Clothing guide
Clothing guide: types, silhouettes and names
151 garment styles with technical drawings: how to recognise them, where they come from, who and when they suit, what to pair them with.
Three things describe a dress: the silhouette (how it falls from shoulder to hem), where the waist sits and the length. A-line, sheath and shift are silhouettes; midi and maxi are lengths; cocktail and evening are purposes.
A-line dressAn A-line dress is fitted through the bust and waist and widens evenly from the waist to the hem, so from the front it looks like the letter A.Sheath dressA sheath dress is straight, fitted to the body and narrowing towards the knee, often shaped with darts and closed with a zip at the back.Shift dressA shift dress falls straight from the shoulders to the hem with no defined waist, fitting only at the shoulders.Wrap dressA wrap dress fastens at the front by crossing one side over the other and tying a sash at the waist, which forms a V neckline.Slip dressA slip dress is a light dress on thin straps that looks like an underslip, usually in silk or satin and cut on the bias.Bodycon dressA bodycon dress is made of stretch fabric and hugs the body from the bust to the hem.Empire waist dressAn empire waist dress has its waistline raised to just under the bust, with the skirt falling loosely and long from there.Fit and flare dressA fit and flare dress is fitted through the bust and waist with a skirt that flares out widely from the waist, usually to the knee.Mermaid dressA mermaid dress fits closely from the bust to the knee and then flares out sharply below, like a mermaid's tail.Shirt dressA shirt dress is cut like a lengthened shirt: with a collar, buttons down all or part of the front and often a belt.Babydoll dressA babydoll dress is a short dress with a high waist under the bust and a wide, loose skirt, often with puff sleeves.Sweater dressA sweater dress is a lengthened jumper: a warm dress knitted in wool, cashmere or cotton, often with long sleeves and a roll neck.Strapless dressA strapless dress has neither sleeves nor straps: the top stays up on the bust thanks to a structured bodice with boning or an elastic edge.Cocktail dressA cocktail dress is an elegant semi-formal dress for evening events, usually knee or midi length.Little black dressThe little black dress is a simple black dress, short or knee length, that can be worn for many occasions just by changing the accessories.Maxi dressA maxi dress is a long casual dress reaching the ankles or the floor, usually in a light, flowing fabric.Midi dressA midi dress ends below the knee, around the middle of the calf, between the knee and the ankle.Peplum dressA peplum dress has a short flared ruffle of fabric at the waist that covers the top of the hips above a slim skirt.Tea length dressA tea length dress ends below mid-calf, just above the ankle, usually with a full skirt.Off-the-shoulder dressAn off-the-shoulder dress has a neckline that runs below the shoulders across the upper arms, leaving the shoulders and collarbones bare.Evening gownAn evening gown is a long, floor-length formal dress for evening events with a black tie or white tie dress code.
The type of skirt depends on how it falls from the waist: narrow and straight (pencil), widening evenly (A-line), cut as a circle, pleated, or flaring at the hem (mermaid). Any of them can come in any length.
Pencil skirtA pencil skirt is a narrow, straight skirt fitted over the hips and tapering slightly towards the knee, often with a slit at the back.Pleated skirtA pleated skirt is made of many narrow, heat-set folds that open as you move and close again.A-line skirtAn A-line skirt fits at the waist and widens evenly to the hem, looking like the letter A from the front.Wrap skirtA wrap skirt is wrapped around the waist with one side over the other and tied or fastened at the side.Circle skirtA circle skirt is cut from a full circle of fabric with a hole for the waist, so it falls in wide waves at the hem and flares out when you spin.Tulip skirtA tulip skirt is rounded over the hips and narrows at the hem, with two overlapping front panels that look like tulip petals.Mermaid skirtA mermaid skirt fits over the hips and thighs and flares out at or below the knee like a fish tail.Tiered skirtA tiered skirt is made of several horizontal bands, each lower one wider and gathered, so the skirt widens in tiers.Tulle skirtA tulle skirt is made of several layers of sheer net (tulle), so it is light, airy and full.Slip skirtA slip skirt is a light, bias-cut midi skirt in a shiny fabric with an elastic waistband, like the lower half of a slip.
