Potential application of the Hogarth curves in the modern garment

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a novel method for establishing the mathematical link between the restored Hogarth curve and the golden ratio, and to advance the potential application of the Hogarth curves in standardization of the garment pattern design by using this method. Design/methodology/approach The Hogarth curve was fully restored by using the plant design system (PDS) software package and divided the restored curve into two fragments based on the intersection point between the curve and the straight line joining the curve endpoints. The ratios between two fragments of curves and straight lines were calculated and compared with the golden ratio, respectively, which was set as a normalized value. The potential application of the restored Hogarth curves in the normalization of the garment pattern design was therefore studied by using the standard mannequins. Findings The ratio in the most beautiful curve, i.e., the fourth Hogarth curve, was found to be infinitely approaching to the golden ratio. Furthermore, the incorporation of the Hogarth curves into the garment pattern design demonstrated that the fourth Hogarth curve was the most aesthetic line. Originality/value This work offered a novel method for bridging the gaps between arts and maths, i.e., the mathematical relation between the Hogarth curves and the golden ratio. Such a method will provide the protocol to promote the potential applications of the Hogarth curves in the garment pattern design and the human body decoration.