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Patterns & Prints Guide: Expert Styling & Mixing in Fashion

Patterns & Prints Guide: Expert Styling & Mixing in Fashion
Patterns & Prints Guide: Expert Styling & Mixing in Fashion
Patterns & Prints Guide: Expert Styling & Mixing in Fashion

Density

The density of the pattern means the amount of coverage versus negative space. It ranges from low to high depending on the negative space between the elements.

Low Density Pattern

LOW 

Medium Density Pattern

MEDIUM 

High Density Pattern

HIGH 

Scale

The scale of the pattern defines the size of the pattern. The smaller the pattern, the easier it is to wear. Generally, larger patterns are recommended for taller individuals, or they can be placed in the areas where you might need volume.

Small Scale Pattern

SMALL

Medium Scale Pattern

MEDIUM

Large Scale Pattern

LARGE

Contrast

The contrast is a result of combining dark and light colours or colours that are far away on the colour wheel. The greater the difference between the colours, the high is the value of contrast in that pattern. Low contrast patterns and prints are easier to wear and mix rather than high contrast ones. Strong contrast makes the area appear larger. If you naturally have high contrast in your features, then you can use higher contrast patterns and prints.

Low Contrast Pattern

LOW 

Medium Contrast Pattern

MEDIUM 

High Contrast Pattern

HIGH 

Order (Layout)

The order/layout of the pattern determines if the pattern is orderly arranged/structured or loosely/randomly across the garment.

Ordered Layout Pattern

IN ORDER

Semi-Ordered Layout Pattern

SEMI ORDER

Random Layout Pattern

RANDOM

Saturation

Saturation defines the intensity or purity of the colours used in that pattern. The scale is between muted/soft and bright/clear.

Bright Contrast Pattern

BRIGHT

Medium Contrast Pattern

MEDIUM

Muted Contrast Pattern

MUTED

Placement

All-over patterns have no negative space; the entire garment is covered with patterns such as plaids, stripes, dots, and checks.

Partly Placed Pattern

PARTLY 

All Over Pattern

ALL OVER 

Patterns vs Prints

Often the terms PATTERN and PRINT are used incorrectly but they are not the same. Printed patterns are very different from woven patterns.
A PATTERN is any repeated design, such as a floral, geometric, medallion, etc. It can be woven into a fabric or printed on top.
A PRINT is a pattern, however, it is not woven into the fabric but applied to the top with dye by various methods such as digital printing or screen printing.
Try flipping the fabric over to the backside, if you can no longer see the pattern, it is probably a print. When in doubt, refer to fabrics with a design as a pattern, because ALL prints are patterns, but not all patterns are prints!.

Patterns & Prints Guide: Expert Styling & Mixing in Fashion
Stripe Patterns and Prints : Styling Tips & Types Explained
Check Patterns : Styling Tips & Types Explained
Floral Patterns & Prints : Styling Tips and Types Explained
Animal Prints: Wild Sophistication in Fashion
Polka Dots: Playful Elegance in Fashion
Unconventional Patterns & Prints
Fashionable Tips for Mixing Patterns & Prints