The vast number of acronyms and abbreviations used by the fashion industry can overwhelm just about anyone. Heck, it even catches us style writers off guard now and then.
To combat this, weโve compiled the most in-depth guide to all of the acronyms and abbreviations youโll see regarding menโs style.
No longer will acronyms like โAAFOโ or โCPWโ baffle and confuse, because now thereโs a dictionary to turn to that will give you the most comprehensive list ever created for menโs fashion and style.
Use the table below to sort alphabetically or byย the following categories:
- Apparel – types, parts and features of garments and accessories
- Brands – fashion houses, clothing manufacturers and apparel brands
- Buying & Selling – terminology encountered when buying or selling apparel
- Fashion Industry – industry lingo (some of which is mainstream)
- Internet – websites, forums and online lingo/slang
- Materials – raw materials, including origins and attributes
- Size & Fit – describes the sizing and fit of clothes and accessories
You can also search the table using the search box. Below the table, you’ll find the full list of fashion acronyms, along with an example sentence for each one.
Acronym | Meaning | Category |
---|---|---|
2PS | Two Piece Suit | Apparel |
3PS | Three Piece Suit | Apparel |
A/W | Autumn/Winter Collection | Fashion Industry |
AAAC | Ask Andy About Clothes | Internet |
AAFA | American Apparel and Footwear Association | Fashion Industry |
AAMA | American Apparel Manufacture Association | Fashion Industry |
ABO | All Black Outfit | Apparel |
ABU | Airman Battle Uniform | Apparel |
ADIDAS | All Day I Dream About Shoes | Brands |
AE/AEO | American Eagle Outfitters | Brands |
AE | Allen Edmonds | Brands |
AF/A&F | Abercrombie & Fitch | Brands |
AL | Affordable Luxury | Fashion Industry |
AMZ | Amazon | Internet |
AOC | Art of Charm | Internet |
AOM | Art of Manliness | Internet |
AOP | All Over Print | Apparel |
AS | Anti Shock | Apparel |
ATM | At The Moment | Internet |
AWB | All Weather Boot | Apparel |
AWO | All White Outfit | Apparel |
B&T | Big and Tall | Apparel |
BB | Brooks Brothers | Brands |
BD | Button Down | Apparel |
BDU | Battle Dress Uniform | Apparel |
BIN | But it Now | Buying & Selling |
BLZR | Blazer | Apparel |
BNIB | Brand New In Box | Buying & Selling |
BNWT | Brand New With Tags | Buying & Selling |
BSPK | Bespoke | Apparel |
BT | Black Tie | Apparel |
BTO | Black Tie Optional | Apparel |
C&J | Crockett & Jones | Brands |
CANT | Cant Afford Not To | Internet |
CASH | Cashmere | Materials |
CD | Christian Dior | Brands |
CDB | Clark's Desert Boots | Brands |
CFDA | Council of Fashion Designers of America | Fashion Industry |
CFH | Customers From Hell | Fashion Industry |
CK | Calvin Klein | Brands |
CMIA | Cotton Made In Africa | Materials |
CN | Cotton/Nylon | Materials |
COL | Collar | Apparel |
COOL | Country Of Origin Label | Materials |
CP | Common Projects | Brands |
CPW | Cost per Wear | Internet |
CRC | Chemical Resistant Clothing | Materials |
CRF | Consumer Retail Fashion | Fashion Industry |
CTEI | China Textile Industry | Fashion Industry |
CW | Casual Wear | Apparel |
D&G | Dolce & Gabbana | Brands |
DB | Double Breasted | Apparel |
DBS | Double Breasted Suit | Apparel |
DC | Dry Clean | Clothing Care |
DCO | Dry Clean Only | Clothing Care |
DCR | Dress Code Rules | Apparel |
DES | Design / Designer | Fashion Industry |
DFO | Direct Factory Outlets | Buying & Selling |
DJ | Dinner Jacket | Apparel |
DKNY | Donna Karen New York | Brands |
DOTD | Deal of the Day | Buying & Selling |
DT | Donegal Tweed | Materials |
DWR | Durable Water Resistant | Clothing Care |
E | Wide Shoe Width | Size & Fit |
ED | Eddie Bauer | Brands |
EG | Edward Green | Brands |
EG | Effortless Gent | Internet |
ES | Extra Small | Size & Fit |
ESQ | Esquire | Internet |
ET | Extra Tall | Size & Fit |
F/W | Fall/Winter Collection | Fashion Industry |
FABB | Fashion and Beauty Blogger | Internet |
FD | Factory Discontinued | Buying & Selling |
FED | Fedora | Apparel |
FF | Fast Fashion | Fashion Industry |
FIT | Fashion Institute of Technology | Fashion Industry |
FLC | Fleece | Materials |
FRC | Flame Resistant Clothing | Clothing Care |
FRS | Fire Retardant | Clothing Care |
FS | For Sale | Buying & Selling |
FW | Formal Wear | Apparel |
FW | Fashion Week | Fashion Industry |
G-SOK | Golf Sock | Apparel |
GA | Giorgio Armani | Brands |
GG | Gentleman's Gazette | Internet |
GL | Genuine Leather | Materials |
GQ | Gentlemen's Quarterly | Internet |
GTH | Go to Hell Pants | Internet |
GWP | Gift With Purchase | Buying & Selling |
HB | Hiking Boots | Apparel |
