Silhouette refers to the contour or outline of an object or a view of a person, object or scene (Fig.5.18); in fashion it describe the line of clothing and the shape it gave the body i.e., indicates the exterior line that is usually created by the structural seam or component or cut and shape of the garment.
Types of Silhouettes
There are three basic types of silhouettes in garments:
straight or tubular (Fig.5.19)
bell shaped or bouffant (Fig.5.20)
triangular or back- fullness(Fig.5.21)
Each of these silhouettes represents a geometric shape.
tubular a silhouette represents rectangle
bouffant silhouette represents triangle and hourglass shapes
back fullness silhouette represents the triangle
Factors effecting silhouette
The figure: The figure of the wearer affects the silhouette one want to have in her garment. For example, tubular silhouette is preferred by those who would like to display their curves while one who wants to camouflage heavy hips and thighs would prefer the bell shape silhouette.
Carriage: The silhouette of the garment is also regulated by the type of the foundation garments used by the wearer which in turn are regulated by the style prevalent at a specific period.
Suitability: The silhouette of the garment is also decided upon its suitability for different occasions, seasons, individual’s body and occupational profile and purposes for which its is used i.e., for decoration or protection or function.
Fashion: Fashion is the most decisive factor in affecting the silhouette of the garment in specific period of time. The conformity of the silhouette to the fashion silhouette is essential for marketing of the garments among consumers also.
Texture: The silhouette of the garment is also affected by the fabric used in its construction owing to the drape and hand of the fabric. Also all the fabrics are not suitable for a specific silhouette due to the same reasons as above. It is very important to use a suitable fabric in specific styles so the appropriate silhouette can be achieved along with the desirable psychological effects.
Garment fit and construction: The silhouette of the garment is also affected by the fit desired in the garment which is dependent on the ease, balance and grain of the fabric used in the garment. Also the type of construction techniques and the construction features required and their suitability for the fabric used in construction affects the final silhouette of the garment.
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