Springtime is finally rolling into the United States, which means my annual obsession with shirtdresses has begun. There’s something about warmer temperatures and all that sunshine that demands collars, buttons, and the casual tailoring of a good shirtwaist pattern. Whether made up in pretty cotton eyelet or floaty rayon challis, these are the garments I’m reaching for right now.
Luckily, shirtdress patterns are much more common than they were a few years ago. Every season seems to bring new releases from both major pattern companies and independents, giving us more design choices and broader size ranges. Today, I’m sharing some of my favorites, all of which work splendidly for a range of body types. No matter your style or your sizing needs, there’s a shirtdress pattern in this list for you!
CLASSICS
These four patterns give us that iconic shirtdress look, with darted bodices, pretty collars, and those tailored details that make this style of dress a perennial favorite.
Let’s get this one out of the way, shall we? McCall’s 6696 is not only my tried-and-true shirtdress pattern, but a favorite among sewing bloggers across the world, with good reason. This pattern has all the details of a platonic shirtdress: stand collar, waistband with belt loops, separate button bands, and options for both a full pleated skirt and slim straight skirt. Even better, this dress comes with cup-sizes!
Size Range: Up to size 24 D-cup (48-38-48)
Since the success of 6696, McCall’s has added quite a few shirtdress options to its pattern line-up. Out of these upstarts, my pick for dethroning the reigning champ is McCall’s 7351, which debuted this spring. This shirtdress takes classic styling and elevates it, with a yoked bodice, circle skirt, camp shirt pockets, and multiple hem options. Personally, I’m swooning over the fabric-covered belt and shirttail hem of View A. Once again, this one comes with multiple cup sizes.
Size Range: Up to Size 22 D-Cup (46-37-47)
Specifically designed for plus sizes, BurdaStyle debuted a gorgeous shirtdress pattern in November 2015. Part of the Canal Walks collection, this dress has lightly puffed sleeves, a bodice with both darts and yoke gathers, optional neckline bow, and a gathered skirt. I adore the v-neck of this dress and its longer midi length.
Size Range: Up to size 52 (48-41-50.5)
Already a favorite with many CSC readers, Colette’s Hawthorn dress is a prim and feminine take on the classic shirtdress. This graceful dress features a partial collar, darted bodice, and floaty half-circle skirt. This dress also comes with a peplum blouse variation.
Size Range: Up to size 18 (46-38-48)
PRINCESS SEAMED
With graceful, curving seam lines, these four patterns bring a feminine flair to the shirtdress.
The Melissa Dress, from Muse Patterns, is a mid-century take on the button down dress. Featuring double princess seams, a notched collar, and v-shaped details, this dress would be a breeze to fit to your figure. It also comes with two cup-size options, B or D.
Size Range: Up to size 50 D-cup (52-44-54)
Part of the Amazing Fit line, Simplicity 1686 is an office-appropriate shirtdress. Instead of buttons, this dress features a cross-over neckline designed to be “gap free.” This dress is a faux-wrap, with a front overlay, simple lapel, separate waistband, and multiple cup sizes.
Size Range: Up to 24-D Curvy (46-39-50)
Butterick 6333 is, hands down, one of my favorite new shirtdress patterns! This dress has separate button bands, slim or full pleats skirt, sleeve options, and a wide bow belt. Though it doesn’t come with cup sizes, this dress is designed with shoulder princess seams, which are a snap to adjust for a large bust.
Size Range: Up to size 24W (46-39-48)
An often overlooked gem from Butterick’s pattern line-up, B6091 is a modern take on the princess-seamed shirtdress. This pattern features princess seams mixed with skirt godets, a hidden button placket, and three sleeve variations. I love how much movement those godets give the skirt!
Size Range: Up to size 24 (46-39-48)
TUNIC STYLE
Go fully modern with one of these tunic-style shirtdresses, relaxed and casual takes on the classic design.
The Italia Dress, from Style Arc, is a tunic-style shirtdress with all the bells and whistles. This pattern has a stand collar, roll-up tabbed sleeves, bodice yoke, and a mix of darts and princess seams for shaping. Even better, there’s a hem gusset in the shirttail hem, which provides freedom of movement and design interest.
Size Range: Up to size 30 (58-50.5-61)
HotPatterns, a favorite of CSC readers, has its own comfortable, pretty iteration of the shirtdress. The Weekender Summer in the City Dress features a stand collar, button band, three sleeve options (elasticized, ruched with ties, and tabbed), and shirttail hem. With shaping provided by bodice gathering at the yoke, this breezy dress is perfect for warmer weather and casual weekends.
Size Range: Up to size 26 (52-44-54)
Recently reviewed by our very own editor, Meg, the Liesl + Co Gallery Tunic Dress is a relaxed fit, pull on silhouette. This pattern is reminiscent of your favorite oversized popover, with a one-piece collar, cuffed sleeves, and inset front placket. Featuring a curved hem and gentle shaping, this dress is ideal for layering over leggings and staying comfy, while traveling.