HG | Holy Grail | Internet |
H2T | Head To Toe | Internet |
HVY | Heavy | Size & Fit |
IWS | International Wool Standard | Fashion Industry |
J&M | Johnston & Murphy | Brands |
JKT | Jacket | Apparel |
JPG | Jean Paul Gaultier | Brands |
JR | Junior | Size & Fit |
KS | Kickstarter | Internet |
L | Large | Size & Fit |
L/G | Large | Size & Fit |
LC | Low Cut | Size & Fit |
LE | Limited Edition | Buying & Selling |
L.E. | Land's End | Brands |
L.E.C. | Land's End Canvas | Brands |
LG | Large | Size & Fit |
LLB | L. L. Bean | Brands |
LPL | Lapel | Apparel |
LRG | Large | Size & Fit |
LS | Long Sleeve | Size & Fit |
LTD | Limited | Buying & Selling |
LV | Louis Vuitton | Brands |
LWB | Longwing Blucher | Apparel |
M | Medium | Size & Fit |
MD | Marked Down | Buying & Selling |
MED | Medium | Size & Fit |
MFA | malefashionadvice | Internet |
MI | Made In | Buying & Selling |
MIA | Made in America | Buying & Selling |
MJ | Marc Jacobs | Brands |
ML | Medium Large | Size & Fit |
MMF | Man Made Fiber | Materials |
MMM | Man Made Material | Materials |
MRTW | Men's Ready To Wear | Size & Fit |
MSRP | Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | Buying & Selling |
MTM | Made to Measure | Size & Fit |
MTO | Made to Order | Size & Fit |
MW | Machine Washable | Clothing Care |
MW | Menswear | Fashion Industry |
NB | New Balance | Brands |
NBC | Name Brand Clothing | Fashion Industry |
NBI | Newly Broken In | Buying & Selling |
NI | Non Iron | Clothing Care |
NIB | New In Box | Buying & Selling |
NM | Neiman Marcus | Brands |
NWOT | New Without Tags | Buying & Selling |
NWT | New With Tags | Buying & Selling |
NY | Nylon | Materials |
NYFW | New York Fashion Week | Fashion Industry |
OC | Odor Control | Materials |
OCBD | Oxford Cloth Button Down | Apparel |
OFT | Odor Fighting Technology | Materials |
OM | Original Manufacturer | Fashion Industry |
OOTD | Outfit Of The Day | Internet |
OOTN | Outfit of the Night | Internet |
OP | Original Poster | Internet |
OS | Overstock | Buying & Selling |
OSFA | One Size Fits All | Buying & Selling |
OSFM | One Size Fits Most | Buying & Selling |
OTC | Over the Calf | Size & Fit |
OTK | Over the Knee | Size & Fit |
OTR | Off the Rack | Size & Fit |
OTW | One to Watch | Internet |
OWC | Odd Waistcoat | Apparel |
PBB | Perfectly Balanced Buttonholes | Size & Fit |
PC | Popped Collar | Apparel |
PEL | Past Elbow Length | Size & Fit |
PFT | Precision Fit Technology | Size & Fit |
PJ | Pajama | Apparel |
PKL | Peak Lapel | Apparel |
PKT | Apparel | |
POLY | Polyester | Materials |
POLY-B | Polyester Blend | Materials |
POP | Poplin | Materials |
PPS | Pre Production Sample | Fashion Industry |
PSq | Pocket Square | Apparel |
PU | Pitti Uomo | Fashion Industry |
R2W | Ready to Wear | Size & Fit |
RAY | Rayon | Materials |
RC | Recrafted | Fashion Industry |
REG | Regular | Size & Fit |
RL | Ralph Lauren | Brands |
RLOF | Relative Lack Of Fit | Internet |
RLP | Ralph Lauren Polo | Brands |
RLX | Ralph Lauren Golf | Brands |
RMRS | Real Men Real Style | Internet |
RRP | Recommended Retail Price | Fashion Industry |
RTW | Ready To Wear | Size & Fit |
RV | Reversible | Size & Fit |
S | Small | Size & Fit |
S | Super | Materials |
STYD | Shop Til You Drop | Internet |
S/S | Spring/Summer | Fashion Industry |
SF | Slim Fit | Size & Fit |
SF | Style Forum | Internet |
SLK | Silk | Materials |
SLM | Slim | Size & Fit |
SLX | Slacks | Apparel |
SM | Small | Size & Fit |
SML | Small | Size & Fit |
SRP | Suggested Retail Price | Fashion Industry |
SZ | Size | Size & Fit |
TDL | Tumble Dry Low | Clothing Care |
TDO | Tumble Dry Only | Clothing Care |
TF | Tom Ford | Brands |
TMM | The Modest Man | Internet |
TOTL | Top Of The Line | Internet |
TPS | Three Piece Suit | Apparel |
TRAD | Traditional | Internet |
TUX | Tuxedo | Apparel |
TWD | Tweed | Materials |
TXT | Textiles | Fashion Industry |
VEL | Velcro | Materials |
VTG | Vintage | Internet |
WAYW | What Are You Wearing | Internet |
WAYWT | What Are You Wearing Today | Internet |
WIWT | What I Wore Today | Internet |
WC | Waistcoat | Apparel |
WIC | Walk In Closet | Internet |
WNTY | Warranty | Buying & Selling |
WR | Wrinkle Resistant | Clothing Care |
WT | Wing Tips | Apparel |
X | Extra | Size & Fit |
YMMV | Your Mileage May Vary | Internet |
YSL | Yves Saint Laurent | Brands |
YTH | Youth | Size & Fit |
The Complete List with Examples
#
2PS = Two Piece Suit =ย A business suit consisting of a jacket with matching trousers.
Ex. โI got a great deal on my 2PS at Suit Supply.โ
3PS = Three Piece Suit =ย A business suit consisting of a matching jacket, trousers and waistcoat.
