Understand fashion design

Elements of design
• Color
• Shape/Silhouette
• Line
• Texture
Textile & Apparel Production I 1

Color
Hue: (1) The technical word for
color. (2) The name given to
a color, such as red or
yellow, that distinguishes one
color from another.
Value: The lightness or
darkness of a color.
Tint: The lighter hue
created when white is
added to a color.
Shade: The darker hue
created when black is
added to a color.
Intensity: The brightness
or dullness of a color.
Neutrals: Black, white,
beige, and gray. Neutrals
can be used alone or with
any other colors.

• Primary hues: Red,
yellow, blue. These
colors cannot be made
by using any other
color. All other colors
are made from a
combination of these.
• Secondary hues:
Orange, green, violet.
These are created by
mixing equal amounts
of two primary colors.

Color schemes
Plans that can be used to provide
harmonious color combinations.
• Monochromatic
• Analogous
• Complementary
• Split-
complementary
• Triad
• Accented
Neutrals

Monochromatic color
• Different tints, shades,
and intensities of a single
color.
• Example: light blue
trousers and jacket with a
navy blue vest.
Analogous colors
Two to five colors that are
adjacent on the color
wheel.
Example: orange, yellow-
orange and yellow worn
together

Complementary colors
Two colors
opposite each
other on the
color wheel.
Example:
Orange and
blue
Split-complementary colors
One color plus the
colors on each side of
its complement.
Example: red combines
with yellow-green and
blue-green.

Triad colors
Three colors
that are
equidistant
from each
other on the
color wheel.
Accented neutral
White, gray, black, or
beige with a bright
color accent.
Example:
Businesswoman
wearing a gray dress
with a red scarf.

Shape
The silhouette or the overall form or outline of
an outfit or clothing style.
The width and length of the neckline,
sleeves, and/or waistline.
The width and length of pants and skirts.
Most silhouettes are formed by:

Line
A distinct, elongated mark that can lead the path of eye
movement up and down, side to side, or around objects.
• Give direction, or a feeling of movement
• Provides visual direction
• Helps draw attention to good points and play down the bad
ones.
Basic types of lines
Straight lines: Lines without curves or bends. Straight
lines are severe and formal and suggest power and dignity.
Curved lines: Circular or gently waved lines. Curved lines
add softness and roundness to apparel.

Directions of lines
•Vertical lines: Lines that go
up and down. Vertical lines
create a taller, more
slender look.
•Horizontal lines: Lines that
go across. Horizontal lines
give a shorter, wider look.
•Diagonal lines: Lines that
slant at an angle rather than
being vertical or horizontal.

Ways to create lines in
garments
•Structural lines: Lines formed by the seams,
darts, pleats, tucks, and edges when garments are
constructed.
•Decorative lines: Lines created by details added
to the surface of clothing including fabric
design and trims such as top-stitching, lace, tabs,
flaps, and buttons used to decorate the garment.

Texture: The look and feel of fabric.
•Can create illusions of size
•Can disguise figure irregularities
•Can add interest to a garment
Texture can be provided in two ways…
Structural texture: Texture determined by the fibers, yarns,
and the method of construction used to produce a garment.
Examples: velvet shirt, striped wool pants
Added visual texture: The finishes and designs applied to
the surface of the fabric. Examples: The print of the fabric
can give the illusion of height or width to the wearer. Shiny
textures make people look larger because they reflect light.

Principles of design
• Balance
• Proportion
• Emphasis
• Rhythm

Balance
The principle of design that implies equilibrium
or steadiness among the parts of a design or
outfit.
•Balance in
garments is
produced by
structural parts
and added
decoration.
•A properly
balanced
garment appears
equal in weight
and power of
attraction from all
sides, from top to
bottom, and from
front to back.
Formal balance Equilibrium provided
by symmetrical parts.
One side resembles the
other.
Informal balance Equilibrium provided by
asymmetrical parts. One
side is unequal to the
other.

Proportion
The principle of design dealing with the
relative sizes of all the parts in a design to
each other and to the whole.
•Garment details and accessories
should be proportioned for the
wearer.
•Proportion is most pleasing when
garment areas are unevenly
divided.

Emphasis
The principle of design that uses a
concentration of interest or area of
focus in a particular part or area of
design.
• Emphasis or a focal point can be used to
draw attention or to keep the eye away.
• Emphasis can be provided through the use
of color, texture, structural lines,
decorative lines, or accessories.

Rhythm
The principle of design concerned with the
pleasing arrangement of the design
elements to produce a feeling of continuity
or easy movement of the observer’s eye.
Repetition:
Rhythm
created by
repeated
lines,
shapes,
colors, or
textures in
a garment.
Gradation Or
Progression:
Rhythm
created by a
gradual
increase or
decrease of
similar design
elements.
Radiation:
Rhythm
created by
lines
emerging from
a central point
like rays,
resulting in
the parts
being an
equal distance
from a given
point.
Alternation:
Rhythm
created by
alternating
elements such
as light and
dark colors or
stripes of two
colors or sizes.

To appear shorter and
thicker
• Sharply contrasting colors
• Light, bright, warm colors
• Wide silhouettes
• Horizontal lines
• Bold prints, plaids
• Bulky texture
• Wide, contrasting belt
• Gathers or pleats
To appear taller and thinner
Black, navy blue, charcoal, and
chocolate brown
Monochromatic colors
Straight silhouettes
Vertical lines
Subtle prints, plaids
Smooth, flat textures
Narrow, matching belt

Understand fashion design

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