P
paillette – A small shiny object (as a spangle) applied in clusters as a decorative trimming (as on women's clothing).
palatine – A fur cape or stole covering the neck and shoulders.
paisley – Fabric in rich, swirling print either woven in or screened. Based on fine Scottish wool fabrics designed in yarn-dyed colors.
pareo – A versatile rectangle of printed fabric worn as a shawl, swimsuit cover-up, skirt, dress or scarf. Based on garments worn by natives of Pacific Islands.
pea coat/pea jacket – Heavy, warm hip-length woolen jacket with double-breasted front and a wide notched collar; originally worn by sailors in the color known as navy blue.
peachskin/peached – Fabric that is processed to achieve a surface that has the soft suede-like feeling of a fresh peach.
peasant top – Romantic style often characterized with a low neckline, ruffles or free-flowing material.
pedal pushers – Straight-cut pants, often cuffed, that fall just below the knee.
peek-a-boo – Any part of the garment that has been cut out to reveal skin.
peplum – Short flounce attached to a snugly fitting waistline.
perchloroethylene – A completely halogenated (chlorinated) ethene. This chlorinated hydrocarbon has excellent cleaning and degreasing properties, and is the predominant solvent used in the dry-cleaning industry. Also known as Tetrachloroethylene, Tetrachloroethene, Perc or PCE.
petticoat – An underskirt usually a little shorter than outer clothing and often made with a ruffled, pleated or lace edge.
picot – A row of small loops woven along the edge of fabric in ribbon or lace for a decorative effect.
pieced – A look created by sewing several pieces of material together to form the garment, much like a quilt.
pigment-dyed – Yarns colored with material that is of animal, vegetable or mineral origin before they are spun into fabric.
pinafore – Originally used to protect a dress from dirt, it was adopted as a fashion piece and worn as a sleeveless dress or over a blouse.
pintuck – Narrow, sewn-down pleats, usually on the front of a garment.
piqué – (Pronounced "pee-kay") Durable, knit or woven fabric with raised lengthwise cords or squares that are part of the weave.
placket – Slit at neckline in a dress, blouse or skirt, usually reinforced with a fold of fabric.
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