Fashion design is a goal oriented process. Unlike fine art, where artwork is a value by itself, drawing for fashion design is not a goal but rather a tool. Such pragmatic function of figure drawing in fashion design process dictates rather rigid rules to follow in drawing process to make an outcome result suitable to fashion design goals.
True to anatomy: fashion design projects are intended to be implemented in actual material as apparel or accessory complementing human figure. Therefore it is crucial to stay true to anatomy of human figure when drawing fashion figure for fashion design.
True to style and trend: fashion design concepts are supposed to be relevant to fashion trends and current style. Consequently, proportions of human body as well as poses of fashion figure ought to be stylized in tune with the fashion style which is the focus of the design concept.
Accurate stylish poses selected : in drawing a figure for fashion design it is crucial to draw the figure in a fashion pose that is stylish yet allows the best and most clear view of the garment. Three quarters view, side view and back view are typical poses for fashion design drawing. Static poses or poses with mild elegant movement are preferred. Extreme movement is better suited for concept fashion illustration rather than for fashion design drawing, unless it is a part of fashion design concept to depict fashion garment in a movement (sportswear, athletic wear, club dance fashion, some costume drawing).
Figure drawing for fashion flats: figure for garment drawing (spec drawing or technical drawing for fashion) is a special category of fashion figure drawing. Being true to anatomy is crucial in this case. Figures which allow garment to be drawn clearly are the goal of this type of figure drawing for fashion design.