4-H Clothing Selection Manual

The Clothing Selection Guide will help preteen and teen boys and girls determine the best use of money for clothing. The average teenager is an influential person in the economy of the clothing industry. Young people of all ages have more money to spend than ever before, and a large portion of the money often goes for clothes, accessories, and cosmetic items. Your age group, more than any other group, buys the most clothing, cosmetics, stereo systems, cassettes/cd's, radios, and cameras. Many advertisers aim their commercials at you. You need to be an alert consumer!

You do not need a large clothing budget to be well-dressed. You need to learn how to judge quality in a garment, which clothes are appropriate for your figure/build, when a sale is a bargain, and more!

You will gain knowledge and practical information as you carry out some of the suggested activities in this guide. Many times you can share what you have learned with other 4-H'ers in your club or county. As you plan and work on clothing selection activities, ask for help and support from an adult at home, your 4-H volunteer leader, or an Extension youth agent. Keep a loose-leaf notebook for this and other materials you collect to help you learn how to buy your clothes and care for them, how to be well-groomed, and how to present a model appearance.

After you complete the items marked with bullets (·) in this manual, show them to a parent or volunteer leader, and ask the adult to initial by the bullet when you have completed the instructions for that item. You will have completed the requirements of this project manual when all items are initialed.

First Impressions

First impressions count. Have you ever stopped to think that about 80 percent of what people see when they look at you is clothes? Your appearance speaks a silent language to others, and usually it takes only seconds. Do others see what you want them to see when they look at you?

• Have you ever formed a first impression of someone and that impression later proved to be wrong when you got to know the person? Did clothes or grooming influence your first impression?
• Look at pictures of people dressed various ways. Describe your first impression of each person.
• Go shopping in a store that is new to you; purposely look and dress sloppy. How did the clerks treat you? Go back to that same store well-dressed. See how clerks treat you when you are well-dressed. Did you note a difference?
• Analyze the way you dress. Describe the impression your style of dress probably makes on others. Is this the impression you wish to give?

Appropriate Dress

Certain kinds of clothes are appropriate for certain occasions. Even your best looking outfit worn on the wrong occasion may make you feel awkward. If you are unsure of what to wear to a party or other event, ask the hostess or a friend.

Use taste and good judgment to choose appropriate dress. It will also help you to know the meaning of the terms style, fashion, and fad.

Style is the type, form, or outline of a garment. Examples include shirtwaist dresses, A-line skirts, blazers, and polo shirts.

Fashion is the style that is currently popular. Popular styles may reappear every few years.

Fads have an enormous appeal for a short time. A fad may be trendy or extreme. It may be a color, a clothing item, or an accessory. It may last a few weeks or a season.

Classics are styles and colors that are basic and lasting and have been accepted over an extended period of time.

• Look at a fashion magazine. What styles are currently popular? Describe on a separate sheet of paper, or cut out pictures of current styles and paste them on a separate sheet.
• What are some clothing fads you have observed in your community? Were any of these fads worn by people, even though they were not flattering? Describe your observ ations.
• Analyze and describe what is considered appropriate dress in your community for your age group when at school, church, or sports events. Appropriate dress does not mean exactly the same thing everywhere. Why is this so?

Plan Your Wardrobe

It is not uncommon to hear someone say, "I haven't a thing to wear." If this describes you, then you need to survey your wardrobe and make a plan. Some people spend an unbelievable portion of their money on clothes and are not really well dressed. If you plan ahead, this should not happen to you.

Plan an adequate wardrobe; this means, have enough suitable clothes to carry out your daily activities.

• Make a survey of your closet, and find out what you already have that is useful. Cleaning and straightening your closet go right along with making the inventory! Consider clothes you have for school, work, special events, sports or recreation, around the house, and other activities.

  A plan for an adequate wardrobe is never completely finished. It changes as you change sizes and as your ideas and goals about clothing change.

• Make your wardrobe inventory. Plan for future purchases. Repair clothes that are still wearable. Give your "discards" to someone who can use them. Record what you did and what you planned.
• Experiment with items you have -- mix and match in new ways. Coordinate accessories with different garments to give new looks. How many new combinations or outfits did you discover?
• Plan for convenient storage of your clothes. See how boxes, shoe bags, and closet racks could help use your space to full advantage. Purchase or make some items to help you keep your clothes neater, cleaner, and handier. Describe (record) what you did.
• Talk with a fashion coordinator in a large store to find out about the responsibilities of a person in such a position. If this is not possible, read about a fashion coordinator's job responsibilities. Describe (or record) what you learned.

