fashion

fashion
SKETCHBOOK sixth edition
Heads
Figure Work
Mixed Media
Rendering
Design
Detail
Bina Abling
Flesh
Tones
Fabric

FASHION
SKETCHBOOK
sixth edition
BINA ABLING
Fairchild Books | New York

Executive Director & General Manager: Michael Schluter
Executive Editor: Olga T. Kontzias
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Development Editor: Beth Cohen
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Copyeditor: Susan Hobbs
Cover Design: Carly Grafstein
Cover Art: illustrations by Bina Abling, photography by Giovanni Giannoni (Gianfranco Ferre Spring 2012 RTW)
Text Design and Composition: Carly Grafstein
Photo Research: Avital Aronowitz
Videographer and DVD Developer: Katie Fitzsimmons
Camera Assistants: Frank Marino and Jay Catlett
Copyright © 2012 Fairchild Books, a Division of Condé Nast Publications.
All rights reserved. No part of this book covered by the copyright hereon may be reproduced or used in any form or
by any means—graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or information storage
and retrieval systems—without written permission of the publisher.
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number:
ISBN: 978-1-60901-228-1
GST R 133004424
Printed in Canada
TP 14

v
Contents
Extended Contents vii
Preface xi
Tools and Equipment Hints xiii
Chapter 1 Fashion Figure Proportions 1
Chapter 2 Basic Figure Forms 37
Chapter 3 Model Drawing 61
Chapter 4 Fashion Heads 81
Chapter 5 Garments and Garment Details 107
Chapter 6 Drawing Flats and Specs 141
Chapter 7 Basic Rendering Techniques 181
Chapter 8 High-End Rendering Techniques 223
Chapter 9 Drawing Knits 265
Chapter 10 Design Focus and Layout 295
Chapter 11 Drawing Men 329
Chapter 12 Drawing Children 377
Chapter 13 Accessories 411
Fashion Archive 443
Credits 475
Index 477

vii
Extended Contents
Preface xi
Acknowledgments xii
Tools and Equipment Hints xiii
CHAPTER 1
Fashion Figure Proportions 1
Figure Elongation and Stylization 2
Guidelines 4
Heads Tall, Figure Grid 6
Figure Map, Grid System 8
Consistent Proportions 10
Fashion Figure Objectives 12
Croquis Templates 14
Drawing the Figure Freehand 16
Subjective Height 18
Posing Dynamics 20
The Balance Line 22
Center Front 24
Back Views 26
The Profile Pose 28
The Fuller Figure 30
Fashion Maternity Figures 32
Early Illustrations for Womenswear 34
CHAPTER 2
Basic Figure Forms 37
Torso Definition 38
Drawing Legs: Form and Shape 40
Posing Legs 42
Foreshortening: Legs 44
Drawing Feet 46
Drawing Arms: Form and Shape 50
Foreshortening: Arms 52
Drawing Hands 54
Figure Tips 56
CHAPTER 3
Model Drawing 61
Model Drawing Poses 62
Balance Line 63
Angles in a Pose 64
Torso in a Pose 66
Gesture Components 68
Interpreting Anatomy 70
Fashion Runway and Showroom Poses 72
CHAPTER 4
Fashion Heads 81
Drawing Heads and Fashion Faces 82
Drawing Heads 84
The Diamond Technique 86
Drawing a Full-Front Head 87
Drawing a Three-Quarter-Turned Head 88
Drawing a Profile Head 89
Fashion Faces, Sketching Features 90
Posing the Head 92
Sketching Features 94
Stylizing the Face 96
Rendering Hair Color 98
Fleshtone and Pencil 100
Period Looks 101
Fashion Heads, Runway Looks 102
CHAPTER 5
Garments and Garment Details 107
Sketching Necklines and Collars 108
Sketching Sleeves 110
Sketching Blouses and Dresses 112
Sketching Skirts 114
Sketching Flares and Gathers 116
Sketching Pleats 118

