Men’s Fashion Glossary

Here we have made the most comprehensive glossary of men’s fashion you could ever wish for, organized into detailed categories and also a lovely A – Z at the bottom if you really want to go into that much detail you crazy lad.
Categories
Formalwear
- Tuxedo: A formal suit with satin lapels, designed for black-tie events.
- Dinner Jacket: A tailored jacket, often with satin details, worn for formal evening occasions.
- Morning Suit: A traditional formal outfit featuring a tailcoat, waistcoat, and striped trousers.
- Double-Breasted Suit: A jacket style with overlapping front panels and two rows of buttons.
- Single-Breasted Suit: A classic jacket style with a single row of buttons.
- Tailcoat: A formal jacket with extended back tails, worn for white-tie events.
- Waistcoat: A sleeveless garment worn over a shirt and under a jacket for added formality.
- Wingtip Collar Shirt: A formal shirt featuring a collar with pointed tips, ideal for bow ties.
- Spread Collar Shirt: A versatile dress shirt with widely spaced collar points.
- Bow Tie: A classic neck accessory tied into a bow, perfect for formal occasions.
- Cummerbund: A pleated sash worn around the waist with tuxedos for added elegance.
- Formal Overcoat: A long, tailored coat worn over formalwear for warmth and style.
Casualwear
- Chambray Shirt: A lightweight shirt often mistaken for denim, perfect for smart-casual looks.
- Bomber Jacket: A short jacket with a zip closure and elasticated cuffs, inspired by military style.
- Hoodie: A casual sweatshirt with a hood, often associated with athleisure.
- Chino Pants: Versatile cotton trousers that bridge the gap between casual and formal.
- Henley Shirt: A collarless shirt with a buttoned placket, offering a relaxed yet stylish vibe.
- Polo Shirt: A short-sleeved shirt with a collar and button placket, a preppy wardrobe staple.
- Flannel Shirt: A soft, woven shirt, often plaid, ideal for layering in cooler months.
- Denim Jacket: A durable, timeless jacket made from denim fabric.
- Field Jacket: A lightweight, multi-pocket jacket originally designed for military use.
- Cargo Pants: Relaxed trousers with large utility pockets, perfect for casual wear.
- Turtleneck Sweater: A knitted sweater with a high, close-fitting collar.
- Cardigan: A button-up sweater, great for layering or smart-casual outfits.
- Graphic Tee: A T-shirt featuring bold prints, logos, or graphics for a statement look.
- Track Pants: Comfortable, sporty trousers often with an elasticated waist and cuffs.
- Sweatshirt: A pullover top made from soft, warm fabric, ideal for casual wear.
Accessories
- Tie Bar: A metal clip that keeps a tie in place and adds a touch of polish.
- Suspenders: Straps worn over the shoulders to hold trousers in place, a vintage accessory.
- Brogues: Decorative leather shoes with perforations, ideal for smart-casual wear.
- Trilby Hat: A soft felt hat with a narrow brim and indented crown.
- Pocket Square: A decorative fabric square placed in a suit jacket’s breast pocket.
- Cufflinks: Decorative fasteners for securing shirt cuffs, often used with formalwear.
- Chronograph Watch: A watch with stopwatch functionality, blending style and utility.
- Leather Belt: A wardrobe essential that combines function and style.
- Tie Clip: A functional accessory to secure a tie to a shirt, adding flair.
- Fedora Hat: A soft brimmed hat with a creased crown, exuding timeless charm.
- Scarf: A versatile fabric accessory for warmth or a pop of style.
- Wristwatch: A timepiece worn on the wrist, combining practicality and sophistication.
- Lapel Pin: A decorative pin attached to a jacket lapel for added detail.
- Leather Gloves: Warm, stylish gloves made from leather, perfect for cold-weather outfits.
- Messenger Bag: A shoulder bag with a flap, ideal for carrying daily essentials.
- Crossbody Bag: A practical bag worn diagonally across the body for hands-free convenience.