Which Fiber For You?

Shopping is harder today because you have so much from which to choose. Yet there is no one perfect fabric to meet all your needs. Knowing facts about fiber characteristics, fiber care, and fabric finishes can help you make better choices.

Each fiber belongs to a family. Each family has certain characteristics that are alike in many ways. The family name is called the generic name of the fiber. Besides having generic names, many fibers have trademarks (these might be known as first names). Dacron and Orlon are trademarks. The Textile Fiber Products Identification Act, passed by Congress in 1960, requires that the generic name and trademark appear on ready-made garments and bolts of fabric. This law requires that fibers be listed in order of predominance, by weight. Fibers constituting less than 5 percent need only be labeled "other fibers," unless they will affect fabric characteristic.

Fabrics from the same fiber often have different characteristics. These differences may be caused by variations in weave, construction, and finishes.

Take a look at some of the fiber families and some of the trademarks. Study the characteristics and care needed for each. Then decide what fiber and finish are best to use for your purchase.

Fourteen other families or generic names of man-made fibers are identified by the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act. However, these are used less often for clothing than the ones listed below.

Other families or generic names of man-made fibers are identified by the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act. However, these are used less often for clothing than the ones listed.

Yarns

To make yarns, fibers are pulled or twisted into a continuous length. Some yarns are twisted tightly, some loosely. Some yarns are fine; some are coarse. In general, even, tightly twisted yarns are stronger and will wear better than uneven, loosely twisted yarns.

Weave

In a weave, yarns are interlaced to form a fabric. Closely woven yarns make a better quality fabric than those made with loose yarns. Yarns in a loosely woven fabric may pull apart at the seams and cause the garment to lose its shape.

Finishes

A finish is any process the fabric goes through (after it is woven) to give it additional characteristics that will make it wear longer, be easier to care for, or add beauty. You can't identify a finish by looking at the fabric or feeling it. The label must tell you the kind of finish.

Finishes, like fibers, have trademarks. You may find trademarks on the label instead of the general classifications of finishes. Some finishes you want to look for on the labels of the clothes you buy are given in the following list.

Antistatic

Reduces the tendency of fabrics to cling, especially those of man-made fibers.

Crease-resistant

Wrinkle recovery; reduces tendency to crease and helps wrinkles hang out. Effectiveness of some finishes is lost with repeated laundering.

Durable Press or Permanent Press

Some finishes turn yellow, and fabric is weakened if chlorine bleach is used.

Flame-resistant

This finish prevents fabric from spreading a flame. It is self-extinguishing when removed from the flame.

Mercerization

This treatment is used on cellulosic fibers (cotton, linen, rayon) to increase luster, strength, absorbency, and dyeability of the fibers.

Mildew-resistant

Retards or prevents growth of mildew and mold.

Moth-resistant

Discourages moths and carpet beetles from attacking wool fibers.

Shrink-resistant or Sanforized

Helps assure the stability of a fabric. Will retain its original size and shape after laundering. Labels should give percentage of shrinkage expected.

Sizing

When a solution of starch or resin is applied to fabric to increase weight, luster, and body.

Soil release

Often used on permanent press fabrics to aid in the removal of stains.

Stain-resistant

Makes fibers less absorbent so it is easier to lift off or sponge away stains.

Wash and Wear

Fabric needs little ironing after laundering.

Waterproof

Waterproofing closes the pores of the fabric and causes it to shed water.

Water-repellent

Resists surface wetting. Some finishes are durable; some must be renewed.

Look For Labels

Labels that give care instructions have been required by law since 1972. In addition, the Textile Products Identification Act requires the labeling of fiber content, manufacturer, and country of origin. These must be permanently attached to the garment. Hangtags on ready-made garments may have additional information that will be helpful in making your purchase and in knowing how to care for it.

Read all labels, and be sure you are getting a fabric or blend that will perform the way you expect it to. No one fabric is best for all uses, so the more you learn about textiles, the better you can make your clothing decisions.

