mathematics help: do you have to be good at math to be a fashion desiner? - Help.com

Well I would assume you need to know a little, as you have to be dealing with measurments etc.

Geometry, too.

Generally, to get anywhere great then having maths is an advantage, but you don’t need to be the best in the world. In England, the grades would be over a C in GCSE, I think.

i wouldn’t be too worried about it tho. don’t let it hinder you from trying in this field. the math you need is more visual that logical anyway if that makes any sense… it would probably be pretty easy to master. & if you loved what you are doing then i think math won’t be a problem at all.

generally yes

Well you don’t have to be a mathematician, but a basic knowledge of fractions(specifically, know how to change a fraction into a decimal#), measuring, and adding and subtracting are very important. If you know percentages and ratios, that’s an added bonus. Here are a few instances where it may be necessary to use math as a fashion designer:

1. Patternmaking- by Computer and by hand: Adding, subtracting, measuring, fractions
2. Drawing: Measuring (mostly visual proportions though)
3. Specing (creating spec sheets): Measuring (EXTREMELY IMPORTANT), fractions (somewhat, mostly related to measuring anyway)
4. Measuring: that’s obvious
5. Grading- by hand or computer(you may not have to be a grader, but you may learn it in school): Adding, Subtracting, Fractions (VERY IMPORTANT), measuring
6. Costing(working out a cost of a garment): Adding, subtracting, fractions, percentages (basic knowledge of, but very important, you have to know your markup!)

I think those are major instances as far as fashion DESIGNERS go, there are plenty of other things to consider, especially if you plan on having your own business one day. It’s funny because, you’re probably wondering why I stress “measuring” so much, but believe it or not, there are tons of people out there who don’t know how to use a ruler!!! Plus I don’t know how old you are, so I’m covering all my bases. When designing and drawing however, most of your math is visual (like inaboxbythestep said). You’ll eventually just know visual proportions of what looks right and what doesn’t. The amount of math you need to know will depend greatly on what segment of the fashion field you’re in.

Keep this in mind, the more math you know in life, the better off you will be! Math can help you out in all walks of life. I say the highest math level in school you’ll actually NEED in life is Algebra…Algebra to me, helps me solve problems… I look at life as if it’s an equation sometimes haha..

Anyway, hope this helps! I have a degree in fashion design as well as one in Apparel Manufacturing…so if you have any other fashion related questions I’d be happy to help. Oh and I also know about interior design, if that’s something you’re interested in.. :)

I don’t know… I suck at math, and I do just fine.

yep i agree with lrena

Well I gave this person an overall idea as to what kind of math is to be used… there are always different degrees of fashion designer and some use more math than others as well. Some people hire people to do patternmaking, grading, yada yada… some people only draw.. some don’t draw and only drape, it just all depends. I was trying to give a general idea.. I suck at most math myself, but I say it doesn’t hurt to strive for the best. :)

Darn..what did I say now? haha

lipgloss… what is your project and what do you need help with?

alexbayr_x wrote:
im doing a project on fashion design too. what kind of math equation would a fashion designer use???? help please!

Alex, usually it’s really simple math… I guess maybe a simple algebra equation like a - 2b = c

For example, if you were doing patternmaking and had to do some changes to your pattern to adjust it to fit better and you have a 1/2inch on one side that you need to take in and another 1/2inch on the other side, then you would have to subtract that from the overall width of of the pattern to get a new measurement.

So let’s plug it into an equation… a= 37″, b=1/2″
a - 2b = c
37 - 2(1/2) = c
37 - 1 = c
36 = c

So your new measurement would be 36 inches!

Hope this helps… let me know.

Well fashion has EVERYTHING to do with geometry, mostly from a visual standpoint… when you design clothes they have to pay attention to proportions and balance, and angles can play an important part in this. Playing with angles, creating new prints and patterns (look at M.C. Escher’s stuff, lots of symmetrical and asymmetrical cuts. It’s real life geometry!

Or “dude” for those of you who don’t have your sticky keys enabled.