How to Sketch Fashion Designs

Co-authored by Ira Lysa

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

It's easy to sketch something, even if you don't find yourself an artist, if you know the right stuff. Here is some info on sketching the best fashion designs like the designers do.

Steps

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/00\/Sketch-Fashion-Designs-Step-01.jpg\/v4-460px-Sketch-Fashion-Designs-Step-01.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/00\/Sketch-Fashion-Designs-Step-01.jpg\/aid1630707-v4-728px-Sketch-Fashion-Designs-Step-01.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

After a while practicing with those, you'll find that the best technique is light, sketchy-esque penciling to begin with.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/20\/Sketch-Fashion-Designs-Step-02.jpg\/v4-460px-Sketch-Fashion-Designs-Step-02.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/20\/Sketch-Fashion-Designs-Step-02.jpg\/aid1630707-v4-728px-Sketch-Fashion-Designs-Step-02.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

2
Once you get accustomed to the stencils, start drawing without them. Try drawing the bodies first, then drawing the clothes on the body. This helps you draw to scale and makes it easier.
- Colored pencils are the perfect tool for sketching. Color really adds to your designs, even if they are simple. don't forget really different patterns, even if they're only something like navy stripes or a neat Aztec print.
Advertisement
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Sketch-Fashion-Designs-Step-03.jpg\/v4-460px-Sketch-Fashion-Designs-Step-03.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Sketch-Fashion-Designs-Step-03.jpg\/aid1630707-v4-728px-Sketch-Fashion-Designs-Step-03.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

It's nice to have something to keep track of designs in.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c1\/Sketch-Fashion-Designs-Step-04.jpg\/v4-460px-Sketch-Fashion-Designs-Step-04.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c1\/Sketch-Fashion-Designs-Step-04.jpg\/aid1630707-v4-728px-Sketch-Fashion-Designs-Step-04.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Then I just come up with a title and list the articles of clothing on each model.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/21\/Sketch-Fashion-Designs-Step-05.jpg\/v4-460px-Sketch-Fashion-Designs-Step-05.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/21\/Sketch-Fashion-Designs-Step-05.jpg\/aid1630707-v4-728px-Sketch-Fashion-Designs-Step-05.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief, Vogue Magazine

Don't be afraid to take risks. “It is so important for designers not to run scared, and not to be too worried about what's safe and what's commercial.”

Kickstart Your Fashion Design Career with this Expert Series

Have you dreamed of becoming a fashion designer? This expert series will give you everything you need to get started.

1

How to Become a Fashion Designer: Tips, Tricks, & What It Takes to Succeed

2

Become a Fashion Designer at a Young Age

3

Design Clothes

4

Start a Business As a Fashion Designer

5

Design a Clothing Line

6

Prepare a Fashion Design Portfolio

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How do I start sketching fashion designs by hand?

Ira Lysa
Fashion Designer
Ira Lysa is a Fashion Designer based in Hoboken, New Jersey. With over 15 years of industry experience, Ira is the founder of the fashion brand iralysa.com and Ira’s Bridal Studio, a boutique that specializes in bridal wear. She specializes in alterations for suits, dresses, outerwear, and luxury brands.

Ira Lysa

Fashion Designer

Expert Answer

There are two distinct approaches to fashion sketching. The first involves capturing the essence of your vision and conveying mood and desired vibes. This type of sketch is more focused on expressing your creative concept, including color combinations and an overall aesthetic. On the other hand, the second type of sketch is more utilitarian, dedicated to detailing fashion modifications, specific lines, and practical elements like pocket colors. It serves as a working document, providing a blueprint for the execution of your design.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

What if I'm not good at sketching and I lose interest?

Community Answer

If you really love designing and you are interested, then you won't give up and you will keep on trying. The ability takes time and repeated effort before you get it right. Sketching isn't an innate skill, it's a practiced and learned one, so put in the hours to perfect your skill.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 37 Helpful 99
Question

How do I color the dress I have sketched?

Community Answer

The color of your dress depends on what patterns you made, and for what season. For example, during the summer, you would probably color it with light colors.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 44

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

Keep practicing!

Thanks
Helpful 123 Not Helpful 19
For white clothes add a hint of blue to give definition!

Thanks
Helpful 112 Not Helpful 21
Keep organized

Thanks
Helpful 96 Not Helpful 23