This site uses cookies. Some of these cookies are essential to the operation of the site, while others help to improve your experience by providing insights into how the site is being used. For more information, please see the ProZ.com privacy policy.
Cookie settings
  1. KudoZ™ Top
  2. French to English
  3. Textiles / Clothing / Fashion

maille cocon

English translation: cocoon knit

GLOSSARY ENTRY (DERIVED FROM QUESTION BELOW)
French term or phrase:maille cocon
English translation:cocoon knit
Entered by: Jane Phillips

06:09 May 27, 2015
French to English translations [PRO]
Marketing - Textiles / Clothing / Fashion / Fashion
French term or phrase: maille cocon
I don't think this can be translated as 'cocoon knit' which would appear to be a specific stitch. Looking generally on internet it can cover cosy warm knitwear but also lighter spring knits. Does anyone know if there is a specific equivalent in English (UK)?

This is from a marketing type article concerning the founder of one of France's high flying, recent, up-market fashion brands.

Seize ans plus tard xxxxxx a su construire son alphabet. Des perfectos en cuir souple et ultra dégaine, des petites robes noires glamour, de longs jupons et des tops amples mi bohème mi rock. Des parkas chics et autres cabans chocs. De la maille cocon, et des accessoires qui signent une allure a propos.

Many thanks
Jane Phillips
France
Local time: 09:48
cocoon knit
Explanation:
I agree that "cocoon knit" isn't referring to a specific knitting stitch here. But note that "cocoon" is also used to describe a style of jumpers (or sweaters) and cardigans that are relaxed, rounded or boxy in shape.

Whistles Sparkle Cocoon Jumper, Peach
Update your knitwear collection with this luxe cocoon style boxy knit from Whistles.
http://www.johnlewis.com/whistles-sparkle-cocoon-jumper-peac...

RIBBED COCOON JUMPER
A cocoon shape with softly rounded proportions, this cotton jumper has a textured horizontal rib. A comfortable relaxed fit, it is a long-sleeved style...
http://www.cosstores.com/it/Archive/Ribbed_cocoon_jumper/252...

Here are a couple of FR > EN translations

L.A.M.B - Pull cocon à manches longues avec motif pied-de-poule en intarsia
L.A.M.B Houndstooth Intarsia Cocoon Long Sleeve Jumper
http://www.asos.com/LAMB/LAMB-Houndstooth-Intarsia-Cocoon-Lo...

Exclusivité ASOS MATERNITÉ - Robe pull cocon en maille
ASOS Maternity Exclusive Knitted Cocoon Jumper Dress
http://www.asos.com/ASOS-Maternity/ASOS-Maternity-Exclusive-...

Here's a nice FR example that clearly describes the shape/cut of the cocoon style

Cardigan cocon
Silhouette cocon arrondi, coupe décontractée
http://www.gapcanada.ca/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=22475201...
Selected response from:

Sheri P
United States
Local time: 03:48
Grading comment
I wasn't sure that I could use a direct translation in this case. So many thanks. But as ever thanks to all of those who made suggestions.
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
3 +3cosy knit / warm knit / soft knit
Lucy Hill
3 +2cocoon knit
Sheri P
3 +1cocoon [-shaped] knit(s)
Alison MacG
4 -1honeysuckle knit
Ana Vozone
3snug knits / knitteds
Wendy Streitparth
3chunky knits
Rachel Braff


  

Answers


1 hr   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): -1
honeysuckle knit


Explanation:
I think this is what you are looking for.

Please compare Google search results for "maille cocon" and "honeysuckle knit"

https://www.google.pt/search?q="maille cocon"&biw=1242&bih=6...

https://www.google.pt/search?q="maille cocon"&biw=1242&bih=6...

Ana Vozone
Local time: 08:48
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in PortuguesePortuguese
PRO pts in category: 11

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
disagree  Rachel Braff: As a knitter, I have never heard of "honeysuckle knit". I have seen knitting patterns called "honeysuckle", but haven't seen the term used either in general or to describe a specific stitch.
5 hrs
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

1 hr   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5 peer agreement (net): +3
cosy knit / warm knit / soft knit


Explanation:
From what I can tell from all the references I've just looked at, it doesn't refer to any specific type of knit but just to a warm, enveloping garment.



--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 1 hr (2015-05-27 07:44:06 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

Sorry not to provide a neat equivalent...

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 1 hr (2015-05-27 08:06:10 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

I saw that one too, but I thought it was the exception rather than the rule. In that context, I thought of 'silky knit'. 'comfortable knit'?

Lucy Hill
United Kingdom
Local time: 08:48
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
Notes to answerer
Asker: Which was my initial thought until I saw this http://www.influentes.fr/_mode/jupe-maille.html (towards the bottom under Dégaine du jour) which isn't exactly what I'd call cosy/warm knitwear. Maybe comforting (which keeps the cocooning idea)...


Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Rachel Braff: In the context, I think it's referring to cozy knits--the type of big sweaters and knitted accessories that have been in style for the last couple of years.
4 hrs
agree  Nikki Scott-Despaigne: Given the wide variety of stitches used when you run "maill cocon" on Google Images, then it seems to be using "cocon" as in the French" concooning" = cozy, snug, that sort of thing. Could be chunky of fine, as long as it's something you can "cocoon" in!
6 hrs
agree  Yolanda Broad
11 hrs
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

5 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
snug knits / knitteds


Explanation:
Variation on a theme

Wendy Streitparth
Germany
Local time: 09:48
Works in field
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 18
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

6 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
chunky knits


Explanation:
Another possibility might be "chunky knits", which is a word I've seen used a lot in fashion descriptions. I agree with the person who posted "cozy", but I think "chunky" could be another possibility here. Whether it's appropriate depends on the knits made by the designer--if you have access to images of the actual garments/accessories, that should tell you whether "chunky" applies.

The link below is for image results for "Isabel Marant knits", which is a brand along the lines of the one you're describing. If the brand you're describing specializes in sweaters like the first few results, I would say "chunky" is appropriate.

I do think that "cocon" here is NOT referring to a specific stitch, nor even necessarily to a weight (bulky vs. fine-gauge), but to a general trend toward more cozy, relaxed, somewhat oversized knit garments/accessories.


    Reference: http://www.google.com/search?q=isabel+marant+knits&biw=1440&...
Rachel Braff
United States
Local time: 02:48
Works in field
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 8
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

6 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5 peer agreement (net): +1
cocoon [-shaped] knit(s)


Explanation:
I think that cocon as used here refers to the enveloping shape rather than the nature of the fabric and it does seem to be used in English

Some references:

7. Cocoon knit or coat
Ease yourself into the cocoon shape of Autumn/Winter 2011/12 with a coatigan or egg-shaped fealty jacket. Great for travelling (particularly air travel), in a shade of saffron or jewel red this can really jazz up wide leg trousers and stops a pencil skirt looking too retro.
http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/article/TMG8647560/Top-ten-pr...

Beige relaxed cotton jersey cocoon jacket
With a flattering cocoon shape and unfastened front, this jacket is perfect for throwing on as you run out of the door.
http://www.riverisland.com/women/coats--jackets/jackets/Beig...

Passion maille
SIBLING, c’est un trio d’anglais fou de maille et d’humour.
La signature SIBLING, c’est des formes masculines, une ‘punk attitude’, de la maille cocon décalée
http://blog.kookai.fr/collection-capsule-kookai-sibling/

Silhouette: Dropped flare / Cocoon / Body-skimming / Oversized / Boxy on top
A cocoon-shaped dress with a fur funnel neck was a particular standout.
Cocoon knit dress
http://www.wgsn.com/blogs/catwalks/sister-by-sibling




Alison MacG
United Kingdom
Local time: 08:48
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 19

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Sheri P: We must have been writing at the same time :-)
2 mins
  -> Yes, thanks Sheri!
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

6 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5 peer agreement (net): +2
cocoon knit


Explanation:
I agree that "cocoon knit" isn't referring to a specific knitting stitch here. But note that "cocoon" is also used to describe a style of jumpers (or sweaters) and cardigans that are relaxed, rounded or boxy in shape.

Whistles Sparkle Cocoon Jumper, Peach
Update your knitwear collection with this luxe cocoon style boxy knit from Whistles.
http://www.johnlewis.com/whistles-sparkle-cocoon-jumper-peac...

RIBBED COCOON JUMPER
A cocoon shape with softly rounded proportions, this cotton jumper has a textured horizontal rib. A comfortable relaxed fit, it is a long-sleeved style...
http://www.cosstores.com/it/Archive/Ribbed_cocoon_jumper/252...

Here are a couple of FR > EN translations

L.A.M.B - Pull cocon à manches longues avec motif pied-de-poule en intarsia
L.A.M.B Houndstooth Intarsia Cocoon Long Sleeve Jumper
http://www.asos.com/LAMB/LAMB-Houndstooth-Intarsia-Cocoon-Lo...

Exclusivité ASOS MATERNITÉ - Robe pull cocon en maille
ASOS Maternity Exclusive Knitted Cocoon Jumper Dress
http://www.asos.com/ASOS-Maternity/ASOS-Maternity-Exclusive-...

Here's a nice FR example that clearly describes the shape/cut of the cocoon style

Cardigan cocon
Silhouette cocon arrondi, coupe décontractée
http://www.gapcanada.ca/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=22475201...

Sheri P
United States
Local time: 03:48
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 69
Grading comment
I wasn't sure that I could use a direct translation in this case. So many thanks. But as ever thanks to all of those who made suggestions.

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Alison MacG: You were only seconds later with this same idea
1 min
  -> Thank you, Alison :-)
agree  elftranslation
2 days 19 hrs
  -> Thanks, elftrans!
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)



Login or register (free and only takes a few minutes) to participate in this question.

You will also have access to many other tools and opportunities designed for those who have language-related jobs (or are passionate about them). Participation is free and the site has a strict confidentiality policy.

Return to KudoZ list

KudoZ™ translation help

The KudoZ network provides a framework for translators and others to assist each other with translations or explanations of terms and short phrases.

See also:
ProZ.com term search
Search millions of term translations
Close search
Term search
  • All of ProZ.com
  • Term search
  • Jobs
  • Forums
  • Multiple search