When you are searching for your suits and tuxedos, it can be overwhelming. To get you started we've put together the most frequently used terms.
Jacket Terms
Top Collar – The part of the collar that runs along the back of the neck. The top collar meets the lapel at the gorge. Most top collars are “self” – the same material as the coat.
Notch Lapel – A notch is cut out between the top collar and the lapel.
Peak Lapel – The top of the lapel is pointed sharply upward and outward.
Shawl Lapel– There is no change from the collar to the lapel, it is a rounding continuation of the collar.
Gorge – Where the lapels start and the collar ends. A very low gorge is down the middle of the chest.
Button Stance – Position where the coat first buttons on the chest. Usually defined as a normal, low or high button stance.
V-Zone – The area between the jacket and the shirt. It showcases the balance between the shirt, tie and the jacket in a "v" shape.
Vents – Various styles: opening in the lower part of a seam; a slit in the garment; tuxedo types: center vent, non-vented, side vented.
Single Breasted – As the fashion moves and changes quickly there are many variations to the single breasted jackets. Commonly they will be between 1 to 3 buttons while keeping the bottom button always worn undone.
Double Breasted – As a fashion enhancement, many modern styles have 4 or 6 buttons on the front of the coat. Double Breasted jackets feature a section of the front overlapping creating a tighter v-zone
Shirt Terms
Wing-Tip Collar – Also known as stand up collar. A formal shirt, usually with a pleated front that has wing-like pointed appendages.
Laydown Collar – Similar to most men’s dress shirts, a regular fold over style collar, usually with a pleated front.
Mandarin Collar – A shirt with banded collar
Pant Terms
Rise – the distance from the crotch to the waist. Usually a rise corresponds to the length of the jacket.
Side Tabs – a buckle and clasp adjustment that allows the waistband to expand and adjust the waist. Sometimes used instead of belt loops
Pleats – Pants with single or double pleat to offer the wearer more movements and comfort.
Accessory Terms
Studs – A small ornamental button mounted on a short post for insertion through an eyelet designated for studs.
Cuff Links – Ornamental device of two parts joined by a shank, chain or bar for passing through button-holes to fasten shirt cuffs.