The Role of Trims Which Plays in the Garment

The Role of Trims Which Plays in the Garment

Harshani Wijendra
Sri Lanka Institute of Textile & Apparel Technology (SLITA)
Email: harshani_bipasha@yahoo.com

Trims or trimmings  are materials used to ornament or enhance garments. They are visible parts of garments that may be used to increase hanger appeal, provide product differentiation, relate to current fashion trends and carry a theme through an entire collection. Trims include a broad range of materials and treatments that may be superficially applied or structurally incorporated into nearly any type of garment. Trims can be categorized as Decorative and Functional Trims. Decorative Trims are Selected and applied to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a garment but are not essential to garments function and Performance. Functional Trims are an integral part of garment structure and use. They serve a specific purpose in garments performance and their aesthetic contributions are optional.

Trims or trimmings

Trims are often applied to garment components prior to assembly to facilitate handling & application. They become more integral part of a garment if applied early in the production process. A wide variety of materials may be used as garment trims, including piece goods, support materials, closures, thread and special purposes fabrications. These materials are applied to garments as Bindings, Edgings, Flat Applications & other Trims. Bindings are primarily functional trims that finish outer edges of garments or garment components by encompassing them. They are used to finish necklines, armholes, hems, front openings etc. Edgings are used to accentuate style lines, outline shapes, or to compartmentalize blocks of Color. They may be applied to edges or included in-seams of garment components. Common types of edgings are Piping, Lace, Ribbon, Fringe, Tapes, and Picot Trim etc. Flat trims are applied to the surface of garment components to ornament a style. Flat trims include Braids of all types & designs, twill tapes, ribbons, knit tubing, narrow weaves, Embroidery, appliques and screen printed trims. Other trims including nail heads, reverts, grommets and buckles are sewn or clinched into garments with special equipment.

Appropriate Trim selections can make an ordinary garment Special. The garments with wrong trims cannot be marketable. High quality trims can make otherwise inexpensive garments look outstanding while cheap buttons or laces can ruin the appeal of well-made garment. Some trims have specific appeal to certain market segments. For an example, Lace trims and ruffles on little girls’ dresses are more important to the gift market and fashion scene.

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