A
A/W = Autumn/Winter Collection =ย A new line or collection released by a designer that focuses on fall and winter apparel.
Ex. โDid you see Brooks Brothers new A/W catalogue?โ
AAAC = Ask Andy About Clothes =ย A leading online forum for men who are interested in fashion and classic men’s style.
Ex. โI didnโt know the answer but someone answered it quickly on AAAC.โ
AAFA = American Apparel and Footwear Association =ย A professional membership association.
Ex. โI met him at the last AAFA conference.โ
AAMA = American Apparel Manufacture Association =ย A professional membership association.
Ex. โIf you want to network with other designers, I highly recommend joining the AAMA.โ
ABO = All Black Outfit =ย An entire outfit comprised of solid black clothing.
Ex. โDid you see what he wore to the funeral? It was an ABO.โ
ABU = Airman Battle Uniform =ย A uniform worn by members of the Air Force.
Ex. โHe must be a pilot if he was wearing his ABUs.โ
ADIDAS = All Day I Dream About Shoes =ย A clothing and shoe brand focused on athletic apparel.
Ex. โMy son really wants a new pair of Adidas shoes for Christmas.โ
AE/AEO – American Eagle Outfitters =ย A brand name clothing company popular with young men and women.
Ex. โIโll meet you at the AE store on the other side of the mall.โ
AE = Allen Edmonds =ย An American purveyor of high quality dress and casual shoes and accessories.
Ex. โI just got a pair of AE Park Avenues and theyโre so comfortable.โ
AF/A&F = Abercrombie & Fitch =ย A brand name clothing company popular with young men and women.
Ex. โDid you see those AF models outside the store?โ
AL = Affordable Luxury =ย An entry level luxury item at a reasonable price.
Ex. โI would love a Rolex, but I need something thatโs AL like a SINN watch instead.โ
AMZ = Amazon =ย A global online marketplace.
Ex. โWhy would you spend so much money when you can probably find it on AMZ for a fraction of the price?โ
AOC = Art of Charm =ย A website and brand devoted to helping men gain confidence.
Ex. โI was terrible at meeting women until I took the AOC bootcamp and started listening to their podcast.โ
AOM = Art of Manliness =ย A website about focused on masculine content and products.
Ex. โI learned how to use a straight razor by reading the AOC.โ
AOP = All Over Print =ย An item that has a print or pattern throughout.
Ex. โI canโt stand clothes with AOP. Theyโre too busy for my tastes.โ
AS = Anti Shock =ย A product that is shock resistant.
Ex. โI just got this new watch and itโs AS which is great for at work.โ
ATM = At The Moment =ย Something that is current or trending.
Ex. โThose skinny jeans are really in ATM.โ
AWB = All Weather Boot =ย An outdoor boot that can be worn in any weather.
Ex. โI really need a good AWB, but the ones I like arenโt waterproof.โ
AWO = All White Outfit =ย An entire outfit that is comprised of all white clothing.
Ex. โPlease donโt wear that AWO after Labor Day.โ
B
B&T = Big and Tall =ย An article of clothing designed for larger gentlemen.
Ex. โI canโt buy off the rack unless itโs at a B&G store.โ
BB = Brooks Brothers =ย An American heritage maker and haberdasher focused on classic menโs and womenโs apparel and accessories.
Ex. โI think every man at our country club has at least one navy blazer from BB.โ
BD = Button Down =ย A shirt that, like a jacket, uses a row of buttons in the front to fasten it.
Ex. โWhat a great looking BD. Do you know if they have it in my size?โ
BDU = Battle Dress Uniform =ย A uniform worn by members of the military.
Ex. โSometimes I will wear my BDUs to events, but only as policy allows.โ
BIN = Buy it Now = To purchase an item immediately without waiting.
Ex. โI much prefer to click BIN on eBay, rather than getting into a bidding war.โ
BLZR = Blazer =ย An odd jacket worn indoors as part of an outfit. Like a suit jacket but without matching trousers.
Ex. โEvery gentleman needs at least one navy BLZR. It is an absolute must-have for any manโs wardrobe.โ
BNIB = Brand New In Box =ย An item that is sold in the manufacturerโs packaging and has not been worn, used or removed from the packaging.
Ex. โThat Ettinger wallet on eBay looks like itโs BNIB.โ
BNWT = Brand New With Tags (Never Worn) =ย An item without packaging that still has the original tags on it.
Ex. โHe bought the shirt two years ago, but heโs never worn it. Itโs BNWT.โ
BSPK = Bespoke =ย A custom made item designed specifically for one buyer.
Ex. โI have to get measured for my new bespoke suit on Savile Row in London later this week.โ
BT = Black Tie =ย A dress code requiring the gentleman to wear a traditional tuxedo in black or midnight blue.
Ex. โThe dress code Fridayโs gala is BT, so I had your tuxedo sent to the cleaners.โ
BTO = Black Tie Optional =ย A more inclusive dress code that is used to prevent those who cannot afford black tie attire from feeling excluded or out of place.
Ex. โBTO doesnโt mean you can wear your dark suit. You should still wear a tuxedo if you can afford to rent or buy one.โ
C
C&J = Crockett & Jones =ย A heritage shoe maker that manufacturers some of the finest English shoes.
Ex. โI just got a new pair of Oxfords from C&J.โ
CANT = Cant Afford Not To =ย A deal so good it cannot be missed.
Ex. โThe Black Friday sale at so great at TM Lewinโs I CANT buy some shirts.โ
CASH = Cashmere =ย A soft fiber obtained from cashmere goats.
Ex. โAre those CASH lined gloves or is that an Alpaca lining?โ
CD = Christian Dior =ย One of Franceโs most well established fashion houses.
