5 Easy Steps to Draw Shirts with Collars

How to Draw Shirts with Collars

Featured Image: [Image of a person in a collared shirt]

Fashion enthusiasts, aspiring designers, and anyone looking to elevate their drawing skills, come hither! Embark on a captivating journey as we delve into the intricacies of sketching shirts with collars. From crisp dress shirts to cozy turtlenecks, collars add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any ensemble. In this comprehensive guide, we will unveil the secrets to capturing the nuances and details of these wardrobe staples with finesse.

Whether you’re a novice artist or a seasoned pro, our step-by-step instructions and expert tips will guide you through the process with ease. We’ll start with the basics, laying the foundation for creating accurate proportions and angles. Then, we’ll tackle the collar itself, exploring various styles and techniques to achieve a realistic and visually appealing result. Along the way, we’ll share valuable insights into shading, texture, and perspective, empowering you to bring your sketches to life. So, grab your pencils, sharpen your creativity, and prepare to master the art of drawing shirts with collars!

As we delve deeper into this fascinating topic, we’ll uncover the intricacies of different collar types. From classic point collars and elegant wing collars to cozy turtlenecks and trendy mandarin collars, each style presents unique challenges and opportunities for artistic expression. We’ll explore the nuances of each design, providing you with the tools and techniques to capture their distinctive characteristics. Whether you’re sketching a formal business attire or a casual weekend outfit, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills to depict collars with accuracy and flair.

Sketching the Basic Shape

Step 1: Outline the Top and Shoulders

Begin by drawing a curved line to represent the neckline. Determine the width of the shoulders and sketch two diagonal lines extending from the neckline. The angle and length of these lines will affect the overall shape of the collar.

Step 2: Add the Collar Perimeter

Draw two parallel lines extending upwards from the neckline, forming the sides of the collar. The height of the collar will vary depending on the style and preference. Connect the ends of the parallel lines with a curved line, creating a smooth arc that forms the top of the collar.

Step 3: Refine the Neckline and Collar

Draw a curve connecting the base of the collar to the shoulders, forming the neckline. Adjust the curves of the collar and neckline to create the desired shape. Pay attention to the thickness and angle of the collar, as these details can enhance the overall look.

Step 4: Draw the Armscyes

To create the armscyes where the sleeves will attach, draw two curves extending down from the shoulders. Start the curves at a slight angle and then gradually widen them. The size and shape of the armscyes will depend on the style of the shirt and the desired fit.

Step 5: Sketch the Body

Complete the basic shape of the shirt by sketching the body. Draw a series of lines that outline the torso, waist, and hips. The length and proportion of the body will vary depending on the style and size of the shirt.

Refining the Collar Shape

Once you have the basic shape of the collar down, you can start to refine it to create different looks. Here are a few tips:

Understanding Collar Anatomy

Collar Part	Description
Collar Stand	Upright part of the collar that sits against the neck.
Collar Band	Lower part of the collar that attaches to the shirt.
Collar Point	The tips of the collar.

Customizing the Collar Shape

The height and width of the collar stand and band, as well as the angle and length of the collar points, all contribute to the overall shape of the collar. Experiment with different combinations to create the desired effect. For example, a higher collar stand will give a more formal look, while a wider collar band will create a more relaxed style. Longer collar points will add a touch of elegance, while shorter points will result in a more casual appearance.

Adding Details

Once you have the basic shape of the collar, you can add details to enhance its appearance. Some common details include:

Buttonholes
Collar stays
Topstitching
Embroidery

The type and placement of these details can further personalize the collar and make it a unique expression of your style.

Drawing the Collar Details

The collar is one of the most important details of a shirt, and it can be a great way to add personality and style to your outfit. There are many different types of collars, each with its own unique look and feel. In this section, we will show you how to draw three of the most common types of collars: the button-down collar, the spread collar, and the wingtip collar.

Button-Down Collar

The button-down collar is a classic collar style that is perfect for casual or formal wear. It is characterized by its buttoned-down points, which keep it in place and prevent it from flapping around in the wind. To draw a button-down collar, follow these steps:

Start by drawing a straight line for the top of the collar. The length of the line will determine the width of the collar.
Next, draw two curved lines for the sides of the collar. The curves should be gentle and should meet the top line at a point.
Draw two small circles for the buttons. The buttons should be placed on either side of the collar, about halfway down the sides.
Finally, draw two short lines for the buttonholes. The buttonholes should be placed on the underside of the collar, directly opposite the buttons.

Spread Collar

The spread collar is a wide, open collar that is perfect for formal occasions. It is characterized by its wide spread between the collar points. To draw a spread collar, follow these steps:

Start by drawing a straight line for the top of the collar. The length of the line will determine the width of the collar.
Next, draw two curved lines for the sides of the collar. The curves should be gentle and should meet the top line at a point.
Draw two small circles for the buttons. The buttons should be placed on either side of the collar, about halfway down the sides.
Finally, draw two short lines for the buttonholes. The buttonholes should be placed on the underside of the collar, directly opposite the buttons.

