NCERT Class 12 Home Science Human Ecology and Family Sciences Part II: Chapter 2 — Fashion Design and Merchandising
This chapter from NCERT's Class 12 Home Science textbook, 'Human Ecology and Family Sciences Part II', introduces 'Fashion Design and Merchandising'. It highlights the significance of this field within the thriving Indian textile and garment industry, explaining how it satisfies both creative and materialistic needs. The chapter traces the evolution of merchandising from early barter to the 'ready-to-wear' era of 1920, leading to the specialization of fashion merchandising. It defines fashion design and merchandising as encompassing the entire process from raw material to retail, including textiles, and emphasizes 'planning, buying, and selling'. Basic concepts like the nature of fashion and its influencing factors are introduced, along with key terminology such as 'fashion' (most popular style) and 'style' (specific look or characteristic). This chapter prepares students for careers in the vast fashion business.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Home Science |
| Book | Human Ecology and Family Sciences Part II |
| Chapter | Chapter 2 — Fashion Design and Merchandising |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 438 |
Learning outcomes
- Explain the significance of fashion design and merchandising in the garment industry.
- Describe the fundamentals of fashion.
- Explain the knowledge and skills required for the fashion business.
- Discuss preparation for a career in the fashion industry.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Merchandising | The activity of promoting the sale of goods, especially by their presentation in retail outlets. |
| Ready-to-wear | Garments sold in finished condition, in standard sizes, rather than made to measure. |
| Textiles | A type of material made by weaving, knitting, or felting natural or artificial fibres. |
| Fashion | The style or styles most popular at a given time. |
| Style | Any particular look or characteristic in apparel or accessories. |
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Practice questions
- What is the basic definition of merchandising in the context of fashion? Answer: Merchandising in fashion encompasses planning, buying, and selling fashion merchandise.
- When did the concept of 'ready-to-wear' garments emerge? Answer: The concept of 'ready-to-wear' garments emerged around the year 1920.
- Distinguish between 'fashion' and 'style' as defined in the chapter. Answer: Fashion is the most popular style at a given time, while style is a specific look or characteristic that may endure even when it's not in fashion.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which of the following is a key aspect of fashion merchandising?
Explanation: The chapter explicitly states that fashion merchandising encompasses 'planning, buying and selling'.
Q2. The 'ready-to-wear' concept significantly impacted the retail business around which year?
Explanation: The text mentions that the year 1920 gave birth to 'ready-to-wear', which became a big business for retailers.
Q3. According to the chapter, what does fashion merchandising help determine regarding a style?
Explanation: Fashion merchandising helps determine a style's suitability for a particular retail operation and for what length of time.
Q4. What is defined as 'any particular look or characteristic in apparel or accessories'?
Explanation: The chapter defines 'Style' as any particular look or characteristic in apparel or accessories.
Q5. Which industry has been thriving for ages in India, leading to new prospects in fashion design?
Explanation: The introduction mentions that in a country like India, where textile industries have been thriving for ages, fashion designing has led to new prospects.
Frequently asked questions
What is fashion design and merchandising?
Fashion design and merchandising involves understanding how the fashion business works, including processes from raw material production to retail sales, and learning about textiles, planning, buying, and selling fashion merchandise.
What is the difference between fashion and style?
Fashion refers to the most popular style at a given time, while style is a specific look or characteristic in apparel or accessories that can remain even when it's not in fashion.
When did 'ready-to-wear' garments become significant?
The 'ready-to-wear' concept emerged around 1920 and soon became a major business for retailers, making fashion apparel an important type of merchandise.
What are the core activities of fashion merchandising?
Fashion merchandising essentially encompasses 'planning, buying, and selling' fashion items.
What kind of careers does fashion design and merchandising offer?
It offers exciting career options in design, manufacturing, distribution, marketing, retailing, advertising, communications, publishing, and consulting within the fashion industry.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 12 Home Science — Human Ecology and Family Sciences Part II — Chapter 2 — Fashion Design and Merchandising. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.