Fashion Terms

This document compiles an extensive terminology resource within the field of fashion and design education. It serves as both a reference tool and a teaching aid, covering the technical, creative, and business aspects of the fashion industry.

Content

  • Seams & Stitches: Seam types, stitches, and construction techniques.
  • Textiles & Materials: Textile fibers, fabrics, and finishes.
  • Patternmaking & Fit: Pattern construction, alterations, and grading systems.
  • Garment Types & Silhouettes: Clothing categories, fits, and historical silhouettes.
  • Details & Trims: Design details, trimmings, and finishing elements.
  • Printing, Dyeing & Finishing: Printing methods, dyeing techniques, and surface treatments.
  • Design & Presentation: Sketching, moodboards, tech packs, digital tools, and presentation formats.
  • Manufacturing & Sourcing: Production methods, sourcing, supply chain, quality control, and factory operations.
  • Business & Retail: Marketing, branding, retail models, e-commerce, buying & merchandising, and consumer behavior.
  • Sustainability & Standards: Sustainable materials, certifications, circularity, ethical sourcing, social responsibility, and environmental impact.

Purpose

  • To provide students, educators, and designers with a comprehensive overview of key fashion terminology.
  • To function as a reference in projects, classroom activities, and portfolio development.
  • To establish a consistent vocabulary in both English and Danish across the diverse disciplines of fashion.

The Directory

Get access to the full Fashion Terms Directory as a downloadable document.

Important: This resource is exclusively for students and alumni of the Scandinavian Academy of Fashion Design.
It is intended for your personal and professional development, and must not be shared, copied, or distributed outside of the SAFD community.