Proportions in clothes are very important while making a costume. When my sister begins speaking about this subject, she means relationship of costume parts according to size between each other and in comparison with a man’s figure. Length, width, volume of bodice and a skirt, sleeves, collar, a hat – each of these details has a great importance in visual perception. The most beautiful proportions must be those which are close to a man’s figure. It is well-known that the head height can be settled in the height of a body about eight times; and the waist line is to divide a man’s figure approximately 3:5. The lining of costume may be made of any fabric (fur, cotton or other) – it makes no difference. People used to find the right proportion long ago – they called it ‘golden ratio’. They tried to find if in natural surrounding – in nature. Those are constant measurements. It also concerns a costume. Harmony of architectural monuments in ancient Greece still attracts people in all over the world. And without any doubt, one can find perfect proportions in nature – pay attention to trees, grass, and flowers.

As for color, it is the most expressive means of any costume. Here, as my sister would like to say, everything must be planned: the color of the whole item, its trimming, lining and decorating. Any color creates its own impression on a man. For example, red color is a symbol of fire, sun, and life. It is usually connected with a joy, a beauty, and heartiness. But at the same time it may mean alarm, danger, and threat for life. The white color symbolizes cleanliness, youth, and freshness. The black color carries sense of grief, dead, or something unkindness. Generally, all colors have their own meaning. In ancient times people were distinguished by the color of their clothing. Today people try to keep traditions in making national costumes, uniforms, and clothes for sportsmen and others.