Velvet evening dress with long sleevesVelvet has a dense pile. Folds go very dark and light catches only the ridges, so shade it the opposite way to satin.
A-line dress drawn as a flatNarrow at the shoulders, wider at the hem: a capital A. Two straight side seams and one gently curved hem.
Accordion-pleated dress caught mid-spinAccordion pleats are tight knife pleats that zigzag close to the hem. Open the zigzag wider where the skirt swings out.
Ball gown with a train spread behindFitted bodice, full skirt, the train trailing on the floor. Satin takes hard white highlights along each fold.
Bodycon dress with stretch folds at the waistA tight dress that hugs the figure, often in stretch fabric. Its folds are short and pull sideways; keep them few.
Cage crinoline with no skirt over itA bell-shaped cage of steel hoops fastened to tape, patented in 1856. Every hoop is an ellipse, wider toward the floor.
Classical tutu seen from the sideTen to twelve layers of stiff tulle jutting straight out from the hip. Side-on it is a thin ellipse with a frilled rim.
Croquis in a dress of your own designA croquis is a quick figure sketch, typically nine heads tall in fashion illustration. Mark nine equal parts first.
Dress form with a tape measure round its neckA dress form is a torso-shaped model used to fit clothes. No head, no arms, pinched in at the waist.
Dress with a high-low hem, seen from the sideA high-low hem is usually short in front and dips behind. Side-on it is a single slanted curve.
Dress with a peplum at the waistA peplum is a short overskirt sewn at the waist. Show it standing away from the hips in three or four flutes.
Dress with a scoop neck and a knife-pleated skirtA scoop neck is a curved U. Knife pleats are all turned to one side, so every fold line leans the same way.
Dress with a square neckline and cap sleevesThree straight edges meet at right angles. A cap sleeve covers only the shoulder and stops above the armpit.
Dress with a sweetheart necklineThe top edge dips in two curves like the top half of a heart. Rule a centre line so both curves match.
Dress with bell sleeves and a keyhole necklineA bell sleeve fits to the elbow, then flares. A keyhole is a small opening at the centre, just below the collarbones.
Dress with gigot sleeves, wide above the elbowA gigot, or leg-of-mutton, sleeve balloons over the upper arm and fits closely from elbow to wrist.
Dress with puff sleeves and a smocked bodiceA puff sleeve is gathered at top and bottom. Smocking is embroidery that gathers cloth so it can stretch.
Empire waist gown with a gathered skirtThe bodice ends just below the bust. From that seam the skirt drops in narrow gathers and skims the body.
Flapper dress with a dropped waistStraight and loose, arms bare, the waistline lowered to the hips. By 1927 skirts ended just under the knee.
Full skirt with a ruffled petticoat showing at the hemTiered, ruffled, stiffened petticoats were popular in the 1950s and 1960s. Let one frilled tier peek out below.
Gown over a bustle, seen from the sideA bustle is padding or a wire frame worn under the back of the skirt, just below the waist. Late 1800s.
Halterneck dress seen from the backThe strap runs from the front round the back of the neck and leaves the upper back bare. Let the tie ends hang.
Little black dress on a hangerA simple black dress for evening or cocktails, often short. Leave thin white lines for seams so it is not a blot.
Maxi dress with its hem at the ankleMaxi has meant an ankle-length, usually informal dress since the late 1960s. One long column, folds only at the hem.
Midi dress with bishop sleevesThe hem hits mid-calf, halfway between knee and ankle. A bishop sleeve is fuller at the bottom and gathered into a cuff.
Mini dress drawn as a flatA mini dress ends above the knee. A flat has no body inside: front view, both sides matching, seams as thin lines.
Off-the-shoulder dress with one wide ruffleThe neckline sits below the shoulders and collarbone. Run the ruffle right round, across both arms.
One-shoulder dress with a diagonal necklineOne edge cuts across the torso diagonally. Rule that diagonal first, then hang every fold from the covered shoulder.
Paper pattern pieces for a dress, laid on clothA pattern is the template a garment's parts are traced from. Add a grainline arrow and notches on the long seams.
Pinafore dress over a striped topSleeveless and worn over a top: a bib, two straps, a skirt. Corduroy is shaded as fine upright ridges called wales.
Princess-line dress with two long curved seamsPrincess seams curve from the shoulder or armhole over the bust to the hem, so the dress needs no waist seam.
