How to Draw a Suit: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 6 min read

Ever wanted to draw a suit but weren't sure where to start? You're in the right place! This step-by-step guide on how to draw a suit will take you from picking up your pencil to the final stroke. Perfect for beginners, this tutorial will teach you the basics of drawing a suit, and with a little practice, you'll be sketching suits like a pro in no time.

1. Get the Right Tools

Before we dive into how to draw a suit, let's make sure you've got the right tools at your disposal. The right tools can make the difference between a good sketch and a great one. We're going to focus on three key items: your drawing pencils, your paper, and your eraser and blender.

Choosing Your Drawing Pencils

When it comes to sketching a suit, not all pencils are created equal. You'll want a range of pencils for different parts of your sketch. Here's a quick rundown:

H pencils: These are hard pencils, perfect for initial outlines because they make light, erasable marks.
B pencils: These are soft pencils, great for shadowing and adding depth to your suit drawing.

Picking the Right Paper

Next up is choosing the right paper. For beginners, a standard sketch pad will do just fine. It's not too thick or thin, and it holds pencil marks well. As you get more comfortable with how to draw suits, you might want to explore other types of paper such as Bristol board or watercolor paper.

Using an Eraser and Blender

Lastly, let's talk about the eraser and blender. An eraser is not just for correcting mistakes—it's also a tool that can help you create effects in your suit drawing. A kneaded eraser is a good option because it can be shaped to erase small areas without disturbing the rest of your drawing.

As for the blender, it's used to smooth out pencil marks for a more realistic look. You can use a paper blending stick, or if you're in a pinch, a simple Q-tip or your finger will do.

With these tools in hand, you're ready to start learning how to draw a suit. Let's move on to mastering the basic shapes you'll need for your sketch.

2. Learn to Draw Basic Shapes

Now that you have the right tools, it's time to brush up on your basic shapes. Suits may seem complicated, but they can be broken down into simple shapes. We'll focus on three primary shapes: circles (and ovals), squares (and rectangles), and triangles. Mastering these will make learning how to draw a suit much easier.

Drawing Circles and Ovals

You might be wondering, "Where are the circles in a suit?" They're actually quite prevalent when drawing the curves of the lapels and the rounding of the shoulders. Think of it this way: a suit isn't made of rigid lines — it's cloth that drapes and contours the body. Thus, circles and ovals become very important. Start practicing these shapes; they will be your secret weapon when you start sketching the suit.

Mastering Squares and Rectangles

Now let's turn our attention to squares and rectangles. These forms are crucial for sketching the basic structure of the suit, like the jacket's torso and the pant legs. Remember, a suit is tailored to be straight and sharp, so these shapes are perfect for representing that. Practice drawing squares and rectangles of different sizes; this will come in handy when you begin your suit sketch.

Practicing Triangles

Last but not least, let's talk about triangles. Triangles are key when drawing the V-shape of the suit jacket, the folds in the fabric, and even the tie if you choose to add one to your suit drawing. Practice drawing triangles — equilateral, isosceles, and scalene. These shapes will add variety and realism to your suit sketch.

Now that you've got a handle on these basic shapes, you're well on your way to learning how to draw a suit. Next, we'll start with a simple sketch.

3. Start with a Simple Sketch

Now that you're comfortable with your basic shapes, let's move on to the fun part — sketching out your suit! Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, nor is a perfect suit sketch. It's okay if your first few attempts don't look exactly as you'd like; practice makes perfect.

Outlining the Suit

First things first, let's outline the suit. This is where your practice with squares and rectangles will really pay off. Start by sketching the basic structure of the suit jacket and pants. Don't worry about details right now — we're just laying the groundwork. Think of this step as the skeleton of your suit.

Sketching the Details

Once you've got your basic outline, it's time to start adding in the details. This is where your practice with circles, ovals, and triangles comes into play. Use these shapes to sketch out the lapels, pockets, buttons, and folds of the suit. Remember, these details are what make a suit a suit, so take your time with this step.

With your basic sketch complete, you've taken a big step forward in learning how to draw a suit. But we're not done yet — next, we'll learn how to add depth and dimension to your drawing with shading.

4. Add Depth with Shading

Adding shading to your suit drawing is like adding salt to a dish — it brings out all the flavors, or in this case, all the details of your suit. It can be a bit tricky, but once you get the hang of it, you'll see your drawing come to life.

Understanding Light and Shadow

Before you start shading, it's important to understand how light and shadow work. Imagine where your light source is and how it casts shadows on your suit. Is the light coming from above? Then the shadows will be underneath the lapels, the arms, and the folds. Is the light coming from the side? Then one side of your suit will be darker than the other. Understanding this concept is critical when learning how to draw suit shading.

Applying Shading Techniques

Now, it's time to apply this understanding to your drawing. Start by lightly shading the areas that would be in shadow, then gradually darken them as needed. A good tip is to use the side of your pencil for broad strokes and the tip for finer details. Remember to maintain the direction of your strokes consistent with the shape and flow of the fabric. And, don't be afraid to use your eraser to lift off excess graphite and create highlights.

Adding depth with shading is what separates a flat, two-dimensional sketch from a lifelike drawing. But your drawing isn't finished yet. Next, we'll move on to the final step in our guide on how to draw a suit: cleaning up and adding the final touches.

5. Finalize Your Drawing

Alright, you're almost there! The suit has taken shape, the shading has added depth, and now it's time to finalize your drawing. This is like the cherry on top of the cake — a few final touches to make your drawing look polished and complete. Let's dive into it.

Cleaning Up Your Sketch

First things first, let's tidy up. Any extra lines or smudges that made their way into your drawing? Now's the time to get rid of them. Use a kneaded eraser — it's great because you can shape it to fit any size or space, and it doesn't leave any residue. Plus, it's fun to play with when you need a break. Remember, even if you're learning how to draw a suit, you're also learning how to draw clean and neat.

Adding the Final Touches

Now comes the fun part — adding the final touches. Want to add a pocket square or a fancy tie? Go for it. Want to add some texture to the fabric? Try cross-hatching or stippling. How about some shiny buttons? Use your eraser to create highlights. The final touches are your chance to add some personality and style to your suit drawing.

And there you have it! You've just learned how to draw a suit, from the basic shapes to the final touches. But remember, like any skill, drawing takes practice. So, grab your pencils, start drawing, and before you know it, you'll be creating suit drawings that would make even a Savile Row tailor proud.

If you enjoyed our step-by-step guide on how to draw a suit, don't miss the opportunity to learn more about character design with Trey Zimmerman's workshop, 'How to Draw Beautiful Character Designs from Scratch'. This workshop will teach you the essential techniques and skills to create stunning and unique character designs from scratch, perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike.