Terminology: Sequins vs. Spangles (& their history in fashion) - The Dreamstress
4.7 (141) In stock
![](https://thedreamstress.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Jacket1620.jpg)
When I first became really interested in fashion history in my early teens, and poured over historical costuming books and museum catalogues and saw mentions of sequins and spangles I assumed they were the same thing, and that ‘spangle’ was just a posh term for a sequin. As I studied textiles in university, and began working for museums, I realised that museums generally use very precise, specific terms (hmmmm…I wonder where my love of terminology comes from!), and that a spangle and a sequin might be different things. As I’ve researched sequins and spangles I’ve realised that the use in terminology is sometimes very specific and precise, and that sometimes the terms are used interchangeably (see: how to make a fashion historian grumpy). Many costume books use the terms to mean exactly the same thing, as do some museums. Some sources that make a distinction describe a spangle as a sequin with the hole at the top edge, rather than in the centre. Other sources describe a sequin as any decorative disk, while spangles must …
![](https://thedreamstress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Dust-coat-England-or-France-1905-1908-Tussah-silk-satin-floss-silk-VA-T.333-1987-scaled.jpg)
terminology Archives - The Dreamstress
![](http://thefanzine.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/4668.jpg)
Spangle is a Synonym for Sequin
![](https://www.thegreenedition.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/mihai-stefan-658824-unsplash-768x1159.jpg)
Vintage Sequin Jackets - The Green Edition
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/81/Mineirinha_Biju_-_paet%C3%AA.jpg/800px-Mineirinha_Biju_-_paet%C3%AA.jpg)
Sequin - Wikipedia
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0619/2670/3357/files/WhatsApp_Image_2023-03-24_at_2.09.20_PM_480x480.jpg?v=1679647194)
SEQUINS - an intergral part of Indian culture – GAURAV KATTA
![](https://coldesi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Best-White-Toner-Printer-The-True-Potential-of-White-Toner.png)
Learn about Spangles & Sequins - ColDesi
![](https://thedreamstress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Evening-dress-1898-1900-ca.-Provenance-Galleria-del-Costume-di-Palazzo-Pitti-Designer-Atelier-Mrs.-C.-Donovan-New-York-00000137.jpg)
Rate the Dress: a belle in bows, 1898-1900 - The Dreamstress
![](https://thedreamstress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Leimomi18thCentury-182.jpg)
A fan of fans - The Dreamstress
![](https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-urSpbu_s1BI/UkD69zjuw0I/AAAAAAAAASY/Wd81WrCESd0/s1600/flag.jpg)
Creative Cockades: Star Spangled Glory
Who invented clothes? - Quora
![](http://images.metmuseum.org/CRDImages/ci/web-large/60.114.2_CP3.jpg)
V119: Are Sequins Period Accurate? – American Duchess Blog
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71HqVG1zPaL.jpg)
100 Yards Gold Sequin Trim 6mm Spangle Flat Sequin
Spangel Fashion Lycra Saree Shapewear Petticoat for Women, Women's
Lucia Spangel - Global Marketing Strategy Leader - Schneider
Buy Spangel Fashion Jewellery Gold Plated Ring For Men Boys Gents
Spangel Fashion Women's Dress Pants Stretchy Work Slacks Business
- Bally Total Fitness Kylie High Rise Ankle Legging
- Back Brace for Work, Heavy Lifting Support Belt with Shoulder Straps for Industrial Construction and Warehouse Workers
- Chicos Womens Belt Black Silver Toggle Clasp Buckle Gen Leather RN 79984 M/L
- Kids Leggings - Bloomingdale's
- BUTTER SOFT POCKET LEGGINGS (CURVE) – Acacia Boutique
- TENIS DEPORTIVOS SUPERSHOES 7079-23-(616) BLANCO CABALLERO