viii EXTENDED CONTENTS Blouses, Skirts, and Dresses 120
Sketching Pants 122
Drawing Pants 124
Shorts and Pants 126
Sketching a Blazer 128
Drawing Jackets 130
Drawing Coats 132
Jackets and Coats 134
Guest Artists
Aram Sung 136
Carmen Chen Wu 138
CHAPTER 6
Drawing Flats and Specs 141
Flat Figure Templates 142
Figure Formulas for Flats 144
Tops: Templates for Shirts, Blouses,
and Dresses 146
Bottoms: Templates for Shorts,
Pants, and Skirts 148
Structure for Flats 150
Swimwear and Lingerie Flats 152
Comprehensive Flats 154
Women’s Outerwear Flats 156
Presentation or Portfolio Flats 158
Croquis Mixed with Flats 160
Flats and Figures Mixed 162
Specs 166
Measuring and Detailing for Specs 168
Analyzing a Garment for Flats or Specs 170
Flats and Specs 172
Spec Sheets 174
Guest Artists
Christina Kwon 176
Jodie Lau 178
CHAPTER 7
Basic Rendering Techniques 181
Rendering Fleshtones 182
Gouache 184
Mixing Colors for Watercolor 185
Rendering Fabrics in Watercolor 186
Reducing a Print 188
Finished versus Partial Rendering 190
Fabric Practice Templates 192
Color Testing 194
Color Nuances 196
Stripes 198
Checks, Gingham, and Plaids 200
Geometric Patterns 202
Fall Fabrics 204
Animal Prints 208
Fashion Designer Color Challenges 210
André Courrèges 211
Emilio Pucci/Carolina Herrera 212
Rudi Gernreich 213
Geoffrey Beene/James Galanos 214
Arnold Scaasi 215
Guest Artists
Raya Clements 216
Eduarda Salmi Pereira 218
CHAPTER 8
High-End Rendering Techniques 223
Sketching Ruffles 224
Sketching Cascades 226
Sketching Cowls 228
Sketching Smocking and Shirring 229
Gathers, Gores, Cowl Drape, and Pintucks 230
Changing Proportions 232
Bridal Looks 234
Bridal Trains 236
Dress and Gown Flats 238
Drape and Volume 240
Luxe Fabric Rendering 244
Black Fabric Rendering 246
Beading, Satin, Chiffon, Crystal Pleating,
and Tulle 250
Feathers, Fringe, and Lace 252
Guest Artists
Elizabeth Kennedy 254
Yuen Chi Lo 256
Carmen Chen Wu 260
CHAPTER 9
Drawing Knits 265
Knit Essentials 266
Knitwear Flats 268
Basic Knit Stitches 270
Repeat Patterns 272
Cables and Combinations 276
Complex Knits 278
WWD Photo Reference 282
Guest Artists
Anthony Manfredonia 284
Jodie Lau 286
Christina Kwon 288
Joseph Singh 290
Jose "Juni" Salgado 292

Child 384
Tween Boy 385
Tween to Teen 386
Teen Boy 387
Drawing Children’s Heads 388
Drawing Children’s Arms and Hands 390
Drawing Children’s Legs and Feet 392
Design Roughs for Childrenswear 394
Rendering Childrenswear 396
Flats for Children 398
Guest Artists
Eri Mikami 400
Serena Chang 402
Callista Wolff 404
Anika Sushil Gupta 406
Early Childrenswear Illustrations:
1920 to 1930 408
CHAPTER 13
Accessories 411
Jewelry Croquis 412
Jewelry Templates 414
Sunglasses 416
Hats and Gloves 418
Drawing Men’s Hats 420
Drawing Women’s Hats 421
Belts 422
Hardware for Belts and Bags 423
Handbags and Purses 424
Shoes 425
Footwear Designer Roughs 426
Sporty Shoes 428
Guest Artists
LaToya Leflore 430
Jason Buchanon 432
Julian Guthrie 434
Malinda Franklin 436
Felice DaCosta 438
Early Accessories Illustrations: 1950s 440
FASHION ARCHIVE 443
Credits 475
Index 477
EXTENDED CONTENTS ix
CHAPTER 10
Design Focus and Layout 295
Design Direction 296
Attitude in a Pose 298
Design Emphasis 300
Stylization for Designers 302
Design Objectives 304
Design Journal Pages 308
Design Journal Thumbnail Sketches 310
WWD Designer Fitting Photos 311
Maximizing Design Impact 312
Composition Direction 314
Grouping Figures 316
Layout or Line Up 320
Guest Artists
Julian Guthrie 324
CHAPTER 11
Drawing Men 329
Menswear Figure Basics 330
Proportions for Menswear Figures 334
Runway Poses for Men 336
Elongation for Menswear 338
Drawing Men’s Legs 340
Drawing Men’s Arms and Hands 342
Drawing Men’s Heads 344
Drawing Men’s Hair 345
Clothing the Male Figure 346
Menswear Pants 348
Menswear Tops 350
Sketching a Suit 352
Menswear Flats 354
Design Journal Roughs 358
Marker Rendering for Menswear 360
Fashion Runway and Showroom Poses 362
Guest Artists
Sascha Flowers 366
Neha Bhatia 368
Matthew Conmy 370
Julian Guthrie 372
Early Menswear Illustrations: 1900 to 1930 374
CHAPTER 12
Drawing Children 377
Children’s Age Groups 378
Childrenswear Proportions 380
Infant 381
Toddler 382
Younger Child 383

