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How to master

the art of combining fabrics

Satin? Feminine. Leather? Sexy. Denim? Tough. Each type of fabric has its own look & feel and that’s why a fabric can make or break a design. At PB we even take it one step further. Given our preference for timeless garments, the choice of fabric is ever so important and so we’re always on the hunt for the most unique materials. But just like with colors, fabrics can also clash. Do you know the feeling that your outfit just doesn’t work, but you don’t know why? This might be it! But no need to worry: we share our most valuable combining tips that can actually be applied to any type of fabric. 

Satin? Feminine. Leather? Sexy. Denim? Tough. Each type of fabric has its own look & feel and that’s why a fabric can make or break a design. At PB we even take it one step further. Given our preference for timeless garments, the choice of fabric is ever so important and so we’re always on the hunt for the most unique materials. But just like with colors, fabrics can also clash. Do you know the feeling that your outfit just doesn’t work, but you don’t know why? This might be it! But no need to worry: we share our most valuable combining tips that can actually be applied to any type of fabric. 

Satin? Feminine. Leather? Sexy. Denim? Tough. Each type of fabric has its own look & feel and that’s why a fabric can make or break a design. At PB we even take it one step further. Given our preference for timeless garments, the choice of fabric is ever so important and so we’re always on the hunt for the most unique materials. But just like with colors, fabrics can also clash. Do you know the feeling that your outfit just doesn’t work, but you don’t know why? This might be it! But no need to worry: we share our most valuable combining tips that can actually be applied to any type of fabric. 

image with artdirection
image with artdirection

The magic word: contrast

The magic word: contrast

If there’s one thing you need to remember when it comes to combining fabrics, it should be to add contrast. Because ‘contrast’ is actually the answer to everything. How do you make leather look less harsh? By adding contrast with a soft and fluffy knit. Or the other way around; adding a leather jacket to a romantic silk-sateen ruffled fabric makes your outfit look less girly. By combining fabrics with opposite characteristics you’ll not only make your look personal, but you also give both fabrics equal attention as they are totally different. It’s actually quite simple: take a close look at the fabric structure to determine whether it is fine or coarse, matte or glossy and firm or supple. Pick one characteristic and match it with an item featuring opposite characteristics for a keen balance. 

If there’s one thing you need to remember when it comes to combining fabrics, it should be to add contrast. Because ‘contrast’ is actually the answer to everything. How do you make leather look less harsh? By adding contrast with a soft and fluffy knit. Or the other way around; adding a leather jacket to a romantic silk-sateen ruffled fabric makes your outfit look less girly. By combining fabrics with opposite characteristics you’ll not only make your look personal, but you also give both fabrics equal attention as they are totally different. It’s actually quite simple: take a close look at the fabric structure to determine whether it is fine or coarse, matte or glossy and firm or supple. Pick one characteristic and match it with an item featuring opposite characteristics for a keen balance. 

Play it safe, or be bold!

Play it safe, or be bold!

If you don’t like contrasting fabrics the following applies: you stick to one type of fabric. Serenity will dominate your look, with a main role for that particular fabric. Is the item on your wish list part of a co-ord set? Lucky you! If not, you can also apply a variation on this principle: combining different fabrics in the same color. And for the daredevils among us: if you DO want to make it clash, exaggerate! For example, try teaming different types of denim with a different wash or even in different colors. If you want to make a statement, anything is allowed…

If you don’t like contrasting fabrics the following applies: you stick to one type of fabric. Serenity will dominate your look, with a main role for that particular fabric. Is the item on your wish list part of a co-ord set? Lucky you! If not, you can also apply a variation on this principle: combining different fabrics in the same color. And for the daredevils among us: if you DO want to make it clash, exaggerate! For example, try teaming different types of denim with a different wash or even in different colors. If you want to make a statement, anything is allowed…

Use your

accessories wisely

Use your accessories wisely

Shoes, bags, belts, caps and scarves: they truly are the icing on the cake. And they come in so handy for balancing out your look. For example, did you combine two ultra-feminine fabrics? Wear a pair of chunky leather biker boots underneath to add some edge. Or could your denim-on-denim look use a little femininity? A pair of sky-high heels and a metallic cross-body bag will do the trick.

Shoes, bags, belts, caps and scarves: they truly are the icing on the cake. And they come in so handy for balancing out your look. For example, did you combine two ultra-feminine fabrics? Wear a pair of chunky leather biker boots underneath to add some edge. Or could your denim-on-denim look use a little femininity? A pair of sky-high heels and a metallic cross-body bag will do the trick.

Questions about this subject? Or wondering how to combine a specific item? We’d love to help!

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