tailored
TAY-lerd
/ˈteɪ.lərd/
Custom-fitted or expertly cut and fitted to match a person's exact body contours.
Implies high-quality structural cutting and precise fitting rather than loose, mass-produced sizing.
The story behind the word. Originates from Old French 'tailler', meaning 'to cut'. Tailoring emerged as the artisan craft of cutting fabric shapes to match the human form precisely rather than draping simple untrimmed sheets.
Word relationships
- fitted: 'Fitted' simply means tight-fitting, while 'tailored' implies skilled architectural cutting and custom fitting.
- baggy: Loose, oversized, and shapeless without precise fitting.
Commonly confused with
- altered: 'Altered' means modified after purchase, whereas 'tailored' emphasizes expert custom construction.
Word family
- tailor (noun/verb): A person who makes or modifies clothing; to cut and fit garments
- tailoring (noun): The style, cut, or craft of a tailor
Collocations
- tailored suit
- tailored silhouette
- perfectly tailored
- tailored fit
Idioms & expressions
- tailor-made
Example sentences
- "She wore a perfectly tailored evening jacket with sharp lapels and fitted sleeves." Professional Attire
- "A tailored silhouette ensures that the dress follows the natural lines of the body." Formal Craftsmanship
Memory hook
TAILORED clothes are cut by a TAILOR to fit you like a glove. Custom cut and fitted.
When not to use
Do not use for baggy, oversized, or shapeless garments.
Fun facts
- London's Savile Row became famous worldwide in the 19th century as the benchmark for hand-tailored clothing.
Related words
Explore more words
specialized, individualize, engineered, Personalization, purposeful, adaptable
Also appears in
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