xi
Preface
The sixth edition of Fashion Sketchbook is in full color. It is completely revised, with updated draw-ing
instructions and new images in every chapter. Many of the photos are Women’s Wear Daily fash-ion
runway and showroom photos that inform and maximize lesson goals. The photos will inspire
as well as fuel your fashion illustrations, with a stronger connection to the fashion design studio or
classroom experience. The goal is to accelerate comprehension, application, and diversification of
your drawing skills.
Most chapters are infused with WWD photographs of design silhouettes, fabric examples, or
muslin shapes for greater reference value. Color rendering, now integrated thoughout the text-book,
includes photographic examples of current designer reference with more in-depth, mixed
media illustration techniques to explore. The first two chapters, on basic figure drawing, have been
expanded with trendier, elongated fashion forms. Chapter Three, Model Drawing, in all new lay-outs,
now reflects your classroom experience, with more figure analysis and new runway poses. The
fashion heads chapter provides more concise sketching methods and new WWD fashion faces to
draw. The chapters on fashion design garment detail incorporate all of the previous edition’s suc-cessful
sketching techniques but now have been updated to include WWD pictoral reference that
supplements your designer image research. Chapter Seven, with a full component of WWD images,
focuses on specific types of fabrics matched to their colored pencil and marker rendering solu-tions.
The menswear and childrenswear chapters, both updated, have been revised to offer more
stylistic sketching options. The chapter on flats and specs has been changed to create a broader base
of more detailed drawing instructions. This textbook’s unique appendix, containing more than
400 garment and accessory references for fashion nomenclature, has been updated and (drawing)
Problem Spots has been completely redone to reflect new sketching issues. Throughout this sixth
edition, there are over a dozen new guest artist spreads, which serve as guides and goals for all of
your drawing skills. A DVD is also included. There are six video segments that demonstrate mixed
media rendering techniques. It provides a broader platform to help you fully develop your fashion
design illustrations.
What can be more fun than drawing for a living? The more I know about fashion, the more I
want to sketch. I approach drawing and teaching, in this ever-changing field of expertise, with the
same enthusiasm as my first day in class. I was thrilled then and feel the same sense of excitement
today. I love my career choice. I can’t imagine ever being bored by my job. Drawing for me is as
important as breathing—it’s that vital to my being. I sincerely hope and encourage you to feel the
same way about your career. Enjoy each page, and every moment of learning, reach for your full
potential, and believe in your talent as much as I do and did to create this sixth edition.

xii Acknowledgments
My revisions for this sixth edition were extensive. So much hard work, time, and talent have gone
into this book’s success and for that I thank the entire creative and sales teams at Fairchild Books.
Appreciation, applause, and accolades to Jackie, Sarah, Liz, Amy, and Carly. Their time, talent, and
tenacity in making all things possible for this edition were amazing. This sincere thanks includes
Beth, Avital, and Katie for their talents and teamwork. More thanks to all of the gracious designers,
photographers, and exquisite models whose work here will inspire so many future fashion talents.
Special thanks to Felicia DaCosta for her insight, for beautiful knit samples, and for coordinat-ing
the guest artists. I am very grateful to Joseph Pescatore for the exquisite muslin samples and
the fashion shoot of the heritage designer garments. I thank all of the talented fashion designers
whose motivating design illustrations are featured in this book, encouraging the next generation
and helping them to develop their style and potential. Thanks to all of this book’s reviewers for
their generous support and suggestions. To my colleagues and students I offer special thanks. It is
always an honor to work with you.

