blouson: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal/informal (fashion context)
Quick answer
What does “blouson” mean?
A short jacket, often loose and gathered at the waist with an elasticated or drawstring hem.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A short jacket, often loose and gathered at the waist with an elasticated or drawstring hem.
Any outer garment with a fitted waistband and a loose upper section, resembling a shirt or blouse. Can also refer to a style of tops, dresses, or coats with this silhouette.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is used similarly in both varieties, though 'blouson jacket' is a common collocation. The fashion industry uses it as an international term.
Connotations
Connotes a specific fashion silhouette. In British English, might be slightly more associated with historical military or aviation jackets (e.g., RAF blouson). In American English, strongly associated with 1950s fashion (e.g., leather blouson) and sportswear.
Frequency
Low-frequency word in general conversation but common in fashion writing, retail, and style commentary in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “blouson” in a Sentence
[wear + blouson][blouson + made of + material][blouson + with + feature]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blouson” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The fabric is blousoned at the waist for a voluminous effect.
American English
- Her top blousons out over the skinny jeans.
adjective
British English
- She wore a blouson-style dress to the party.
American English
- The blouson silhouette was popular in the spring collection.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the retail and fashion industry for product descriptions and merchandising.
Academic
Rare; might appear in studies of fashion history or design.
Everyday
Used when discussing clothing, personal style, or shopping.
Technical
Specific term in fashion design and pattern-making for a particular garment cut.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “blouson”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “blouson”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blouson”
- Misspelling as 'blousson' or 'blouzón'.
- Using it to refer to any casual jacket, losing the specific silhouette meaning.
- Pronouncing the American version /ˈbluːzɒn/ (like British) instead of /ˈblaʊˌsɑːn/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, historically it referred to a jacket, but modern fashion uses the term for dresses, tops, and coats that share the same silhouette: loose on top, gathered at the waist.
A bomber jacket is a specific type of blouson, originally military flight gear, with a defined cut (often ribbed cuffs and hem, front zip). 'Blouson' is the broader category describing the shape.
In American English, it is typically pronounced /ˈblaʊˌsɑːn/, with the first syllable rhyming with 'now'. The British pronunciation is /ˈbluːzɒn/.
Yes, in fashion contexts. For example: 'a blouson sleeve', 'a blouson hemline', describing the characteristic puffed or gathered effect.
A short jacket, often loose and gathered at the waist with an elasticated or drawstring hem.
Blouson is usually formal/informal (fashion context) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BLOUSE' + 'ON' – it's like putting on a blouse that's been adapted into a jacket, loose on top.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING IS A CONTAINER (for the torso); FASHION IS HISTORICAL REFERENCE (to military/workwear).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'blouson' MOST likely to be used?