EXPLORE

• Texture is the nature of a surface. In particular within Fashion this is the fabric type, embellishments and trimmings used within a garment.  

• Texture is highly visual as it interacts with light creating shadows and highlights on a garments surface.  

  • Rough textures such as bulky knits or rough woven hessians appear matte in texture as light is absorbed into the crevices of the surface.   They have an enlarging effect, concealing the body and making it look bigger.

  • Smooth surfaces such as satins have very few shadows, reflecting the light.  As they reflect light and reveal the body, they make it look slimming. 

  • Fabrics that appear transparent, such as organza's and tissue silks, sees light passing through its surface.  When no light passes through a fabric, it is called opaque.  

  • Visual texture is also given to garments through techniques such as embroidery, smocking, quilting, applique, beading and sequinning.  

• Texture is tactile as users are enticed to touch a garment to feel its softness or rough detailing.  The tactile nature of a garment is referred to as 'Hand' which encapsulates drape, softness, coarseness and stiffness.  

  • A fur coat has a soft hand with a stiff drape due to its thickness.  

  • A tissue silk blouse has an extremely soft hand and good drape.

  • A hessian shopping bag is coarse and has a stiff hand.

• A garment with texture also has an audible sound.  The rubbing of fabrics together or against skin can be heard.  

  • The "swishing" of a layered ball gown. 

  • The "scroop" or crisp rustle of silk.

The Psychological effects of Texture:

• Texture suggests things about the wearer.  Observers make assumptions about a wearer in terms of personality, wealth, lifestyle, occupation and level of sophistication.  For example a woman wearing a silk top and knitted skirt would not be a gardener as those fabrics are unsuited for dirty, heavy, wear and tear work.  

The Four Categories of Texture:

• Rough/Matte: Sporty, casual, comforting and outdoorsy.

• Rough/Glossy: Rich, luxurious and glamorous.

• Smooth/Matte: Official, mature and business-like.

• Smooth/Glossy: Young, fancy, slinky and evening wear.

Texture in Fashion Design:

• When designing with texture, ensure it suits the end-use of the garment to ensure it is serviceable and perform well.  

• Texture affects the wearers comfort.  Fabrics are worn against the skin, thus rough, irritating fabrics that are coarse and uncomfortable to wear are often lined with a smooth slippery fabric that slides over skin well, protecting the wearers skin from irritation.

• Texture absorbs and reflects light.  Due to this, it affects the temperature of a wearer.  Eg textures absorb light, thus are warmer to wear and often used in Winter.  Smooth textures reflect light making them cooler to wear, thus are used in Summer.  

• Every fabric has a natural texture (self-texture).  When designing, a balance between the self-texture, fabric finishes and embellishments needs to be considered.  Too much texture variation can cause visual confusion and overwhelm  the design.  

(Kennedy, 2008; Castle & Peters, 2007)