Say WHAT???

      For guys who aren't too familiar with the nuts & bolts of the world of style and fashion, one of the hardest things to grasp is the seemingly crazy lingo that's thrown around by the folks within this world.  I get it, you're too cool to tap that guy who's sitting on the couch next to you at Barne's & Noble, sipping a mocha latte and worshipping a VMan magazine, on the shoulder to ask for help on the proper pronunciation of that famous Italian designer's name that keeps slipping your mind.  Fret not, your boy's got your back as always!  To get you in the loop I've jotted down a few names and terms that are regularly used by those who are in the know, fashion-wise.  Tuck these terms under your belt and you'll be flapping your gums with the best of the best fashionistos (male equivalent of a fashionista) in no time!...


Faux Pas: pronounced "fo-paw"- wearing an item/s in a way that goes against the basic rules of fashion (ie. wearing white after labor day, a rule I've completely ignored since as far back as I can remember)

Bespoke: pronounced "bee-SPOKE"- custom/tailor-made (ie. a bespoke suit/trousers/dress shirt)

Lapel: Pronounced "la-PELL"- the collar of a suit jacket, blazer or topcoat which extends from the neck, down the chest and ends at the point where the garment buttons over the torso.

Arm Hole: The opening or "hole" of the sleeve near the shoulder of a shirt, blazer or coat where you slip your arm into when putting the garment on.

Vent (in a suit jack/blazer): the opening/split in the bottom-rear (or bottom-left/right) of a jacket that allows for movement without tearing due to the garment being too tight on the body.  






Break (in trousers): the portion, typically at the bottom near the ankle, of the pant leg where the fabric "breaks," or is nolonger straight, due to excess length in the fabric.

Brogues: a type of shoe, typically made of leather and are also known as "wingtips," which feature contoured nail-hole designs at the toe in the shape of wings.

Tweed: pronounced "twEEd"- a heavy, slightly rough woolen rabric which often features a herringbone weaving and is typically used to make topcoats and winter vests & trousers.  This type of fabric is commonly made in gray, tan and brown.

Gingham: pronounced "GING-uhm"-  a checked design typically used for casual/dressy shirts.  It resembles plaid but features solid lines that usually intersect over a plain white base.  







Epaulette: pronounced "e-puh-let": button-down shoulder flaps on a shirt or coat.  Typically used on military-inspired garments.

Jean Paul Gaultier- pronounced "sjhaun-paul-GO-tee-yay"- french fashion designer who's name is horribly butchered whenever it's uttered by individuals whom are unfamiliar with the world of fashion.

Dries Van Noten: pronounced "dreez-van-NO-ten"- Belgian clothing designer who is known for his signature raw, street-wear inspired garments.

Ermenegildo Zegna: (this is a crazy one, I know lol) pronounced (1st name) "er-me-na-GIL-do", (last name) "ZEN-ya": A fourth generation, family owned Italian men's clothing label.  


Keep it Stylish, keep it Sexy and always keep it true to YOU!- UrbanGent