How to Choose Patterns and Prints

We usually tend to buy prints and patterns that are in fashion or are trendy. To find a print or pattern that looks beautiful on you is not an easy task, and that too with so many available options.

What are the Elements of a Print?

Going about selecting a print or pattern that is in fashion but doesn’t suit you is not a wise choice. You have to find a perfect harmony between you and the print or the pattern you are wearing. The choice is obviously yours when selecting a print, but for any print you like you should consider the following elements before spending any money.

1. The line movement of the motif
2. The clarity of the edges of the line
3. Space surrounding the print
4. The scale of the print

Line Movement

The line movement of the motif should match the lines of your face. If your face is angular and straight, you should go for straight or bold prints. Look out for both the factors: Line movement and Line Direction. Your features could be either straight or curved or they could be a combination of both.

Clarity of Line Edge in the Print

Look at the combination of your prominent facial features eyes, mouth, nose, and eyebrows. You will find that some of you have well- defined lines in your features while some of you have somewhat rounded facial features or undefined features. Also, some of you will have a blend of both the types of facial features. Choose a print or design accordingly. For a straight angular face with angular features go for sharp and bold patterns. If you have well- rounded features wear soft and rounded prints, and for a face with blended features use a moderately edged print or pattern.

Space around the Print

Courtesy: Today Show

Think of your face as a picture, and observe the space found around your facial features. In a similar way prints can be densely placed, moderately placed, or widely spaced. The more space you have around your facial features, the more space you need in your prints. On the contrary less is the space around your facial features, the less space you need in your prints.

Scale of the Print

The print can be large scale or small scale or moderately scaled. You have to choose the scale of your print according to the scale of your facial features. Again, look at the combination of your facial features and try to find out which side you fall in. If you have more of large-scale features, you can go foe the large bold prints. If you have small or a combination of large and moderately scaled features, then you can go for your choice of the print accordingly.

Depending on your Somatotype also you can go for your choice of the print.

1. Ectomorph: They have straight, sharp and angular lines. The print suggested for them is checks.
2. Mesomorph: They fall between the straight and well- rounded. They should choose more classic prints and avoid extremes.
3. Endomorph: They have curved, rounded, and flowing lines. The prints suggested for them are rounded and high- density prints.

So, like Betty says: “Think of building your wardrobe as an ongoing project- not a chore, but a carefully calculated labor of love. It’s all about the love of clothes and beautiful things that make you feel good”.