Ex. โDid you see what Tom Cruise wore to the Oscars? I believe it was CD.โ
CDB = Clarks Desert Boots =ย An affordable classic, Clarks Desert Boots are one of the most popular pairs of desert boots (i.e., ankle boots) for men.
Ex. “I just got a new pair of CBDs from Amazon. They run true to size, and I love the color!”
CFDA = Council of Fashion Designers of America =ย A professional association representing fashion designers.
Ex. โIs Ralph Lauren a member of the CFDA?โ
CFH = Customers From Hell =ย A customer who purposely attempts to bother or waste the time of a shopkeeper.
Ex. โEverything I showed her he said was ugly. Even the jacket he at first said he liked. What a CFH!โ
CK = Calvin Klein =ย A well known designer.
Ex. โIโm not a fan of CKโs latest collection. It comes across to me like fast fashion.โ
CMIA = Cotton Made In Africa =ย Cotton that is harvested in Africa.
Ex. โI thought for a second it was from Texas, but it turns out itโs actually CMIA.โ
CN = Cotton/Nylon =ย A blend of cotton and nylon materials.
Ex. โI was wondering if you have this in 100% cotton, instead of CN?โ
COL = Collar =ย A band of material around the neck of a shirt, vest, sweater or jacket.
Ex. โI prefer a shawl COL on my cardigans.โ
COOL = Country Of Origin Label =ย The label on an item of clothing that denotes where the item was made.
Ex. โI checked the COOL and it says itโs made in Malaysia. I thought all Brooks Brothers clothing was Made in America?โ
CP = Common Projects =ย The clothing brand, most well-known for their plain, high quality (and expensive)
Ex. โThat fit would look better with some white CPs.โ
CPW = Cost per Wear =ย A formula designed to determine whether an item of clothing is worth the price tag based on how many times youโll wear it compared to the total price.
Ex. โI was going to buy that $3,000 pair of patent leather opera pumps but Iโll never wear them enough times to make it worth spending that much.โ
CRC = Chemical Resistant Clothing =ย Clothing that is resistant to chemicals.
Ex. โI try to buy trousers that are CRC so I can wear to work without worrying theyโll be damaged by the chemicals.โ
CRF = Consumer Retail Fashion = Mass-produced clothing sold at retail stores that cater to a large consumer base.
Ex. โI refuse to buy CRF because it never fits me and it rarely lasts.โ
CTEI = China Textile Industry = A large industry in China that produces textiles used in clothing.
Ex. โI just canโt support the CTEI because I worry about the working conditions for the labor force.โ
CW = Casual Wear =ย Casual attire for men.
Ex. โI know today is casual Friday, but you still have to wear business casual attire. Those blue jeans are just CW.โ
D
D&G = Dolce & Gabbana = A well established fashion house.
Ex. โHave you noticed that everyone seems to be wearing Prada or D&G these days?โ
DB = Double Breasted = A jacket or coat with a substantial overlap of material at the front that shows two rows of buttons when fastened.
Ex. โI love DB jackets. Iโm so happy they came back in style.โ
DBS – Double Breasted Suit = A suit jacket that is double breasted. See DB.
DC – Dry Clean = An item of apparel that should ideally be professionally laundered.
Ex. โI have to take my suit to get DCโd. Otherwise, Iโll have nothing to wear tomorrow.โ
DCO = Dry Clean Only = An item of clothing that must be dry cleaned to prevent damage. See DC.
DCR = Dress Code Rules = A set standard of rules applying to the codes of dress.
Ex. โI donโt think you can wear just a sweater to a black tie event. You really need to abide by the DCRโs.โ
DES = Design / Designer = The artist or architect who designs and creates an item of clothing.
Ex. โTom Ford is one of my favorite DES. I am so glad he left Gucci.โ
DFO = Direct Factory Outlets = A brand operated store that sells a lower cost collection under their name or clothing at a discounted price.
Ex. โBrooks Ease and 346 are not the same quality as Brooks Brothers. You can really only find them at their DFOs.โ
DJ = Dinner Jacket = A tuxedo jacket or similarly appropriate jacket designed for formal affairs after six.
Ex. โHis burgundy velvet DJ looks very rakish with that spectacular bow tie.โ
DKNY = Donna Karen New York = A well known brand name for men and women.
Ex. โI canโt justify buying DKNY. The brand has certainly become far cheaper over the years.โ
DOTD = Deal of the Day = An advertised discount that lasts for 24-hours or one business day.
Ex. โDid you see the DOTD at Gemnation is a Cartier Tank for 75% off?โ
DT = Donegal Tweed = Tweed characterized by bright flecks randomly distributed on a background usually of light gray, originally woven in County Donegal, northwestern Ireland.
Ex. โThat DT blazer is smashing. Wherever did you get it?โ
DWR = Durable Water Resistant = An item that remains durable when exposed to water.
Ex. โI really need to get my suede boots treated so theyโre DWR for winter.โ
E
E = Wide Shoe Width = A measurement used to denote a wide foot.
Ex. โI take a 10E shoe. Do you have any in stock?โ
EB = Eddie Bauer = A well established casual menswear brand.
Ex. โNormally I donโt wear EB, but I do like their winter hats when hiking.โ
EG = Edward Green = A renowned heritage shoe maker.
Ex. โThose EG boots look magnificent with those chinos.โ
EG = Effortless Gent = A menswear and style blog.
Ex. โRemind me to send you the link to that article I saw on EG.โ
ES = Extra Small = Generally listed as XS, ES is another term used to denote an item that is extra small.
Ex. โThe small is still too big. Do you have one in ES?โ
ESQ = Esquire = A popular men’s style magazine and a title.