Romantic tutu, soft and bell-shapedIt reaches the calf or ankle. Layer see-through bells of tulle and shade darker where the layers overlap.
Sheath dress nipped at the waistFitted and straight, with no waist seam, so long darts do the shaping. Draw each dart as one thin vertical line.
Shift dress with a boat neckCloth hangs straight from the shoulders, shaped by two bust darts. The neckline runs high and wide past the collarbones.
Shirtdress with a belt and cuffed sleevesCollar, button front and cuffs borrowed from a shirt. Crisp cotton makes few folds, all of them sharp at the belt.
Slip dress on spaghetti strapsTraditionally cut on the bias, so it hangs close and ripples at the hem. Two thin straps and a lace edge.
Sundress with thin shoulder strapsA sleeveless bodice, a wide neckline and a loose skirt. For gingham, bend the checks wherever the cloth folds.
Three hem lengths side by side: mini, midi, maxiMini ends above the knee, midi at mid-calf, maxi at the ankle. Draw one dress three times and move only the hem.
Tiered dress with three ruffled tiersEach tier is gathered onto the one above, so each is wider. Drop short fold lines from every seam, then wave the hem.
Trapeze dress flaring from the shouldersIt flares out from a fitted shoulder line and ignores the waist. Draw a tall triangle, then curve the hem.
Velvet evening dress with long sleevesVelvet has a dense pile. Folds go very dark and light catches only the ridges, so shade it the opposite way to satin.
White wedding dress with a veil and a trainWhite gained popularity after Queen Victoria's wedding in 1840. Draw the veil as a pale layer over what lies behind.
Wrap dress tied at the side waistOne side crosses over the other and makes a V neck. Fan the folds out from the tie; jersey falls in long soft curves.
Shoes and boots 14
Ballet flats seen from aboveVery thin heel or none, styled after a dancer's shoe. From above each is a rounded slot shape, toes slightly apart.
Chelsea boot with elastic side panelsAnkle height, low heel, no laces, often a pull tab at the back. Rib the elastic panel with close upright lines.
Cowboy boot with decorative stitchingHigh shaft, no laces, a stacked leather heel, the toe rounded to pointed. Curve the stitch pattern round the shaft.
Espadrilles with rope solesCanvas uppers on soles of esparto rope, today often jute. Draw the rope edge as a band of short slanted strokes.
Flip-flops kicked off on sandA flat sole and a Y-shaped strap that runs between the big toe and the next. Turn one of the pair upside down.
Full brogue with a wingtip toe capA pointed toe cap with wings running back along both sides, its edges serrated and punched. Space the holes evenly.
High-top sneakers with loose laces, side viewA high-top reaches slightly over the ankle. Two rows of eyelets, a toe cap, a flat sole; canvas creases at the toes.
Mary Jane shoes with a buckled strapA closed, low-cut shoe with a strap across the instep and a broad round toe. Patent leather needs one white glint.
Oxford and Derby shoes side by sideOxford eyelet tabs are stitched under the vamp (closed lacing). Derby tabs sit on top and open like flaps.
Platform boots with a chunky soleA platform sole is thick all the way along, usually 5 to 10 cm. Block it in as one solid slab before the boot.
Pointe shoes with ribbons trailingThe stiff box ends in a flat platform for balancing on. Most are covered in satin, with ribbons and a V or round throat.
Stiletto court shoe in three-quarter viewA low-cut front on a long, thin heel. The sole is one S curve from heel tip to toe; patent leather glints hard.
Wedge sandal seen from the sideOne wedge of material is both sole and heel, so no gap shows under the arch. A long triangle with a rounded toe.
Wellington boots standing in a puddleWaterproof rubber: smooth, with one soft highlight down the shin. Add the reflection upside down in the water.
Shirts and tops 12
Aloha shirt with the print matched at the pocketCollared, buttoned, short-sleeved, worn untucked. The left chest pocket is often cut so the print carries straight on.
Aran jumper with cable patternsTraditionally off-white, with cables on the body and sleeves. Build each cable as a rope of overlapping S shapes.
Breton striped shirt, the marinièreA genuine one has twenty navy stripes front and back, 10 mm wide and 20 mm apart. Curve them round the body.
