11 types of shirts to learn in pattern making 

Summary 

• Shirts are the foundation of any versatile and timeless wardrobe.
• They adapt to different styles, occasions, and collections with ease.
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Every pattern maker knows that mastering shirt designs is key. These garments are not only practical but also offer countless possibilities for creativity and customization. 

Learning how to draft different types of shirts means expanding your technical knowledge. In addition, you gain the ability to design pieces that truly stand out. 

In the next lines, we’ll explore 11 types of shirts to learn in pattern making. We’ll talk about their unique features and why they’re essential for any professional who wants to grow. 

Happy reading! 

Why should you know the main types of shirts? 

For a pattern maker, knowing the main types of shirts is more than useful: it’s essential. They are timeless, versatile, and always present in both men’s and women’s wardrobes. 

Each design has unique details that change how the garment looks and fits. When you understand the differences between shirt styles, you can create patterns that match customer expectations. 

For example, some consumers prefer a classic and formal look. Meanwhile, others want something more modern or relaxed. By knowing the key models, you can adapt your work to different markets and collections with confidence. 

11 most popular types of shirts among consumers 

To master all types of shirts, it’s important to start with the main ones. If you know these well, you’ll have a solid foundation to understand the subject. 

Check out the list we’ve put together of the 11 most popular among consumers: 

1) Classic fit dress shirt 

The classic fit dress shirt is the most traditional style. It has a straight cut, which gives the body more space and comfort. This type of shirt is a popular choice for business and formal occasions because of its timeless look. 

This is because its relaxed fit makes it easier to move and wear for long hours. It doesn’t follow the body shape closely, which makes it suitable for many body types. 

Classic fit shirts also allow room for layering. People can wear it with a jacket, tie, or even under a sweater. Because of their versatility, they remain a wardrobe essential across generations. 

Learn more: Step-by-step to create a shirt pattern on the computer 

2) Slim fit dress shirt

The slim fit dress shirt has a narrower cut. It follows the shape of the body more closely, especially around the chest and waist. 

Unlike the classic fit, the slim fit gives a sharper and more tailored look. It often goes without a tie or jacket for a stylish appearance. That’s why it’s a favorite choice for younger consumers and modern fashion collections. 

When creating a slim fit shirt, pattern makers need to pay attention to ease. Too tight, and it limits movement; too loose, and it loses the desired effect. 

It’s also important to notice that this type of shirt is best made with fabrics that offer comfort and slight flexibility. 

3) Tailored fit dress shirt 

This is a middle ground between classic and slim. It follows the body, but with more room than a slim fit. 

It’s a good choice for professionals who want comfort and style at the same time. The reason is that tailored fit works well in office environments and formal events, making it highly versatile. 

For pattern makers, the tailored fit requires precision. The cut should shape the body naturally while still allowing ease of movement. 

Learn more: How versatile clothing creates collections customers love 

4) Spread collar shirt

The spread collar shirt is famous for its wide collar points. This design creates space for larger tie knots, making it a stylish choice for formal looks. Because of its bold shape, it works well for men who want a modern and confident appearance. 

Pattern makers need to ensure the collar stands properly and maintains structure. 

5) Point collar shirt 

The point collar is the most common collar style worldwide. Its collar points are close together, giving the shirt a clean and balanced look. 

This style is highly versatile. Consumers can wear it with or without a tie, making it perfect for both business and casual settings. 

Learn more: 7 collar types every pattern maker should master 

6) Cutaway collar shirt 

The cutaway collar has very wide points that angle outward. You can pair it with a tie, but also wear it open for a stylish touch. 

This collar type makes a strong statement, you can usually see it in high fashion or luxury collections. But attention: you must carefully plan the structure in the pattern to keep the collar shape sharp. 

7) Button-down collar shirt

The button-down collar shirt has small buttons that fasten the collar tips to the shirt. It was first designed for sports, but later became a casual and business-casual favorite. 

This style gives a relaxed yet neat appearance. It is perfect for people who like a polished look without being too formal. Because of this balance, it becomes a semi-formal option, working well both at the office and in more relaxed settings. 

As a pattern maker, you should pay attention to button placement to keep the collar balanced. 

8) Tuxedo shirt 

This is a special design for black-tie events. It usually comes with pleated or textured fronts and it goes with a bow tie. 

It is the most formal shirt option. Because of its details, this style requires precise construction and high-quality fabrics to achieve an elegant finish. 

Tuxedo shirts are timeless, but they are not as widely used as other types. Still, they are an essential part of formal fashion and it’s an important design to learn how to develop.

Ready to transform your pattern making process? Learn how to streamline your workflow with digital solutions. Download our free guide now!

9) French cuff shirt 

The French cuff shirt stands out because it uses cufflinks instead of buttons. The cuffs are folded back and fastened, giving the shirt a sophisticated touch. 