Ex. โI donโt particularly like the new trend ESQ has taken since G. Bruce Boyer left the magazine.โ
ET = Extra Tall = Generally listed as XT, ET is another termed used to describe an article of clothing that is sized for very tall gentlemen.
Ex. โI generally need an ET since my torso is so long.โ
F
F/W = Fall/Winter Collection = A catalogue of new clothing introduced for colder weather by fashion houses.
Ex. โI think Ralph Laurenโs new F/W line is his best in years.โ
FABB = Fashion and Beauty Blogger = A fashion or beauty expert who publishes and/or writes an online advice blog.
Ex. โI think Aaron Marino is one of my favorite FABBs.โ
FD = Factory Discontinued = An item that is no longer manufactured by the factory.
Ex. โOften if you buy FD clothing you can get a really good deal.โ
FED = Fedora = A low, soft felt hat with a curled brim and the crown creased lengthwise.
Ex. โI think the FED is one of my favorite hat styles for fall.โ
FF = Fast Fashion = Articles of clothing mass-produced quickly and inexpensively to keep up with the current fashion trends.
Ex. โFF bothers me so much. I canโt stand how the workers are treated. Did you see the documentary The True Cost?โ
FIT = Fashion Institute of Technology = A leading post secondary institution for those interested in a career in fashion design and merchandising.
Ex. โI just heard that George got into FIT. He must be so excited!โ
FLC = Fleece = A soft warm covering of a sheep or goat, often counterfeited using synthetic materials at a lower cost.
Ex. โI love the fleece lining but is it actual fleece or a synthetic?โ
FRC = Flame Resistant Clothing = An article of clothing that is treated to lower the chances of it catching fire.
Ex. โI work in a restaurant, so I need to make sure my trousers are FRC.โ
FRS = Fire Retardant = An article of clothing that is fire resistant or has been treated to prevent it from catching fire. A higher grade of resistance than FRC.
Ex. โIโm a fire fighter and our uniforms are completely FRS.โ
FS = For Sale = An item that is available for purchase.
Ex. โExcuse me, but is that vintage pocket watch FS?โ
FW = Formal Wear = An elegant code of dress that denotes the mandatory use of black or white tie.
Ex. โFormal wear is required if youโre going to come to the wedding.โ
FW = Fashion Week = A weeklong exhibition that showcases the newest collections from top designers and fashion houses.
Ex. โWill you be attending FW in New York this year?โ
G
G-SOK = Golf Sock = A moisture wicking sock designed especially for golf.
Ex. โIโve heard the new G-SOKโs from Callaway are fantastic!โ
GA = Giorgio Armani = A renowned fashion designer.
Ex. โI love GAโs new line.โ
GG = Gentlemanโs Gazette = A renowned online magazine for men interested in classic men’s style and savoir-vivre.
Ex. โI donโt think anyone has the same level of sartorial knowledge as Raphael from GG.โ
GL = Genuine Leather = A label that denotes an item is made from authentic leather hides and not man-made materials.
Ex. โHis new wallet is GL.โ
GQ = Gentlemenโs Quarterly = A leading fashion magazine for gentlemen.
Ex. โI wish GQ would publish more in-depth articles that were longer than just 500 words.โ
GTH = Go to Hell Pants = Bold patterned pants first introduced by Ivy League preps.
Ex. โIt takes a certain amount of confidence to pull off those GTH pants.โ
GWP = Gift With Purchase = A marketing ploy that offers a customer a free gift when they make a larger purchase.
Ex. โIs it true I get a free journal as my GWP when I buy a Montblanc fountain pen?โ
H
HB = Hiking Boots = Outdoor boots that are designed to withstand the elements and used for hiking off road.
Ex. โItโs tough to find a nice looking pair of HBs this time of year.โ
HG = Holy Grail = An item that one pursues and fantasizes about purchasing.
Ex. โA Patek Philippe Calatrava is my HG watch.โ
H2T = Head To Toe = A single item that covers the entire body.
Ex. โI cannot believe he was dressed in yellow from H2T.โ
HVY = Heavy = An item that bears more weight than normal.
Ex. โThat sweater looks really HVY. Is it wool?โ
I
IWS = International Wool Standard = A international set of standards of manufacturing wool that is imposed by the International Wool Textile Organization.
Ex. โI donโt think they can technically call that 100%. It doesnโt seem to meet the IWS.โ
J
J&M = Johnston & Murphy = A well established shoe maker.
Ex. โDo you prefer the oxfords or derbies made by J&M?โ
JKT = Jacket = An article of clothing fastened down the front that is worn as a top layer and does not exceed past the waist or hips.
Ex. โWhat do you think of his new suit jacket?โ
JPG = Jean Paul Gaultier = A French haute couture Fashion House
Ex. โJPG had some amazing designs in the nineties but I think his work has gone downhill since.โ
JR = Junior = A line of clothing sized for young men who are between boy’s and men’s sizes.
Ex. โThese trousers donโt seem to fit. I wonder if they have them in the JR section.โ
K
KS = KickStarter = A product launched on the website KickStarter that relies on grass roots funding from individual investors.
Ex. โThat suitcase I told you about on KS blew past its goal. I canโt wait to get mine.โ
L
L = Large = An item for taller or huskier men.
Ex. โDo you have this item in L? The medium doesnโt seem to fit.โ
L/G = Large = See L.
LC = Low Cut = An item, usually slacks, that are cut lower than usual to hang on the waist or hips.
Ex. โI really donโt like those LC chinos. I feel like my pants are always falling down.โ
LE = Limited Edition = A product that is restricted to being sold in short supply making the item more attractive to collectors with an often higher price point.
