Fashion Terminology List 2
Whether I am shopping at a physical store location or browsing through a company’s products online there always seem to be a few fashion terms  or fashion terminology that I come up clueless to. I always take a note to research these terms later in hoping that I would be able to further understand them and perhaps in understanding the product a little more in-depth. For me this has helped out in various situations whether describing a product with others or just browsing around. Having a brief knowledge of some of these terms will definitely come in assistance and I figured I’d share with you as well.
Bomber Jacket: Also known as the Bombardier or flight jacket, this iconic piece was first worn by many US Air Force pilots and started garnering attention through the  mainstream civilian culture. The original military models of the jacket included the A2- Bomber (which replaced the original A1), B15 (which was the first to use synthetic materials) and the MA-1 which was really the latest military model to show drastic changes from previous models. Within these military models were many changes which included, pocket locations, pocket angles, materials used, accessory features, weight factors, and collar lining styles. The MA-1 has become the prime design from which many of today’s versions are based off of. Throughout the years we have seen many types of distinguished groups from skinheads to hip hop cultures pick up the now essential piece of every man’s wardrobe. As a result, each bomber jacket has had its own adaptions and details, primarily from the pop culture influences of its time period and the designers creative vision which continues to change today.
Houndstooth: A woven pattern that you may also know as the dog’s tooth, the houndstooth is an iconic textile pattern that looks almost like four-sided shape patterns checkered across a piece of apparel. Usually done in black and white tones, the houndstooth design originated in the Scottish Lowlands as a stitching pattern woven across in alternating bands with four dark and light threads. Traditionally houndstooth was designed with 100% merino wool, but has since been utilized into a variety of other fabrics. Today you will most likely seen the pattern woven into a variety of dress hats, tweed sport coats, and casual everyday wear due to its relative lightness. Your probably thinking by now where the weird name come from, take a look at the pattern and take a closer look at the name and you’ll pick it up. Or go take a quick glance at your chef’s pants if your out dining somewhere and you’ll get a good first hand look at the houndstooth.
Poplin: The name itself gives hints to European origin, which it righteously is. Referencing back to its long historical origins of France, who fashionably called the material papelaine made the fabric with silk originally. Poplin material is often considered much more water resistant and durable than other materials, which helps explain its frequent use in non-iron dress shirts. Because of its heavier-weight, poplin material was and is still used within many winter-wear apparel pieces. Modern day manufacturers however do not utilize the silk blend anymore due to cost, and now resort more to cotton and polyester material blends. The higher cotton amount and quality grade will reflect upon the cost difference of the piece of apparel your buying. Next time you spot a poplin shirt, be sure to check the materials used and you will be able to determine yourself if it is worth the price.
Mao Collar / Nehru Collar: Mao Ze Dong probably comes to mind when you hear reference to this term. Hopefully you know who the historical gentleman is since the term does pinpoint back to the country of origin. If not, well its China and goes back to the Qing Dynasty, which was a period  Manchu traditions. I know a lot of history with the term. You will probably come across this collar style quite often these days as it seems to be in trend. The collar typically rises up about 3-5 centimeters and has no fold over. The top of the collar is usually a round liner with a set of buttons below the band of the collar. If you are not to fond of ties, this could be a strong option for you to still suit up with.
Some may also reference this short pop-up collar style to the Nehru collar, which originates from India. It is well known for being the collar style of the Nehru jacket which it gets its reference to. Whatever term you may choose to use, the collar styles are basically identical. You will probably find the Mao or Mandarin collar more often advertised these days. The collar is a great break-up from those traditional button down dress shirts many of you are probably used to. Let your neck breathe a bit and look at a Mao Collar sometime.
