Blazers

Blazers, jackets and anything with a collar can be a little difficult at first, especially if the mesh you are working with doesn't have one, leaving you to draw one on. For this tutorial I will be using THIS Delure mesh, and one of my already completed outfits which you can find HERE.

Start by cutting out the style of your blazer and applying it in the client window. I have gone for an open blazer.

On your first layer place the color of your choosing and add the noise layer.

Next, using the Paths Tool, place one dot at the top where the collar goes around the back to the front where the collar ends. Drag the connecting line out to create a curve and press Stroke Path, set the line width to 1 pixel and click Stroke. From here, using the same tool, create a small triangle inwards, stroke path and erase the curved line between those two points. This step is optional. Next using the Paths Tool follow along the inner edge of your opacity map and stroke path. You should end up with a collar outline. I had to add some extra color to the inside as my line did not cover the edge completely. Update the client to see how it looks on your avatar.

The next step is to add some seams and some pockets, these are just decorative and personal choice. I find adding a seam gives the jacket a paneled look adding to its realism. The same goes for the pockets as well, but you can add zips, larger or small pockets or none.

Now it's time to add the shading for the collar and seams. The shading for these parts is the most important step, this is what adds to the 3D feel of the product. Using a 1 pixel brush, I followed the lines of the collar, seams and the lower part of the pockets. Then selecting the blur tool with the size set to 20 pixels, I blurred these lines.

Now you want to set the layer mode to Soft Light. It's time to add your remaining details and general shading and highlighting. I also added some highlight to the collar. You can find the tutorials for shading HERE and wrinkles HERE.

The Final step is to lower the opacity of the collar lines, seam and pockets. This step softens the lines making them look less drawn on and more realistic. I would suggest to lower the opacity to around 20 to 25. My final texture ready for updating the client.

Because of the base color I have chosen, the finer details and the shading can be a little harder to see. However, one added to the client the details are more visible and the subtle shading adds to the effect.

For the back of the blazer add a curved line where the front of the collar starts at the top of the opacity map. Once lined up, it is the same process as the front with shading and details.

The technique used in creating the blazer collar is the same you would use to create a collar on a shirt or different collar styles. It's the shading added to the collar which is the most important step in achieving a realistic texture.

P.S. I have included pictures in good faith to help you on your creating journey. Please do not steal my textures, creating your own is much more satisfying. Stealing my texture will result in a DMCA complaint lodged against you and I would hate for it to come to that.