Size Range: Up to size 20 (46-38.5-48.5)
So, friends, did I miss your favorite shirtdress pattern? Are you also fantasizing about collars and buttons, this March? From this list alone, I have grand shirtdress plans for the coming months.
I bought no less than three shirt dress patterns in my last order from McCalls. Luckily there was a sale happening, and they are all like $3 or something. I got M6891 because I love that already open notched collar. A full collar is nice and crisp, and fun to sew, but on collared shirts, I invariably iron the placket and tack down in to a permanent V for wearing. I got M7351 for that cute shirttail hem, and B6333 for the shoulder princess seams and pretty sash. I also have M7081 which, while not technically a shirt dress for lack of buttons, still has a nice little collar to go along with the flattering surplice and circle skirt.
Great collection, thanks. I think the Sewaholic Nicola deserves a mention. I’ve made two now and they are my favourite dresses for late summer and autumn (southern hemisphere). Some more info:
http://lettersfromwetville.blogspot.co.nz/2016/01/sewaholic-nicola-in-linen.html
http://lettersfromwetville.blogspot.co.nz/2015/12/spotty-paradise.html
I like the look of the princess seams version, but didn’t quite find the full bust alterations ” a snap” in my first go with the Blank Slate Novelista. I’ll just have to keep practising 🙂
I made a million versions of Folkwear 235 “Sporty forties” shirtdress, and found a new copy to abuse for another decade. I’m not so busty as booty, and the lines really suit me. 6696 is a close relative, but I widen the placket and the waistband to make it look less overgrown. I also put a little elastic in the back waistband, and a second button at the waist. The trick is not to overfit the bodice – it’s a shirt, not a dress.
Does anyone know of a tutorial on bringing the waist up on a shirt dress? I love all of these, but I want the waist seam up about 3 inches so it falls under my bust and flares from there.
Mccalls 6885 is a tunic style one that I hope to try again this summer.
I love a shirt dress, I have quite a collection of patterns. I just made a muslin of the Bootstrap Fashions new shirtdress and I was really impressed, I’m hoping to sew it up this weekend.
I had M6696 in my pattern stash for a couple of years. I finally made the alterations I wanted last weekend (eliminated the buttons on the skirt, cut the straight skirt but rotated the darts to make it A-line)…& have since sewn two! With many, many, many more to come. Until it gets too hot in Kansas to wear woven fabrics, it’s going to be a shirtdress party over here!
This was going to be the spring I made M6696, and then I discovered we’re having an Autumn baby… Thanks for posting all those tunic style ones, Mary!
Oh, I have M6696 in my pattern stash. This is the summer I actually make it!
I’m smitten with the idea of a Deer and Doe Bleuet. Not sure how curvy friendly it is but I did see it reviewed on here before.
I just finished a M6696 in navy with white circles (looks like bubbles). It’s getting just warm enough to wear it here in Iowa (at least this week) we could have a blizzard next! I have several lengths of fabric destined for shirt dresses, as they are so easy to wear in the spring/summer. No thought, just toss it on!
I nearly cried real tears when M6696 didn’t work for me. But S8014 did and I’m really excited to try B6333!!!
What a great and comprehensive pattern review! I own several shirtdress patterns but all older that I want to try out. You make me want to pull some fabric out and get started!
Thanks for all the great resources.
Thanks for the review. I’ve just bought Vogue 8876 (Marcy Tilton) based on seeing sewing bloggers made up versions and positive reviews. Cold and wet in UK at present so it’s going on the pattern pile but it looks promising.
I’m FAT and lumpy. Some of these shirt waists give me hope, esp. the tunics. They have some “style” and extra room. Here is my reality. I can make a dress or blouse that fits and looks good standing up. Eventually I have to sit down. Then the fat gathers and grows and, all of a sudden, the buttons are straining, the fabric is pulling, the garment has to shift – – and I am miserable. Tell me I’m not alone. I’d appreciate hearing how others have worked around this reality without wearing tents and shapeless baggy clothes.
Try a knit or stretch woven. ?
A stretch woven is a good idea. Those work so well with pants; of course that would be a good answer for any item. I wear lots of knit tops for the stretch factor but I wear them loose. I’m not fond of the look that announces “I have a body that looks like a stack of car tires” Pleased to say that I’ve been working on reducing the size of those tires. I’m still interested in those tunics.
Today I am wearing a knit shirtdress (actually have one on in my photo to the left too!) I love, love, love it!
You’re not alone! I carry my weight in the waist and abdomen, so this happens to me, too. You might take a look at the GreenStyle Laurel dress–it gives you some extra room without being shapeless and it’s so comfy! I also like to wear a slim pair of black knit pants with a tunic over them (the Boho Banjo Willara tunic is a nice one to try).
Mary what a collection! Now I need a dress heheh, thanks!
I enjoyed your review….but just don’t have the appreciation for shirt dresses….actually I never had it….seems somewhat old fashion to me rather than a retro look. But don’t ever forget I love the Curvy Sewing Collective……Happy Sewing!