FASHION INDUSTRY DICTIONARY

Define A-line.

A style for apparel in which the dress fits at the shoulder, or the skirt at the waist, and gradually flares out to a wider hemline causing it to resemble the letter "A". This style works well on most figure types- good for disguising bottom-heavy or pear-shaped figures.

History: The term A-Line was first used by the French couture designer Christian Dior to describe the new style of flared skirt introduced in his Spring–Summer 1955 Collection [1]. He had previously used the term H-line to describe his pencil skirts, and this term is still used occasionally. The A-line skirt and dress became very fashionable when Jacqueline Kennedy adopted the style in the early 1960s. The style, with its simplicity, practicality, and elegance, has remained popular since.

Skirts: The A-line skirt is regarded as one of the simplest and most practical skirt styles. It has no visible embellishments for ease, such as pleats or slits, but is fitted to the upper hip by means of seams and/or darts. Its fastening is usually kept discreet, with a side or back zipper. A belt is sometimes used. Pockets may be present, but not usually. The length of an A-line skirt varies, between mini- and below-knee-length.

Dresses and Coats: When referring to dresses and coats, the term A-line generally means fitted from the shoulders to the hips and then widening to the hem, but it is also sometimes used to mean widening from the shoulders to the hem, ignoring the waist and hips. It is often used to describe a popular style of wedding dress, which is fitted above and around the hips but flares gently to the hem, giving a streamlined and quite slim look.