Opaque is the opposite of sheer or see through fabric or colours. It's a fabric or colour that light can't shine through.
When something is opaque, it means it's neither transparent nor translucent. Light can't get through it and you can't see through it. A substance or object that is opaque is neither transparent nor translucent. There are degrees of opacity, which means degrees on just how little light can get through the item or colour.
Opaque in the Fashion World
When it comes to the world of fashion, if something is an opaque colour, it means either that it is dark or dull or that the colours don't let light go through it. The main colour that is opaque is the colour black. Depending on the thickness of the fabric, it still may be possible for a small amount of light to go through, even if the fabric is an opaque colour.
A piece of clothing or cloth can still be opaque even if it is a normally lighter colour, for instance, yellow, under certain circumstances. If you can hold the fabric up to direct sunshine and still be able to see the light behind it, then it is not opaque. If you can't see your hand through the light, it is opaque.
For instance, if something is made of a closely knit pattern like some sweaters, then it's likely to be opaque, while most thin cotton shirts would not be.
Popular Opaque Clothing
Legwear of all kinds, such as socks, tights, stockings, and pantyhose have always been popular made in opaque colours and fabrics. They can be layered and give different looks, as well as different layers of warmth. For instance, tights are usually worn under dresses and skirts to give them a more versatile wear in the winter when it's cold.
Opaque tights and stockings can be matched up with just about anything and still look great and come in all sorts of fabrics, and styles. Every woman should keep a couple of pairs of opaque tights in her ensemble. They can be matched up with colours like deep blue, or dark brown as well as black.
Opaque tights were once again very popular last winter and are bound to be the same this winter as well.
Another item often made with opaque fabric is curtains, especially in places where blackout curtains are desired, such as in Alaska where it is daylight much of the year, or for shift workers who must sleep in the daytime. Plus, they are great for overall privacy.