• Make a collection of labels and advertisements that contain generic names of fibers. Try to find one for each of the common generic groups and each of the natural fibers.
• Burn small swatches of cotton, rayon, wool, and polyester. Do they react the same or different manner? Describe how each swatch reacts to flame (do this over a sink and with adult supervision).
• Look at yarns of wool and other fibers under a microscope. Compare with samples of your own hair. Is there any similarity? This activity may be omitted if your school does not have a microscope.
• Using references, such as encyclopedias and current magazines, list and study plant fibers, such as jute and hemp, cotton and flax, that are sometimes used in clothes or accessories.

Lines For You

Your physical build is the first clue to help you decide what styles or lines look best on you. Look in a full-length mirror and "size yourself" to see if you are tall and thin, tall and heavy, short and slim, short and heavy, or average.

The lines in your clothes can play an important part in your appearance, but lines can be deceiving. Look at the five lines shown here.

A single vertical line makes you look taller and thinner and is good for almost everyone, except the tall, thin boy or girl. A few vertical lines make you look broader and shorter. They are best for slim people of average or tall height.

A horizontal line going across the garment makes you seem wider at that point. Many horizontal lines add width as well as height.

Use masking tape and belts to make a line on you. Observe the effects when they are put in different places, horizontally and vertically. Wear a plain-colored outfit when you do this. Which lines look best on you? Describe why.

• Look at pattern books or fashion magazines, and see how lines have been used in the styles. Which have the lines best for you? Cut out or trace examples of garments with good lines for you.
• Draw several rectangles of the same size, and add lines to create your own optical illusions.

Hints For Each Body Build

Colors For You

Colors can enhance your appearance. Colors you should choose to wear are determined by many things -- how you "feel" about a color, your personality, and most of all, your personal coloring.

Look at your coloring, which is created by complexion, hair, and eyes. You can hold different colors up to your face to see the effect. Although all colors will not look equally good on you, you can still wear them in a part of your garment that is not next to your face, or as an accessory. Find your best colors and stick mainly to them. What color looks best on you? What is your second most becoming color?

Be wise and plan your wardrobe around one or two basic colors. A basic color can be any color that is becoming to you. Using only one or two basic colors makes mixing and matching clothes and accessories easier. This way you can seem to increase the number of outfits you wear without actually increasing the number of garments you own.

Your personality is a factor to consider in your color decisions. Bright, stimulating colors seem appropriate if you are vivacious. If you're more reserved, choose soft, subdued colors -- but accent with livelier ones. The colors you wear should do something for you -- they should give you a lift.

Colors can make a person feel warm or cool. Yellow, orange, and red are considered warm; blue, green, and violet are cool. These qualities are meaningful in many ways. Warm colors tend to convey cheerfulness, and cool colors appear more dignified. Warm colors seem to advance toward you and make you look larger than cool colors, which seem to recede.

Color combinations are different and do not follow definite rules. Learn to develop an open mind and adventurous spirit as you try to combine different colors!

Some things to consider about colors include the following:

Lighter colors make you appear larger.
Brighter colors make you appear larger.
Darker colors make you appear smaller.
Duller colors make you look smaller.
Bright colors and rough textures make skin blemishes more obvious.

• Analyze what your best colors are by holding colored fabric or paper next to your face. Have someone help you as you make this color list.
• Look at colorful pictures of clothes in magazines or catalogs. Decide which would look best on you and why.

Study other references to learn the meaning of color schemes -- adjacent, monochromatic, and contrasting. Use cut-out pictures to illustrate adjacent, monochromatic, and contrasting color schemes.

How To Spot Quality Clothing

To get the most for your money, you will want to learn to judge quality in the clothes you buy. Recognizing quality is a great asset. Become a wise shopper, and you can understand why two seemingly similar garments may vary greatly in price.

The quality to look for depends on the use of a garment. If you occasionally decide to indulge in a fad item, do not buy the best quality. Coats, suits, and other basic items you will probably wear often and for a long period of time should be of the best quality you can afford.

Establish your priorities and your budget; shop for quality and value by asking yourself these questions:

Is the design right for me; is it flattering?
Is the fabric attractive and functional?
Is workmanship sound; does it look good?
Does the fit feel good and look good?
Does it fit my needs, and can I wear it with confidence and pride?

Every designer has a style, just as every well-dressed person has a style. You may be fashion-forward, classic, or conservative, but chances are you're usually most comfortable in a certain style. Learn to recognize designer or brand names that fit your lifestyle needs and your way of dress. Branded clothing helps you recognize likes and dislikes, based on your experiences. Here are some signs of quality to check for before you buy:

Fabric

Should resist wrinkles and fading and have overall durability. "Squeeze test" to see if wrinkles fall out. Check the label for care instructions suited to your situation. The fabric should appear to be cut and sewn "on grain."

