fashion illustrated glossary -B-

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Babydoll

A babydoll is a woman’s short nightgown sometimes with lace, ruffles, bows and ribbons, optionally with spaghetti straps.

Sometimes a babydoll is made of sheer cloth like chiffon.

The name comes from the 1956 movie “Baby
Doll” starring Carroll Baker in the title role.

Baby G

Girls’ version of the sporty Casio G-Shock watch.

Backless (bra)

A bra designed with a low cut adjustable back band.

Back closure

Term used to describe how a bra closes. Usually, a back-closure bra has two rows of hook and eye closures and three adjustments. Full figure and strapless bras usually have three rows of hook and eye closures as well as three adjustments.

Back drape

A length of material attached either at the shoulder or the waist that flows over the back to floor length. In some cases it is removable.

Back yoke

A fitted or shaped piece at the top of a skirt or at the shoulder of various garments.

Balaclava

Woollen or Polypropylene Thermal clothing covering the head, neck and part of the face.

Balconette

Another name for a demi cup bra. However, a balconette also includes a little padding to enhance bust size.

Ball gown

Dress characterized by a very full skirt that begins at the waist and continues to a formal length. The skirt waist is seamed and can be of various styles.

Ballerina neckline

This is a low neckline that usually occurs with strapless or spaghetti strapped dresses.

Balloon skirt

Skirt gathered at waist, seamed to curve in towards knee, held by band at hem.

Balmacaan coat

Loose-fit, calf-length, tweed coat with raglan sleeves.

Bandana

Traditionally a cotton brightly colored handkerchief folded into a triangle and tied around the neck.

Often used as a neckerchief, on the head or as a miniskirt.

Bandeau/tube top/bra

A band-shaped covering for the breasts.

Barbour jacket

Coat made from waterproof waxed cotton or synthetic fibre.

Basque

A name given to any tight-fitting bodice garment worn by women.

Short skirt addition sewn onto bodice of a dress or jacket. Pleated or gathered onto hem of bodice; short-skirted jacket.

Corselette and merrywidow are type of basques.

Basque waist/V-waist

This dropped waist starts at or just below the natural waistline, and dips in the center creating a “V” shape.

Bateau neck

A high, wide, straight neckline that runs straight across the front and back, meeting at the shoulders; the same depth in the front and back.

Batwing sleeve

A high, wide, straight neckline that runs straight across the front and back, meeting at the shoulders; the same depth in the front and back.

Bell sleeve

Smooth fitting at armhole, this sleeve flares to hem edge in a bell like shape.

Besom pockets

A pocket sewn inside the garment with access through a welted slit-type opening.

Beret

A round flat woollen cap, usually of military style.

Bermuda

Larger than shorts and almost reaching the knee.

Bias cut

Cut diagonally across the grain of a fabric. Used to create garments that follow the body curves closely.

Bike short

A close-fitting one-piece versatile short with stretch woven shell liner for protection and compression.

Biketards

A close-fitting, one-piece garment from the top of the torso to the hem of the shorts.

Bikini

A two-piece swimsuit.

A pantywear style whose waistband rests below the navel, and on the hips.

Usually has a high-cut leg line. The sides can be
anything from a string to a thicker side panel.
Back coverage depends on the style of the bikini.

Blazer

A long-sleeved sports jacket with lapels.

Bloomer

Long loose pants gathered around the ankles, wider than Bermudas.

Blouse

A shirt worn by women. Usually a blouse is lighter than men’s shirts.

Shirt worn by the military.

Boat neck

A high, wide, straight neckline that runs straight across the front and back, meeting at the shoulders; the same depth in the front and back.

Body bag

Also called body sacks or packs. Any hands-free bag.

For example, backpacks, arm pouches, bags slung across the body diagonally, waist bags (used to be called fanny packs).

Body briefer

A shapewear style that looks like a one-piece bathing suit. It has a snap

crotch (also called gusset closure) and a control panel at the tummy for support.

Body stocking

A body stocking is a one-piece snug-fitting undergarment for women, usually made of nylon, that covers the whole torso.

Boho

A fashion look with fringing, patchwork, homespun and raw-edged fabrics, paisley and
floral prints, embroidery, tassels, studding, tooled leather, layering and ornate jewelry.

Bolero jacket

A loose, waist-length jacket open at the front.

Boot-cut

Cut below the belly button and slightly flares from the knee to the ankle.

Box-pleated

Two folds of fabric brought together to form a pleat.

Boy-leg

Shorts, undergarments, or swimwear that has a close fitting leg that extends down the thigh.

Boy-short

Shorts, undergarments, or swimwear that has a close fitting leg that reaches half way down the thigh.

This panty offers full coverage in a modern silhouette, boy-shorts are a perfect everyday alternative and offer comfortable coverage under skirts.

Boy-shorts are also popular teamed up with a camisole and worn around as loungewear.

Bra/Brassiere

The shortened word for brassiere.

A woman’s close-fitting undergarment which is worn to support and give contour to the breasts.

Bralette

A bralette is an unlined, soft cup bra.
It resembles a very short crop top.

Bralettes are primarily used as a teen bra or sleep bra because they do not offer a significant amount of support.

Brief

A panty whose waistband rests at or just below the navel, provides full back coverage, and may have a high-cut leg.

Broomstick

A skirt or dress that is characterized by numerous pleats and crinkled material.

Brooch

Brooches or pins are decorative jewelry designed to be attached to garments.

Pins are usually made of metal, often silver or gold but sometimes bronze or some other material.

Brooches are often decorated with enamel or with
gemstones and may be solely for ornament.

Sometimes serve a practical function as a fastening.

Bustier

A bosom-to-hip corset-style garment, usually trimmed in lavish lace.

Additional features may include detachable garters, flexible boning, optional shoulder straps, and a lace-up closing.

This garment is usually worn by a woman for the visual enjoyment of the man in her life.

It is not considered to be confortable.