Three things set trousers apart: the shape of the leg (tapered, straight, flared, curved), the rise and the length. Jeans are the same cuts made in denim with five pockets and rivets.
Palazzo pantsPalazzo pants are very wide, light trousers that widen straight from the hip to the floor and look like a long skirt as you move.CulottesCulottes are wide trousers cut off around mid-calf that look like a midi skirt from a distance.Wide-leg pantsWide-leg pants fit at the waist and hips and fall wide and straight from the hip to the shoes, often with a pressed crease.Flare pantsFlare pants fit closely down to the knee and then widen sharply to the hem, like a bell.Cargo pantsCargo pants are loose, straight trousers with large patch pockets on the sides of the thighs.ChinosChinos are light cotton twill trousers with a straight or slightly tapered cut and slanted front pockets.JoggersJoggers are loose knit trousers with an elastic, drawstring waist and ribbed cuffs at the ankle.Capri pantsCapri pants are slim trousers cut off at mid-calf, often with a small slit at the side of the hem.Cigarette pantsCigarette pants are slim, straight trousers ending just above the ankle, often with a pressed crease.Paperbag pantsPaperbag pants have a high, gathered waist that frills out above the band like a cinched paper bag, often with a tie belt.Skinny jeansSkinny jeans are very narrow, stretchy jeans that hug the leg from the hip to the ankle.Mom jeansMom jeans are high-waisted jeans, roomier through the hips and thighs and tapering towards the ankle.Bootcut jeansBootcut jeans fit through the thigh and widen slightly from the knee so the hem fits over boots.Straight-leg jeansStraight-leg jeans have legs of the same width from the knee to the hem, neither tapering nor flaring.Barrel jeansBarrel jeans have curved legs that bow out at the knee and narrow again at the ankle, so from the front they look like a barrel.Baggy jeansBaggy jeans are very loose all the way down, from the hip to the hem, often with a lower rise and extra length.
Tops differ in fabric (woven, jersey or knit), collar and neckline, sleeves and length. Blouses and shirts are woven, T-shirts and hoodies are jersey, sweaters and cardigans are knitted.
BlouseA blouse is a light women's top in a fluid fabric, looser than a shirt, often with a decorative neckline or sleeves.ShirtA shirt is a top with a collar, a button placket down the whole front and cuffs, usually made of cotton.T-shirtA T-shirt is a knit top with short sleeves and a round or V neck, with no collar or buttons.Polo shirtA polo shirt is a knit shirt with a turn-down collar and a short button placket, usually short-sleeved.CamisoleA camisole is a light sleeveless top on thin straps, often in silk or satin.Crop topA crop top ends above the waist and shows part of the midriff; it can be jersey, woven or knitted, with or without sleeves.Corset topA corset top is a fitted top with sewn-in boning that shapes the bodice, often strapless and laced.TurtleneckA turtleneck is a fitted jumper or knit top with a high, folded collar that covers the neck.SweaterA sweater is a knitted top with long sleeves, pulled on over the head, with no buttons or zip.CardiganA cardigan is a long-sleeved knitted top that buttons all the way down the front, often with a V neck.HoodieA hoodie is a long-sleeved knit top with a hood, drawstrings and often a single kangaroo pocket at the front.JumpsuitA jumpsuit is a one-piece garment in which the top and trousers are joined, often belted at the waist.
Outerwear is told apart by length, collar and fastening: a lapelled blazer reaches the hip, a belted trench the knee, a duffle fastens with toggles, a bomber with a zip and ribbed edges.
