Balance is a basic and synthesizing principle, which establishes weight relationships in a design and generates a feeling of steadiness of the whole. The balance in garment design produces physical and psychological effects as follows:
Physical effects: The balance produces physical effects by equal distribution of weight, density and pressure of the elements used in the design. The absence of horizontal balance in the garment worn by the figure makes it appear to tumble down, irregular or quite restrained at one hand while if present, it highlights the irregularity of the wearer. There informal balance plays important role in camouflaging them. The vertical balance provides the wearer a solid base without making the body figure to appear too heavy or simply weighted down while the radial balance make the body figure seems centrally stabilized preventing the contours from pulling out.
Every aspect of each element is supposed to have an apparent weight which relates to others; the more attracting an object is, the heavier it seems. Therefore, the advancing features assume more weight and they balance with their small size the large area of a receding feature. For example, shiny texture, warm colours attracts attention and seems heavier by their apparent weight and can be used to balance a larger dull area.
Psychologicaleffects: Owing to the stability contributed by balance, it contributes psychological sense of security in design. Formal balance adds dignity and regality to the personality of the wearer while informal balance adds dynamism and appears more pleasing. Hence, elders prefer symmetrical balance while the younger people choose the designs with informal balance and this helps them to reflect the way of their life.
The balance can be introduced in the garment by structural seams and components as well as the components applied superficially only for decoration. The structural components like directions of seams, the draped folds, buttons, pockets, gathers, smoking are used as means to add balance in effective manner. The decorative trims used in a garment follow the size and contour of the structural components they adorn and thus reinforce the balance in the garment.
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