A lot of times, fashion entrepreneurs do not use the right words or techniques on the job simply because they don’t know how to or they are not familiar with the word at all. The fashion industry is a broad one, it is, therefore, easy to get too overly familiar with some words that we forget to update our vocabulary.
Our Commonly Misused Fashion Words column was birthed to correct the wrong notion people might have of certain fashion words or techniques. Let’s begin with today’s words!
Boyfriend Styles


Boyfriend styles are outfits that were traditionally menswear but have now been converted to womenswear. They are simply outfits that were created for men but have been modified to fit women too. So, some trouser styles and jackets are boyfriend outfits.
Most vintage wears are commonly known as boyfriend outfits, from jackets to shirts to tops and trousers. It is fun to know that boyfriend styles sit excellently on every female who dares. Boyfriend outfits are usually made from cotton or jeans and are really comfortable to fit into. They are really cute and comfortable.
Drop Tail Styles


In fashion designing, drop tail styles are outfits that have their front hem shorter than the back. The garment could be a dress, skirt, or blouse. These kinds of hemlines give a regal finish to outfits. If it were to be a dress, it flaunts and highlights the legs.
It is one of the very few styles that would look great on people with different body types. Outfits with drop tails have a way of bringing out the uniqueness in everybody.
Fabric Swatches


“Fabric swatches come to the rescue of fashion designers many times. Instead of carrying the whole material around, a little swatch can be taken to the market to make enquiries or buy accessories and all”
OGECHI —A FASHION DESIGNER
Fabric swatches are pieces of clothing or textile samples used to represent a larger portion. They are simply bits and pieces of materials that can be used to make enquiries of the whole. They are usually cut into squares.
The use of swatches is an essential part of the design process as it enables designers to easily pick the type of fabric to use. It demonstrates how colours and different materials and trimmings will look before going to the trouble of making up a full design.
How These Terms Are Used


Boyfriend outfits are commonly referred to as just jackets, for example, followed by tons of words to describe the kind of jacket. It is just professional to say boyfriend jacket. It would definitely earn you respect amongst fashion knowledgeable people. Boyfriend outfits are commonly rocked by people who want a casual look.
Drop Tail outfits are not “long back, short front” as a jovial fashion designer, Bimpe called it. It is all shades and length of right to say a word as it should be officially. You can rock a drop tail outfit with heels or flats depending on the material of the outfit, your body type and the occasion.
Fabric swatches are not pocket squares, not in any way. You could call them samples but it’s not the best title. You’re a professional, so it’s only right that you call them by their name.
There you go, 3 fashion words that are commonly misused amongst fashion designers. If you learnt something new, do let us know in the comments section below.
1 comment
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