Wingtip Collar

The wingtip collar is a dramatic collar style that is perfect for special occasions. It is characterized by its long, pointed collar points that extend beyond the shoulders. To draw a wingtip collar, follow these steps:

Start by drawing a straight line for the top of the collar. The length of the line will determine the width of the collar.
Next, draw two curved lines for the sides of the collar. The curves should be gentle and should meet the top line at a point.
Draw two small circles for the buttons. The buttons should be placed on either side of the collar, about halfway down the sides.
Finally, draw two long, pointed lines for the collar points. The collar points should extend beyond the shoulders and should meet at a point.

Collar Type	Description
Button-Down Collar	A classic collar style that is perfect for casual or formal wear. It is characterized by its buttoned-down points, which keep it in place and prevent it from flapping around in the wind.
Spread Collar	A wide, open collar that is perfect for formal occasions. It is characterized by its wide spread between the collar points.
Wingtip Collar	A dramatic collar style that is perfect for special occasions. It is characterized by its long, pointed collar points that extend beyond the shoulders.

Adding the Shoulders

1. Draw a small curved line from the top of each neckline. These lines should be slightly angled toward the center of the shirt.

2. Draw another curved line from the end of each previous line, extending it outward and slightly downward. These lines will form the shoulders.

3. Connect the ends of the shoulder lines with a straight line. This will create the back of the shirt.

4. Draw two small lines perpendicular to the back of the shirt, extending from the shoulder lines. These lines will form the collar.

**Collar Styles**

Style	Diagram
Standard Collar
Button-Down Collar
Spread Collar
Wingtip Collar

5. Draw a small curved line from the end of each collar line, extending it outward and slightly downward. These lines will form the bottom of the collar.

6. Draw a small curved line from the end of each bottom collar line, connecting it to the back of the shirt. This will complete the collar.

Connecting the Sleeves

Once the sleeves are drawn, it’s time to connect them to the body of the shirt. Follow these steps for a seamless connection:

1. Align the Sleeve and Body

Position the sleeve on top of the body, making sure the shoulder point of the sleeve aligns with the shoulder point on the body.

2. Create a Notch

Mark a small notch where the seam line of the sleeve meets the shoulder seam of the body. This notch will help you align the fabric later.

3. Pin and Sew

Pin the sleeve to the body along the seam line, starting at the notch and working towards the armpit. Use a small stitch length to ensure a secure connection.

4. Ease the Fabric

As you sew the sleeve, gently ease the fabric around the armpit to create a smooth curve. This will prevent puckering or bunching.

5. Finishing Touches

Once the sleeve is sewn in place, check for any gaps or uneven stitching. If necessary, make adjustments by resewing or using a seam ripper to remove excess stitches.

Here’s a table summarizing the steps:

Step	Description
1	Align the sleeve and body
2	Create a notch
3	Pin and sew
4	Ease the fabric
5	Finishing touches

Sketching the Sleeves

The next step in drawing a shirt with a collar is to sketch the sleeves. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:

Determine the sleeve type: First, decide on the type of sleeves you want to draw. Options include short sleeves, elbow-length sleeves, 3/4 sleeves, and long sleeves.
Sketch the shoulder line: Draw a curved line from the neckline to the edge of the shoulder where the sleeve will begin.
Draw the sleeve outline: Sketch the outline of the sleeve, following the shape of the chosen sleeve type. For example, for short sleeves, draw a short curve from the shoulder line to the elbow, and then add a straight line to the wrist.
Add the sleeve details: Draw the seam lines of the sleeve, any pleats or gathers, and any cuffs or embellishments.
Sketch the sleeve opening: Draw a curved line at the end of the sleeve to represent the opening where the arm will go through.
Refine the shape: Use smooth, flowing lines to refine the shape of the sleeves, making sure they connect seamlessly with the shoulder line and the body of the shirt.

Tip: Use light, quick strokes when sketching the sleeves to avoid making any permanent mistakes. You can always erase and redraw if needed.

Adding Cuffs and Buttons

To draw a shirt with cuffs, start by sketching the outline of the sleeve. Then, draw a curved line to indicate the start of the cuff. Next, draw two parallel lines to form the edge of the cuff. Finally, add details like buttons and buttonholes.

To draw buttons, start by sketching a circle. Then, add two or three lines to indicate the buttonholes. Finally, shade in the button to give it dimension.

Cuff Style	Button Style
French Cuff	Rounded
Barrel Cuff	Square
Convertible Cuff	Hidden

Here are some additional tips for drawing shirts with collars and cuffs:

Pay attention to the proportion of the collar and cuffs to the shirt.
Draw the collar and cuffs with smooth, even lines.
Add details like buttons and buttonholes to give the shirt a more realistic look.
Experiment with different cuff and collar styles to create different looks.

