The shapes in the garments affect the physical appearance as well as the mood of the wearer due to the visual effects created by the shapes used in the garments. A person can design garment that will overcome the shortcomings of the body features by adding or reducing the length, width and weight due to the visual effects created by forms and shapes in the garments. These visual effects of shapes are as follows:
the lines in shape highlight its dominant direction whether the entire silhouette or any one part; used carefully to increase/ decrease the length or width of the specific body part or the entire body of the wearer; can be done by placing seams, pleats, armscye, necklines and waistlines at appropriate places
diagonal shapes affects more to the surrounding lines, shapes, and spaces as compared to horizontal lines
close fit garment styles reveal the actual body contours; can be used to highlight the desirable features; curves and straightness in garments oppose angularity and rotundity, respectively; for example, by using belt at waist line one can highlight the narrow waist of the wearer (Fig. 5.11)
Loose fit garment styles conceal the actual body contours; can be used to camouflage the undesirable features; for example, by using dome shape skirt, one can add weight to narrow hips or conceal heavy hips/thighs or the short length of legs
advancing elements (colours and textures) produce depth while flattening elements smoothen the body curves
silhouette affects initial size and shape impressions; then each part of the garment is interpreted in relation to each other and the whole
hems and edges emphasize the part of the body where they end ; for example, the necklines affect the beauty of face and neck (Fig. 5.12)
equal division of the area in two halves suggest the shortening effect while unequal division help to project pleasing appearance(Fig. 5.13 a, b)
the lines in the shapes also convey psychological moods; for example, straight lines reflect masculinity (Fig. 5.14a) while curved lines reflect the femininity (Fig. 5.14b)
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