Clothing terminology

There is a wide variety of clothing terminology, and some such terms cannot be found in most dictionaries. For example, a search of a wide variety of online dictionaries failed to find a single clothing-related definition for the term missy, which is a very widely used term for a category of women's clothing.

Gender differences in clothing terminology

The terms shirt, blouse, and top have similar meanings but different uses. The latter two are used primarily for women's garments, whereas shirt can refer to clothing for either gender. Top can also be used as a general term for any clothing on the upper body, from a camisole to a coat.

Gender differences in clothing departments

Men's clothing departments are typically arranged by style (casual, sportswear, formal) whereas women's clothing departments are typically arranged by size. Thus, clothing stores often have women's Petites departments but rarely a men's Mediums department.

Men's clothing terms

The difference between a T-shirt, a golf shirt, and a polo shirt is...

The difference between pants and slacks is...

The terms blazer, dinner jacket, and sports coat all have similar meanings but different connotations.

Women's clothing terms

Junior - is this an age range or a size range?

Missy / Misses / Miss - are these synonyms or do they each mean something slightly different? Do they refer to age, size, or marital status?

Petites - I guess these are small sizes

Plus size - and these are larger sizes

The difference between tights and leggings is...

Formality

Casual, country club casual, business casual, semi-formal, formal, and black-tie are among the terms used to describe types of clothing according to how formal they are.

History

How did these terms originate? Who decided to use missy instead of a more specific, descriptive term?

Where did the term tank top come from?

Culture

How do people learn about these terms, and at what age? What percentage of men even know what missy means?