Tailoring

Look for finished seams and sturdy construction, with generous seams and hems. Concealed zippers, reinforced seams, and concealed facings are desired.

Linings

You should find fabric linings with a firm weave in most sports jackets and coats. The lining should not show on the outside of the garment or be attached so tightly that parts of the garment seem pulled out of line.

Fasteners

Zippers, buttons, and hooks should work easily and not detract, by color or construction, from the looks of the garment.

Trims

Should be well-attached, should harmonize, and should not detract from the appearance of the garment.

Brand names

Labels of a familiar, well-established company may not indicate the finest quality but can be a guarantee the company will stand behind the product in case of problems.

These signs of quality are about the same whether you buy or make your clothes. If you can sew good-looking clothes that are durable, you can save money on those items, but not everyone can or wants to learn to sew.

From your observations and personal shopping experiences, you will learn which stores carry the quality you want in various clothing items. Read labels, study brand names, and be familiar with the signs of quality to help you make a good selection. Be aware that sometimes you pay for the label. Some items are priced high simply because of the brand name they carry.

• Look at a similar type garment in two different stores, such as a discount store and a specialty shop. Compare quality and price. Would either be a good buy or should you shop around more? Why?
• Compare two T-shirts, one a well-known name brand, the other a little known brand.What difference did you find in quality? Price? Describe.
• Pretend you are going to buy a suit for yourself, a blouse for your mother, and a pair of jeans. Which would you consider most important for each -- color, price, brand, fabric care, or other quality features? Rank these in order for each clothing item. Were they all the same or different? Why?

Fit For You

The best suit or dress can ruin your appearance with a poor fit. Good fit cannot be decided by guess. You may know your size -- but a size varies in different garments and brands. Even if you are one of those shoppers who hates to enter a fitting room, you need to try on almost every clothing item -- before your buy.

Try on the item and judge the effect from all angles in the mirror. Can you walk and sit in it and still feel comfortable? Don't let a sales clerk convince you it looks great when it might do nothing for you. A garment that is too tight reveals your faults; one that is loose looks sloppy.

Proper Fit For Coat Or Jacket

• Sits well with soft, but firm, unbroken shoulder line from neck to shoulder point.
• Lapel rolls neatly as the V-line holds close to the chest.
• Hangs straight (front and back) from shoulders to lower edge with no unsightly wrinkles.
• Coat has an easy look and is not too tight when buttoned.
• Coat is long enough to cover the seat of your trousers, with the length in proportion to your height.
• Armholes fit easily. You can raise your arms without lifting the coat noticeably.
• Jacket sleeve falls from shoulder in a slight forward line.
• Sleeves allow 1/4 to 1/2 inch of shirt sleeves to show.

Proper Fit For Trousers

• Smooth, easy fit around waist and hips.
• Trousers hang straight from waist, creased with the grain of the fabric, back and front.
• Comfortable, smooth seat -- not baggy.
• Length usually just to top of shoes.
• Crotch seams are reinforced.

Proper Fit For Dress

Neckline:

Snug at base of neck, loose enough for comfort, but not gapping; collar flat and smooth or stands, as designed.

Shoulders:

Smooth; width depends on current fashion; seamline rests on top of shoulder.

Armscye:

Falls where the arm breaks from the body at front and back; no wrinkles.

Sleeves:

Hang straight down from shoulders, with no wrinkles and full enough for freedom of movement; lengthwise, grainline runs in the direction of the arm.

Bodice:

3 to 4 inches ease over bust and across back; darts point toward bust but stop short of full part of bust.

Waistline:

Falls at the smallest part of the figure; loose enough to allow for movement; fasteners allow for altering placement.

Side seams:

Hang straight down from armscye to hemline, not swinging to front or back.

Skirt:

2 to 3 inches of ease in hipline; back hip darts stop just short of fullest part of hipline.

Hemline:

Even and parallel with the floor.

After checking the fit from all angles, you may decide the item is a good buy. You may want to buy a garment even if minor changes need to be made; for example, straighten and/or change hem length. If extensive alterations are needed, they usually are expensive and often unsatisfactory. Shop around until you find a better fit.