BlazerA blazer is a tailored, hip-length jacket with lapels, front buttons and pockets, worn over a shirt or blouse.Trench coatA trench coat is a light, water-resistant knee-length coat with two rows of buttons, a belt, epaulettes and wide lapels.Pea coatA pea coat is a short, hip-length, double-breasted wool coat with a large collar and wide lapels.Wrap coatA wrap coat has no buttons: the front overlaps and is held with a self-fabric belt, often with a shawl collar.Duffle coatA duffle coat is a warm, loose thigh-length coat with a hood and wooden or horn toggles on rope loops.Cape coatA cape coat is a sleeveless outer layer that falls from the shoulders over the arms, with slits for the hands at the front or sides.Bomber jacketA bomber jacket is a short, waist-length jacket with a zip and ribbed collar, cuffs and hem.Biker jacketA biker jacket is a short leather jacket with an off-centre zip, wide snap-down lapels and a belt at the hem.Denim jacketA denim jacket is a short, waist-length jacket in denim with a shirt collar, buttons, flapped chest pockets and a waistband.Puffer jacketA puffer jacket is a warm quilted jacket filled with down or synthetic fill, with horizontal stitching that keeps the fill in place.ParkaA parka is a long, thigh-length warm jacket with a hood, often fur or faux-fur trimmed, a zip and big pockets.GiletA gilet is a warm sleeveless quilted vest with a zip and stand collar, worn over a jumper or under a coat.
Three things set shoes apart: the upper (closed, open, strappy, laced), the heel and the shaft height. Heel types have their own section.
High heelsHigh heels are shoes with a heel that raises the back of the foot above the front; the name usually means shoes with a heel of 5 cm or more.PumpsPumps are closed shoes with no straps or laces, a low-cut upper and a heel, usually with a pointed or round toe.SlingbacksSlingbacks are closed-toe shoes with an open back held by a strap behind the heel.Mary JanesMary Janes are closed-toe shoes with a strap across the instep, fastened with a button or buckle.MulesMules are backless shoes: the front is closed or open and the back is bare, so you slip them on without hands.SandalsSandals are open summer shoes held on the foot by straps, with a flat sole or a heel.EspadrillesEspadrilles are light summer shoes with a canvas upper and a jute rope sole, flat or on a wedge.Ballet flatsBallet flats are light, flat shoes with a very low-cut upper, often with a small bow at the front.LoafersLoafers are closed, laceless slip-on shoes with a low heel, often with a strap or metal trim across the instep.MoccasinsMoccasins are soft, slip-on shoes without a hard heel, whose leather wraps the foot from below and is stitched on top with a U-shaped seam.Oxford shoesOxfords are classic lace-up shoes with closed lacing: the eyelet panels are stitched under the vamp.Derby shoesDerbies are lace-up shoes with open lacing: the eyelet panels are sewn on top of the vamp and can open out.SneakersSneakers are comfortable rubber-soled shoes, usually laced, made for sport and everyday wear.Chelsea bootsChelsea boots are ankle boots with elastic side panels and a pull tab at the back, slipped on without laces.Ankle bootsAnkle boots are boots whose shaft ends at or just above the ankle, with or without a heel, often zipped.Knee-high bootsKnee-high boots have a shaft up to or just below the knee, with or without a heel, usually zipped on the inside.Cowboy bootsCowboy boots are tall leather boots with a pointed toe, a slanted Cuban heel and decorative stitching on the shaft.Combat bootsCombat boots are sturdy lace-up boots with a thick, lugged sole, rising above the ankle.
Sneakers differ in shaft height (low, mid, high), sole (thin, cupsole, chunky, platform, running), fastening (laces, elastic, strap) and whether they have a back.
