are underrated accessories that can make any outfit stand out. These shiny little pieces of plastic, metal or glass are always a popular choice for dance costumes and ball gowns but there is a lot more you can do...
The word “shirtwaist” has been used in different ways throughout history. The first meaning was a type of tailored women's blouse which could be worn separately from skirts or pants, but it later came to refer for more revealing dresses...
If you're not into the idea of wearing a bikini to an event, but still want to show off some skin without being too revealing, then string bikinis are perfect for you. String bikinis have been around since the 19th...
Spats are a type of shoe covering that may be used for ornamental or safety purposes. They can also be worn to advertise safety while doing hazardous tasks. In the 19th century, this shoe accessory became popular among men's formal...
It’s cold outside. The snow is on the ground, and it looks like winter will be here for a while. But no one wants to spend their days in bulky boots or uncomfortable shoes. Luckily, there are some really amazing...
Sneakers have been around for a long time, but it's not always easy to know what they're all about. This blog post will help you understand the history of sneakers and how they've evolved over the years. We'll also talk...
Shirring is a type of seam used in the garment industry. It’s most commonly seen on skirts and dresses as it makes it very easy to adjust the fit for any body shape. This article will give you an overview...
A suede brush is a type of brush that is made with animal hair, such as sheep or goat. It has a long, thin handle and the bristles are soft and dense. The hairs on the brush can be either...
The word serape can be applied to a number of different items. A traditional Mexican and South American garment, an Indian textile, or even a type of shawl. It is the perfect article for any outdoor excursion because it provides...
Skully hats are a type of hat that is made out of stiff felt. They have a cylindrical crown and flat brim, which can be turned up or down in different styles. The name "skullies" comes from the way they...
The internet has been buzzing about the newest style of heel, the stack heel. It is a type of shoe that combines two different heels in one shoe. The most popular design consists of a high heel and an even...
Sheer fabric is a delicate, semi-transparent fabric that allows light to pass through it. It can be used in many different ways and has some special properties that make it one of the most versatile fabrics available. Read on for...
A stiletto is a long pointed shoe with a slender heel and narrow pointed toe that looks like it's made of metal. The name comes from Italian "stilè" meaning "little stick," but in French it's called a talon à la...
Spaghetti straps are a type of strap that is usually found in dresses and shirts. The name comes from the fact that they resemble noodles, which are typically served with pasta sauce. While this might not seem like much information...
A shift dress is a loose, straight-lined dress with no waist seam. It's an easy and comfortable way to look put together without straining your body or spending too much time getting ready in the morning. In the 19th century,...
A scoop neck is a type of shirt collar that dips down in the front or back. It can be worn as an undergarment, but it's most often seen on tops and dresses. The term "scoop" refers to the shape...
One of the most popular necklines for garments is a shawl collar. This style has fewer pattern pieces than other styles, as it's simply an extension from your lapel--sewn together to form and extend across your chest in one swooping...
A sweetheart neckline is a type of neckline that features an open space in the front, usually on the bust. This style can be flattering to many body types and is often seen as sexy or romantic. It is also...
A set-in sleeve is an armhole that has been sewn into the garment rather than cut, and typically creates a more comfortable fit. It's most often used in blouses, dresses, and shirts with a fitted bodice. The set-in sleeve can...
Sheath dresses are a type of dress that is characterized by its sleek and feminine silhouette. They can be found in different styles, cuts, lengths, colors and fabrics. For example, some sheath dresses are strapless while others have spaghetti straps...
A sailor collar is a type of neckline that has a squared off, wide stand. It can be worn as such or with the top button undone to create an open-necked shirt. The sailor collar originated in the 1800s when...
Spandex is a popular fabric for athletic wear, such as leotards, bodysuits, and tights. It is a stretchy material that can be worn to provide support during dancing or other physical activity. Spandex is also used in the making of...
The fashion world has been moving towards slimmer fitting clothes for a while now. But what exactly is slim fit clothing? Slim fit clothing is simply an item of clothing that hugs the body closely and comes in at or...
Skorts are the latest trend in women’s activewear. A skort is a skirt that has shorts or pants on the bottom. Skirts and shorts together, in one piece! This means you can wear your outfit and still be protected from...
A surplice is a loose fitting, sleeveless dress that has gathered or pleated bodices. The term "surplice" derives from the Latin word for "overlapping." This style of dress was popularized during the medieval period as a garment worn by priests...
Sleeper earrings are a type of earring that is worn inside the ear. Sleeper Earrings provide an elegant style and can be easily removed when needed. They come in a variety of styles, shapes, colors, and materials to suit your...
A shelf bra is a type of bra that will lift your breast and create cleavage. It can be worn with any outfit, but it's most commonly used during special occasions when you want to show off your girls in...
Semi-formal attire is typically worn to more formal occasions such as weddings, proms or banquets. It can be a little more casual than formal attire but it's still dressy. The semi-formal wardrobe usually includes a suit with matching jacket and...