Every design is made up of lines. Lines are made by seams, skirt and sleeve
lengths, collars, pockets, belts, yokes, and buttonholes. Lines are also
made by decorative features, such as tucks, pleats, and special stitching.
The use of two or more colors or textures gives an effect of lines. Fabric
design, such as stripes and plaids, is made up of lines.
The outside lines form the silhouette or outline of a garment. Good silhouette
lines are related to the shape of the body. No part of the body should
seem out of proportion to other parts. These are the four basic clothing
silhouettes:
Fashion silhouettes can create a more pleasing body shape. They can counter
certain body imbalances and create better balance and proportion.
Study your own figure/build
and choose lines to help you look the way you'd like to look. Would you
like to look taller and more slender? Then choose these:
Designs or fabrics with vertical lines,
because they carry the eye up and down.
Outfits that are all one color, because
this gives the effect of a long, unbroken line.
Slim lines in ties, pants, skirts. Would
you like to look shorter and broader? Then choose these:
Designs or
fabrics with horizontal lines.
Contrasting
belts or jackets.
Full-cut pants,
skirts.
