L.A. SPEAK : Garment Gab

body: n. a specific design or style of clothing, such as the five-pocket jean or the miniskirt. “We’re continuing that body next year in silk.”

boyfriend blazer: n. a simple, menswear-inspired blazer, usually blue, tht women wear with jeans. “Boyfriend blazers are a standard L.A. uniform.”

burn-out: n. a velvet pattern on a sheer fabric that resembles flocking. “All my new burn-out blew out the door in less than a week.”

ditzy print: n. a print with dainty little flowers. “Swimsuits with a ditzy print are a teen-age favorite.”

garmento: n. a person affiliated with the garment industry. Often used to describe a calculating wheeler-dealer. “I absolutely hate dealing with him. “He’s such a garmento. “

leave paper: v. to make an order-rather than just taking notes-after previewing a line of clothing. “We’re thrilled that she left paper for spring.”

on wheels: on consignment. “I let the whole line out on wheels. “

put on weight: a breast enlargement. “that model certainly has put on weight since her vacation.”

Sweeps: n . raids made on sewing contractors suspected of illegal labor practices. “Last week’s sweeps totally screwed me for my fall shipment.”