How To Design Lingerie
Where To Start.
If you have decided to design your own lingerie collection, or have even a single design, you need to decide whether you are also going to make the pattern and sew the garments yourself.
If you are intending to employ someone to make the pattern and sew the sample, then you will need to be able to clearly communicate exactly what you want, using a technical sketch, along with detailed making instructions. In the fashion industry, this information is supplied through a Tech Pack.
Even if you will be making the pattern and sewing the garment yourself, producing a technical sketch and a tech pack would still be a useful exercise in order to ensure that you fully understand how your design is constructed.
For this you will need to understand how lingerie is made – The construction techniques and machinery that is required to make to an acceptable standard.
If you already have a good understanding of how lingerie is made, then this should be straight forward. Otherwise you will have to find out, either by doing your own extensive research, or by taking part in lingerie classes.
Lingerie classes are by far the easiest and more cost effective route. We have a number of excellent lingerie tutors available for this purpose.
Using Reference Garments.
For any budding lingerie designer it is extremely useful to gather together a collection of reference garments. These not only provide inspiration, but can be used to determine fit, fabrics, trims and construction methods.
The best reference garments are in the base size that you want to make, in a reputable specialist brand for your market. You know that you can trust that a reputable brand has perfected their shapes and sizing, specifically for the market you are aiming at.
Create A Mood Board.
Designers love to use mood boards, or story boards, in order to collect together various bits and pieces for inspiration in one place. Use a mood board to attach anything that inspires you for your lingerie designs – Styles, fabrics, colours, textures, trims, images, etc.
A mood board is a collage of images and objects. It can be virtual or physical.
Technical Sketches.
A technical sketch, fashion flat, or technical flat, is a technical sketch of your garment, used by a pattern cutter or sewing machinist to create your design.
In order for a pattern cutter to create your pattern they need to understand exactly what you want. For this you need to give them as much information as you can. A technical sketch is the best way to do this.
A technical sketch can be created by hand, or by computer program such as Adobe Illustrator. Unlike a general fashion sketch, it does need to be in proportion, but does need to be accurate.
Lingerie Design.
Lingerie design is a very niche sector within fashion. Some people want to design and make their own lingerie, or to produce one off bespoke pieces just for fun. Others are interested in starting a small lingerie design business.
It is not easy knowing where to start if you have no experience of designing or making lingerie. Most people have no idea how lingerie is constructed, and would not be able to produce a technically accurate sketch.
We also run bra making classes and workshops, either face to face, or online.
How Do You Become A Lingerie Designer ?
You dont need any formal education or qualifications to become a lingerie designer. You just need a passion for designing lingerie, and some ideas. You can easily learn how to do the rest. Dont worry if you cant draw. We can teach you.
Lingerie Design Workshops For Beginners.
We provide a one-to-one lingerie design workshop, either face to face in London, or a live online workshop via Zoom. These workshops are run by one of our lingerie experts.
Just bring us your ideas and we will help you bring them to life. In the workshop we will:-
- Critique your designs.
- Advise you on the designs practicality.
- Suggest fabrics and trims.
- Help you with providing technical sketches.
- Show you how to design a tech pack.
- Assist in sourcing fabrics and trims.
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