How to Sign "Dress"
To sign “Dress”, two hands with opened fingers or “5” handshape and on/ near to the top of your chest with the tip of thumbs. Then brush your hands down to your lower torso like put a shirt or dress on.
Examples Using "Dress" in a Sentence
1
I bought a new dress.
Sign 'I', 'buy', 'new', and then use the open '5' handshapes brushing down your torso to sign 'dress'.
2
Her dress is beautiful.
Point to the person to indicate 'her', sign 'dress' by brushing your open hands down your chest to your lower torso, and finish with the sign for 'beautiful'.
3
What color is the dress?
Sign 'dress' using the long downward brushing motion, then sign 'color', and furrow your eyebrows at the end to indicate a 'wh-' question.
How to Sign "Dress"
To sign “Dress”, two hands with opened fingers or “5” handshape and on/ near to the top of your chest with the tip of thumbs. Then brush your hands down to your lower torso like put a shirt or dress on.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'dress' is highly iconic, meaning it visually represents what it stands for. The open '5' handshapes brushing down the body mimic the physical act of smoothing down the fabric of a dress, outlining its long, flowy shape as it drapes over the torso.
Signing Tips
Keep your fingers slightly relaxed in the '5' handshape to mimic the soft fabric of a dress. Ensure the movement starts high enough on the chest and travels all the way down to the lower torso to emphasize the length of the garment.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is stopping the downward motion too early, which makes it look like the sign for 'clothes'. Make sure your hands travel all the way down to your lower torso. Another mistake is using closed hands instead of the open '5' handshape.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Dress" in a Sentence
1I bought a new dress.
Sign 'I', 'buy', 'new', and then use the open '5' handshapes brushing down your torso to sign 'dress'.
2Her dress is beautiful.
Point to the person to indicate 'her', sign 'dress' by brushing your open hands down your chest to your lower torso, and finish with the sign for 'beautiful'.
3What color is the dress?
Sign 'dress' using the long downward brushing motion, then sign 'color', and furrow your eyebrows at the end to indicate a 'wh-' question.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the signs for 'dress' and 'clothes'?
While both use the '5' handshape on the chest, the movement differs. 'Clothes' uses a short, double brushing motion on the upper chest. 'Dress' requires a single, long, continuous downward sweep from the upper chest to the lower torso.
Do my thumbs need to physically touch my chest?
Your thumbs can lightly brush against your chest and torso as you move your hands downward, but they don't need to press hard. A light touch or hovering just above your clothing is perfectly fine.
Can I sign 'dress' with just one hand?
No, 'dress' is a symmetrical two-handed sign. Using both hands is necessary to properly outline the shape of the garment covering the body. Using only one hand might confuse the viewer.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!