Chapter 2 Introduction to the Flat Figure Template

Flat figure template: Tool used in the fashion industry as a reference guide to inform the shape, fit, and proportions in a garment flat.

Flats: Images of a garment laid out flat

Most important thing when drawing flats: Symmetry and attention to details

Readable: The proportions for shape, fit, and construction details in the flat are true and clearly understood in a garment's form and function

Preliminary sketches: Rough drafts, initial sketch for fashion flat

Center front line: Imaginary divide in the middle of the torso

Torso: Chest and hips combined

Neckline and pantyline: Imaginary lines at the base of the neck and end of torso

Princess seam line: Imaginary matching seam lines equidistant from center front line

Shoulder line: Imaginary line across the top of the upper chest

Armhole and bust line apex: Imaginary parallel lines on the upper chest

Waistline and ridge of the hips: Imaginary lines defining the bottom of chest and the start of the hips

The torso-fit lines: Imaginary fit and shape lines for construction on the torso

Croquis: Thumbnail sketches of design collection ideas

Template flats: Can be used for conceptual sketching, but it must be more realistically proportioned than the usual posed fashion design figures.

Separates: Tops and bottoms are also called separates in fashion, they are drawn separately from each other but are often shown together in a presentation of a line of clothing as an outfit or coordinated pieces.

Menswear flats: Have a thicker neck, broader shoulders, narrower hips, and legs that are rarely elongated.

Babies flats: Are often shown in a seated pose in a sketch or lying down