Baby bunting An infant's snap- or zip- front hoodie made of soft cotton blanketing fabric hat can be extended to envelope the entire baby. Bale A basic tradeable unit of lint (ginned cotton). Bale weights vary from country to country. By convention, a 'statistical' bale weighs 480 lbs. Band collar A collar that stand up straight and encircles the neck, to be buttoned in the front. Band collars originally served as the point of attachment for removable collars, but now provide a causal twist to the dress shirt Band collar A collar that stand up straight and encircles the neck, to be buttoned in the front. Band collars originally served as the point of attachment for removable collars, but now provide a causal twist to the dress shirt Bandanna A scarf, usually in cotton, featuring a calico print of one color with bold black linear accents on a white background. Derived from bandhu, a Hindu method of tie-dyeing fabric, this is one of the most classic scarf designs and is most often associated with cowboys. Bandeau Meaning "binding" in French, this narrow piece of fabric worn around the chest has become a wardrobe and swimwear statement and evokes the seasoned culture of the Riviera. The style has recently been translated into foundational dressing, offering a carefree, strapless alternative to the bra. A bandeau can also be a narrow band word around the head to pull back the hair. Bandini A tube top design to pair with a bikini bottom for swimming, offering a modern alternative to the classic two-piece bathing suit. Barn jacket A utilitarian overcoat in durable, water-resistant oiled cotton that has a corduroy collar, large bellow pockets and a wool or flannel lining. It has transformed from a man's hunting jacket to a fashionable, classic sport coat for everyday use. Barré A fabric, most typically used for neckwear that has horizontal stripes or bars, in tow or more colors. The term also describes fabric with color or texture irregularities, thus giving the finished product a striped effect. In most cases, barré is used to describe a knitting defect. Barrel cuff A band of fabric stitched to onto the sleeve end that closes with one or two buttons. Base Grade A selected grade of cotton used by cotton merchants as a basis for contracts, premiums and discounts. Basis The difference between simultaneous prices for cotton futures and spot cotton. It may be quoted by reference to any futures month. For example the "March basis" would mean the difference between the current price of March futures and the simultaneous quoted value of any given grade and staple of spot cotton. The growth is usually quoted in terms of points on or off the applicable month trading at the New York Cotton Exchange according to the calculated difference. Basket weave A weave, most frequently used in classic shirting fabric like oxford that has a subtle checkerboard texture. Bateau neckline Named after French word for "boat," a high neckline that follows the line of the collarbone and mimics the elliptical shape of the top of a rowboat. Batik A fabric-dyeing method that renders prints with a cracked effect. A design is drawn on cotton and wax is applied to the fabric areas to remain white. The fabric is then put in dye, the wax is removed and the fabric re-dyed. Batik A fabric-dyeing method that renders prints with a cracked effect. A design is drawn on cotton and wax is applied to the fabric areas to remain white. The fabric is then put in dye, the wax is removed and the fabric re-dyed. Batiste Named for Jean Batiste, a French weaver, batiste is fine, mercerized muslin with a beautiful sheen. It's lightweight, making it perfect for hot days. Bedford cord A durable cotton fabric typically cut so its raised ribs appear vertically. It is most often used in garments intended for bottoms wear. Bengaline A cotton fabric named after Bengal, India, used in dressy suits and coats as well as ribbons and neckwear. Bermuda shorts Knee-length shorts boringly made fashionable on the island of Bermuda, but now a staple in causal summer wardrobes. Besom pocket A pocket finished with a narrow folded piece of fabric on one or both sides of the opening. This finishing technique reinforces the pocket opening and is typically used in finely tailored garments like dress pants, suitcoats and overcoats. Bespoke A term referring to a custom-made article of clothing. Bias cut A technique of cutting fabric at a diagonal angle to achieve the most give possible. This cut has many fine tailoring applications, but its reputation has been built in women's apparel, where the flowing, clingy drape of the bias cut has been used for skirts, tops, dresses and gowns that follow the body's curves. Bikini A two-piece women's swimsuit, invented in 1946 by Jacque Heim. Bird's eye Cotton fabric that is distinguished by small repetitive diamond shapes that resemble bird's eyes. This fabric classic lends subtle texture to fine dress shirts and suitings. Bi-swing jacket A sports jacket with pleats in the back to allow increased freedom of movement. Blazer A single- or double- breasted sports jacket with a notched collar that has become a staple of every man's wardrobe and a favorite dressing option for women as well. One story places the origin of this garment at Queen Victoria's coronation. Horrified by the prospect of appearing at the ceremony with his rag-tag sailors, an English captain made a set of navy serge jackets with brass buttons on the sleeves for his crew. The queen was so taken with the jackets; she named them after the captain's ship--the H.M.S. Blazer. Bleached Cotton Linters Linters that have been bleached ready for further processing. Blend A fabric woven from two or more fibers. Bloomer A loose pant, often worn under a dress, that gathers closely about the ankles. Popularized by Amelia Jenks Bloomer, this type of pant was originally part of a Turkish costume that the lecturer of dress reform, temperance and women's suffrage wore while touring in America and abroad in the mid-1800s. Bloomers are now more typically worn by young girls. Boll The fruiting structure of a cotton plant. It is made up of separate compartments called locks, in which cotton seeds and lint grow. Bomber jacket A jacket with a zippered front, elasticized cuffs and waistband and a sheepskin lining. Originally used by the US Air Force pilots, this jacket has become popular in reflecting a rugged style. Bootcut A pant cut in which the leg gently flares from the knee to become wider at the hem. Originally designed so cowboys could pull their pants over Western boots, this cut is now a staple in contemporary design, especially for women, who should pair a wider leg with a higher heel for a stylish effect. Box pleat A pleat made by joining two folded edges, one facing right and the other facing left. Boxer short A man's cotton undergarment based on shorts worn in the sport of boxing. This foundational building block has now been borrowed by women for the ultimate in comfort when lounging around. Bra A woman's foundational garment that shapes and supports the bust. From the term brassiere, an old French word for upper arm, the first modern-day bra was fashioned in the early 1900's out of handkerchiefs and ribbon by New York socialite Mary Phelps Jacob, who created the garment in opposition to the whalebone corset. Breathability A fabric property referring to its ability to allow air to move through a fabric and allow body heat to leave the surface of the skin. Broadcloth A tightly woven lustrous cotton cloth with a fine rib effect. Broker One who assembles individual bales or small lots into larger volumes for others. One who acts as a selling agent for shippers/growers and buyers for mills. Brushed A fabric finish in which the surface is brushed to produce a soft nap. Chino and flannel are two examples of fabrics that are often brushed for the ultimate in softness and comfort. For example, fleece is a brushed, knitted fabric. Bt cotton A genetically engineered cotton carrying the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) gene that produces, in every cotton plant cell, protein crystals toxic to some insect pests. Button From the Middle English word for "flower bud," the button has had a utilitarian and decorative function throughout the ages and is made of materials ranging from horn, mother-of-pearl and wood, to brass, pewter and plastic. Buttons are said to have made their way onto the sleeves of coats to prevent soldiers from wiping their noses on them during ceremony. Button-down collar A collar that is secured to the shirt by small buttons on both points. Button-down collars originated in the 1950's and have become a staple collar choice for classic shirts with preppy attitude. |