From Latin sartor ('a tailor, patcher'), from sarcire ('to patch, mend'), with the adjectival suffix -ial. The Latin root also gives English sartorious (the sartorius muscle of the thigh, named for the tailor's cross-legged sitting position). The word entered English in the 19th century, primarily in literary and journalistic use.
What does sartorial mean?
Sartorial is a formal adjective meaning 'of or relating to tailoring, clothing, or a person's style of dress'. It typically modifies a noun: 'sartorial elegance' means elegance in dress, and 'sartorial choices' means choices about clothing.
What is sartorial elegance?
'Sartorial elegance' means elegance in one's clothing and style of dress — particularly the quality of being impeccably and tastefully dressed, often with reference to fine tailoring. It is frequently used in journalism to describe well-dressed public figures.
Is sartorial only used for men's fashion?
No, though it is most commonly encountered in discussions of menswear and traditional tailoring (Savile Row, bespoke suits, etc.). Sartorial simply means 'of or relating to clothing and tailoring' and can apply to any person's style of dress.
What is the origin of sartorial?
From Latin sartor, meaning a tailor or patcher (from sarcire, to mend). The same root gives the medical term sartorius (the thigh muscle used when sitting cross-legged, as tailors traditionally did). The word entered English in the 19th century.
What is the adverb form of sartorial?
The adverb is sartorially: 'she is sartorially impeccable', 'sartorially speaking, the outfit was a triumph'. The adverb is used in journalism and fashion writing.