Ex. โThere are only 500 of the LE watches being made.โ
L.E. = Landโs End =
L.E.C. = Landโs End Canvas =
LG = Large = See L.
LLB = L. L. Bean = A well known fashion brand.
Ex. โThose LLB duck boots are so popular in Cape Cod. I think everyone has a pair.โ
LPL = Lapel = The part on each side of a coat or jacket immediately below the collar that is folded back on either side of the front opening.
Ex. โDo you prefer a peak or notch LPL on your suit jacket?
LRG = Large = See L.
LS = Long Sleeve = The sleeve of a jacket, coat, sweater, or shirt that extends to the wrists.
Ex. โHeโs going to be awfully warm in a LS shirt.โ
LTD = Limited = See LE.
LV = Louis Vuitton = A famous fashion house.
Ex. โThe LV wallets are well made, but I hate how I look like a walking billboard when I carry one.โ
LWB = Longwing Blucher = A style of men’s blucher shoes with longer wingtips.
Ex. โIโve never seen a regular wingtip in a blucher. Itโs always the LWB. Most of the regular wingtips Iโve seen are balmorals.โ
M
M = Medium = The size between small and large for the average body width and length.
Ex. โI think Iโm a M since large is too big and small is too restrictive.โ
MD = Marked Down = An item that has had itโs price dropped. Another term for on sale.
Ex. โAll their shirts are MD this time of year.โ
MED = Medium = See M.
MFA = malefashionadvice = The sub Reddit area for men who are interested in style and fashion.
Ex. โDid you see what that guy posted to MFA this morning?โ
MI = Made In = An identifier that shows where an item was made.
Ex. โI believe this shirt was MI China.โ
MIA = Made in America = A product made primarily in America from American materials.
Ex. โAre you sure this is MIA?โ
MJ = Marc Jacobs = A renowned fashion brand.
Ex. โMy girlfriend loves MJ but I donโt like their men’s lines.โ
ML = Medium Large = A half size between medium and large.
Ex. โDo you carry half sizes? Iโm usually an ML in this style of shirt.โ
MMF = Man Made Fiber = A synthetic material fabricated to look like a natural textile.
Ex. โIt may look like leather, but I can assure you that those shoes are made with a MMF.โ
MMM = Man Made Material = See MMF.
MRTW = Menโs Ready To Wear = An item of clothing designed to be sold ready to wear as soon as itโs purchased.
Ex. โI donโt care where itโs from, you need to take all MRTW clothing to your tailor. It will never fit properly off the rack.โ
MSRP = Manufacturerโs Suggested Retail Price = The price that the manufacturer recommends an item be sold at by the retailer.
Ex. โWhy is your price for this so much higher than the MSRP?โ
MTM = Made to Measure = An item that uses a base design but allows the buyer to customize based on personal preferences.
Ex. โMy MTM suit is great. It fits so much better than off-the-rack.โ
MTO = Made to Order = An item that is made individually and not mass-produced.
Ex. โI ordered a pair of MTO velvet slippers from Broadland Slippers in England.โ
MW = Machine Washable = An item of clothing that can be washed in a home washing machine.
Ex. โIs this shirt MW or do I need to have it dry cleaned?โ
MW = Menswear = Clothing designed for men.
Ex. โCan you recommend a good MW store nearby?โ
N
NB = New Balance = A brand of athletic wear and shoes.
Ex. โI only wear NB runners when jogging.โ
NBC = Name Brand Clothing = Apparel manufactured or sold by a household brand name.
Ex. โI donโt like designer clothing but I also wonโt buy a shirt from a company I donโt recognize. I prefer NBC.โ
NBI = Newly Broken In = Having recently developed a comfortable fit.
Ex. โMy shoes are NBI so I can finally walk without getting sore.โ
NI = Non Iron = An article of clothing treated to prevent wrinkles.
Ex. โI hate ironing so I always look for NI shirts and pants.โ
NIB = New In Box = An item that is new and in its original packaging.
Ex. โThatโs a great deal for NIB Allen Edmonds on eBay.โ
NM = Neiman Marcus = A purveyor of designer and brand name clothing and merchandise.
Ex. โI like Barneyโs, but I find NM is less expensive.โ
NSFW = Not Safe For Work = An item that is considered inappropriate for the workplace.
Ex. โThose leather chaps are definitely NSFW.โ
NWOT = New Without Tags = An item purported to be new and never used but without original tags.
Ex. โIt says itโs NWOT but something about it seems fishy to me.โ
NWT = New With Tags = An item sold with the original tags still fastened but not in original packaging.
Ex. โThat shirt is NWT but wow, look at that price!โ
NY = Nylon = A tough, lightweight, and elastic synthetic material.
Ex. โIโm sorry, but I wonโt spend that much on a NY jacket.โ
NYFW = New York Fashion Week = A week of fashion related conferences and shows in New York City. See FW.
O
OC = Odor Control = An item that helps to prevent odor.
Ex. โI like these golf socks because they wick moisture and have OC.โ
OCBD = Oxford Cloth Button Down = A traditional long sleeve sports shirt designed for polo with a collar that fastens using buttons.
Ex. โDo you prefer the OCBD shirts from Brooks Brothers or J. Press?โ
OFT = Odor Fighting Technology = Technology that combats odor.
Ex. โThese new golf shoes have OFT.โ
OM = Original Manufacturer = The first company to produce an item.
Ex. โEveryone takes credit for it, but Ray-Ban was the OM of Wayfarer sunglasses.โ
OOTD = Outfit Of The Day = An outfit that has been awarded as the best that day.