xiii
Tools & Equipment Hints
Paper
The variety in paper is at once wonderful and daunting. You have to read the covers of the pads
carefully to find out what kind of paper it is. Most regular sketching papers come in two surfaces:
“vellum,” which is slightly rough, and “plate,” which is smooth. They perform differently, so test
each kind to find out what works for you. Smooth paper can be fast to sketch on and is great
when working with pens. Rougher paper is slower and its surface is great for pencil. Marker papers
come in varying degrees of transparency, whiteness, and workability. You need to try out at least
two separate brands and then test strip your markers on them. Always use the top or front of the
paper because the back of it will probably perform differently. Watercolor papers come in pads or
in single sheets. For fashion use, the watercolor paper with a slightly pebbled surface, as opposed
to the very rough surface, works better. Rough papers are too “thirsty” and take too long to paint.
Tracing Paper
As with other paper, each paper company makes unique tracing paper. Some are more transparent
than others; they can also vary in thickness. A few varieties are quite smooth and can handle all
media; others, of lesser quality, will not stand up to extensive use. Most tracing paper is used as a
cover for your work or as a preliminary test run for conceptual planning. All tracing paper is lim-ited
in use except for its see-through abilities. It is also great for corrections and useful as overlays
on a sketch.
Graphite/Ebony Pencils
Graphite pencils look like regular writing pencils that are sheathed in wood. Ebony pencils can be
all lead with just a plastic coating. The difference is that these drawing pencils come in hard or soft
leads that vary from H for hard to B for soft. You will need to test these leads to see how light the
Hs are and how dark the Bs are. All of these leads are delicate, however. If you drop them, the lead
in the wood casing can crack and will be difficult to sharpen because the lead will continue to break
all the way down the shaft of the pencil. There are also mechanical pencils. These are holders into
which you place leads, which you buy separately. Again, these leads come in H (hard) and B (soft)
designations.

xiv
Colored Pencils
There are three types that you will need: (1) Those that have hard leads; (2) the kind that have soft
leads; and (3) the type that are water-color based. As a rule, the thicker the lead in the pencil, the
softer and darker the pencil will be. Harder leads in the pencil will give you a crisper line quality.
Watercolor pencils fall in between hard and soft leads. You want to learn control techniques for
each type of pencil because they can perform very differently in the rendering process.
Pens
Pens come in as many types of points or nibs as markers do. There are fine, chiseled, broad, and medium.
Some have felt tips, while others have metal or plastic tips. Some are supposed to be waterproof or per-manent,
which means that they will not run or bleed when you use them with other media. Be skeptical
and always test the limits of your pens.
Brush Pens
These are pens with a tip similar to a brush—a paintbrush. Some brush pens come in different-width
tips which are equal to a #2- or a #7-size paintbrush. In addition to black, they also come in colors. Test
the black brush pens because some of them have a reddish cast while others tend to be more grayish
than pure black.
Markers
There are many different types of markers. Each manufacturer uses different chemicals that act as the
coloring agent. Before you buy any marker, test it to ensure that it is “wet”—not dried out—and to see if it
can be used in conjunction with another brand of marker. Most markers are compatible. There are differ-ent
options for refills, many types of points, and a vast array of colors. Some markers are toxic. Remember
to always put the cap back on tightly after each use and keep markers out of the reach of children.
Water-based Paints
Both gouache and watercolors mix with water; gouache is opaque, while watercolor is transparent.
These paints are used to create washes. Experiment with both types to find which will work for you.
There is an incredible range of possibilities for using these paints, varying from intense to delicate for
any single color. Practice blending the ratio of water to your paints slowly so you do not create bubbles.
Gouache and watercolor paints are very different, but they can be used together in your rendering. Inks
can be used, too. Inks are much brighter colors and work well in conjunction with watercolors.
Brushes
Brushes come in various sizes. They range roughly from size 0 to size 12. Beyond the size of their tips
(which can be pointed or flat), you will notice they are available in different hairs or fibers. Some brushes
are made with natural animal hairs. These are usually the best; they last the longest without becoming
permanently stained or losing their shape. Find a brush that has body or resistance to pressure with just
enough “give” to suit your needs. When you buy a good brush, always treat it well. Clean it after each
use and stand it upright on its wooden base or lay it down on its side so the tip will not become bent.

