Question

Discuss how attractiveness is one of the major criteria for selecting a fabric or a garment.

Answer 1

Attractiveness is mainly to do with the overall look of the fabric and how it matches the personality of the person who buys it. It includes the following parameters:

1. Colour: The colour of the fabric influences a person's mood. It may also give an illusion of size. Having a basic knowledge of colour schemes helps to select the right colours for the right purpose or occasion. 
   1. Warm colours should be used in winter, as they make a person feel cheerful and warm. Cool colours should be used in summer to give a quite restful look.
   2. The colour of the fabric should complement the complexion of the person.
   3. Opposite or contrasting colours can be used to form interesting combinations.
   4. Light-coloured clothes can make a small and stout person look taller or bigger, whereas dark-coloured clothes can make a fat person look thinner.
2. Design: The design of cloth can be floral, geometrical, nursery prints, animal prints, chequered, stripesy polka dots, etc. Horizontal lines increase or add width, while vertical lines increase height.
   1. A slim person can choose to buy designs with horizontal lines, and a short person can choose to go in for something with vertical lines.
   2. A short lady can choose a saree with narrow borders.
   3. Men can choose from straight or geometrical designs, while women can choose from curves and floral patterns.
   4. Young children can choose small floral designs or nursery prints, while teenagers look good in bold designs and stripes.
   5. Simple, small designs in upholstery can be used for smaller spaces since the use of bold designs can make the space look smaller.
3. Texture: The texture of a fabric can be rough, smooth, soft, fluffy, limp, war, crisp, etc. It refers to the feel that the fabric gives on touching it. The texture of the fabric depends on the fibre content, weave construction, and finishes applied to it.
   1. Thiek, or rough-textured fabric, is chosen for furnishings and curtains.
   2. For children and inner wear, soft-textured fabrics are used.
   3. Women can choose fabrics such as mulmul, satin, chiffon, etc., while men can choose fabrics such as long cloth, jeans, drill, and gabardine.
   4. Fabrics like wool, which have a rough texture, produce warmth, whereas fabrics like satin, which have a smooth texture, feel soft.