Low-top sneakersLow-top sneakers end below the ankle bone, leaving the ankle free; it is the most common height for everyday sneakers.Mid-top sneakersMid-top sneakers reach the ankle bone: higher than low tops but lower than high tops, so the ankle is only partly covered.High-top sneakersHigh-top sneakers have a shaft that covers the ankle and long lacing, often with a round patch at the ankle.Canvas sneakersCanvas sneakers are light shoes with a canvas upper, a thin rubber sole, a rubber toe cap and a band around the sole.Canvas sneaker mulesCanvas sneaker mules are canvas sneakers with a rubber toe cap and a thin sole but no back, so they slip on like mules.Slip-on sneakersSlip-on sneakers have no laces: they slip on without hands and elastic side panels hold the foot.Sneaker mulesSneaker mules look like ordinary sneakers from the front but have no back, so they slip on like mules.Chunky sneakersChunky sneakers have a thick, layered sole and a bulky upper with many overlays, so they look big and heavy.Platform sneakersPlatform sneakers have a very thick, even sole along the whole length that raises the entire foot.Tennis shoesTennis shoes are low, clean-lined leather sneakers on a thin flat cupsole, often white with perforations on the toe.Running shoesRunning shoes are light sneakers with a soft, cushioning sole that is thicker under the heel and a breathable mesh upper.Basketball shoesBasketball shoes are high or mid-top sneakers with a thick, grippy sole and a reinforced shaft that supports the ankle when jumping.Skate shoesSkate shoes are low, sturdy sneakers with a flat, grippy sole, a thick padded collar and a reinforced toe.Retro sneakersRetro sneakers recreate 1960s and 1970s running and training shoes: low, slim, with suede overlays and a thin sole.
Heels differ in height, width and shape: a thin high stiletto, a low kitten heel, a wide block, a one-piece wedge and a thick sole under the front of the foot (platform).
Stiletto heelA stiletto is a high, very thin heel, often 7–12 cm, named after a slender Italian dagger.Kitten heelA kitten heel is a low, thin, slightly curved heel, usually 3–5 cm high.Block heelA block heel is a wide, square or rectangular heel, steadier than a thin one, from 3 to 10 cm high.Wedge heelA wedge heel runs in one piece under the whole foot from heel to ball and looks like a wedge from the side.Platform shoesA platform is a thick sole under the front of the foot that, together with the heel, lifts the whole foot and reduces the angle between heel and toes.Cone heelA cone heel is wide at the top and narrows towards the ground, like an ice-cream cone.
Bags differ in size, shape (structured or soft) and how they are carried: in the hand, on the shoulder, across the body, at the waist or on the back.
Tote bagA tote is a large, open or zipped bag with two long handles, carried on the shoulder or in the hand.ClutchA clutch is a small, flat bag without handles, or with a hidden chain, carried in the hand.Crossbody bagA crossbody bag is a small bag on a long strap worn diagonally across the body, from one shoulder to the opposite hip.Hobo bagA hobo bag is a soft, crescent-shaped bag that slouches and folds when hung on the shoulder.Shoulder bagA shoulder bag is a medium-sized bag with a strap or chain long enough to carry it on the shoulder.SatchelA satchel is a structured, rectangular bag with a flap, buckles, a top handle and often a long strap.Belt bagA belt bag is a small bag on a belt, worn at the waist, the hips or across the chest.Bucket bagA bucket bag is a cylinder-shaped bag with a round or oval base, drawn closed at the top with a cord.Saddle bagA saddle bag is a half-moon or D-shaped bag with a large curved flap, like a horse's saddlebag.Baguette bagA baguette is a small, elongated bag on a short strap, carried tucked under the arm like a French loaf.BackpackA backpack is a bag with two straps carried on the back, spreading the weight over both shoulders.Top-handle bagA top-handle bag is a structured bag with one or two short handles, carried in the hand or on the forearm.
A neckline is the edge of a garment around the neck and shoulders. It changes most how the face, neck and shoulders look: a V lengthens the neck, a boat neck widens the shoulders, a high neck frames the face.