Garments and
Garment Details
5
In this chapter, after all of the figure work of the earlier chapters, the focus
moves to clothing, dressing the figure in some of the staple fashion design details that
show up every season. Basic sketching methods are used to help you design on the fig-ure
and to create some simple silhouettes. Garment detailing of necklines, collars, and
cuffs will be incorporated into easy tops, pants, and skirts for faster drawing exercises.
While dressing the figure from top to bottom typically is defined as a silouette, this
chapter will explore how to shift your focus from exterior shape to interior drape, mak-ing
dressing the figure a more informative yet imaginative process.
In this chapter, there is more fashion clothing in both studio muslins and WWD runway
and studio photos to study and draw. You will learn how to sketch fabric in loose folds,
precise pleats, or other basic garment details so that they fit contours of the body while
presenting your design visions.
Research into almost any period of fashion or art history will turn up wonderful refer-ences
that you can apply to your own illustration and design techniques for fashion. Almost
any book on fashion decades will have plenty of archival illustration for you to find stylistic
inspiration or to observe how other artists handled drawing or rendering clothing.

108 FASHION SKETCHBOOK Sketching Necklines and Collars
Necklines move above or below the base
of the neck. They often follow the basic
sewing lines on the torso. Collars are con-nected
to the neckline, draped above or
below the neck, set down on the shoulders
or spread across the chest. To dress the
neck, to draw and design necklines and col-lars,
utilize the sewing lines on the torso as
a guide. Collars sewn above the base of the
neck usually follow the cylindrical form of
the neck, reflecting the base of the neck’s
contour. Collars below the base of the neck
usually follow the shoulderline angles.
Notched collars are full of design
variety in their widths, cuts, and closure
details. Most are based on a V-neckline,
with a single- or double-breasted closure,
as shown here.
Round Neck V-Neck Square Neck
Neckline
for Collar
Collar Dressing
the Neck
Collar Dressing
the Shoulderline
V-Neck Collar Single-Breasted
Notched Collar
Collar
Height
Round Jewel
Neckline
Finished
Band Collar
Band Collar
Open to One Side
Band Collar

Band Collar
This is the inside
structure or base for
the spread or shirt
collar.
Convertible Collar
Convertible
Collar
Closed
FIVE | GARMENTS AND GARMENT DETAILS 109
Spread or
Shirt Collar
This collar has
“wings” sewn on
the band that help
the collar stand
up, away from the
neck, to rest on the
shoulderline.
Spread or Shirt Collar
Notched Collar
Convertible Collar
Here part of the bodice, when open, appears to be part of
the collar, folding over, until the bodice is closed.
Notched Collar
The notch is the cutaway
section of a single or
two-part collar. The
cutaway usually creates
some form of a “V.”
Lapels
This is the name given to the
bottom portion of this type of
collar when it is on a suit jacket
or coat.
Notched
“V”

110 FASHION SKETCHBOOK Sketching Sleeves
Inset Armhole
Cap Sleeve
Puff Sleeve
1
Sleeveless
Near Far
2 3
Without Sleeves
1. The armhole
lines follow
the curve of
the center
front.
2. Arm on the fur
side is behind
the chest. Arm
on the near
side is in front
of the chest.
3. Matching
armhole
curves.
Cap Sleeve
4. Lines across
the chest will
help you even
out the sleeve
details.
5. Measure the
depth of a
cap sleeve,
matching up
the sleeves on
both sides.
6. The angle on
a cap sleeve is
open. You can
see up into it.
Cap
Sleeve
4
5 6
7
8 9
Puff Sleeve
7. The contour
of the armhole
follows the
contour
direction of
center front.
8. A puff sleeve
has volume.
Get the outline
to stand up,
away from the
arm.
9. The puff
sleeve has
gathers
emanating
from the
armhole, the
elastic casing,
or both.

Bishop Sleeve on a Blouse
Fitted
Shoulder
Sketching Sleeves on a Three-Quarter-
Turned Pose with a Straight Arm
Sleeve stops
before the
wrist to leave
room for the
cuff.
1. The fit of the sleeve from its top to bottom.
2. The shape of the sleeve as it fits the arm.
3. The drape of the sleeve near the elbow.
4. Example of the finished illustration of this sleeve.
Full-Length Sleeve on a Blazer
Padded
Shoulder
1 2 3 4 Sleeve fits
over the wrist.

