Vintage & Fashion Glossary
Vintage and Fashion Glossary, a quick and simple guide to the most common terms and definitions used here at Adored Vintage!
What is vintage clothing? What is considered vintage?
A garment is considered vintage when it is at least 20 years old or older. We consider garments from the 1930s to the 1990s as vintage clothing.
What is considered an antique garment?
A garment is considered an antique when it is between 80 to 100 years old. We consider garments pre 1930s as antique clothing.
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DRESS SILHOUETTES
a-line dress - a dress that flares from above the bust, also known as a tent dress
babydoll dress - usually a short dress or midi dress with an empire bodice and a-line skirt
chemise - straight cut and unbelted dress
jumper/pinafore - sleeveless dress worn layered over a top
sheath - a straight, fitted dress that has a waistline usually knee to midi length
shirt dress - a dress that features a shirt collar and buttons along the bodice
shirtwaist dress - similar to a shirt dress but with a defined waist, think 1940s-1950s house dress styles
slip dress - a sleeveless dress usually with thin straps that slips on overhead
sundress - a sleeveless dress usually with thin straps or a halter
wrap dress - a dress that wraps across the bodice/body usually with ties that go through the waist
DRESS LENGTHS (these lengths are also used for skirts)
mini dress- a mini dress has a hemline that falls above the knee, usually mid thigh
midi dress - a midi dress has a hemline that falls just about mid calf or just below the calf
longer midi - a longer midi dress has a hemline that falls just above the ankle
maxi dress - a maxi dress has a hemline that is at the ankle or past (sometimes floor length)
TOP SILHOUETTES
babydoll -a top that features an empire bust and flares out
blouse - a loose fitting top with or without the presence of buttons
bodysuit - a close fitting one-piece garment usually knit (leotard)
camisole/cami/tank - a sleeveless top
crop/cropped - hem of top is cut just above the waist
peasant - a blouse that features puff sleeves, may be cut open at the waist or cinched in
peplum - a top that features added flounce at the waist
shirt - a blouse that features classic shirt collar and functional buttons down along the front
surplice - a surplice top features overlapping fabric across the bust and is set
tee - a casual top usually knit that features short sleeves
wrap - similar to a surplice top but a sash will pull through the waist or button fastens at the waist
SKIRT SILHOUETTES
a-line - a skirt that has a shape similar to the letter A, fitted at the waist and flares out
broom - usually a midi or maxi length skirt that is tiered and features crinkled material
flounce - a skirt usually midi or maxi that features a wide strip of fabric sewn to the hem to create a ruffle
pencil - a skirt that is fitted at the waist and through the hips and tapers towards the hem
prairie - usually a fuller a-line longer midi or maxi skirt that features at least one flounce
skort - a garment that appears to be a mini skirt all the way around (usually not longer than mid thigh) that has shorts attached
tiered - usually midi or maxi length skirt that features horizontal panels of fabric
wrap - a skirt that features a sash to cinch in the waist or button fasteners at the waist
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MORE CLOTHING DEFINITIONS
cardigan - a knit long sleeve garment with front opening, with or without buttons
coat - outerwear garment with sleeves that usually extends past the hips
duster - lightweight outerwear usually past the knees, most often knit
jacket - outerwear garment with sleeves with a hem at/around the waist
jumpsuit - a one piece garment that incorporates trousers and a top
overalls - a one piece garment meant to be worn with a top underneath
robe - loose outerwear garment with or without a sash
romper - a one piece garment that incorporates shorts and a top (sometimes called a playsuit)
sweater - a knit garment usually with 3/4 length or longer sleeves worn for cool/cold weather