Zappos.com - Glossary Terms

In addition to offering a wide variety of shoes, handbags and accessories, we strive to provide you with the best service in the industry. We feel it is our duty to not only provide you with great service, but we would also like to provide a reference guide for you to learn more about us and our industry. We are giving you the inside scoop to our company glossary so you can learn about shoes, handbags and accessories just like us. We hope this guide is useful to you and will make you feel more confident about the features that our products provide. Enjoy!

Other Guides:

Measurement Guide:: A guide to how we measure our products
Size Conversion Chart:: A guide to find your correct size no matter the shoe's origin

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cabochon: used to indicate a smooth, round or oval convex shaped polished stone.
Calfskin: Leather created from the skins of very young cows. Calfskin is typically very supple and soft.
Calluses: A firm, rough patch of skin that develops from overuse or irritation.
Cambrelle®: A durable, breathable, synthetic material that helps wick away moisture and gives added warmth.
Camera Bag: A structured rectangular or square bag with many zippered compartments for storing camera bodies, lenses, cords, etc.
Canteen Bag: A round, padded canvas or nylon bag meant for carrying a canteen. Features a single, adjustable shoulder strap.
Cap Sleeve: A short sleeve just covering the shoulder but not the underarm.
Cap Toe: An additional piece of leather covering the toe of a shoe. May be in several different shapes or patterns. Also known as a Tip.
Carnaby Fit: Slightly fitted loosely around the body, allowing plenty room for movement and maximum comfort.
Carpet Bag: A roomy bag featuring a single large compartment and double handles. Originally made from carpet.
case (watches): Also known as the watch case, this is the metal housing that contains the internal parts of a watch. Stainless steel is the most typical metal used.
Cemented Construction: A shoe construction in which the upper of a shoe is cemented, rather than stitched, to the sole of the shoe. Cement construction results in a lighter, more flexible shoe.
Chronograph: This is a watch that incorporates a stopwatch feature using one or more sub dials.
chronograph: a multifunction watch with a stopwatch (Tachymeter) function. Mosy have two or thrree sub-dials for measuring minutes and hours.
Chukka Boot: A boot style with laces, usually with a plain toe, and is the height of the ankle.
Circumference: The measurement around the shaft of a boot taken at the widest part near the top of the boot shaft.
Climatrac®: A durable lining that is quick-drying and extremely breathable.
Clog: A footwear style featuring a closed toe, open back and a platform sole traditionally fashioned from wood.
Clutch Handbag: A narrow, handheld bag with no strap.
Collar: A strip of material stitched to the opening of a shoe or the topline. The collar can be padded for extra comfort.
Combination Last: A footwear last in which the heel is two sizes smaller in width than the widest part of the shoe, producing a shoe with a narrow heel and a wide toebox.
Contoured Footbed: An insole that molds to the shape of the foot.
Convertible Handbag: Features a wrist or shoulder strap that may be removed or hidden.
Cordovan: Leather from a horse's posterior. When tanned it becomes a rich black cherry color; so it has evolved into common usage as a color name.
Corn: A small, hard formation usually found on the toe. A corn is usually the result of continuous friction or pressure in one place.
Counter: A stiff piece of material placed at the heel of a shoe between the lining and upper in order to retain the shape of the shoe.
Country Club: Relax and enjoy yourself in elegant style. Like a cool summer breeze, our collection of Country Club brands will help you unwind. At the beach or on a cruise, you will find what you are looking for in resort and casual wear here. View the Country Club Collection
Cowl Neck: Soft, bias-cut neckline, draped in the front or back. Similar to a loosely draped turtleneck.
Crepe Rubber: A crude natural rubber with a crinkled texture, used in shoe soles.
Crescent Handbag: A half-moon shaped bag, often with a top zipper and single shoulder strap.
Crew Neck: Round, banded neckline that fits close to the base of the neck. Commonly seen on sweaters and T-shirts.
Crown: Also known as the winding crown or winder. The knob of an analog watch used to set the time.
Crystal: This is the transparent cover that protects the face of the watch. The three most popular crystal types are acrylic, mineral and sapphire.
Curing: The application of chemicals to animal hides in preparation for the tanning process.
Cushioning: Padding on the insole or outsole of a shoe for added comfort and stabilization.

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