Blouson

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈbluːzɔ̃ː/

Definitions

  1. A type of loose-fitting jacket typically gathered at the waist | A style of outerwear often characterized by its elastic or drawstring waistband | An article of clothing worn to provide warmth and often has a casual look
  2. A loose jacket that fits snugly around the waist while offering a casual style and warmth through a comfortable design
  3. This garment is characterized by its loose structure at the body and a fitted waist, often designed for comfort and ease of movement

Etymology: A blouson is a type of jacket distinguished by its gathered or elasticized waist, causing the fabric above to billow out in a loose, blouse-like fashion. The word entered English in the mid-20th century, borrowed from French, where it simply means "a blouse" or a loose jacket. This borrowing reflects the garment’s silhouette, which resembles a blouse worn as outerwear, hence the French root. The French term itself derives from "blouse," originally a word from the late 19th century that referred to a simple smock or workshirt worn by laborers. "Blouse" may trace back to a Germanic source, although its exact origins are somewhat uncertain. Over time in French, adding the suffix "-on," which can indicate a diminutive or a specific type, transformed "blouse" into "blouson," specifying a particular style of outer garment. The garment’s design became especially popular in the mid-1900s, often associated with military or casual sportswear. The elastic or drawstring waist allowed for ease of movement and comfort, giving it a practical appeal that crossed into fashion. The term came into English usage alongside the garment’s rise in popularity, capturing this distinctive shape. Thus, the word’s journey from a general blouse to a particular style of jacket mirrors the evolution of clothing styles and the adoption of foreign fashion terms into English. It’s a neat example of how a simple descriptive term in one language can become a specialized word in another, linked closely to the garment’s characteristic silhouette.