How to Draw a Long Sleeve Shirt

Fashion drawings commonly depict a model wearing the clothing item.

You can draw a long sleeve shirt accurately, with all its appointments and details. The folds and wrinkles in fabrics create shadows that many artists enjoy trying to recreate in a sketch. The texture of the material comes across to the viewer in the soft or harsh lines used in the drawing. Long sleeve shirts are made in many styles using a variety of materials. Create a drawing of a long sleeve shirt that conveys the feel and cut of the garment.

Things You'll Need

• Mirror or volunteer

Instructions

1. Put on the long sleeve shirt or enlist the help of a volunteer to model the shirt for you. Stand or have the model stand below or beside a single light source so very definite shadows are cast on the folds in the fabric. Use a mirror if you are wearing the shirt yourself.

2. Sketch each front-facing panel of the long sleeve shirt quickly to capture the shape and direction of the folds when the shirt is being worn. You may choose to push up the sleeves or tuck in the hem to create a series of new creases in the fabric. Use the side of the pencil to shade in areas where shadows are cast.

3. Draw a long sleeve shirt that combines the fold and shadow information you gained from modeling the garment. Reference the model or step back in front of the mirror if you find the details of the original quick sketch hard to follow. A long sleeve shirt can be drawn on a human form or alone, depending on the artist's preference.

4. Add detail to the shirt to make it look like a functioning article of clothing. Include pockets, buttons and any visible stitching and embroidery on the shirt. Complete the look by drawing a pattern, cloth texture or other features.

Tips & Warnings

• Color the long sleeve shirt drawing with fine-line markers to avoid hiding the detail in the original sketch.

References

• Mighty Art Demos: How to Draw Fabric Folds by Barbara Bradley
• Fashion Era: Fashion Drawing Tutorial Tips