Abstract:

Color is an important element in making sense of a textile or garment on a social level. Textiles or garments can hold various symbolic roles by making sense of the culture, geography, belief system to which it belongs with its colors. In this respect, it can be clearly observed through existing examples that white, which has a wide variety of meanings from past to present, reflects its own meaning to textile or clothing samples and accretes strong connotations. White generally stands out with its connotations of lightness, pureness, holiness, sinlessness, chastity, equality, cleanliness, power, hope. Along with these connotations, white has become a preferred color in the clothes and accessories of holy persons or clergy. White has also been identified with and restricted in use by those who are culturally exalted, advocating justice and equality, holding high office or position. White has taken the role of a non verbal communication tool in conjunction with examples such as handkerchiefs and flags, has gained both a visual and communicative function with groups and practices developed for a particular ideology or purpose. In this study, it was researched how the meanings and associations of white affect and shape the current meanings of textile and clothing products. For this purpose, by scanning written and visual resources, white textile and clothing samples were brought together regardless of time and place, and were grouped under certain categories considering their semantic achievements. White's historical journey has been revealed through specific examples. 

Keywords: