Meaning & use
loose fit
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Meanings
nounsingular
A cut of clothing that is roomy and not tight against the body.
Grammar: Often used before a noun, as in a loose-fit shirt; hyphenated in that position.
Patterns
- a loose fit
- loose-fit trousers
These jeans come in a loose fit that is comfortable all day.
The shirt has a loose fit around the waist.
I prefer a loose fit in summer when it is hot.
nounsingulartechnical
A relationship between parts, such as a machine part and its housing, that leaves a small gap and allows movement.
Grammar: Used in engineering and carpentry for parts that do not grip tightly.
Patterns
- a loose fit between something and something
The bolt has a loose fit in the hole, so it rattles.
A loose fit between the door and frame lets in drafts.
The shaft had a loose fit, which caused the vibration.
Common combinations
- a loose fit
- The jacket is a loose fit, so you can wear a sweater under it.
- loose-fit jeans
- He wore loose-fit jeans and a sweatshirt.
- relaxed, loose fit
- The brand sells a relaxed, loose fit in all its shirts.
- go for a loose fit
- For travel I always go for a loose fit.
- too loose a fit
- The coat was too loose a fit for her small frame.
Synonyms and how they differ
- relaxed fit
- Relaxed fit is a marketing term, often slightly less baggy than loose fit.
- baggy
- Baggy suggests excess, sloppy fabric, while loose fit can sound neutral or stylish.
- oversized
- Oversized means deliberately much bigger than the body, beyond a usual loose fit.
- roomy
- Roomy talks about spaciousness and is used for coats, bags and cars as well as clothing.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: loose fit or lose fit?
loose fit vs lose fit
Writers sometimes confuse 'loose' (not tight) with 'lose' (to misplace). Only 'loose' fits the clothing term.
Practice
A shop describes a shirt as 'loose fit'. What should you expect?
Choose one answer.
A loose fit means roomy and not tight. Clinging is the opposite, which is called slim or tight fit.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “loose fit”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.