Fabrics and Textiles
- Herringbone: A V-shaped woven pattern often found in suits and outerwear.
- Cashmere: A luxurious, soft wool known for its warmth and lightweight feel.
- Corduroy: A ribbed cotton fabric, ideal for trousers and jackets.
- Tweed: A rugged woolen fabric often patterned in houndstooth or plaid.
- Organic Cotton: Cotton grown without synthetic chemicals, promoting sustainability.
- Seersucker: A puckered cotton fabric, often striped, perfect for summer.
- Merino Wool: A fine, soft wool known for its breathability and comfort.
- Polyester: A synthetic fiber known for its durability and versatility.
- Recycled Polyester: Polyester made from recycled materials, reducing environmental impact.
- Silk: A luxurious fabric prized for its softness and natural sheen.
- Hemp: A durable, eco-friendly fabric with a natural feel.
- Flannel: A soft, brushed fabric often used in shirts and blankets.
- Suede: A soft leather with a brushed finish, used in shoes and jackets.
- Velvet: A plush, smooth fabric with a luxurious feel.
- Denim: A sturdy, twill-woven fabric, iconic in jeans and jackets.
- Linen: A breathable, lightweight fabric ideal for warm weather.
Tailoring Terms
- Bespoke: A fully custom-made garment tailored to exact measurements.
- Made-to-Measure: Custom garments made from standardized patterns.
- Notch Lapel: A lapel style with a small cut-out where the collar meets the jacket.
- Peak Lapel: A lapel style with edges pointing upward, often seen on formal jackets.
- Shawl Lapel: A rounded lapel style, typically found on tuxedos.
- Cuff: The hemmed edge of a trouser leg or shirt sleeve.
- Break: The point where trousers rest on the shoes, varying in length.
- Vent: A slit at the back of a jacket for movement, available in single or double styles.
- Single Vent: A single slit in the back of a jacket, common in American tailoring.
- Double Vent: Two slits at the back of a jacket, offering more flexibility.
- Button Stance: The placement of buttons on a jacket, affecting its silhouette.
- Darts: Stitching that shapes the garment to the body.
- Pleats: Folds in fabric, commonly seen in trousers, for added comfort and style.
- Lining: The inner fabric layer of a garment, adding structure and comfort.
- Hem: The finished edge of a garment to prevent fraying.
- Inseam: The seam running along the inside of a trouser leg.
- Yoke: The fitted section at the back of a shirt or jacket.
Footwear
- Loafers: Slip-on shoes offering comfort and versatility.
- Monk Strap Shoes: Formal shoes with buckle fastenings instead of laces.
- Derby Shoes: Shoes with open lacing, suitable for both formal and casual wear.
- Oxford Shoes: Formal shoes with closed lacing, ideal for suits.
- Espadrilles: Lightweight shoes with a woven jute sole, perfect for summer.
- Chelsea Boots: Sleek, ankle-high boots with elastic side panels.
- Chukka Boots: Casual ankle boots with open lacing and two or three eyelets.
- Wingtip Shoes: Shoes featuring decorative perforations in a winged shape.
- Sneakers: Casual, versatile shoes designed for comfort.
- Driving Moccasins: Soft loafers with rubber grips, ideal for casual wear.
- Desert Boots: Casual suede boots with a crepe sole.
- Work Boots: Sturdy boots designed for durability and support.
Styles and Trends
- Athleisure: A blend of athletic and casual wear, focusing on comfort and style.
- Preppy: Polished, Ivy League-inspired looks with chinos, polos, and loafers.
- Grunge: A 90s-inspired style featuring flannel, ripped jeans, and boots.
- Minimalist Fashion: Simple, understated designs focusing on neutral tones and quality.
- Retro Revival: Modern takes on vintage styles, from the 70s to the 90s.
- Smart Casual: A polished yet relaxed dress code combining tailored and casual pieces.
- Business Casual: Office-ready looks blending formal and casual elements.
- Monochromatic Style: Outfits built around a single color palette.