Button-up shirt with the collar openCollar, a full-length button front, cuffs. Woven cotton makes angular folds, most of them at the elbows.
Cardigan with one button done upKnitted, open at the front and worn like a jacket. Soft wool sags, so let the hem dip and the button band ripple.
Hoodie with the hood downA kangaroo pocket on the lower front and a drawstring at the hood. Thick cloth makes few folds, all of them rounded.
Plaid shirt worn open over a T-shirtPlaid is tartan: crossing horizontal and vertical bands. Rule the bands flat first, then bend them over every fold.
Poet shirt with full bishop sleevesA loose blouse with frills at the front and cuffs and a laced V neck. The sleeve balloons, then gathers at the wrist.
Polo shirt beside a HenleyBoth have a short buttoned placket. The polo has a collar and the Henley has none: that is the whole difference.
Raglan-sleeve baseball topThe sleeve runs in one piece to the collar, so a seam slants from underarm to collarbone. Contrast the sleeves.
T-shirt with your own print, drawn flatNamed for its T shape. Crew neck, two short sleeves, a straight hem; design the print to sit on the chest.
Turtleneck jumper with the collar folded overA snug collar, folded over, that covers the neck. Rib it with short lines that follow the tube round.
Jackets and coats 12
Blazer with notched lapelsNotched, peaked and shawl are the three lapel shapes. The notch is a small V where collar meets lapel. Metal buttons.
Bomber jacket with snug cuffs and waistA zip front, with the body cinched at the wrists and waist. The cloth puffs out just above each tight band.
Cape fastened at the neckSleeveless, hanging loose from the neck or shoulders over the back and arms. It falls as a cone with a wavy hem.
Denim jacket covered in sewn-on patchesTwo chest pockets, welt hand pockets below, a button front. Denim is a twill, so hint at fine diagonal ribbing.
Duffel coat with toggle fasteningsWooden or horn toggles on rope or leather loops, two patch pockets, a big hood. Thick wool folds stiffly and rarely.
Leather motorcycle jacket, zipped halfwaySubstantial zips, a higher collar, a back cut longer than the front. Leather creases into broad, hard highlights.
Letter jacket with your own initialWool body, leather sleeves, banded wrists, collar and waistband, a chenille letter on the left chest. Invent the letter.
Parka with a fur-lined hoodA hooded cold-weather coat, often reaching the thighs or knees. Draw the fur as short flicks, never a hard outline.
Pea coat with the collar turned upShort and double-breasted, with broad lapels and big buttons in two rows. Heavy navy wool: shade dark, edges soft.
Puffer jacket in quilted sectionsA quilted jacket filled with down. Draw it as a stack of soft tubes: every stitch line pinches, every section bulges.
Raincoat with raindrops beading on itA waterproof coat, sometimes hooded. Keep the surface smooth, then add drops: a dot, a highlight and a tiny shadow.
Trench coat belted at the waistDouble-breasted, ten front buttons, a storm flap, wide lapels, buckled cuff straps. Knot the belt, skip the buckle.
Skirts and trousers 12
Accordion-pleated skirt mid-swirlTight pleats that zigzag near the hem and let the skirt expand as it moves. Fan every line from the waistband.
Bell-bottoms swinging mid-strideThey widen from the knee down into a bell. Each hem is an ellipse, and the two tilt opposite ways as the legs swing.
Bermuda shorts with a cuffed hemThe hem sits about an inch above the knee and may be cuffed. Two short tubes; keep the fabric smooth and suit-like.
Bib overalls with one strap undoneTrousers that have a bib and shoulder straps, first made of denim. Let the loose corner of the bib flop forward.
Cargo trousers with one pocket stuffed fullLoose cut, large utility pockets. A cargo pocket is a patch pocket, often bellowed, closed with a flap. Bulge one.
Corduroy trousers bent at the kneeCorduroy has raised vertical ridges called wales. Draw them as close parallel lines that swerve round the knee.
Five-pocket jeans drawn as a flatTwo front pockets, a small watch pocket, two back pockets, copper rivets at the pocket corners. Stitch every seam.
Layered tulle skirt, lit from behindTulle is fine netting with hexagonal holes, often starched stiff. Layers turn see-through, darker where they stack.
Palazzo trousers caught by a breezeA loose leg, extremely wide, flaring from the waist. Treat each leg as a long skirt with full-length folds.
