Fashion Terms - Royal Research

Outfits worn by Queen Elizabeth II (designed by Angela Kelly & Karl Ludwig)
Photo Credit: Northern Ireland Office (CC BY 2.0)

A few fashion terms you will want to know:

Bespoke - A commissioned piece that is custom-made for a specific person using their measurements. Bespoke fashion tends to be more expensive than ready to wear. Unlike Haute Couture, Bespoke pieces are not required to be 100% handmade & sewn. (I.e. A Bespoke piece can be made on a sewing machine.) Bespoke is synonymous with "custom-made" and "made to order."

Couture - A common abreviation of "Haute Couture." See "Haute Couture."

Haute Couture - French for "High Fashion" or "High Sewing." Haute Couture is high-end fashion that is made by hand from start to finish, nothing is machine made/sewn. Haute Couture is usually made with expensive fabrics and has a lot of detailed work.

Prêt-à-Porter - French for "Ready-to-Wear."

Ready-to-Wear - Something that is made in a standard size, so it will fit most people. These clothes are intended to be worn without any alterations. Synonymous with "off the rack" and "Prêt-à-Porter."

For terms relating to specific items (hats, tiaras, etc.), see their specific page. 

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