Shirt Patterns...

[DanielJones]

Hello all!

I have been searching for, quite unsucessfully, a mens shirt pattern from the 1930's or 1940's. Just the basic two pocket type that can be used for dress, work or flannel shirts. I have a good sewing machine at home that I can make these shirts with but no pattern yet. I've tried e-bay with no success thus far since my size is a 17x36 (around a size 46) and vintage patterns in that size are hard to locate. Does anyone have a good resource for either vintage patterns or reproduction patterns of the vintage ilk other than the typical old west patterns? I would like to round out some of my wardrobe with vintage style shirts for different occasions.
I appreciate anybodys help with this little quest.

Cheers!

Dan

 

[BellyTank]

I have a few from eBay.
The most important is to find the patterns. Size is tricky though.
Grading a pattern is not so simple for the uninitiated. If you plan to make the shirts yourself, the right size would definitely be a plus. If you were getting them tailored- that would be easier-

B
T

 

[DanielJones]

Well, I have a Genome 10000 model sewing machine that I inherited from my mother when she passed and I think it's high time that I make use of it. I have some decent sewing skills but with this machine a complete novice can sew. I know it would be easier to have a taylor put together a shirt or two, but I prefer to do it hands on.
You're right though, the size thing in vintage patterns is a tricky thing indeed. Better to find a large pattern and resize it down. But it seems most of what is out there that hasn't been used is the small & medium sizes. Sort of like tryoing to find a vintage WWII wool inlisted mans infantry shirt over a size 38R. Few and far between.

Cheers!

Dan

 

[DanielJones]

Took the advice...

Lauren: I bought that 30's shirt pattern. I figure I can size it down a bit to get it to fit properly. Thanks for the heads up.

Cheers!

Dan

 

[Lauren]

great! Can't wait to see how it turns out!

 

[Zemke Fan]

Men's shirt pattern

Now, admittedly I know NOTHING about this subject, but what would be wrong with finding a vintage shirt in the size you mentioned (17 x 36) and deconstructing (reverse engineering) it? I recently purchased a number of uniform pieces from a West Point veteran who graduated in 1945. Picked up two pair of OD No. 51 (greens) pants; one pair of the OD. No (pinks); a tropical wool summer Class A uniform; and THREE unworn, still pinned khaki broadcloth shirts in a size 16.5 x 35. Unfortunately, the three shirts are a tad too small (I'm a 17.5 x 35.5) so I am going to resell them.

In any case, why couldn't you just take a vintage shirt apart and make up a pattern from the pieces? Isn't THAT a valid approach?

PS: I have just located a source of vintage WWII chocolate elastique fabric and will be getting a sample in the next few days. Although it's a little pricey (okay VERY pricey) at $35 per yard, it is from the period. Will share the details when I have it in hand.

ZF

 

[DanielJones]

ZF: Nothing wrong with reverse engineering a shirt. But the pattern was only $8. Couldn't go wrong there. I usually have a hard time finding a good vintage shirt in my size anyway. So, I figure I can make it if I have a pattern. Would love to find your resource on line for reasonable vintage shirts if you have any.

Cheers!

Dan

 

[Zemke Fan]

Coming to the same conclusion as you >> Make it or have it made!

With a few exceptions -- like the West Point three-time all-American who wore my uniforms for a few months before the U.S. Army changed styles -- finding things in *big guy* size is next to impossible. Will keep my eyes open for things, but I must admit that nearly all of my interest at the moment (my wife would say OBSESSION) is on the USAAF uniforms.

ZF

 

[DanielJones]

Good luck with that. I have a few items from the USAAF 8th. They were my uncles things and he's a small fry. Have you tried the reproductions over at whatpriceglory.com? His stuff looks pretty good. I've been trying to find a U.S. Army wool over coat like my father had. He had given it to me in high school and I wore it everywhere in the winter. The greatest coat ever created. Unfortunately I had grown out of it and haven't been able to find one in a 48 yet. Whatpriceglory.com has one for $200 that I may invest in.

Cheers!

Dan

 

[swankysister]

In any case, why couldn't you just take a vintage shirt apart and make up a pattern from the pieces? Isn't THAT a valid approach?
ZF

The US based Threads magazine for August/September had an article on how to copy existing clothing without unstitching, but using masking tape to copy pieces. A preview of the article may help you decide whether you want to order a back copy.

 

[Lauren]

eek! I'm off to buy a magazine!