The word “wardrobe” has its origins in the word “guarderobe,” which has been in use since the 14th century in areas like Britain, France, and Germany. This word was derived from the French phrase “warder robe” which literally translates to “guard the clothes”.
In the medieval period, people used a lockable set of shelves or cabinet, which was known as the guarderobe, to store their private belongings, especially clothing.
As time passed, the term became interchangeable with other furniture that was used for clothing storage, like armoires and cupboards. By the 18th century, the term “wardrobe” had also been adopted to refer to a room in which a person’s clothing and other personal items were stored.
The term “closet” dates back to the mid-17th century and refers to a private space or room, which is often small and is used for storage, especially for clothing. It was derived from the Latin word clausum which means “closed”.
The two words, “wardrobe” and “closet,” are often used interchangeably in modern language, with closet generally used in a more informal context. While both words refer to furniture used for clothing storage, a wardrobe typically denotes a larger piece of furniture that can hold more items.
What is a wardrobe closet called?
A wardrobe closet is often referred to as an armoire. An armoire is a tall, cabinet-like furniture piece, usually constructed of wood. It typically features two doors and shelves or drawers within the interior space.
An armoire is commonly used to store items such as hanging garments, accessories, or linens. Armoires can also be used as entertainment centers, where a flat-screen television and electronic devices can be housed and concealed with the cabinet doors closed.
What is the difference between wardrobe and walk-in closet?
The main difference between a wardrobe and a walk-in closet is their size. A wardrobe is typically a tall piece of furniture, usually made of wood, that hangs clothing, shoes, and accessories and can also include shelves or drawers to store items.
A walk-in closet, on the other hand, is a room, usually with a door, that can accommodate much larger amounts of items such as clothing, shoes, accessories, linens, and other items. Walk-in closets typically contain shelves and drawers to store items and there is often some type of organizational system, such as built-in storage, hanging rods, and labeling systems.
Additionally, a wardrobe and a walk-in closet can also differ in terms of features. Wardrobes and walk-in closets can come with built-in lighting, mirrors, and hampers. While wardrobes are a great way to store clothing and similar items in a small space, a walk-in closet provides an opportunity to create a larger and more organized storage solution for your clothing and accessories.
What do the British call a closet?
In the United Kingdom, a closet is often referred to as a cupboard. This is the most common term used among British English speakers, though in some regions, it is simply referred to as a wardrobe or press.
Generally, a closet contains hangers and shelves for clothing, as well as other spaces for linens, towels, and other items. They are often located in bedrooms, although closets may also be found in hallways and in other locations around the home.
When speaking about a “closet”, usually it is assumed to be a storage space.
What are the different types of closets?
The most common type is the reach-in closet, which is a shallow space typically located within a bedroom or hallway. These closets usually have shelves or rods installed along the walls, allowing you to store your clothing and accessories.
Other types of closets include walk-in closets, which are larger and typically located in the master bedroom. These closets are designed with shelving, storage cabinets, and other features such as island drawers and shoe racks.
Additionally, wardrobe closets are a type of closet that can feature sliding doors or even curtains in some cases. Wardrobe closets usually feature both drawers and shelving, with the larger size enabling you to store more clothing and accessories.
Lastly, custom closets are tailor-made to fit the exact measurements of a given space and offer a more flexible design solution. Custom closets can include walk-in closets as well as reach-in closets and can feature different kinds of materials and finishes, giving you full control over the aesthetic of your closet space.
How do you describe a closet?
A closet is a type of storage space, typically in a bedroom, which provides concealed storage for clothes, bed linens, shoes and other household items. They’re usually outfitted with shelves and hanging rods to store items vertically and neatly.
Closets are typically closed off with either bi-fold or sliding doors to hide what’s inside, or a curtain and provide an organized, neat look to the bedroom. Many closets are relatively small, so it’s important to plan out the design to maximize storage space.
For example, double-hanging rods can be added and shelves can be customized to provide extra areas for folded items, purses and other accessories. Other organization options like drawers, garment racks, baskets and soft storage cubes provide added storage options, as well.
Is closet British or American English?
Closet is primarily a word used in American English, although it is sometimes used in British English in certain contexts. In American English, the word “closet” is used to refer to a wardrobe or cupboard, while in British English the term “wardrobe” is more commonly used.
However, the term “closet” is often used in British English to indicate a private room, typically for studying or being alone. “To come out of the closet” is an expression that is used in both American and British English to describe somebody admitting their homosexuality openly.
In any case, the word “closet” is more commonly associated with American English than British English.
Is closet a British word?
No, “closet” is not a British word. It is an English word that originally had a similar meaning to “cupboard” but eventually evolved to refer to a small room or space used for storage, or an interior compartment or recess used for hiding or storing things.
While “closet” is not a specifically British word, it is used in modern British English.
What is American wardrobe?
American wardrobe is the style of clothing typically worn by people living in the United States. The clothing of the American wardrobe varies by region, lifestyle, and season, but includes everything from casual everyday clothing to formal dress outfits.
The American wardrobe often features garments such as jeans, t-shirts, shorts, button-down shirts, sweaters, sneakers, and loafers. Outerwear, such as coats, winter jackets, and hats, is also part of the American wardrobe, as are accessories like headwear, scarves, and gloves.
For special occasions, people in the United States may have tailored suits, dress shoes, and cocktail dresses as part of their wardrobe. No matter the occasion, the American wardrobe is typically practical and often includes items made from denim and cotton.
Do Americans say tights?
Yes, Americans do say tights. Tights are form-fitting pants made from a sheer synthetic material such as nylon. They come in both opaque and sheer varieties and are usually worn under skirts or dresses.
They are often seen on athletes, dancers and gymnasts as a form of compression wear but are also commonly seen in everyday fashion. Tights can also be referred to as hose, leggings, or stockings.
What is a dressing gown called in America?
In the United States, a dressing gown is sometimes referred to as a robe, house coat, or lounging gown. It is a type of loose-fitting outer garment typically worn before and after taking a shower, getting dressed, and lounging around the house.
Dressing gowns usually have long sleeves, a loose-fitting tie or belt around the waist, and can be made from a variety of fabrics, including silk, cotton, and flannel. Some robes are designed with specific silhouettes, such as kimono-style robes or wrap-style robes.
Dressing gowns are usually lighter-weight than bathrobes, which are typically heavier and thicker, and are designed for comfort and warmth. They are often used to wear over pajamas or lingerie and make a popular gift for friends and family members.
What are shorts called in England?
In England, shorts are commonly referred to as either “shorts” or “trousers. ” This is true for both adults and children. So “shorts” and “trousers” are the two most common terms used. In some situations, “walking shorts” or “half trousers” may be used to refer to a type of shorts that are above the knee.
Additionally, “cut offs” may be used to refer to jean shorts that are frayed at the hem.