Providing an accurate body for clothing design is essential for creating proportionate and realistic fashion illustrations. Here are professional methods to achieve this:
1. Using a Fashion Illustration Ruler Template
Purpose: Ensures correct 9-10 head proportions for fashion figures.
Steps:
Select a specialized fashion croquis ruler (e.g., Smartbao Fashion Template).
Follow the marked segments (head, shoulders, waist, hips, knees) to sketch the body framework.
Use the template’s dynamic pose guides (walking, standing) for movement.
Best for: Technical flats and structured design sketches.
2. Sketchbook with Mannequin Dotted Outlines
Purpose: Speeds up sketching with pre-printed body guidelines.
Tools:
Fashionary sketchbooks (includes male/female/child templates).
Canson Croquis books (with pose variations).
Steps:
Trace over the dotted outlines to maintain correct proportions.
Adjust clothing silhouettes directly on the pre-drawn body.
Best for: Quick concept drafts and practicing poses.
3. Additional Professional Methods
a) Digital Croquis (Procreate/Photoshop)
Download fashion figure templates or use custom brushes.
Adjust proportions digitally for different styles (e.g., exaggerated haute couture bodies).
b) 3D Body Modeling (CLO3D, Marvelous Designer)
Import 3D avatars to drape and visualize designs in real-time.
c) Dress Form + Draping
Sketch directly on a physical adjustable mannequin covered with muslin.
d) Photo Tracing
Take reference photos of a model/mannequin, then trace outlines in Illustrator.