Color, Shape, Line and Texture Elements of Design Color, Shape, Line and Texture

Shape The overall shape of a garment is its form or silhouette, its overall outline. The shape is created by the cut and construction of a garment.

Shape Clothes can reveal or disguise the natural body contour. Clothing shapes that are most flattering to a person emphasize his or her good features and hide the less attractive ones.

Using Shape in Clothing To look larger wide, full shapes

Using Shape in Clothing Look smaller trim, compact silhouettes

Using Shape in Clothing Look taller: straight tubular shapes

Using Shape in Clothing Form fitting clothes reveal any unattractive contours a body might have.

LINE A distinct, elongated mark as if drawn by a pencil. Eyes follow lines up, down, side to side or around.

Line Types Straight - bold and severe, suggest dignity, power and formality.

Straight Lines The straight line is seen in the light blue, blue and tan stripes going across the T-shirt.

Line Types Curved - rounded, circular or flattened out. increase the size and shape of the figure give a soft, gentle, youthful, charming, graceful and flowing feeling.

Curved Lines The curved line is seen in the inner and outer edges of the collar.

Line Types Jagged - change direction abruptly and with sharp points. For fun/ not serious events can create a jumpy confused feeling if overused.

Jagged Lines The jagged line is seen around the edges of the black diamond shape in this blouse. The jagged line is seen in the design, knitted into this sweater, across the chest and arms.

Vertical Line Directions Vertical - up and down gives the impression of being taller/thinner. gives a feeling of dignity, strength, poise and sophistication. Blue vertical lines are seen in this men’s dress shirt.

Horizontal Line Directions Horizontal - from side to side, like the horizon gives the impression of being shorter and heavier. gives a relaxed and calm feeling, suggests rest and gentleness. Red, white, gray and black horizontal lines are seen in this sweater.

Line Directions Diagonal - slanted, the degree it is slanted determines the visual effect on clothes.

Diagonal Line The diagonal line is seen in the white line that goes from the shoulder to the waist of this garment.

Diagonal Line The diagonal A diagonal line is created by the has been created at the hem of this skirt. A diagonal line is created by the arrangement of flowers in the fabric of this dress.

Line Directions Horizontal Slant - adds width This pocket has a horizontal slant which adds width.

Line Directions Vertical slant - adds height. This pocket has a

Line Applications Structural - formed when parts of the garment are constructed. (darts, pockets, collar) collar placket seam

Structural Lines Structural lines are seen in knitted into the fabric of this garment. Structural lines are also seen in the button placket and row of buttons.

Line Applications Decorative - Created by adding details to the surface of the clothing. (lace and trim) too much detail causes competition between the lines and creates confusion.

Line creates many optical illusions

“I” Illusion “I” illusion Vertical lines carrying the eye upward without an interruption will give the illusion of tallness.

“T” Illusion The “T” illusion As soon as a horizontal line crosses a vertical line, the eye will move back and forth creating the illusion of heaviness in that area. The eye goes upward until the black fabric stops

“Y” Illusions The “Y” illusion - creates the feeling of height as the eye is guided upward with nothing in its way to impede its motion.

Upward Arrow Illusion the upward “arrow” takes the eye upward and then suddenly downward to create an illusion of less height.

Size: How the garment lines divide the figure Illusion of more height and thinness. Narrow center panel or button placket, vertical trimming, neck to hem closing or princess seam lines. placket Seam line Narrow overall shape with vertical lines added

Size: How the garment lines divide the figure Illusion of larger, heavier figure. Widely spaced vertical lines large bold stripes large stripes, even vertical ones

Size: How the garment lines divide the figure Illusion of more body width and less height. Wide overall shape and horizontal effects full garment, uneven horizontal stripes, contrasting belt, square neckline. Square neckline Full shape

Texture - the fabric’s “character” The surface quality of goods. The quality of roughness, smoothness, glossiness or stiffness. Texture is determined by a fabric’s fibers, yarns and method of construction. Structural Texture-is created when fabrics or garments are manufactured. Visual texture is “printed” onto the surface of fabrics or garments.

Smooth Texture Smooth, flat textures make people look smaller

Shiny Texture Shiny Textures make the body look larger because they reflect light. They make fabric colors look lighter and brighter, thus making the body look larger.

Rough Texture Rough textures tend to subdue the colors of fabrics. The texture of this jacket is fuzzy.

Sheer Texture Sheer fabrics reveal the true body shape. It tends to soften the figure when used over a soft lining. This blouse is sheer

Dull texture Dull textures make a person appear smaller because they absorb light. The dull texture of the blouse and jeans, make the person appear smaller.

Clinging, soft Texture Clinging, soft textures reveal the body’s true silhouette. This blouse’s soft texture, reveals its true

Stiff, crisp Texture Stiff crisp textures make the total shape appear bigger because they stand away from the body. This linen jacket makes the body appear larger because it stands away from the body.

Visual Texture A motif is one unit of a design that is usually repeated. A small, overall print tends to make the wearer look smaller.

Visual Texture Large, bold patterns increase the apparent size of the wearer. The large flowers on this dress, makes the wearer appear larger.