Fashion & Textile Glossary

Precise definitions for fashion dress codes, textile properties (breathability, moisture regain, CLO, GSM), climate classifications, and care labels — all sourced from ISO standards, NOAA/WMO data, and published textile science.

Care

Machine Washing Textiles

Machine washing is safe for most cotton, polyester, nylon, linen, and synthetic…

Dry Cleaning

Dry cleaning uses chemical solvents (typically perchloroethylene or newer altern…

Hand Washing

Hand washing uses gentle agitation in cool water with mild detergent. Recommende…

Ironing and Pressing

Iron temperature varies by fibre: Low (110°C): silk, wool, synthetic blends — st…

Climate

Köppen Climate Classification

The Köppen climate classification system (Wladimir Köppen, 1884) divides Earth's…

Tropical Climate

Tropical climates (Köppen Group A) are characterised by year-round warmth (month…

Temperate Climate

Temperate climates (Köppen C and D groups) have warm summers and cool winters wi…

Humidity in Fashion Context

Relative humidity (RH%) measures water vapour saturation in air at a given tempe…

Construction

Layering

Layering is the practice of wearing multiple garments to create a temperature-re…

Base Layer

The base layer sits directly against the skin. Its primary function is moisture…

Capsule Wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe is a curated set of versatile, interchangeable garments that…

Dress Code

Black Tie

Black tie is a semi-formal Western dress code for evening events. Men wear a tux…

White Tie

White tie is the most formal Western dress code, reserved for state banquets, ro…

Business Formal

Business formal (also power dressing) applies to corporate environments, law fir…

Business Casual

Business casual sits between formal and casual — the default in most tech, media…

Smart Casual

Smart casual occupies a broad middle ground — dressed-up casual without formalit…

Cocktail Attire

Cocktail attire originated in 1920s American social culture for semi-formal even…

Resort Wear

Resort wear (also resort casual) is designed for tropical or beach destinations:…

Outdoor Smart Casual

A sub-category bridging smart-casual and outdoor performance, common in garden p…

Sustainability

Textile Sustainability

Textile sustainability covers environmental impact across the fibre lifecycle: r…

Vegan Fashion

Vegan fashion excludes all animal-derived materials: wool, silk, cashmere, alpac…

Deadstock Fabric

Deadstock fabrics are overrun or unsold bolts from mills, fashion brands, or tex…

Textile

Breathability

Breathability measures a fabric's ability to allow moisture vapour and air to pa…

Moisture Regain

Moisture regain is the percentage of water a bone-dry fibre absorbs from standar…

Wrinkle Recovery

Wrinkle recovery measures a fabric's ability to return to its original shape aft…

GSM (Grams per Square Metre)

GSM measures fabric weight per square metre. Lightweight fabrics run 50-150 gsm…

CLO Value

The CLO is the thermal resistance unit for clothing insulation, standardised in…

Moisture Wicking

Moisture wicking describes a fabric's active transport of liquid sweat away from…

Formality Fit

Formality fit describes how well a fabric's visual and tactile properties match…

Packability

Packability measures how well a fabric rolls, folds, and recovers from compressi…

UPF Protection

UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rates how effectively a fabric blocks UV rad…

Natural Fiber

Natural fibres come from plants (cellulosic: cotton, linen, hemp, ramie) or anim…

Synthetic Fiber

Synthetic fibres are petroleum-derived polymers: polyester, nylon, acrylic, poly…

Recycled Fiber

Recycled fibres are made from post-consumer or post-industrial waste: PET bottle…

Regenerated / Semi-Synthetic Fiber

Regenerated fibres are made from natural cellulose (wood pulp, bamboo) processed…

Performance Fabric

Performance fabrics are engineered for specific functional outcomes: moisture wi…