112 FASHION SKETCHBOOK Sketching Blouses and Dresses
Illustrated on this spread is one of many approaches
to dressing the figure in a blouse or a dress. It begins
at the base of the neck, includes the waist, moving
down to the hemline. It doesn’t matter which side
you start first (left or right) as long as you complete
one area of definition before going on to the next.
You can use the natural contours of the chest to get
the blouse or dress to drape over the form if the fabric
has any cling factors.
Armhole
Shape
•
A B
•
Back View
Cuff
•
Closure
Direction
Implied
A. Construction Detailing
B. Controlled Shape
The sketching setups on the facing page illustrate
how some of the sewing lines can help support the
development of garment details on the figure. They
also serve to define the areas of focus, like completing
the bodice details before drawing the sleeves.

Collar and Button Packet • Bodice Shape • Sleeve and Cuff • Completed Sketch
Begin with the
neckline or collar
shapes.
Follow sewing line
construction panel
details.
Define the bodice—
how wide or long the
shape will be.
Finish sleeves—
use drape lines to
soften shapes.
Working with center
front on a pose.
Planning details using
construction sewing lines.
Defining shape for bodice
and skirt of dress.
Completed sketch.

114 FASHION SKETCHBOOK Sketching Skirts
Fashion Design
Elongation:
Exaggerated leg
length.
Flat Figure
Template:
Realistic,
equal leg
length.
See pants
template.
On this diagram,
each band of
gray represents
the hemline
location, its
name, and
proportion in
relationship to
the legs.
Mid-
Thigh
Knee
Mid-
Calf
Ankle
Toes
Micro
Mini or
Tennis
Short
Above
Knee
Knee
Below
Knee
Midi
Maxi
Tea
Ankle
Full or
Long

Media Line Qualities
Some drape or construc-tion
details are taken for
granted and are too fine
or tiny to illustrate on the
dressed figure or in a flat.
Here are a few things that
can be done on your sketch.
Line quality makes the dif-ference
in a seam; use com-pleted
lines for seams; use
broken lines for stitching.
Practice drawing all types
of lines with your extra-fine
and ultra-thin pens.
Fine-point
pen
.005 extra-fine-
point
pen
Flat Feld Seam:
Jeans' Stitch
Kissing Zipper:
with Crossover Stitch
Trapunto Stitching:
Sometimes Padded
Channels
Top Stitching:
Seam to One Side
Vent:
Also Called a Slit
Pintucks:
Close Together,
Stitched Down

116 FASHION SKETCHBOOK Sketching Flares and Gathers
The flared or gathered skirt folds and moves on the body in a random, free-form way in direct opposi-tion
to a pleated skirt, which has an organized, exact style. To emphasize the movement of a flared skirt,
draw each fold a different size from the next one. The folds of a skirt on the figure should follow the flow
of the pose. Notice the widest fold comes off the high hip. The smallest fold comes from the center, and
a third midsize fold rests on the low hip side.
Notice that the fabric on the flared skirt lies flat against the
hipline, while the fabric on the gathered skirt puffs up away from
the hipline at the waistband.
Flared Skirt
Gathered Skirt
Shape Folds Hemline Flared
Skirt
Shape Folds Hemline Gathered
Skirt

Shape Folds Hemline Finish
Flared Skirt
Gathered Skirt
Tiered Skirt
Layered Skirt
A flounce has a straight
seam, with a few folds.
A ruffle has a gathered
seam, with lots of folds.
Few Drape
Lines
Many Drape
Lines
No Gathers:
Flounce
With
Gathers:
Ruffle
Gathers
Seams
Layers
Notice that the rows on the tiered skirt are connected, while the rows on the layered skirts are separated.

118 FASHION SKETCHBOOK Sketching Pleats
These pages demonstrate how to plan for drawing pleats. Each line on a pleated skirt usually has to
match, unlike the folds in flares and gathers. Pleating is more regimented, organized, and systematic,
regardless of fabric choice. This does not include engineered pleating in, for example, broomstick,
mushroom, or crystal pleats.
Princess
Seam
Center
Front
Shaped Panels Pleats
Follow the body center and princess seam lines illustrated here.
Start building the pleats, using these lines as guides. It is easier to
start in the middle and move out.
Box Pleats
Notice how the panels—the narrow rectangular shapes—appear
to be a bit closer together at the waist. They widen toward the bot-tom
of the hem, opening up to show the back or inside of the pleat.
Side Pleats
Shaped Panels Pleats