Pencil skirt drawn as a flatSlim, straight and narrow, the hem at or just below the knee. It has, as a rule, a back vent so the wearer can walk.
Pleated skirt in knife pleatsKnife pleats all face one way; box pleats are two knife pleats back to back. Pressed pleats make a saw-edged hem.
Poodle skirt with your own appliqueA wide felt swing skirt in one solid colour with a design applied: first a poodle, later flamingoes, flowers, hot rods.
Traditional dress 12
Ao dai with its long split tunicA long split tunic over silk trousers. Let one panel lift in the wind so the trousers show underneath.
Cheongsam with frog fastenersStanding collar, an opening that crosses to the right side, two side slits, knotted frog fasteners. Close-fitting.
Dirndl with blouse, bodice and apronA close bodice, a blouse under it, a full high-waist skirt with an apron on top. Four layers, so show four edges.
Geta sandals on two wooden teethA flat wooden base, a V-shaped cloth thong between the big and second toes, and most often two teeth underneath.
Hanbok with jeogori top and chima skirtThe jeogori ties with fabric strings called goreum. Draw the chima as one full bell with long, unbroken folds.
Haori worn open over a kimonoA jacket like a shortened kimono whose front panels do not overlap. Two short cords, the haori himo, tie it in front.
Kaftan worn with a sashA long robe or tunic, here belted with a sash. The big flat shapes leave room for a border pattern of your own.
Kilt with a kilt pin on the front apronFlat overlapping aprons in front, the sides and back heavily pleated. The pin sits on the free corner of the apron.
Kimono tied with a wide obiA rectangular body and square sleeves, wrapped left side over right. The obi is a broad flat sash, so keep folds few.
Poncho laid out flat, then wornAt its simplest, one big sheet of cloth with a hole in the centre for the head. Worn, it drapes as a cone.
Sari draped in the Nivi styleOne unstitched length of cloth, 4.5 to 9 yards long: one end at the waist, the other over a shoulder. Follow its border.
Sarong wrapped and tucked at the waistA large tube or length of fabric wrapped round the waist, often batik or ikat dyed. Folds fan out from the tuck.
How it works
These dress drawing ideas name the garment and its cut: a wrap dress, a sheath, an Empire waist gown. The page opens on the 42 dresses. Choose Any clothing for all 104 garments, shoes and coats included. Each hint lists the parts that make it that garment (a dart, a placket, a storm flap), checked against Wikipedia.
Read the full guide
Outline first, then the named parts
Get the outline right and the dress is half drawn. An A-line is a capital A. A sheath has no waist seam, so darts do the shaping. Dresses and gowns holds 42 dress sketch ideas, each naming the seam or neckline that identifies the cut. Draw it flat first, as if laid on a table, then on a figure: a fashion croquis is typically nine heads tall.
Shoes, shirts and coats have their own groups
Shoes and boots has 14 shoe drawing ideas, from Flip-flops kicked off on sand to a Full brogue with a wingtip toe cap. Shirts and tops has 12 shirt drawing ideas, among them Polo shirt beside a Henley: one collar apart. Clothing and level combine: Dresses and gowns plus Hard holds eight, from a ball gown with a train to a cage crinoline with no skirt over it.
Shade the fabric, not the garment. Satin takes hard white highlights, velvet goes dark in the folds, denim shows a diagonal rib.
Folds start where cloth is held: a belt, a knot, a bent elbow. Fan the lines out from there and stop them short.
Draw a shoe from the side first: a wedge, a heel block and a toe curve. Two minutes on the timer is enough.
Questions and answers
Which dress should I draw first?
A-line dress drawn as a flat is two side seams and a curved hem, and Dress with a sweetheart neckline asks only for two matching curves. A flat is easier than a figure: there is no body underneath to get wrong. Fourteen of the 42 dresses are in Easy.
What is the difference between a mini, a midi and a maxi?
Only the hem. A mini ends above the knee, a midi at mid-calf and a maxi at the ankle. Three hem lengths side by side: mini, midi, maxi has you draw one dress three times and move nothing else, which shows how far a hemline changes the proportions of the same figure.
How should I approach the Traditional dress group?
Start from the construction the hints give: a kimono wraps left side over right, and a sari is one unstitched length of cloth. Then study photographs of the garment being worn, and draw it as clothing, never as a costume.