This style is ideal for formal occasions. For pattern makers, cuff proportion and symmetry are crucial to achieve the right look. 

Learn more: 9 types of cuffs to know before starting your pattern 

10) Mandarin collar shirt 

This type of shirt has a short, stand-up collar with no fold. Its design comes from traditional Asian clothing and gives a modern, minimalist vibe. 

It works well for both casual and formal collections, depending on the fabric and finish. The style is especially popular among consumers who want something different from the standard collar shirt. 

11) Pin collar shirt 

The pin collar shirt features a small bar or pin that holds the two collar points together. This lifts the tie knot, creating a very sharp and polished look. 

It is less common in everyday wear but highly valued in fashion-forward or luxury markets. 

As a pattern maker, you must design the collar carefully so the pin sits perfectly in place. This detail may seem small, but it changes the overall appearance of the shirt. The pin collar shows how subtle design choices can create strong style statements. 

What’s the difference between dress shirts and casual shirts? 

Dress shirts are ideal for formal or professional occasions. They are usually made from smooth, high-quality fabrics that hold their shape and look polished. 

These details give them a crisp, elegant appearance suitable for offices, meetings, and events. 

Casual shirts, on the other hand, are more relaxed and versatile. They use softer fabrics like cotton, linen, or blends that prioritize comfort. Casual shirts may include patterns, prints, or textures that you don’t see in formal wear. 

They are perfect for everyday use, social gatherings, or less formal work environments. 

One key difference is the fit. Dress shirts often follow a more tailored shape, providing a clean silhouette that pairs well with jackets or ties. Casual shirts tend to be loose fitting, giving more freedom of movement and a relaxed look.

How to get the pattern right for different types of shirts? 

Creating patterns for different types of shirts requires attention to detail. Each shirt style has its own characteristics, from collar shape to fit. 

Following the right steps ensures your patterns are accurate, comfortable, and professional: 

Check the choice of fit 

The first step in creating a shirt pattern is choosing the correct fit. Classic, slim, tailored, or loose-fitting designs all require different measurements and shaping. Selecting the right fit helps the shirt look balanced on the body. 

The choice you make will define how you will construct the rest of the pattern. 

Add ease for layering

Adding ease is important to make sure the shirt is comfortable to wear. Ease is extra space in the garment that allows for movement and flexibility. Without it, shirts can feel tight or restrictive. 

Layering is another reason to include ease. People usually wear dress shirts under jackets or sweaters, so a little extra room ensures it fits well. 

Learn more: 11 types of coats to master in pattern making 

Choose the internal structure 

The internal structure of a shirt includes parts like interfacings, collar stays, and cuff reinforcements. These elements keep the shirt looking crisp and professional. 

Different types of shirts require different levels of internal structure. Formal dress shirts need firmer construction to maintain shape, while casual shirts can have softer or lighter reinforcements. 

Grade sizes accurately 

This step ensures that all sizes fit the body correctly without losing the design’s proportions. 

Technology has made grading much easier. Solutions like Audaces Pattern allow professionals to adjust sizes digitally with precision. You can see how the shirt changes across sizes without manually redrawing patterns for each one. 

Proper grading is essential for brand reputation. Shirts that fit well across all sizes improve customer satisfaction and reduce returns. 

Simulate the finished garment in 3D 

Simulating the shirt in 3D allows pattern makers to see how it will look and fit before cutting the fabric. This step helps identify potential issues with fit, drape, or proportion. 

With modern software like Audaces 3D, you can test different fabrics, colors, and designs digitally. It gives a realistic preview of the finished garment, reducing costly errors in production. 

Learn more: Why simulate the 3D fit of garments before production? 

Create and simulate your patterns digitally with Audaces360 

Audaces is a market leader fashion technology company and a reference worldwide. Through a deep understanding of fashion creation and production, we have developed ideal solutions for each stage. 

Audaces Pattern 

Audaces Pattern is the perfect solution to simplify and speed up your pattern-making process. With intuitive digital tools and smart automation, you can create, edit, and grade patterns efficiently.  

Save valuable time and can focus more on the creative and technical decisions that truly shape your collection.  

When changes happen, you won’t have to start from scratch. The software makes it easy to adjust measurements, reshape pieces, and test new design variations with precision and speed.  

To take it even further, Audaces Pattern integrates seamlessly with the full Audaces ecosystem. This connection allows you to plan, develop, and produce with consistency and accuracy across every stage. 

Audaces 3D

Audaces 3D is ideal for pattern makers to bring creations to life in a 3D mannequin.  

You can test your digital pattern before committing to a physical sample. Save time and resources by identifying issues early in the process.  

With a range of tools and possibilities, this software transforms the development processes.  

It enables you to shape your ideas directly in a digital space, gaining agility and quality in deliveries.  

Discover Audaces360 and unlock a world of possibilities for fashion design and production. Explore our comprehensive suite of solutions today! 

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