Hemline Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
👗
hemline
[ˈhɛmˌlaɪn ]
Definition
fashion design
The hemline refers to the bottom edge of a garment, often determining its style and length. Hemlines can vary significantly between different styles of clothing and can also change with fashion trends over time.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She chose a dress with a knee-length hemline.
- The designer introduced a new collection featuring unconventional hemlines.
- Fashion critics debated the trends in hemlines at the recent runway shows.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Fashion History
- Hemlines have fluctuated dramatically over the decades, from floor-length skirts in the 19th century to mini skirts in the 1960s.
- The height of a hemline often reflects the cultural attitudes towards women's rights and societal norms.
Cultural Significance
- Designers use hemline lengths to convey messages or emotions in fashion shows, influencing public perception.
- Fashion critics often use hemline height as an indicator of changing trends and cultural shifts.
Art and Literature
- The hemline has inspired writers and poets, symbolizing freedom, rebellion, or femininity across various works.
- Artists have depicted fashionable outfits with varying hemlines, reflecting societal values during their time period.
Psychology
- Studies show that people's perceptions of confidence and professionalism can be influenced by the length of a hemline.
- Research indicates varying hemline lengths can impact mood and body image, particularly among wearers.
Origin of 'hemline'
Main points about word origin
- The term originated in the 19th century, combining 'hem,' meaning the folded edge, and 'line,' referring to its position.
- Initially, it described the length of a skirt or dress, but has since influenced fashion trends significantly.
The word 'hemline' first appeared around the early 20th century as a compound of 'hem', which originates from the Old English word 'hem', meaning 'an edge or border', and 'line', from the Latin 'linea', meaning 'a string or thread'. The combination specifically referred to the line created at the bottom of garments. As fashion evolved, the term gained prominence in discussions of style, influencing how garments were perceived in relation to contemporary trends. Over the decades, hemlines have become a barometer of societal attitudes and cultural shifts, reflecting the changing roles of women and fashion's adaptation to new lifestyles.