• Look at your clothes. Were any a poor fit when you bought them? Why did you buy them? How often do you wear them?
• Find out and list charges for doing alterations at different stores in your area. Can you make any alterations yourself? Which ones?
• Consult a pattern book that shows measuring to determine size. Get someone to help you take accurate measurements, and record the measurements. Determine what size pattern you would select if you sewed. How does this compare to your ready-to-wear size? Record your measurements and the pattern size you would select.

Workmanship

Expect to pay more for clothing that has a lot of detail work, such as ruffles, tucks, piping, tiny hems, contrast bias trim, curved seaming, or insets.

Seams and hems should be "finished" with an edge treatment to prevent raveling. Seams with widths that are pressed open allow for alteration. They also give a better fit and hang to the skirt.

Hems done by machine should be sewn with a fine blind-stitch thread. Check for a small, smooth "bite" that makes a hem attractive on the outside. Except for full skirts, at least a 2-inch hem is a sign of quality.

Sleeves fit better when they are set into an armhole rather than set flat with the side seam and the underarm seam sewn in one operation.

Buttonholes and buttons should not pull the fabric; this is epecially important to watch for in lightweight fabrics. Thread coverage should be full and smooth. Horizontal buttonholes are more difficult (and more expensive) than are vertical ones. Bound buttonholes are more expensive than machine-made ones.

Stripes and plaids should match throughout the garment. Look at the center front first, then check the upper sleeves, the sides, and the back.

Gathers or shirring should be just that, not a series of tiny pleats. Look for gathered areas to be even.

Where To Shop

It is fun and smart to shop at different types of stores. No one type of store is the best place to shop for all clothing items. There are advantages and disadvantages of each of the types of stores.

Specialty shops may be inexpensive or exclusive shops. They often carry small quantities and limited kinds of apparel. They may be run by the owners and provide many personal services. Sometimes the cost is greater than other stores, but you may like the extra benefits for shoppers.

Department stores are like many small stores (departments) under one roof. They handle a variety of goods in a wide range of prices, such as budget to designer. They usually have many customer services, such as charge accounts and return privileges. All the conveniences for customers are included in the price.

Chain stores are groups of stores under centralized ownership and management. They buy in large quantities and generally have a fairly low markup. They are usually self-service, have few customer services, and expect to sell large quantities. Quality may be poor to medium.

Factory outlets usually sell merchandise direct from a factory and include overstocked items, slightly imperfects, or seconds. Naturally they can afford to sell such stock at a price lower than usual.

Mail order houses have catalogs for your shopping convenience and offer liberal return privileges. You will sometimes note price differences in merchandise -- most companies make garments of more than one quality.

Clothing exchanges can be an economical source of clothing. Rummage sales may also be a place to look. Secondhand clothing can be a bargain if the clothing is clean and in good condition. You should consider each purchase carefully, and you may have to spend a great deal of time shopping at these sales in order to find good buys.

• Classify the stores in your area into one of the types just described. Do they fit the description? Which conveniences for customers do you like and which do not matter to you?
• Examine a pair of jeans at some of the different types of stores. Consider price and other features. Describe what you learned from this.

When To Shop

Should you buy at the beginning of the season or wait until merchandise is on sale? There are some advantages and disadvantages of each.

Beginning of Season

New merchandise includes the latest fashions and offers the widest selection of styles and sizes. If you are hard to fit, you may find it necessary to buy at the beginning of the season. You will be able to wear your new clothing for the entire season. This is important if you are growing so rapidly that you outgrow your clothes between seasons.

A disadvantage will be higher prices than at the end of the season, when sales are held. Selections are limited and picked over, too.

Sales

We all like to stretch our money with bargains. Look for quality, and compare prices. Just because a garment is on sale does not necessarily mean it is a bargain. Regardless of price, a garment is not a bargain if you do not need it.

Stores may purchase merchandise especially for a sales promotion. It may be lower quality merchandise at regular price and no bargain. Advertising by stores may be a service to you or raise your desires above your means to pay. Use it to be an informed shopper.

Remember, buy only needed merchandise. Sale items are not a savings if not needed or of poor quality. Stores are crowded during sales, and you should resist buying on impulse!

• Go through your closet, identify and list the items you purchased on sale. Which were satisfactory? Which were bad buys and why?

How To Pay

There are many ways to pay for clothing. Discuss this with your family and consider the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Cash

Layaway

Thirty-Day Charge Account

Revolving Charge Account

Installment Credit

• Interview some teenagers, parents, and business people to get their opinions about teenage credit plans. Summarize the advantages and disadvantages.
• List articles you think teenagers might be wise to buy on a payment plan. Give reasons for your choices.
• Study more about the kinds of credit, and compare costs. Explain what a credit rating means.

