about fashion > Childrens Fashions
Childrens Fashions
Childrens Body Proportions
Drawing fashions for children can be difficult, they have different proportions and characteristics to adults. Their poses are different, more playful and innocent. Their bodies are less shapely. They are drawn more cartoon-like, and the younger they are, the more rounded their bodies are - with larger heads.
Similarly to the fashion figure for adults, children fashion figures are drawn according to head measurements. This all depends on the age group:
Infants/2-3 years - 4 heads
Small Child/4-6 years - 5 heads
Child/7-10 years - 7 heads
Adolescent/Teen -8 heads
Characteristics throughout the ages:
Babies - Birth - 1 year old:
Head is 1/4 of total height
Body, torso, head, arms and legs have rounded look
Big rounded eyes, dimples on cheeks, knuckles & knees
Drawn in lying down position or propped up
Toddlers - 1-2 years old:
Head still large in relation to body - 4heads high
Still chubby looking, no definition
Extended bellies, still wear diapers
Hardly any difference seen between boys or girls
Face is round & chubby, big cheeks no jawline defined - short neck
Eyes rounded, hardly any definition for eyebrows, small button noses
Hair is beginning to have a little style
Toddlers are beggining to walk, poses drawn with child sitting
Children - 2-3 years old:
4 and a half heads high
Most changes are seen in the legs - drawn straight as they are now able to walk
Arms & legs more shapely, but still chubby
Still have extended tummy
Faces more defined, longer neck, mouth is larger & have teeth
More defined hairstyle, still no difference between girls/boys
4 and a half heads high
Most changes are seen in the legs - drawn straight as they are now able to walk
Arms & legs more shapely, but still chubby
Still have extended tummy
Faces more defined, longer neck, mouth is larger & have teeth
More defined hairstyle, still no difference between girls/boys
4 and a half heads highMost changes are seen in the legs - drawn straight as they are now able to walkArms & legs more shapely, but still chubbyStill have extended tummyFaces more defined, longer neck, mouth is larger & have teethMore defined hairstyle, still no difference between girls/boys4 and a half heads highMost changes are seen in the legs - drawn straight as they are now able to walkArms & legs more shapely, but still chubbyStill have extended tummyFaces more defined, longer neck, mouth is larger & have teethMore defined hairstyle, still no difference between girls/boysChildren 3 years old:
Drawn upright standing in cute poses
Still seemingly awkward
More active in their movements
Clothing more individual and fashionable
Children 4-6 years old:
Five heads high, most growth in leg area
Some body shape changes
Torso losing baby fat, less protruding stomach, still no waistline
Narrower face, eyes less round more almond shaped, eyebrows darken
Nose more defined, more roundness at the tip
Mouth is larger, teeth developed fully
Hair is styled
More distinction between boys and girls, more fashionable clothing
Poses more active and animated, still slightly awkward
Children 7-10:
Illustrations by Lindsey Russell:
7 Heads high
More musculature, still no waist
Extremities become slimmer, knees and elbows apparent
Still rounded cheeks, but losing baby fat
Eyes more shapely, nose still small but becoming stronger with wider bridge, mouth developing
More adult like poses, less cut
e
Tips for drawing kids wear:
Stylising is used to define the age group, and differences between boys and girls
Captivating charm and innocence - draw freckles, knock-knees or large heads/feet
Hairstyles, props and poses define age of child
Most baby girls wear pink, boys wear blue - until two years old
Keep childrens designs whimsical and fun - make use of bright colours and cute prints
Make use of fun themes - cowboys and indians, sailors, farm animals etc
Colours & prints are important, dont use black on young children
When formatting your portfolio for childrenswear - your approach is based on character play or tradition rather than fashionability
Use landscape format - better visual approach for small items
Use childrens books, movies etc for inspiration
On page 6 of the templates, you will find these templates for sale.
