The Effect of Fashion and Construction Lines on Your Figure

Lines are probably some of the most challenging elements of a design to wear in clothing, especially when you are not sure about how they will look on your body shape. The figure below illustrates best how line can be used effectively and creatively, in all the right places to achieve the targeted effect. The most visible lines are curvy lines, diagonal and horizontal lines. Diagonal lines have been used to achieve a slimming effect around the waist, as well as a lengthening effect around the thighs. Horizontals have been used to achieve width at the hips, while curves give a good drape to the lower part of the dress and they also make the bust look fuller. That is just the thing when it comes to lines; applying them in just the right places.

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• Vertical Lines

It has been said that vertical lines have a slimming effect; true, to some point. This though largely depends on the placement of the line. Take the illustration below for instance, the figure on the left with vertical lines placed closely together looks slimmer and longer, than the one in the middle whereby the lines are placed further apart. On the other hand, when one vertical line is placed in the middle of a figure it gives a slimming effect; add two or more lines and it gets complicated, in that the effect achieved will depend on how the lines have been placed or spaced. One thing however that you can always be sure to achieve with these lines is length. This is because the eye will move from the top to the bottom of the line.

• Horizontal Lines

Horizontal lines have the tendency of giving a fuller and shorter effect, because it moves the eye from left to right. In the illustration above, the figure with horizontal lines actually looks more curvy and fuller, especially around the bust and hips. This kind of effect would be more desirable for a straight figure or an hour glass, who wants to look fuller. However, apple shapes or people with circular figures should avoid clothing with all rounded horizontals, as they would only looker bigger. Just like, verticals, the placement of the horizontals will determine the effect achieved; the more widely placed they are, the fuller and shorter a person will look. Therefore, just like the vertical, it may be best to work with one or few that you are sure of. A horizontal line can also be used to create emphasis; for instance, a large belt may be used to give emphasis to the waist of a slim person or several lines may used around the hips to make them look bigger. The line can also be applied at the empire waist of clothing for a woman whose upper body is longer than the lower body (inverted triangle). The horizontal line divides an area into two wherever it is applied.

• Diagonal Lines

Diagonal lines move the eye from top to bottom. The effect they create will depend on how they have been applied. In the illustration below, the diagonals create a focal point around the waist making it look slimmer, while the bust looks fuller and the hips bigger. This is because the eye moves from the top of the line around the bust, to the bottom where the lines meet at the waist. Similarly, the eye moves from the waist to the hips. These lines may also give length.

• Curvy Lines

Curvy lines are more flattering as compared to the first three lines. This is because they are graceful and smooth, making them flow naturally to the curvy female body.  These lines will also be commonly used in apparel construction; for instance around the neckline and princess seams that will always give the body more shaping.

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Note:
Construction lines will include all the mentioned lines and how they are applied will greatly contribute to the effect of that clothing on the appearance of the wearer. They will include seam lines, darts, pleats, necklines, et cetera. The effect of the construction line will be similar to the effect of the fashion line. For instance, a dress with a vertical seam will look longer and slimmer than a dress of a similar colour and construction, with no seam as in this illustration.

 Tip: If you are unsure about which line flatters you most, wear the apparel and compare the look it to some of your most flattering clothes.