“What is” Questions on Clothing – Answered!

These can be classified by types of clothing, and each type has a number of sub-types. Below are the main garment types or categories, and we will go into detail of each one to answer “what is it” and what are the subcategories or sub-types:

1. Blazers

A blazer is a type of casual jacket of military origin, similar to a suit jacket but tailored with shirt-shoulders. In terms of formal wear, it sits between the suit (more formal) and the sports coat (more casual). Usually has buttons on front, which can be silver or golden shades or with buttons of more casual styles. Typically are made out of fabrics such as linen, flannel, wool, worsted serge, and more.

2. Blouses

The blouse is a upper body garment worn predominantly by women. Compared with a shirt, a blouse is sometimes fashioned out of light fabric that is lighter than its ‘shirt’ counterpart, and sometimes has more interesting details such as lace collars and gathers, pleats, pin-tucks and more. Normally it would not have a button-down part. A traditional blouse is a loose-fit garment. A blouse may also fit underneath pants and skirts, and thus avoid a blouse's billowing silhouette to create an elliptical waist.

3. Coats

Coats are largely winter garments made with heavier fabrics like wool, and interlining has been added for warmth. They can be long, mid-length to about the knee, or shorter.

4. DRESSES

Dresses are the most feminine outfits and feature a one-piece clothing with bodices covering the torso and skirts covering the legs. They can be mini, short, knee length, midi, maxi or long. Dresses may be a tight fit, flared or be very light and airy, such as the bohemian style. Stylistically, dresses may be with long sleeves, short sleeves, also be strapless, with various neck lines. Gowns are the full length dresses appropriate for formal events and proms. We have compiled an a-to-z guide with 45 types of dresses with definitions and images.

5. Jackets

The jackets may be part of a formal wear or a casual clothing, and are suited as clothes or as outerwear. A bomber jackets are considered casual outerwear jackets - tuxedos and blazers are custom jackets.

6. Jeans

In the 1800's the jeans were known as a cotton textile used for garment manufacturing. Jeans for 2020's are offered in various sizes, fabrics and cuts in denim, with different colors. Loved by women, men and kids, it's among the most popular casual wear outfits of today. In the last years some models such as the skinny jeans, are made out of stretchy fabric are a hit. Other popular styles for ladies are the boyfriend jeans, cropped jeans and mom fit jeans.

7. Jumpsuits

A one-piece garment with full-body coverage, where the upper and bottom are tied together. In the past, this clothing type was primarily known as workwear, or sleeping clothing. Today it is popular in the street fashion, as causal wear, well as more stylish models for an evening event.

8. Leggings

Leggings are elastic fitted high-rise clothes, usually worn by women as part of an everyday outfit. Several types of leggings are included in the clothes vocabulary, such as tights, stockings, thigh-highs, leg warmers, putts, and hose.

9. Lingerie

Undergarments for women mainly, the lingerie is made of natural or synthetic materials. Cotton fabric or silk are the best choices as this apparel is in contact with gentle areas. lightweight robes and sleeping gowns are also considered lingerie. Lace lingerie or one with a lace trim are preferred for more feminine looks.

10. Polo Shirts

These are short sleeved shirts with stand-up collar with a few buttons, and produced out of knitted cotton (piqué). Initially, these tops were worn during polo matches, which is where the name is derived from. The fist polo shirt as known today was designed by Rene Lacoste as an attempt to improve the tennis attire. At the time when the Lacoste polos came to massproduction, the British tennis star Fred Perry launched his version of the polo shirt.

11. Religious clothing styles

Each religion has its own distinct clothing style, which is derived from the religion's core values and represents the colors and materials incorporated in the symbolism of the belief. Mostly, it is the men who wear this outfit. For women, it is usually the nun attire.

12. Traditional costumes for various countries and regions

Also known as a national or regional costume, these attires expresses a cultural or regional identity through a costume. Hundreds of folk costumes exist around the world. Some are traditionally worn on specific holidays, others are for everyday wear. The modern men and women prefer contemporary styles and only on special occasions is traditional clothing worn.

13. Trousers

Clothing worn on the lower body both by men, women and kids. Usually these are long pants and can be both formal, informal or sporty. Dress pants are also a popular choice. Such clothing is combined with shirts, blouses, sweaters and a blazer may complement the look.

14. Shirts

A shirt is a garment for the upper body, very widely used by all genders and ages. Typically these are made of cotton or other thin sheets of a similar fabric, with short or long sleeves, a collar, and buttons down the front.

15. Shorts

The shorter version of the pants or trousers, the shorts normally cover the area from the waist to the upper legs or knees, but do not go full length. Usually worn as sports clothes or going to the beach, the shorts can sometimes be used as a more formal wear if the model is suited. Variations of the term include slacks, dress shorts, short pants and more.

16. Skirts

A garment, worn by predominantly by women and girls, although may be used by men, such as the traditional Scottish male skirts. Usually a one-piece, they are fastened around the waist and hang down both legs. Various lengths and types of skirts flatter the contemporary lady, among the favorite are the skater skirt, the pencil skirt, A-line skirt, straight, pleated, tiered, mermaid, tulip, asymmetrical, and the long bohemian style skirt.

17. Sportswear

Sportswear, also called activewear or active clothing - is clothing worn when performing sports. When playing tennis or golf, sledding or simply running, it always makes good sense to choose the proper clothing style. Usually, this type of clothing is best complemented by trendy sneakers.

18. Suits

The suit and tie outfit has been introduced by Beau Brummell, named as the forefather of men’s style. The suit consists of at least two parts - a jacket and pants or skirt, and is used both by men and women. It is worn as formal business attire or black tie formal attire, combined with a tie or a bow tie. Suit fabrics range from linen fabrics to high-end wool, as well synthetic fibers such as polyester.

19. Sweaters

Like cardigans, sweater are made of knit fabric and have several neckline options. Popular to wear with a shirt or a t-shirt underneath, the sweaters suited for both casual wear and as office attire.

20. SWIMSUITS

Used for swimming, bathing or going to the beach, the swimsuits may be considered part of the sportswear type of clothing, however its broader usage designated it a separate space. The styles the of modern swimsuits are varied, and can cover a smaller or wider area of the body. For men and boys the models resemble briefs, boxers or shorts. For ladies, one or two-piece suits are popular and is socially accepted that the breasts are covered, unlike with men. Discover how to select the perfect womens swimsuits for your body type. Widely used materials are Latex and nylon.

21. T-Shirts

The name comes from the shape of a T when spread out on a flat surface. A t-shirt is casual garment with short sleeves and a round neckline, generally made of cotton (jersey), but can also be of synthetic material. Originally worn as undershirts, nowadays are often worn as tops. The colors and decorations are so varied that naming all is impossible. Worn by all ages and genders, the Tees have become a favorite to many designers of all price ranges.