Fashion is a broad term that refers to a variety of different styles of clothing. It is also the name of a wide variety of industries and services. These include fashion design, manufacturing, advertising, and distribution.
The most common use of the word fashion is in reference to clothing. When used as a noun, it means “any of various styles of clothing, especially a specific style.” In some cases, the word is used as a verb. For example, a person can be said to be fashionable if they conform to the popular trends of their time.
Other senses of the word include being a style, a way of performing, and a way of writing. Although most people use the word to refer to the popular styles of clothes that are being worn at the time, fashion can be applied to other ways of behaving or performing.
The fashion industry is a multibillion-dollar global enterprise. It includes production by designers, manufacturers, retailers, and contractors, as well as marketing and advertising. Mass producers enlist the services of market-research firms to help sell their products. Many fashion designers look to the street for inspiration.
Various types of textiles are produced, including bio-based and synthetic materials. Bio-based textiles are made from materials such as cotton linters or wood chips. They are cheaper than natural materials. Despite their advantages, the use of bio-based materials is not a panacea for the environmental impact of the fashion industry. Moreover, they are plagued by high initial costs and resistance to change. However, they can be engineered to provide performance features.
In addition to these traditional forms of fibers, new technologies are being introduced to the fashion industry. Some examples of newer technologies include whole garment knitting, which enables garments to be manufactured without the use of seams or stitches. Similarly, the use of synthetic fibers is increasing, as it is more inexpensive. Another option is the use of bio-based textiles that are engineered to provide biodegradability. This solution can be applied to sportswear as well as designer fashions.
One form of textile is the “merry widow” fabric, which was originally an undergarment. Today, this type of fabric is highly ornamental. To add fullness, a triangular piece of fabric is inserted at the lower edge of the garment. It gradually flares out, making the garment fit more tightly at the top and widening as it reaches the bottom.
Another way of adding fullness is with tucks. Tucks are small, pleats that are folded, sewn, or turned into a garment to give it a shaped appearance. A tuck may only be an inch wide, while a pleat is typically two or three inches wide. Often, the tucks are sewn into the same area as the pleats, though they can also be sewn into an area other than the garment itself.
Depending on the style of the garment, darts can be located at the front, back, or side of the garment. Darts are usually found at the waistline, back shoulder, and bustline.