What does tactile texture refer to?

Tactile texture specifically refers to the way a material feels when touched. This encompasses various sensations, such as smoothness, roughness, softness, hardness, and other physical attributes that can be perceived through the skin. Tactile texture plays a crucial role in fashion design as it impacts both the function of a garment and the overall experience of wearing it. Designers often choose fabrics based on their tactile qualities to evoke specific emotions or responses from the wearer or the audience. For instance, a soft texture might be chosen for comfort, while a rough texture could add visual interest or contrast.

In terms of the other choices, "how it looks" pertains to visual texture, which describes the surface quality as seen from the outside rather than felt. "How it sounds" relates to auditory perception, which is not relevant in this context. "How it weighs" refers to the weight of the material, which is a different sensory perception altogether and does not describe texture. Tactile texture focuses entirely on the feel of the material, making it essential for effective fashion design.