Ex. โAlbert certainly won OOTD with that ensemble!โ
OOTN = Outfit of the Night = See OOTD. Except at night.
OP = Original Poster = The person who created the post on an online forum like MFA.
Ex. โOP said he was looking for something affordable.โ
OS = Overstock = Items often offered at a discount since there is too large a stock that needs to be sold.
Ex. โI love finding OS shoes because theyโre so desperate to sell them.โ
OSFA = One Size Fits All = An item sold in a single size that is intended for fitting all sizes of people.
Ex. โThat OSFA garbage is a bunch of baloney. It never fits me perfectly.โ
OSFM = One Size Fits Most = Similar to OSFA, this is only guaranteed to fit most people, not all.
Ex. โI think this should fit you. Itโs OSFM.โ
OTC = Over the Calf =ย Socks that are long enough to be pulled up above your calves.
Ex. “I only buy 100% wool OTC socks.”
OTK = Over the Knee = An item such as a sock, stocking or shoe that extends above the knee.
Ex. โDo you always wear OTK hosiery with your kilt?โ
OTR = Off the Rack = A mass-produced article of clothing sold at most retail stores.
Ex. โOTR suits never fit me properly. I only buy MTM or bespoke now.โ
OTW = One to Watch = Something or someone to keep an eye on with high expectations.
Ex. โI always new Tom Ford was OTW.โ
OWC = Odd Waistcoat = A waistcoat or vest that doesnโt match the jacket or trousers worn with it.
Ex. โA burgundy OWC is a must have for any gentleman.โ
P
PBB = Perfectly Balanced Buttonholes = Buttonholes that are perfectly in line and well proportioned.
Ex. โThose PBB are what sold me on getting that jacket.
PC = Popped Collar = A popular trend where the wearer leaves the shirt collar popped up instead of folded down.
Ex. โYou look like 15-year-old boy with that PC.โ
PEL = Past Elbow Length = An item of clothing that extends just past the elbow.
Ex. โThat henley is PEL but it looks good on you and really shows off your forearms.โ
PFT = Precision Fit Technology = An item that boasts it has technology to ensure a perfect fit.
Ex. โThat new line of sports shirts claims it has PFT but in my experience thatโs just a gimmick.โ
PJ = Pajama Sleepwear = worn in slumber.
Ex. โI often buy my Pโs from Derek Rose.โ
PKL = Peak Lapel = Peak lapels are traditionally the most formal lapel with stark points that differentiate it from the notch lapel.
Ex. โI only wear jackets with a PKL.โ
PKT = Pocket = A small pouch sewn into clothing.
Ex. โI donโt like those new patch PKTs that are so trendy on blazers these days.โ
POLY = Polyester = A popular synthetic textile.
Ex. โI refuse to wear anything POLY. You canโt convince me, Iโm sorry.โ
POLY-B = Polyester Blend = A blend of polyester and another textile.
Ex. โThat suit jacket uses a POLY-B. I only want 100% wool.โ
POP = Poplin = A plain-woven lightweight cotton, often with a corded surface.
Ex. โI really like the new line of POP shirts.โ
PPS = Pre Production Sample = An item used as a sample before going to production.
Ex. โThat PPS certainly looks promising.โ
PSq = Pocket Square = Similar to a handkerchief, it sits in the breast pocket as an accessory.
Ex. โI love that Irish linen pocket square. Wherever did you get it?โ
PU = Pitti Uomo = An Italian festival for dandies. โDid you see some of the peacocks at PU this year?โ
R
R2W = Ready to Wear = See OTR.
RAY = Rayon = A synthetic textile made from regenerated viscose.
Ex. โI cannot believe the lining is made of RAY and they want that much for it.โ
RC = Recrafted = An item capable of being fixed so it looks new again.
Ex. โDid you know that most Allen Edmonds shoes are RC?โ
REG = Regular = See M.
RL = Ralph Lauren = A renowned American designer.
Ex. โI love Ralph Lauren clothing. I think itโs probably from my upbringing in the Northeastern United States.โ
RLOF = Relative Lack Of Fit = A group of items that doesnโt fit well.
Ex. โIโve seen this before. That shirt has a RLOF on everyone.โ
RLP = Ralph Lauren Polo = A sports line from Ralph Lauren. See RL.
RLX = Ralph Lauren Golf = A sports line from Ralph Lauren. See RL.
RMRS = Real Men Real Style = A renowned menswear blog for the everyman.
Ex. โI really like RMRS. As a guy who likes to look good but doesnโt want to spend hours in front of the mirror, Antonio really gives me the advice I need.โ
RRP = Recommended Retail Price = See MSRP.
RTW = Ready To Wear = See OTR.
RV = Reversible = An item that can be worn in reverse with a contrasting color or pattern.
Ex. โThose RV bow ties are like having two bow ties for the price of one.โ
S
S = Small = A size of clothing for men of shorter stature with a smaller build.
Ex. โDo you have this in S? Medium is a bit too big.โ
S = Super = The Super Wools used to denote the quality and fineness of wool when followed by a number such as Sโ100 or Sโ150.
Ex. โThat suit is made from Sโ100 wool so itโs great for daily wear.โ
STYD = Shop Til You Drop = The act of shopping until youโre too tired to keep going.
Ex. โOn Black Friday we STYD because the sales are so good.โ
S/S = Spring/Summer = The collection launched by designers for spring and summer.
Ex. โDid you see the new S/S line from J. Crew?โ
SF = Slim Fit = An item that is intended for men who are slim.
Ex. โI really like these SF shirts because they donโt bunch.โ
SF = Style Forum = An online community for style-conscious men.
