Glossary of fabrics, materials, and knit – the complete encyclopedia of fabric types and materials

About Fabrics

Fabrics refer to any flexible material made from natural or artificial fibers (yarn or thread) that is weaved (longer threads, called the warp, are interlaced), knitted (loops of yarn are interlaced), crocheted (loops of yarn are interlaced), knotted (yarns are knotted together), felted (fibers are mat pressed together), or braided (threads are twisted together). Fabrics may be classified by the yarn or thread material or by the method used to create the fabric (or both).

Fabric and textile pattern encyclopedia – complete pattern dictionary illustrating the various types of patterns used in fabric, textile, and clothing design.

Patterns are a repeating of an element or motif used to create a unique decoration on fabrics. An example of an easily identifiable pattern is a checkered pattern or striped pattern. But there are hundreds of distinct patterns available and each are designated with labels (names) to aid in product description and selection. Below is an exhaustive dictionary of pattern types used in fabric, textile, and clothing design.

Purses and handbags – a complete visual guide to purse and handbag types

Types of purses and handbags–a visual guide to purse types

No accessory contributes more pop to the look of your outfit than the perfect complementary handbag. When shopping for purses and handbags, use the guide below which describes and illustrates the various types (styles) of handbags and purses.

These expert tips will forever change how you buy, clean, and care for clothing, jewelry, and fashion accessories

Whether you call them “words of wisdom” or “fashion hacks,” these expert tips will forever change the way you buy, clean, and care for your clothing, jewelry, and fashion accessories.

Skirt styles – the complete illustrated fashion guide to skirt styles and types

lightweight fabric loose clothing open shoulders small bag and sunglasses

The skirt, the part of a garment such as s dress or coat that hangs freely from the waist down, can be categorized by its waist details, shape, and type of pleats. The guide below takes some of the mystery out of the many different skirt styles and types.

Pant styles – the complete illustrated fashion guide to pant styles and types

Pants can be categorized by their waist, shape, and type of pleats. This illustrated guide takes a deep dive into the many types of pant waists, lengths, and styles.

Jacket and coat styles – the complete illustrated fashion guide to jacket and coat styles

Coats are typically worn for warmth but a great coat can make a profound fashion statement. Use this illustrated guide to understand the various components that make up a coat and jacket and the many jacket/coat styles available to choose from.

Dress styles – the complete illustrated fashion guide to dress styles (types) and silhouettes

Fashion terms can be confusing and one of the most oft-mentioned terms in Ivy and Pearl Boutique product descriptions are dress styles and silhouettes. What’s the difference between a A-Line dress, chemise, and empire? The guide below will remove some of the mystery surrounding the many different types of dresses.

Sweater styles – the complete illustrated fashion guide to knit tops and sweater styles

There’s more to knit tops and sweaters than just pullovers and button-up cardigans. There are a variety of designs, necklines, and fasteners. Here’s everything you ever wanted to know about knit tops and sweater styles.

Shirt styles – the complete illustrated fashion guide to blouse and shirt types

Various components of a shirt and blouse define its style – sleeves, cuffs, lower hem, body, neckline, and even pockets define the look a a shirt style.