A good understanding of the lines and its placement on garments is critical to recommend the right garment(s) for different body shapes/frames.

1. Line usage recognition
Meena Rajagopalan
Your Impression Image Studio

2. Meena Rajagopalan | Your Impression Image Studio
Diagonal lines
Vertical lines
Horizontal lines
LEGEND
Garments with dominant vertical lines

3. Meena Rajagopalan | Your Impression Image Studio
Picture 1 : The model is wearing a sleeveless, high waist, long skater dress with V neck line
The dress has a lot of maroon colour diagonal and vertical interior decorative lines with embroidery designs on the
top portion of the garment to capture attention. While the diagonal cut on the top portion gives the garment proper
shape and highlights the shape of the wearer, the high waist line enhanced with Maroon panel detailing creates a
division and shows the garment as two sections. The contrasting orange colour bottom part of the garment creates an
illusion of increased length or height because of the dominant, vertical, pleated fabric with repetitions.
In general, several dominant thin vertical lines placed close together creates an illusion that emphasizes and reinforces
length, countering the horizontal and diagonal lines. The width of lines and/or pleats is a key characteristic in bringing
out the complete effect. Overall, the dominant vertical line direction of the garment draws attention to itself, and the
up & down direction creates the illusion of slim and tall look. Psychologically, vertical lines communicate alertness,
formality, dignity and strength.
This garment also has subordinate lines that can be seen on the top portion of the detailed work which has diagonal,
vertical and horizontal detailing in contrast maroon colour. Psychologically, the horizontal lines communicate rest,
relaxation and calm while the diagonal/zig-zag lines communicate motion, action, interest, force and excitement.
Garments with dominant vertical lines

4. Meena Rajagopalan | Your Impression Image Studio
Picture 2: The model is wearing a sleeveless strappy jump suit with V-neck line
The black colour garment with thin white vertical stripes shows the dominant vertical lines. These white colour
dominant vertical lines draws attention to itself, and the up & down direction creates the illusion of slim and tall look
(increased length or height). The width of the white lines is a key characteristic in bringing out the tall look effect. Had
these white lines been thick, it would have widened the look of the wearer and short in some cases as the eye travels
across. Psychologically, the vertical lines communicate alertness, formality, dignity and strength.
The horizontal thin waist line and seam line at the bottom with thin elastic detailing provides shape to the garment
and makes a division of the single garment into two.
Overall the garment conveys a perfect summer casual look - reinforcing length, height and thinness of the wearer.
Also the vertical lines counter the horizontal and diagonal lines.
Garments with dominant vertical lines

5. Meena Rajagopalan | Your Impression Image Studio
Diagonal lines
Vertical lines
Horizontal lines
LEGEND
Garments with dominant horizontal lines

6. Meena Rajagopalan | Your Impression Image Studio
Picture 1 : Model is wearing a boat neck, black and white straight cut short dress
The dress has dominant horizontal thin white stripes happening all over. This draws attention to itself first, then from
side to side, creating the illusion of increased width and decreased height or length to the wearer. The diagonal cut
loose cap sleeves and waist line accessorised with a thin contrast brown colour belt gives both shape and a pop of
colour to the garment. There are horizontal seam lines happening at the edges of the garment.
Overall this dress creates a casual stylish summer look for a day out. Psychologically, the horizontal lines communicate
rest, relaxation and calmness.
Picture 2 : Model is wearing a sleeveless, boat neck pleated midi dress
The thick black and white dominant horizontal stripes happening all over the garment draws attention to itself first,
then from side to side, creating the illusion of increased width and decreased height or length to the wearer. There is
repetition and contrast colour combinations on interior design. The pop of bright yellow horizontal border line at the
bottom edge of the garment adds extra attention to it. The high waist line with white panel, enhanced with princesses
cuts and pleats add shape and attention to the waist line area. The asymmetric diagonal cut also adds shape to the
garment. Overall, this creates a semi formal look, apt for summer wear. Psychologically, horizontal line communicate
rest, relaxation and calm.
Garments with dominant horizontal lines

7. Meena Rajagopalan | Your Impression Image Studio
Diagonal lines
Vertical lines
Horizontal lines
LEGEND
Garments with diagonal lines

8. Meena Rajagopalan | Your Impression Image Studio
Picture 1 : Model is wearing a one shoulder feminine glamorous gown
The garment has a diagonal neckline in beige colour and thin black detailed decorative interior on it. It has dominant
diagonal lines with repetition happening all over the garment. The repetitive restrained curve lines on one side of the
waist line enhances both the waist line and captures attention to the side curve of the garment. i.e. lines in opposition
at waist and hem, radiating lines from side waist across the body.
The fabric, seam line and the design of the garment creates a body hugging look and fit to the garment. This brings
out the curves of the wearers body. The single vertical straight cut slit at the front which happens just below the side
curve, makes the overall look as glamorous.
The full length flow of the bottom part of the garment is apt for a glamorous evening look. The diagonal lines draw
attention to itself first, then an up & down or side to side effect depending on the angle. A long, thin, slightly diagonal
line appears to increase height. Psychologically this stunning garment brings out the messages of motion, action, force,
interest and excitement.
Garments with diagonal lines

9. Meena Rajagopalan | Your Impression Image Studio
Picture 2 : Model is wearing a V-neck line, sleeveless body fit Brown colour dress
The chevron interior design happening from top to bottom enhances the shape and curves of the wearers body. The
centre high waist horizontal and vertical seam lines bring shape to the garment and gain attention to the centre point
and the neckline.
Overall a simple and elegant look. The diagonal lines draw attention to itself, then up & down or side to side,
depending on the angle or slant of the line. Several diagonal lines that form a chevron focuses attention on the face or
figure, depending on the direction in which the chevron points. Single chevron V-neck also gains attention to the neck
area. Psychologically, diagonal lines communicate motion, action, interest, force and excitement.
Garments with diagonal lines