Clothes And Energy

Keeping cool or warm is not only a matter of changing the thermostat, it can also be accomplished through clothing. Become aware of how to dress to cut energy costs.

Keep warm by layering your clothes; air trapped by the layers serves as an insulator. Add gloves, scarves, and especially hats, since 90 percent of your body heat loss is at the head. Thickly constructed fabrics of dark, rich colors will add to your apparent warmth. Clothes may be loosely fitted except at ankles, neck, and wrists, where a close fit will trap air.

Stay cool in summer by wearing fewer clothes. Loose garments with large neck and sleeves and a loose weave allow air to pass through, and you will feel cool. Avoid necklaces, belts, scarves, and layers of clothes, because they add warmth. Light colors are a good choice. Open footwear, such as sandals without socks or hose, is cooler than other types of shoes.

Save energy by the way you care for your clothes, too. Use less hot water, a shorter drying time, and less ironing to conserve energy. Partially dry clothes and place on a hanger or hang them on a clothesline and, when partially dry, place them in a dryer to fluff. Many garments do not need ironing if washed and dried according to instructions.

Use current references to do these activities:

• Learn about "Clo" values for determining warmth of clothing.
• Summarize your findings.
• Make a list of your clothes that require the most heat from an iron to care for them. Make another list of clothes that require little or no heat. Could this influence your future clothing purchases? Attach your lists or place them in your clothing notebook.
• Study ways to save energy in the laundering process. Make and describe a plan you and your family can follow.

Model Appearance

Whether you are modeling in a 4-H contest or going about your daily activities, your posture is of great importance to your overall appearance. Posture is the way you hold and control your body as you stand, sit, or walk.

Analyze your posture pros. Indicate yes or no in each blank, depending on whether the statement is true of you.

______When standing, head is directly over the top of spine, neither back nor forward.
______Chin in (automatically straightens the back of your neck if you are standing tall).
______Ribs high.
______Stomach in.
______Knees just slightly flexed and together, not bent or thrust back.
______Weight evenly distributed on both feet.

Your posture is excellent if you can check yes on all the above. Don't check yes if your shoulders are rounded, your feet are turned in or out, or if your stomach protrudes. If you have any of these problems, practice to overcome it.

Analyze your walk. Have a friend observe and help you check the above list.

If your posture or walk needs improving, practice. Use a full-length mirror, if possible, so you may observe yourself, too. You may practice with a book on your head to develop a smooth walk.

To appear more slender (model stance), stand with the forward foot pointed straight ahead and the back foot placed at a 45-degree angle behind the front foot, with knees slightly flexed.

Toes should never leave the floor, but you can reverse the position of the "T."

To make a full turn, begin with the feet in the T position. Lead with the forward foot and take a small step:

• Place one foot in front of the other and lift heels slightly;
• Pivot around on the balls of the feet in the direction of the back foot;
• Pull the heel of the front foot into the other foot; resume your stance. Pause. To complete the turn, take a small step with the front foot, step around with the back foot, and pivot so you again face the audience. Pull heel in and start walking.

A turn can be as simple as taking a few short steps in a small circle. Any type of turn is easier if you let your body naturally follow your feet. Making the turn that is most natural to you is important for you to appear natural and relaxed.

Good grooming is important for your poise and self-confidence when you model. You and your garments should be clean. Choose accessories that will add the best look to your outfit, but don't overdo it with a cluttered look.

If you are planning to model in a contest, practice modeling in the outfit, including the shoes you will wear.

• Choose an outfit(s) to wear when you practice modeling. Write a commentary describing the garment(s) and accessories; ask someone to read as you practice. Practice removing a coat or jacket. Use a stage if possible.
• Observe modeling techniques on television or in fashion shows, and look for similarities or differences in the presentations. Practice the different methods you observe.
• Learn to identify various styles and parts.
• Keep a notebook of various necklines, dress styles, collars, sleeves, skirts, slacks, and coats. Clip different styles from catalogs, and categorize them in your notebook.

Publication 1303
Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. Ronald A. Brown, Director

This document is public information and may be reproduced in part or in total. It should not be used to imply endorsement of any specific brand or product. Mississippi residents may get a printed copy of this publication through their county Extension offices.