
the language of fashion design
safety or conformity first. Traveling, nonwrin-
kling garments are coveted by many today.
Functional fabrics may dry fast, absorb, be
unisex, or be organic, knit, woven, coated,
or stretchy.
Fashion’s most basic elements have all
evolved out of need. A garment can func-
tion to support, mask, imitate, or distort the
body’s shape; or to enhance, expose, or hide
the existing body form. A garment may sym-
bolize membership in a group, subculture,
or hierarchy, elevating or masking the social
status of the wearer. It may have a read-
able message or graphic to call out. When
a garment functions poorly in one area, ...