Center Front Line Box Pleats
These three pleats break the
rules, are drawn less regi-mented,
and, like all pleats,
can be done any size, any-where
on a garment.
Pleating
1. Mushroom
2. Broomstick
3. Accordian
or Crystal
1. 2. 3. Hemlines
Lettuce Edge
Broken Edge
Princess
Seam
Lines
Hemline Length
Side Pleat Direction
Extra Interior Pleating
Notice the variety of pleated hems. Sketching the correct pleated hem is a critical component for express-ing
your design.
Zigzag Edge
Mixed Pleats
Center
Box
Pleats
Side
Pleats
Side Pleats
Accordian

120 FASHION SKETCHBOOK Blouses, Skirts, and Dresses
Blouses
• Neckline and Shouldering Focus
• Armhole and Center Front Details
• Sleeve and Cuff Shapes and Lengths
• Hemline Cut and Shaping
Skirts
• Waistline Fit and Drape
• Hipline Shape and Volume
• Pocket or Related Side Seam Focus
• Hemline's Relationship to Knees
Dresses
• Neckline and Shoulderline Focus
• Armhole and Sleeve Details
• Center Front or Back Closures
• Hemline Relationship to Knees

Isaac
Mizrahi
Dolce &
Gabbana
Giambattista
Valli
Ralph
Lauren
Dolce &
Gabbana
Blumarine

FASHION SKETCHBOOK Sketching Pants
The examples here, shown from the waist to the ankle, focus on hemlines for the legs.
122
Shorts
For this garment the hemline
length, from the thigh to the
knee, will be important.
Capris
Here the hemline length has
to show the spacing between
calf to the ankle.
Bell-Bottom Pants
This hemline length has its own
specific lengths from ankles to
the toes (or shoe height).

Darts
Closed/Tailoring
does not open
Tucks
Open/release in
middle of its pinch
Pinch Pleats
Open/release
toward the outside
Pinch Pleats
Open/release
toward the inside
Paper Bag Drawstring Draped Yoke
Jeans, Western,
Continental
Inseam Cargo Slash
Split Vent Cuff Rolled-up Pegged
Cuff
Raw
Edged
Stirrup
Tailoring
Think about
how anything
fits at the waist.
How is that
“fit” created?
Here are some
examples.
Waistline
Treatments
Here are a few
design features
for above, below,
or at the waist to
practice.
Pockets
Pockets often
start by the
princess
seamlines,
then swing
over to the
side seamline.
Hemline
Treatments
Drawing
hemlines, as
they drape
over the foot,
usually includes
sketching the
shoe.

FASHION SKETCHBOOK Drawing Pants
124
Here are some drawing issues that distract from your design silhouette focus:
1. Drawing knees too high up on the thigh can interfere with pocket shapes.
2. Drawing knees too low on the leg can throw off your figure proportions.
3. Knees drawn centered on the leg are never a problem with garment detailing.
Pant Fit
and Cut
Proportions
Above or
High Waist
Waist
Dropped Waist
Low Rider or
Hip-Hugger
Short Shorts
Shorts
Mid-Thigh
Above Knee
Below Knee
Mid-Calf
Above Ankle
Heel or
Floor Length
1 2 3

Knee
Level
Knee Level
Keeping the crotch,
knees, and leg lengths
in your figure groupings
matching makes it easier
to read your garments’
design proportions.
Posing Options
Below are some of the
poses that can maximize
the potential for your
pants shapes and keep
them from looking like
long skirts.
Poses that maximize pants design and emphasize pant legs shape

FASHION SKETCHBOOK Shorts and Pants
126
Zipper Direction Can Change
Only for Womenswear
Hemline Roll for Walking Pose
Inseam
Focal
Point
or Not
Watch Hemline to
Ankle for Accurate
Lengths
Side
Seam
Extra Fabric Crush
or Long Hemline
Detail
Below
Ankle Ankle

Ralph
Lauren
Dolce &
Gabbana
Ralph
Lauren
J. Crew
J. Crew

FASHION SKETCHBOOK Sketching a Blazer
128
A blazer often fits closer to the form of a figure than
a jacket or a coat does. To suggest this closer fit you
need to choose an appropriate pose to dress the fig-ure
in that blazer. In your sketch, follow and utilize
the angles in the torso to plan the tailored details
in the design of the garment. There is a direct rela-tionship
between the shoulderline and drawing
the points in your collar, which is also true for the
hipline and the pocket points. The fit or shape of a
blazer may depend on the fabric weight or volume.
Blazer
Shape
and
Length
Collar
and Arm
hole
Depth
Pocket
Placement
Hemline Widths and Their Shapes
Flat Focus:
Construction
Detail
Flat Focus:
Shape and
Styling