- Streetwear: Urban-inspired fashion featuring bold logos, sneakers, and oversized fits.
- Layering: Styling multiple garments together for both function and fashion.
- Workwear Style: Rugged, functional clothing inspired by manual labor uniforms.
- Rugged Style: Masculine, outdoor-inspired looks with boots and heavy fabrics.
- Heritage Menswear: Traditional styles with timeless tailoring and fabrics.
- Military-Inspired Style: Fashion drawing on military uniforms, featuring utility details.
- Casual Chic: A relaxed yet refined style that combines casual pieces with elevated, polished elements for a sophisticated look.
- Bohemian (Boho): A carefree, eclectic style featuring loose-fitting garments, earthy tones, and artisanal details, often inspired by global cultures.
- Avant-Garde: Experimental and unconventional fashion that pushes boundaries in design, materials, and styling.
- High-Street Fashion: Affordable, trend-driven styles inspired by runway fashion and available from mainstream retailers.
- Industrial Style: A utilitarian-inspired look focusing on workwear aesthetics, featuring items like cargo pants, boots, and durable fabrics.
- Retro Futurism: A style blending vintage silhouettes and details with futuristic elements, creating a unique, forward-looking aesthetic.
- Casual Luxe: A blend of casual clothing with luxurious materials like cashmere or silk, achieving a high-end yet laid-back appearance.
- Urban Sophistication: Sleek, city-inspired style combining tailored outerwear, modern silhouettes, and neutral tones.
- Surf-Inspired Style: A relaxed aesthetic featuring tropical prints, board shorts, and lightweight fabrics inspired by beach culture.
- Techwear: Functional, performance-oriented fashion with high-tech materials, waterproof fabrics, and utilitarian designs.
- Scandi Minimalism: A Nordic-inspired aesthetic focusing on simplicity, functionality, and muted tones.
- Cottagecore: A nostalgic, romantic style featuring soft fabrics, earthy tones, and rural-inspired pieces like knitwear and relaxed shirts.
- Rockabilly: A retro style inspired by the 1950s, featuring leather jackets, slim jeans, and bold hairstyles like pompadours.
Sustainable Fashion
- Upcycling: Transforming old materials into new, high-quality products.
- Recycled Polyester: Fabric made from recycled plastic waste, reducing environmental impact.
- Fair Trade: Ethical production ensuring fair wages and safe conditions for workers.
- Slow Fashion: A movement promoting quality over quantity in fashion.
- Carbon Neutral Clothing: Garments made with net-zero carbon emissions.
- Organic Fabrics: Textiles produced without harmful chemicals or pesticides.
- Ethical Manufacturing: Production focused on fair treatment of workers and sustainability.
- Circular Fashion: Designs that promote reuse, recycling, and reduced waste.
- Zero Waste: Fashion that eliminates fabric waste in production.
- Biodegradable Fabrics: Materials that decompose naturally, reducing waste.
- Eco-Friendly Dyes: Natural or non-toxic dyes used in sustainable clothing.
- Low-Water Cotton: Cotton grown using minimal water resources.
- Vegan Leather: Leather alternatives made without animal products.
- Second-Hand Fashion: Pre-loved clothing offering sustainable shopping options.
We’re adding more to the glossary as we expand our knowledge of this crazy world so keep your eyes on this section for updates.
(A-Z)
A to C
D to F
D | E | F |
---|---|---|
Darts | Eco-Friendly Dyes | Fair Trade |
Denim | Ethical Manufacturing | Fedora Hat |
Denim Jacket | Espadrilles | Field Jacket |
Desert Boots | Flannel | |
Dinner Jacket | Flannel Shirt | |
Double-Breasted Suit | Formal Overcoat | |
Double Vent |
G to I
L to N
O to R
O | P | R |
---|---|---|
Organic Cotton | Peak Lapel | Recycled Polyester |
Organic Fabrics | Pleats | Retro Revival |
Oxford Shoes | Pocket Square | Rugged Style |
Polo Shirt | ||
Polyester | ||
Preppy |