This article was created by the illustrators and manga artists who teach at the illustration and manga school, egaco, based on the knowledge and skills they have honed through commercial production and other work. If you would like to learn more about content that is tailored to what you want to draw, we recommend taking a private lesson at egaco.

When you try to draw clothes, don’t you sometimes get stuck on the collar?

Simple round collars like those on T-shirts are one thing, but three-dimensional collars on shirts and jackets are a little more complicated.

You want to draw school uniforms and suits in a way that makes them look good, don’t you?

To draw the collars of shirts and suits, it’s important to understand the basic structure of the collar.

By learning the shape and construction, you can draw a natural collar that looks good no matter what angle or way it’s worn.

What are the basics to draw collars that match the character and taste

The basics and structure of a shirt’s collar

Let’s take a look at the basic regular collar.

The collar of a shirt is attached to a part called neckband collar, a collar stay is attached to give it shape depending on the collar .

The fabric is firm and thick.

Various types of shirts’ collars

There are various types of collar shapes except for the typical irregular collars.

Regular collars, semi-wide collars with a slightly wider opening, and wide collars can be worn in a wide range of situations from everyday to formal occasions.

If you don’t wear a tie, you can avoid giving a sloppy impression by wearing a button-down collar with buttons on the collar tips to keep the collar from falling down.

When you are in a formal situation or need to dress up, you can also wear a bow tie that goes well with a standing wing collar.

A round collar with its rounded collar tips gives a soft impression, however, it is avoided in business situations.

The basics and structure of suit collars

The lower collar of a suit is called a lapel, and the upper collar is called a collar, and the line between them is called the gorge line.

The top collar has a hole called a flower hole, which is thought to be a remnant of the first button when standing collars were the norm, but now flowers are sometimes placed in this hole at weddings and other events.

Different types of suit collars

The shape of the lapel (lower collar) of a suit changes.

Draw each collar by scene because the impression given by respective shape differs.

• Notched lapel : most orthodox black lapel and is worn for both business and casual occasions.

• Peaked lapel: a pointed collar, often worn in formal occasions, giving an impression of both glamour and strength.
• Clover leaf: a lapel with both the upper and lower collar tips rounded like clover leaves, giving a soft impression. Worn in both business and casual occasions, and also common in women’s suits.
• Shawl collar: the upper and lower collars are connected and there is no gorge line. It gives a refined impression, so it is used for tuxedos and other formal wear.

Let’s learn the procedures to draw collars and the tips

How to draw shirt’s collar

Let’ draw the basic regular collars.

Step 1: Draw two circles for the neckband collar, so that they go around the neck.
Step 2: Draw the collar along the neckband collar so that the button holes comes at the center of the body.

How to draw suit’s collar

Here, we will show you how to draw a notched lapel collar.

Step 1: Draw a line in the center of the body and a X mark where the buttons would be fastened around under the chest.
Step 2: Draw the lines that connect the sides of the shirt collar to the X mark you drew in Step 1 to determine the width of the collar.
Step 3: Draw the upper collar up to the collarbone, and the lower collar from the collarbone to the button.

What are the tips for drawing collars

Important points taught by the instructor

Neckband collar is important for a shirt’s collar

The collar slopes down to the front, so be careful not to make the tentative picture of the neckband collar too flat. When you have finished drawing, check that the height of the left and right collars is the same.

Pay attention to the length of the suit’s collar

Make sure the upper and lower collars are symmetrical and that the upper collar is not too long. If the shirt is buttoned up, try to draw a line that follows the body, rather than a straight line.

Draw it with different ways of wearing outfits and angles

If the buttons are undone, spread out the neckband collar of the shirt

We have introduced how to draw it with the buttons fastened, however, the basic method is the same even if the first or second button is undone.

If the first and below buttons are undone, the neckband collar will gradually spread out.

Pay attention to the center of the body and the angle of the collar to align with the direction of the shoulders and neck.

Also, if there is an angle, make the button an ellipse.

Pay attention to the back of the suit, too

Even if the button is undone, make sure the end of the collar is around the bottom of the chest.

If it has an angle, be conscious of the back of the collar so that it doesn’t look flat.

Draw the collar so that it connects firmly at the back of the neck.

Examples of drawing collars that match the character

The collar of a shirt or suit is particularly important for formal or casual occasions.

As shown in the illustration on the left, if you have a neat character such as a businessman, you should choose a formal collar such as a regular collar or notched lapel.

If the character has a casual, loose look like the one in the middle, you can use a round collar or clover leaf collar to give a softer impression.

If you need to follow a dress code for a ceremony or wedding, you can wear a gorgeous shirt with a wing collar and match it with a jacket with a peaked lapel or shawl collar.

To draw even more attractive characters

we have introduced how to draw the collars of shirts and suits. The clothes are also important for making your characters look more attractive.

If you can learn the tips and tricks in addition to the basic drawing techniques, you will be able to improve quickly.