Fashion is a large and complex field with many different aspects. It’s not just about clothes; it’s also about makeup, hairstyles, accessories, and more. There are thousands of fashion terms out there – some common and well-known like “shoe,” “dress,” or “belt;” others less so such as “foulard” or “pantaloon.” Let’s explore the world of fashion by looking at various words that start with the letter B!
Examples:
- Bohemian: a person who lives a life unconcerned with material possessions or money.
- Bustier: a type of corset that flattens the stomach and pushes up the bust, but does not have shoulder straps.
- Belted dress: a fitted dress that has an added belt around the waist.
- Bias cut: a cut of the fabric where the grain is cut at an angle.
- Bodysuit: a one-piece garment that fits closely to the body, either pants or shirt style.
- Brights: bright colors such as green, yellow, or orange.
- Bucket hat: a hat with a wide, round, and deep stiff brim, creased lengthwise down the crown and has a wide neck flap that can be snapped down to cover the neck.
- Bomber jacket: a short hip-length men’s or women’s jacket with overlapping front flaps, large front pockets, and sometimes waist details such as belt loops or inset drawcords.
Fashion Terms Starting with Letter B
A wax-resist dyeing technique that produces intricate patterns on fabric through the application and removal of wax—a textile art of extraordinary complexity, requiring as many as a dozen separate wax-and-dye cycles for a single design. In batik, molten wax is...
A form-fitting, strapless bodice that shapes and supports the bust while leaving the shoulders and arms bare—a garment of lingerie origins that has been adopted as outerwear, a symbol of empowerment and exposure. The bustier evolved from the corset in...
A strapless, band-shaped top that covers the bust without shoulder straps, sleeves, or any apparatus of suspension—a garment that stays in place by friction and faith alone. The word bandeau is French for a small band, and the garment is...
A soft, round, flat-crowned hat made of woven or knitted wool—a head covering that conforms to no fixed shape, taking its form from the head that wears it and the angle at which it is tilted. The beret originated in...
The fitted upper section of a dress, extending from the shoulders to the waist—the part of a garment that must negotiate the most complex topography of the female body: bust, ribcage, shoulder blades, waist. The word bodice is a corruption...
A short jacket that ends above the waist, leaving the midsection exposed—a garment whose entire logic is the refusal to provide full coverage, a jacket that is all gesture and no substance. Named for the Spanish dance, the bolero jacket...
A bertha is a deep collar that extends from the neckline to the shoulders, covering the upper arms in a cascade of fabric — a garment that occupies the threshold between modesty and display, concealing the shoulder while drawing the...
Brocade is a fabric that refuses to disappear into the background. Where most textiles serve as the canvas for a garment, brocade insists on being the subject — a dense, raised weave of silk, metallic thread, and sometimes precious fiber...
There is a moment when fabric, released from the tyranny of the straight grain, begins to behave like liquid. That is the territory of the bias cut — a construction technique that remains, a century after its refinement, one of...
The word "blouson", derived from "blouse," has several meanings, depending on the context. For example, it can mean a style of garment for women that is characterized by fabric blousing over fitted waistlines or an interior designer's point-of-view; this type...
The balmacaan is a type of coat that originated in Scotland and has been seen worn by many people, both men and women alike. It's most commonly associated with Irish immigrants but also can be found amongst locals as well...
Button-fly jeans are a type of pants that are characterized by one or more buttons in the fly instead of a zipper. Button-fly jeans were invented to provide easier access for people who cannot unbutton their own pants, such as...
Bohemian Fashion is a style that incorporates different elements, such as vintage-inspired clothing, ethnic patterns and textures, boho jewelry, and more. It's usually characterized by an earthy vibe with touches of glamour. Freedom of motion is a major element in...
Boxer shorts are a type of men's underwear that fit tightly around the waist, and have legs which extend to about mid-thigh. They're typically made from cotton or other breathable fabrics. Boxers can be worn for sport, exercise, or as...
A bubble skirt is an adorable skirt that flares out from the waist and falls loosely at the hem. It is usually made of a light fabric like cotton, chiffon or silk and has a very feminine feel to it....
Barathea is a fabric that has been around for centuries. It was originally used as a protective layer for horses, but now it is primarily worn by people who want to look classy and elegant. This material has many benefits,...
A burqa is a traditional garment worn by Muslim women that covers the entire body except for the eyes. It has become a controversial topic in Western countries, where some people view it as an oppressive form of dress and...
Boot cut jeans are a type of jean that fit snugly on the thighs and then gradually get looser as they go down to the leg opening. They typically have a straight or slightly tapered leg. Boot cut jeans come...
Besom pockets, also called a besom pocket or a half-besom pocket, are a type of traditional women's clothing that originated in the 1800s. It is made with two triangular pieces of fabric sewn together at the top to create an...
The issue of eating meat has also appeared in the fashion industry. The results of this debate were that designers’ aim is to return to nature, and include living creatures into your life – be it humans or animals – should...
Boho chic is a term that refers to an eclectic, bohemian style - usually in reference to fashion or interior design. Boho chic is a general term for an eclectic, bohemian, and often vintage-looking style that emerged in the 1990s....