Cumulative is the term used to describe a string of adjectives modifying (describing) the same noun. Convention has established a usual order for these modifiers. For example, we would not (or should not) say, "Winter woman's coats," or, "Warm women's winter coats," but rather, "Women's winter coats," or, "Women's warm winter coats." It's a matter of logic and the usual rule of English that words that belong together stand together.

The normal order for these modifiers is as follows:

Markers

Article: a, an, the

Possessive: my, John's, women's

Number: four, few, several

Evaluation (Writer's opinion)

Lovely, tasteful, depressing, cheerful

Physical Qualities

Size: giant, 10-foot, minuscule

Shape: pyramid, blob, tube

Condition: rusty, brittle, used

Age: Ancient, 6-year, new

Color: black, blue, ecru

Pattern, style, design: argyle, dotted, batik

Source

Nationality: American, Chinese, Greek

Location: southern, Vermont

Religion: Jewish, Muslim

Made of

Stone, glass, plastic, linen

Class/type (often a noun working as an adjective)

Coffee (table), ski (boots), pine (tree)

Noun

The object described: jacket, box, child, store

Here are some examples:

John's beautiful teenage daughters

Some large, round, gray stepping stones

A priceless, antique southern pine writing desk

A well-worn, black herringbone sport coat

While the examples above and below illustrate the generally accepted order, variations are possible.

Examples: "My two, blue Persian cats," but "My boys' broken bicycles."

Is there a difference between "An antique lacquered box" and "A lacquered antique box"?

There are a number of other points to be considered.

1. Rarely use more than three adjectives following the markers.
   
   
2. Participles, both present (ing) and past (ed), can be adjectives.
   
   
3. Don't use commas between the adjectives unless there are two or more in the same category. To test for this, see if "and" could be inserted. When it can, use the conjunction or a comma.

   Examples:

   Three vacant, run-down Victorian houses. (Two conditions)

   John's red and black plaid wool vest. (Two colors)
   
   

4. Do not use a comma between the last modifier and the noun.
   
   
5. Any adjective may take an intensifier (adverb modifier) such as "too" or "very."