Most blazers have a lining inside their sleeves, so the sleeve fits the arm like a crisp cylindrical shape,
without too much cling. Blazers often have specific tailoring, darts, or seaming that usually falls between
the side and princess seams.
Collar Cut,
Width and Depth
Closure Over
Center Front
First Blazer Panel
Hemline Follows End
of Torso Angle in a Pose
Add Construction
Detailing to Panel
Completed Sides,
Start on Sleeves
FInished,
Ready for Rendering

FASHION SKETCHBOOK Drawing Jackets
130
Below is an example of a short,
cropped jacket with a boxy shape
and a quilted surface. It fits the fig-ure
in a different way compared to
the tailored shape of a blazer with a
smooth surface that you saw on the
previous pages. The tailored blazer
was more fitted; this cropped jacket
is less fitted.
1. Compare the left and right sides
to determine the fuller side, which
you will dress first.
2. Sketch the jacket shape over the
chest on the fullest side of the
figure.
3. Add volume to the collar so that it
appears to roll around the back of
the neck.
4. To sketch the jacket open or
closed, follow center front line.
Note in this view the far, turned
side armhole is not seen. The
sleeves are drawn in the same
width on both arms.
Working on the
Neck and Shoulders
Working on the
Center-Front Closure
Jacket Open Jacket Closed
Full
Armhole
Hidden
Armhole
1. Collar 2. Full Side 3. Turned Side 4. Sleeves Hidden
Sleeve

Closed Open Draped Off the Shoulder
Cropped
Jacket
Dual-
Function
Vest and
Jacket
Boxy
Jacket
Extra
Featured
Detailing
Jacket

FASHION SKETCHBOOK Drawing Coats
132
Oversized
Collar
Epaulet
Panel
(Yoke)
Button
Tab
Pocket
Flap
Narrow
Column
Shape
Winter-weight
Fabric with Subtle
Contouring to
Keep Hemline from
Looking Too Stiff
or Not Too Soft
Design Features—
Column Shape
Narrow Rectangle
Wider A-line
Coat Shape
Oversized Collar
Epaulet
Panel
Pocket Flap
Button Tab

A. B. C. D.
To emphasize the design and shape of
the garment, a coat can be sketched
closed or open to reveal the outfit
beneath the coat.
A. This coat has been sketched closed
on a subtle pose with just enough
slouch in the hip to swing the coat
open.
B. Here the hip is used to pull the coat
open but only on one side, keeping
the coat’s shape narrow.
C. This wide leg pose flips the coat
open. Notice the hemline has an
elliptical curve as it circles the form,
front to back.
D. To keep the coat’s shape, draw the
coat in two separate units. One side
draped over the body, the other
side falling behind the body.
Cropped
Shrug
Bolero
Bell Boy
Waist
Military
Hoodie
Shorty
Jacket
Blazer
Cardigan
Peacoat
Coat Length to
Full Length

FASHION SKETCHBOOK Jackets and Coats
134
Jackets
Fabric
Weight
Collar
Volume
Sleeve
Width and
Length
• Thicker collar and cuffs
• Deeper, wider armholes
• Center front details
• Hemline in relationship to
waist- or kneeline
Coats
• Chunkier
collars
• Thicker
fabrics
• Wider
sleeves
• Deeper
armholes
• Closure
details
• Sleeve length
and cuffs
• Pockets
• Buttons
and trims
• Hemline
relative to
ankles

Ralph
Lauren
M Missoni Narciso
Rodriguez
TSE Michael
Kors
Chloé

The media mix for this design is gouache and pencil for both of the capsule collections, two
different fabric stories, and the colorways. The posed figures play up the layered silhouettes,
construction details, and color coordinations. Static figures complement the more contemporary
linear shaping and neutral color palette in the alternative collection.
136 FASHION SKETCHBOOK

GUESTG AURETSISTT A: ARTRIASMT: SUNG

The media mix for this design is gouache, pencil, and acrylic or Pro-White (brighter than
gouache whites) on a single sheet of faux woodgrain paper (parchment paper is an alternative
choice). Her inventive figure art emphasizes design silhouette and construction detail. Flats of her
tops are drawn on vellum paper and pinned to pivot on their page.
138 FASHION SKETCHBOOK

GUEST ARTGIUSTE:S CTA ARRMTIESNT: CHEN WU

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