Ex. โI think Ask Andy is probably one of the best SFโs I know of.โ
SLK = Silk = A fine, strong, soft, lustrous fiber produced by silkworms in making cocoons and collected to make thread and fabric.
Ex. โI really love the new SLK dressing gowns from Derek Rose.โ
SLM = Slim = See SF.
SLX = Slacks = Casual Pants or Trousers
Ex. โDid you see those SLX he was wearing with that polo? It looked great.โ
SM = Small = See S.
SML = Small = See S.
SRP = Suggested Retail Price = See MSRP.
SZ = Size = The dimensions of an item.
Ex. โWhat SZ do you take?โ
T
TDL = Tumble Dry Low = Indicates an item must be dried by spinning it slowly in hot air inside a dryer.
Ex. โThat shirt can only be TDL after washing or it will get ruined.โ
TDO = Tumble Dry Only = Must be tumble dried. See TDL.
TF = Tom Ford = Iconic fashion designer.
Ex. โTF is my favorite designer. I love his smoking jackets.โ
TMM = The Modest Man = Hi, youโre visiting us. Itโs our blog. Thanks for reading. ๐
TOTL = Top Of The Line = Denotes an item that is at its peak compared to others.
Ex. โThese belts are TOTL.โ
TPS = Three Piece Suit = See 3PS.
TRAD = Traditional = A traditional style more classic than prep.
Ex. โHe is very TRAD but only because he has an image to uphold.โ
TUX = Tuxedo = A black or midnight blue formal dinner suit.
Ex. โDo I need a TUX for the wedding?โ
TWD = Tweed = A rough-surfaced woolen cloth made in Scotland
Ex. โI love his TWD blazer he wore shooting the other day.โ
TXT = Textiles = A material or woven fibre used to produce clothing.
Ex. โThe TXT factory makes some of the finest wool Iโve ever seen.โ
U
V
VEL = Velcro = A fastener consisting of two strips of thin plastic sheet, one covered with tiny loops and the other with tiny flexible hooks, which adhere when pressed together and can be separated when pulled apart deliberately.
Ex. โPlease donโt wear those VEL shoes. I beg of you.โ
VTG = Vintage = A pre-owned item denoting something of high quality.
Ex. โI prefer to shop VTG since I save money and get better quality clothing.โ
W
WAYW = What Are You Wearing = A question posed asking what clothing you have on or will have on.
Ex. โWAYW to tonightโs gala?โ
WAYWT = What Are You Wearing Today =ย A question posed asking what clothing you have on or will have on today.
WIWT = What I Wore Today = An acronym or hashtag used to indicate a picture and/or description of what you wore today.
WC – Waistcoat = A vest.
Ex. โHis WC was a perfect odd combination with his blazer and trousers.โ
WIC = Walk In Closet = A large closet or wardrobe that is similar to a room and can be entered.
Ex. โOur new house has a WIC that I am just so excited about.โ
WNTY = Warranty = A guarantee provided by the manufacturer or retailer of an items quality for a specified period of time.
Ex. โYou should return those sunglasses. I think theyโre still covered by the WNTY.โ
WR = Wrinkle Resistant = An article of clothing treated to resist creasing.
Ex. โI travel a lot so I need WR trousers.โ
WT = Wing Tips = A shoe with a toe cap having a backward extending point and curving sides, resembling the shape of a wing.
Ex. โThose Neumok WT shoes from Allen Edmonds are awesome!โ
X
X = Extra = Used in sizing when accompanied by L for Large or S for Small. Often additional Xโs will be added to denote an even larger or smaller item.
Ex. โDo you have that in XL or XXL?โ
Y
YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary = Phrase used to explain that the lifespan of a product will vary for different people.
Ex. โI got a good ten years out of regular wear, but you may find YMMV based on how often you plan to wear them and where you wear them.โ
YSL = Yves Saint Laurent = A renowned fashion house.
Ex. โYSL sure seems to have moved into the fast fashion world. What do you think?โ
YTH = Youth = See JR.
We hope this guide has been useful. Remember to bookmark it in your favorites for easy reference next time you stumble across an acronym or abbreviation that has you stumped.
Also, let us know if thereโs any we missed or ones youโve come across that should be added to the list by leaving a comment below!
This article was written by J.A. Shapira.
BIN- But it now, really?
What does clbdppcs for a polo shirt mean?
Haven’t heard of that one! Maybe one of our readers knows?
I don’t know why people still think k Adidas stands for something. It’s named after it’s founders Adolf “Adi” Dassler. Adi das(sler).
Right, WTH? That one stopped me in my tracks and had me questioning the authenticity of the article. Especially with the other errors. I had a good laugh and now am just smh.
Hey, everyone makes typos ๐
A huge list…I like that. This is an awesome list โ so many acronyms mentioned. I have heard many of theseโฆsome of them are commonly used – OOTD, DOTD.
By the way, some are new, for example – ADIDAS…ya didn’t knew that before.
Much needed list. Great work, sir! Tweeted and bookmarked!
J.A. Shapira and Brock, this is a great list of terms and definitely a resource to use for the future. Just one small remark, since I saw the interesting inclusion of the Airman Battle Uniform. Rather than being the uniform of pilots, it is normally worn by enlisted and officers in support and maintenance career fields. Although pilots will have to wear it on very rare occasions–like some professional military education courses–we wear flight suits; the Air Force officially named them Flight Duty Uniforms (FDU) or the DFDU for the desert, but literally no one calls them that.
I think the example could be made more accurate if you change “a pilot” to “an Airman”. As a side note, I think the only organization that still wears BDUs is the Civil Air Patrol. Thank you for your time.
Thanks for sharing your expertise! I’ll get this changed soonest.