OPTIMUM SILHOUETTE DESIGN FOR LADIES GARMENTS BASED ON THE MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES OF A FABRIC

This paper introduces a method of objectively designing the optimum si lhouette of ladies' garments based on fabric mechanical properties, ra ther than relying on designers' experience. The optimum silhouette is objectively discriminated by a discriminant equation. Approximately 30 0 fabric samples for ladies' garments are classified into three silhou ette groups-tailored, anti-drape, and drape-by eight experts in tailor ing and designing. Fabric mechanical properties are selected for discr imination and measured for all samples. Canonical discriminant analysi s is applied to derive equations with higher discriminant efficiency u sing the basic mechanical parameters of tensile, shearing, and bending properties as well as fabric weight. The analysis confirms that the o bjective method provides highly accurate discrimination. Some applicat ions are also introduced.