Understanding Design

Body Types

Learning Targets

List appropriate clothing choices for different body shapes and sizes.

Shape & Size

Keep body height, shape, and size in mind when choosing clothing that emphasizes your best features.

FrameSize RatiosGeometric Shape

FrameThe skeletal structure of the bones.

SmallMedium Large

Can use wrist size to determine frame size.

Height Wrist size for small frame

Wrist size for medium frame

Wrist size for large frame

FM under 5’2”

Less than 5.5”

5.5” to 5.75”

Over 5.75”

FM 5’2”–5’5”

Less than 6”

6” – 6.25”

Over 6.35”

FMover 5’5”

Less than 6.25”

6.25” – 6.5”

Over 6.5”

Males over 5’5”

5.5” – 6.5”

6.5” – 7.5”

Over 7.5”

Size RatioThe waist divides the upper and lower portions of the body.Two people of equal height may not have the same size ratio between the upper and lower portions of the body.

Long upper body and short legs vs. short upper body and long legs

Various arm lengths

Geometric ShapeBody shape can be thought of as triangular, rectangular, hour-glass, etc.

Understanding Design

Elements of Design

Learning Targets

Define the elements of design. Demonstrate the use of design elements in choosing and creating fashions.

The Elements of Design

LineShapeSpaceTexturePattern

LineDefined: a series of points connected to form a narrow path.

Straight, Curved, or Zig-Zag

3 directionsVertical, Horizontal, or Diagonal

Used for different effectsLine can emphasize or minimize portions of a person’s body.The eye naturally finds the dominant line in a garmentDirection, thickness of the lines, and the amount of space between the lines create different illusions

Using Various LinesStraight

Formal, crisp, seen in classic or conservative designsBusiness suits have clean, straight linesSeen in striped and plaid patterns

CurvedGive a feeling of movementUsed to create a casual imageAdds softness and roundness to a garmentFound in necklines, lapels, ruffles, and scalloped edges

ZigzagEye must change direction to follow zigzag linesGives a feeling of excitement or dramaSeen on sweaters or on a garment’s trim

Lines and IllusionsVertical Lines

Lead the eye up and down giving the illusion of more height and less widthCan be used to create a taller, thinner lookGive a feeling of strength, dignity, and formality

Lines and IllusionsHorizontal Lines

Moves the eye from side-to-sideGives the illusion of width rather than heightTwo-piece outfits and contrasting belts divide body length with horizontal linesCreate a feeling of stability and restfulness

Lines and IllusionsDiagonal Lines

Add movement and excitement to clothingEffect depends on the slant of the lineZigzag diagonal lines create the most excitement

ShapeDefined: the outline that forms when one or more lines come together to enclose an area.Also known as a silhouette4 basic garment shapes

NaturalTubularBellFull

Natural ShapeFollows your body’s outlineFit close to the body and emphasize the natural waistlineWorn most easily on average body sizes

Tubular ShapeRectangular with vertical emphasisUndefined waistlineAdds height and thinness to the bodyEx: t-shirt dress, straight-leg pants, and tailored business suits

Bell ShapeMoves outward from the body in a triangular shapeCan add or subtract width depending on where the top and the bottom of the bell hitEx: A-line skirts & dresses and flared pants & jackets

Full ShapeHorizontal and curved linesMake the body look largerEx: gathered skirts & dresses, full sleeves, and pants with wide legs

SpaceDefined: the area inside the shape.Internal lines, either structural or decorative, that divide the space on a garmentSeams provide inner spacesDecorative stitching and trims also divide space

Ex: lace down the front of a blouse

TextureDefined: the surface characteristics that determine the look and feel of an object.Texture results from fiber, yarn, construction, and finish used.Determines how a fabric moves when worn and can affect the overall way a garment looks on the body.Soft or crisp, smooth or nubby, dull or shiny.

PatternStripes, plaids, geometrics, florals, scenics, borders, etc.

Large or smallEven or unevenLight or darkSpaced or clusteredMuted or bold

Small pattern decrease in apparent size while large pattern increases itWidely spaced designs can make you seem larger as it draws the eye across the distances from one part of the pattern to the other

Understanding Design

Principles of Design

Learning Targets

Define the principles of design. Demonstrate the use of the principles of design in choosing and creating fashions.

Principles of Design

ProportionBalanceEmphasisRhythmHarmony

ProportionDefined: how separate parts of a garment relate to each other and to the whole in size.Parts with somewhat unequal sizes look best together.Clothing looks best when it’s in proportion to your own size

Small-framed person might avoid large, overpowering details such as collars & pocketsLarge-framed person might avoid tiny details

Proportion

1

3

1

1

BalanceDefined: when the spaces on both sides of a central line, real or imagined, appear equal.A balanced design gives a feeling of stability.Can be achieved in different ways

SymmetricalAsymmetrical

Symmetrical Balance

When the spaces on each side of a garment look just the same.Gives a formal or tailored look.

Ex: a shirt with two identical sides divided but a center front closing.Ex: a skirt with a center front seam that divides two similar sides.

Asymmetrical BalanceDon’t look the same on each side of the real or imagined central line.Add interest or a sense of excitement Has an informal lookOften more difficult and costly to make

Ex: a wrap skirtEx: A colorful pocket on one side and two vertical stripes on the other

EmphasisDefined: the part of the design that draws attention.The focal point of the designThe part of the outfit that catches your eye firstCan be accomplished with color, line, texture, design details, trims, and accessories

Ex: a colorful belt emphasizes the waistlineEx: a contrasting color draws attention toward the face

RhythmDefined: carries the eye through a regular pattern produced by design elements.

RepetitionRadiationGradation

Good rhythm is apparent when the lines of an outfit work well together.

Ex: when stripes and plaids don’t match at seam lines it breaks rhythm

Repetition• Defined: a

pattern repeats itself.

• Ex: rows of stripes, polka dots, etc.

GradationDefined: A gradual change in pattern.Ex: change of size or color.

Light to Dark

Thin to Thick

Small to Large

Radiation• Defined: Lines or patterns flow from a

central location.

HarmonyDefined: when all parts of a design blend well together.The elements relate in a unified way.Each part looks like it belongs and the result is eye-catching.