Completing the Hemline

Once the collar and cuffs are complete, you can finish the hemline of the shirt. Here’s a detailed guide:

Fold the bottom edge of the shirt up by 1/2 inch (1.25 cm). Press the fold with an iron to create a crease.
Fold the edge up again by 1/2 inch (1.25 cm), aligning the raw edge with the first fold. Press the fold again.
Stitch the hem in place about 1/8 inch (3 mm) from the folded edge. You can use a sewing machine or hand-sew the hem.
Turn the shirt right side out and press the hem to give it a professional finish.
**Fold the side seams of the shirt up by 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) and press.** This will help to stabilize the seams and prevent them from fraying.
**Stitch the side seams in place** about 1/4 inch (6 mm) from the folded edge.
**Fold the sleeves up by 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) and press.** This will create a cuff at the end of the sleeve.
**Fold the cuff up again by 1/2 inch (1.25 cm)** and press the fold. Align the raw edge with the first fold.
Stitch the cuff in place about 1/8 inch (3 mm) from the folded edge, using a sewing machine or hand-sewing.
**Turn the shirt and sleeves right side out and press to give them a professional finish.**

Ink and Shade the Shirt

Now that you have the basic outline of your shirt, it’s time to add some depth and detail with ink and shading. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve a realistic-looking shirt:

Start with the Collar: Begin by drawing the line-of-action for the collar, then sketch the outline of the collar around it. Use a light touch and don’t worry about making it perfect at this stage.
Outline the Shoulders: From the top of the collar, draw two curved lines that extend down to the shoulders. These lines will represent the outer edges of the shoulders.
Add Some Wrinkles: To make the shirt look more realistic, add some wrinkles to the collar and shoulders. Use short, curved lines that follow the natural folds of the fabric.
Draw the Sleeves: From the shoulders, draw two lines that extend down to the elbows. These lines will represent the outer edges of the sleeves.
Add Details to the Sleeves: Draw in any details that you want to add to the sleeves, such as cuffs or buttons.
Outline the Body: From the elbows, draw two lines that extend down to the waist. These lines will represent the outer edges of the body of the shirt.
Add the Hem: From the waist, draw a curved line that represents the hem of the shirt.
Ink the Shirt: Once you’re happy with the outline, ink in the shirt using a black or dark-colored pen. Use a light touch and vary the pressure to create different shades and textures.
Shade the Shirt: To add depth and realism, use a pencil or charcoal to shade the shirt. Use a light touch and blend the shading smoothly to create a gradual transition between light and dark areas.

Final Touches and Details

Now that you have the basic shape of your shirt, it’s time to add the final touches and details that will make it look realistic.

1. Collar

The collar is one of the most important details on a shirt. It can make or break the entire look of the garment. There are many different types of collars, so you’ll need to choose one that suits your style.

To draw a collar, start by drawing a curved line for the top of the collar. Then, draw two straight lines down from the ends of the curved line to create the sides of the collar. Finally, draw a curved line at the bottom of the collar to connect the two sides.

Here are a few tips for drawing different types of collars:

For a pointed collar, make the top of the collar a sharp V-shape.
For a rounded collar, make the top of the collar a gentle curve.
For a wing collar, make the sides of the collar wide and flared.

2. Buttons

Buttons are another important detail on a shirt. They can be used to fasten the shirt, or they can simply be decorative.

To draw a button, start by drawing a small circle. Then, draw two small lines inside the circle to create the holes for the thread. Finally, draw a small dot in the center of the button to create the buttonhole.

Here are a few tips for drawing different types of buttons:

For a round button, make the circle perfect.
For a square button, make the circle slightly oblong.
For a button with a design, draw the design inside the circle.

3. Pockets

Pockets are a great way to add functionality and style to a shirt. They can be placed on the chest, the sides, or the back of the shirt.

To draw a pocket, start by drawing a rectangle. Then, draw two small lines at the top of the rectangle to create the pocket opening. Finally, draw a small line at the bottom of the pocket to create the pocket flap.

Here are a few tips for drawing different types of pockets:

For a chest pocket, make the rectangle small and narrow.
For a side pocket, make the rectangle larger and wider.
For a back pocket, make the rectangle even larger and wider.

How To Draw Shirts With Collars

Drawing shirts with collars can be a bit tricky, but with a little practice, you’ll be able to master it. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Start by drawing a basic outline of the shirt. This will help you to get the proportions right.
Next, add the collar. The collar should be about 1 inch wide and 2 inches long.
Once you have the collar in place, you can add the rest of the details, such as the buttons, pockets, and sleeves.
Finally, color in your shirt and add any other details you want.