International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research
Table.1 Design elements and attributes that are popularly categorized as Masculine and Feminine
Design elements and attributes conventionally categorized as Masculine | Design elements and attributes conventionally categorized as Feminine | |
|---|---|---|
Silhouette | Emphasis on linear; Y- or H- silhouette; emphasis on the men’s shoulders; wide and large; clear-cut silhouette; clearly bifurcated legs through trousers | Emphasis on curves; X-silhouette; hourglass; waist-emphasis; skinny; tight; dropped shoulder; explicit revealing of one’s body (e.g. bare legs—hotpants); hiding of bifurcated legs through skirts |
Detail (structural or decorative) | Small and simple details, generally limited to inconspicuous seams and darts; not many decorative details; occasionally dominant, bold, directed, thick, straight line; straight linear neckline, lapel and sleeves (linear details) | Increased decorative detailing through seams, darts, gathers, etc.; curvilinear decoration(s) on neckline, collar, sleeves; décolletage for chest, back and shoulders; lightweight lines; bonnets, veils, trains; ruffle, flounce, embroidery, beads, sequins, ribbons, feathers, bows, eyelets, etc |
Color | Achromatic color; dark, cold colors; colors of low-chroma; value contrast; colors reminiscent of sooty smoke from factories | Bright; colors of high-chroma; colorful; pale tones; pastel shades; warm colors; tints of warm or cool hues, etc |
Fabric | Thick material; not sheer; non-shiny; matt; homogeneous surface (usually using one type of fabric); heavy fabric; coarse, textured fabric | Sheer; smooth; shiny; lustrous; flexible and thin; minute variations; often printed and/or blurred; silk, velvet, lace, chiffon, organza, fishnets, fur, quilting, etc |
Pattern | Generally, not much emphasis on decorative pattern; hardly any pattern, or stripes at the most usually | Colorful or flamboyant patterns, allover; motifs from nature or abstract ones; vegetal, floral, animal prints, curvilinear geometry; bold or minute motifs in many numbers |
Accessories | Not much emphasis on accessories; limited to simple, undecorated ones such as cufflinks, watch, etc.; backpack; necktie; sunglasses; dark shoes without decorations | Ornamental scarves, jewelry, precious stones, pearls, bags, purse, socks, shoes, heels, sandals, uggs, etc., of various colors, patterns, and/or with extra details of decoration |