TERM DESCRIPTION
a-line shape A body style having a close-fitting top and a flared bottom.
ainsley or ainsley spread collar. A plain tennis collar which has spread points. The spread shortens the points. This collar also has slots for inserting collar stays.
airsoft finish As the name implies, a finish giving a fabric a softer hand.
alligator Exotic grains, long-wearing leather. Most are imported and are very expensive.
alpaca Fiber from an animal resembling a llama, it can be used in pile fabrics for insulated coats.
American camel hair Supreme soft fabric containing camel hair or a similar fiber. cloth made of camel hair or a mixture of camel hair and wool usually light tan and of soft silky texture.
ancient madder Process characterized by deep, muted tones and hand that resembles the peachy finish and feel of fine suede. The Ancient Madder dying process continues to produce silk of singular beauty.
aniline calfskin Calfskin leather that has been dyed with aniline, an oily liquid. This process gives the leather a soft feel.
antique brass Brass that has been darkened by the use of chemicals.
antique wash Process that gives the fabric a worn, slightly washed out look.
argyle Design often used for knitwear and hosiery: two or three colors in a diamond shaped design.
attaché A flap front briefcase where the flap closes halfway down the front, with a top handle.
badger bristles Short, stiff coarse hairs from the badger, used in our shaving brush.
balmoral A closed-throat shoe with a laced front.
band The part that encircles the wrist.
band collar A collar having just the neckband, but no collar attached to it.
band end piece The part of the band that connects to the lugs; the band width is measured by the end piece.
bar stripe A straight stripe or band that is much longer that it is wide.
barrel cuffs Single lined cuffs with a regular button and buttonhole closing.
baseball neckline A collar similar to that of the uniform worn by a baseball player.
basketweave Variation of a plain weave fabric in which two or more yarns are worked in the warp and weft, used mostly in shirting.
batik print Indonesian way of dyeing fabric in which waxed areas resist the dye and unwaxed areas are penetrated by it.
beechwood A fabric resembling the color of the beech tree (which has a smooth, gray bark).
belgium linen Linen fabric made in Belgium
bemberg lining Bemberg is a brand name of rayon fabric, of the finest quality. It is used for our suit and sportcoat linings, and is the softest, finest lining available
bengal stripe Colorfully striped fabric shipped to world markets from Bengal, India; used for sportshirts, pajamas, and more.
besom pockets Pocket with a stitched fold on both the upper and lower sides.
bezel The rim of the case.
billfold Another name for a type of a man's wallet.
birdseye Fabric characterized by a small geometric pattern with a center dot resembling a bird's eye.
blackwatch A plaid pattern in hunter/royal/black.
blake construction Fancy name for the way upper leather is sewn to the sole of the shoe. It denotes a reinforced, well constructed shoe - similar to Goodyear construction.
blazer stripe A fabric pattern with wide-spaced thin stripes.
bluchers Shoes having the tongue and vamp cut in one piece and the quarters lapped over the vamp and laced together for closing.
bluff edge When the edges of a garment are not topstitched.
boarskin Leather of boar with a remarkably superior quality.
boston bag An overnight bag.
boucle A fabric woven from curled or twisted yarn so as to produce small loops on the surface, giving it a kinky appearance.
box pleat A two-sided fold in the garment resembling a panel, with the edges facing opposite directions.
braces Suspenders.
braided Woven or knitted material used for trimming or binding.
brass An alloy consisting essentially of copper and zinc in variable proportions.
breton stripe A fabric pattern with very widely-spaced thin stripes.
bridle leather Type of leather that is used in traditional Saddlery ( saddles, whips etc.)
broadcloth Plain, closely woven fabric, lighter than poplin, finely textured.
brooksease Our exclusive high performance, natural double-stretch wool. It provides exceptional comfort, ease of movement, and resists wrinkling. The midweight, all-wool fabric is soft and supple to the touch, and perfect for year-round wear.
BrooksFlannel A Brooks Brothers trade mark, this revolutionary flannel is born from a combination of 80% cotton and 20% wool for a remarkably soft hand.
BrooksStorm A BrooksStorm garment is made from the finest, specialty treated natural fibers for all-weather protection. It is windproof, water-resistant, lightweight and comfortable with elegant styling, even in the most inclement conditions.
brushed brass One type of textured brass having a matte finish produced by running a wire brush across the surface.
buffalo check Design of big squares or blocks, in fairly heavy fabrics. It is used for shirts and outerwear.
burnished To polish metal with a coarse or smooth cloth.
burnt horn button Large horn button with large wholes. The back is smooth and flat. Each button is unique as they are hand carved
butterfly bowtie Bow tie with flared ends, designed for a small knot.