Fashion A-Z

From applique to zippers, a comprehensive dictionary with definitions and
meanings of key fashion vocabulary, written by Camilla Morton.

Seersucker

Seersucker is recognisable by the alternating stripes of puckered and smooth fabric. The plain weave is made in various fabrics, from synthetic to silk. The term ‘seersucker’ is taken from the Persian phrase ‘shir o shakka’, meaning milk and sugar.

Sheath Line

Sheath Line, or a sheath dress, is designed to fit closely to the body. Unlike other cocktail dresses, it also stops at the knee — or just below. Think Jackie Kennedy Onassis or Audrey Hepburn in ‘Breakfast at Tiffanys’. This style is demure, often created in a block colour and unadorned — the perfect ingredients for a classic Little Black Dress.

Shell Hems

Shell Hems are a dainty finishing option to edge hems, tucks or trims. This technique is essentially hemming an edge in an evenly spaced and decorative manner. It should not be confused with Shell suits, however; the casual, front-zipped tracksuits made from nylon or polyester ‘shell’ that were popular in the late 1980s.

Fashion A-Z

Seersucker

Sheath Line

Shell Hems

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