Crew neckA crew neck is a small round neckline that sits around the base of the neck, the most common neckline on T-shirts and sweaters.V-neckA V-neck is a neckline whose edges meet in a point at the centre front, like the letter V.Plunging necklineA plunging neckline is a very deep V that reaches the middle of the chest or below, often on evening dresses.Square necklineA square neckline has a straight horizontal front edge and two vertical sides, forming a square or rectangle.Sweetheart necklineA sweetheart neckline is an edge with two curves over the bust that meet in the middle, like the top of a heart.Boat neckA boat neck is a wide, shallow neckline running almost horizontally from shoulder to shoulder across the collarbones.Halter neckIn a halter neck the garment is held up by a strap or band around the neck, leaving the shoulders and often the back bare.Cowl neckA cowl neck is a neckline where soft folds of bias-cut fabric drape at the front.Off-the-shoulder necklineAn off-the-shoulder neckline runs horizontally across the upper arms below the shoulders, leaving the shoulders and collarbones bare.One-shoulder necklineA one-shoulder neckline is asymmetric: the garment rests on one shoulder and leaves the other bare.Strapless necklineA strapless neckline is a straight or slightly curved edge across the bust, with no straps or sleeves.High neckA high neck covers the neck: a folded turtleneck, a shorter unfolded mock neck or a widening funnel neck.
Sleeves differ in length (from cap to long), shape (straight, puffed, flared) and how they are set in (a seam on the shoulder or a raglan seam from the neck).
SleevelessA sleeveless garment ends where the arm meets the shoulder, so the arms are fully bare while the shoulders are covered.Cap sleeveA cap sleeve is a very short sleeve that covers only the top of the shoulder and does not reach under the arm.Short sleeveA short sleeve covers the shoulder and ends around the middle of the upper arm, between shoulder and elbow.Puff sleeveA puff sleeve is gathered at the shoulder and the hem, so it balloons out in the middle.Elbow-length sleeveAn elbow-length sleeve covers the upper arm and ends at or just above the elbow.Three-quarter sleeveA three-quarter sleeve ends between the elbow and the wrist, leaving the lower forearm and wrist bare.Long sleeveA long sleeve covers the whole arm to the wrist, often finished with a cuff or ribbed edge.Bishop sleeveA bishop sleeve is a long sleeve that widens towards the wrist and is gathered into a cuff, so it billows at the bottom.Bell sleeveA bell sleeve is narrow at the top and flares widely at the bottom, where it stays open, like a bell.Raglan sleeveA raglan sleeve is sewn in with a diagonal seam from the neck to the underarm, so the sleeve and shoulder are one piece.
A collar is the part of a garment sewn to the neckline. It can stand (mandarin), lie flat (Peter Pan, sailor), turn down (shirt) or run into lapels (jackets).
Shirt collarA shirt collar is a stand with a turned-down fall whose pointed ends sit down on the chest.Peter Pan collarA Peter Pan collar is a flat collar with rounded ends that lies on the garment around the neckline.Mandarin collarA mandarin collar is a narrow band that stands up around the neck with no turned-down fall, slightly open at the front.Notch lapelA notch lapel is a jacket or coat collar with a V-shaped notch where the collar meets the lapel.Shawl collarA shawl collar is a continuous curved collar with no notch, running from the neck to the first button like a shawl.Sailor collarA sailor collar is a large flat collar that forms a V at the front and falls in a square at the back, often trimmed and tied with a bow.Pussy-bow collarA pussy-bow collar is a long tie around the neck whose ends are tied in a bow under the chin.Ruffle collarA ruffle collar is a standing or flat collar of gathered or pleated fabric that forms a wavy or frilled edge around the neck.
Related guides
Questions and answers
Frequently asked
01What is a technical flat?
A flat drawing of a garment without a model, showing the silhouette, seams, neckline and details. Designers and factories use them, which makes them the clearest way to see how styles differ.
02What is the difference between silhouette and length?
The silhouette is how a garment falls (A-line, straight, fitted, flared); the length is where it ends (mini, knee, midi, maxi). The same silhouette comes in different lengths.
03How do you choose an outfit for an event?
Start with the dress code: it sets the length and formality. Then choose a silhouette you are comfortable in and a fabric for the season.