A Basic Guide To Menswear Terminologies
Knowing why your chinos and trousers are different can still be a confusion to many. Concluding that blazers and jackets are the same thing is also a very common slip. So knowing your terminologies would help you to not only walk the walk by looking stylish but also to talk the talk of what these are. Here’s a few common terminologies that we think every man should know:
Bespoke : A garment that is custom-made from the start, rather than altered or customised later in the process. Bespoke garments are made with individual patterns created to fit a wearer’s measurements, created with the fabric and finishings of their choosing, and then fitted.
Blazers, Sport coats and suit coats : The difference between a sport coat, blazer, and suit coat comes down to patterns, buttons, and fabric.
A sport coat is a patterned jacket that coordinates with trousers that are not made of the same fabric or have the same pattern. (Refer image 1.1)
A blazer is a solid color jacket with contrasting (often metal) buttons. (Refer image 1.2)
And a suit coat has a pair of pants made from the same fabric/pattern as the coat.(Refer image 1.3)
Double Breasted and Single Breasted : Double Breasted is a jacket with two columns of buttons. The fabric overlaps when closed. It typically will have four or six buttons. A double-breasted suit almost always has a peak lapel. Single Breasted is a jacket with a single column of buttons. It may have one, two, or three buttons. In two- and three-button suits, the bottom button should always remain unbuttoned.
Tuxedo - A formal suit that may be two or three pieces. The jacket typically has as silk or satin collar and lapel, and the trousers may have a silk stripe down the side.
2 piece suit and 3 piece suits: A two-piece suit consists of just two pieces to make up this garment: a suit jacket and matching suit trousers.The top and bottom are identical in fabric, print, and color. A two-piece suit is your classic, traditional everyday suit. It’s appropriate for nearly any occasion because it can be casual or formal. It’s very versatile, too.
A three-piece suit is nearly identical to a two-piece suit, with the matching suit jacket and trousers. But there’s an additional piece: the matching vest.The addition of the vest is a step up in formality. The vest is often made to match the rest of the suit. But in some garments, the vest looks different than the rest of the pieces.
Pleated Trousers and Flat Front Trousers: Pleats are folds of fabric stitched to the pants right below the waistband. The pleats are added to make sure that your legs can breathe with ease while accommodating your weight.
When it comes to flat-front pants, there are no creases on them. The front part of the pants will look flat and smooth, unlike the pleated ones.
Chinos & Khakis : Khakis are thick, straight-legged, and typically pleated. They have cuffs at the bottom hems. Chinos are lightweight, tapered so that they narrow as they go lower on the leg, and can be either cuffed or un-cuffed. They are generally flat-fronted.
Formal Shirts and Tuxedo Shirts : A formal shirt can be identified by its stiff collar, lustrous fabric and single or double cuffs. Although patterned versions are available, the most popular styles come in conservative colours such as white, blue or pink.
A tuxedo shirt is just a more refined sort of dress shirt that is intended to be worn with your most formal clothes, such as (you guessed it) your tuxedo. Tuxedo shirts should not be worn informally or with regular suits in the workplace.
Kurtas: It is a popular traditional Indian garment that originated in the Indian subcontinent. The word “kuratu” or “kurtaka” is derived from the Sanskrit and has its origins in the Urdu and Hindustani languages. It literally means "collarless shirt" in Persian, and it is a collarless dress, however, some varieties do feature a collar. It's made of cotton, silk, voile, jute, khadi, and Kota and can be worn with pyjamas, slacks, jeans, and Dhoti.
Menswear terminology is a dynamic and essential aspect of men's fashion. It helps individuals navigate the ever-changing world of clothing and style, make informed choices, and express themselves through their clothing. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast or someone looking to refine their style, understanding menswear terminology is a valuable asset.