To kick off the CSC’s Shirtmaking Month, I’ve rounded up some shirt patterns that have sizes going into the curvy range. This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the shirt patterns out there (although I’m exhausted after rounding them all up!), but just some ideas to get you started on your shirtmaking journey and hopefully inspire you a bit!
Looking for ideas of shirts for your fella? Check out Michelle’s post on sewing patterns for big guys, which includes several button up shirt patterns for men.
There are a lot of shirts with buttons out there… I tried to focus on traditional shirts that have buttons all the way down and those that have a collar and stand, but on occasion some others (tunics, popovers, camp collars, ruffles, etc.) found their way into the mix.
Let’s start with some of the indie darlings: Cashmerette Harrison (up to size 28 and cup size H), the recently-released curvy gal’s princess-seamed dream, Grainline Studios Archer (up to size 18), everybody’s favorite boyfriend button-up (also has popover and rear ruffle options), Sewaholic Granville (up to size 20), a classic shirt ideal for pear-shaped women, Blank Slate Patterns Novelista (up to size 3x), classic button-down with the option for a funky cross-back.
A few more indie shirt patterns, slightly on the less-traditional side of things: Hey June Cheyenne (up to size 2XL), a collared button down or popover tunic, Itch to Stitch Mila (up to size 20 and DD cup), a collared popover tunic with cup size options, Schnittchen Michelle (up to size 56), a swingy blouse with a covered button placket, Muse Melissa (up to size 50 with B and D cup options), a princess-seamed shirt or dress with v-shaped insets, Tilly and the Buttons Rosa (up to 44″bust size), a princess-seamed blouse or dress with a pointed back yoke. 
McCall’s has lots of shirt patterns, traditional and otherwise. Have a look as 7470, 7472 and 6076 (up to size 22); 6436 and 6124 (up to 24W); 6613 (up to XXXL, but unisex).
Similarly, Butterick has a range of shirts with some interesting details that may strike your fancy. Check out 5538 and 6070 (up to size 6X); 5924 (up to 26); 6288, 6085 and 6026 (up to 24); 6376, 6324 and 5526 (up to 22).
Vogue has a few shirt patterns ranging into curvy sizes, including a funky double-collared Marcy Tilton and one with multiple cup sizes: 9174 and 8689 (up to size 22), 9029 (up to size 24).
Simplicity has several variations on the button down in their catalog. Have a look at 1279, 1013, 8053, 8090, 1538, 2255 (up to size 22) and 1422 (up to XL).
New Look has a small number of button shirts in their repertoire: 6266 and 6598 (up to size 18) and 6407 (up to size 22).
BurdaStyle has several button-up shirts in their plus-size catalog (most up to size 52), some with some fun and funky details. Check out 11/2015 #129, Emily #8153, 02/2010 #137, 05/2015 #131A, 05/2012 #135, 03/2013 #141, 07/2012 #137, 04/2012 #137.
Style Arc has a TON of button up shirts (and shirt dresses) in all different styles, from casual to office appropriate (up to size 30). Have a look at Blaire, Elsie Overshirt, Lauren Boyfriend, Crystal Overshirt, Italia Shirt Dress, Mara Shirt Dress, Roxy, Tara Top, Brenda Blouse, the Artist Tunic, Angela Blouse, Camila Blouse, Sacha Shirt, Safari Sam, Melissa, Jenny, Sara, Jane Over-Shirt, Sissy Blouse.
Bootstrap Fashion has many, many patterns (made to your measurements) for button-up shirts, including some truly unique ones (that zig zag button placket!!!!). Have a look at Short-Sleeved Blouse with Yoke, Fitted Women’s Blouse with Dart Manipulation, Buttondown with Lace Sleeves, Buttondown Blouse with Shirt Collar, Long Sleeve Victorian Style Blouse, Long Sleeve Blouse with Assymetrical Buttons, Pleated Neck Blouse, Buttondown Blouse with Ties, Tailored Buttondown Blouse with Tie, Buttondown Blouse with Victorian Collar, Long Sleeved Tuxedo Shirt, Shirt with Zig Zag Button Closure.
Here are a handful of button up shirts that don’t have a particularly expansive size range, but might be interesting for those willing to grade up: Named Wenona, Quinn (both up to size 46), and Helmi (up to size 50), Papercut Meissa (up to size XL), Deer and Doe Melilot and Bruyere (up to size 46).
Hey Meg! Thanks so much for the mention of the Palmer/Pletsch shirts and shirtdress!
Burda’s Long Sleeve Blouse (Plus Size) 07/2012 #137 is a lovely pattern which fits us curvy girls very well. I only started sewing last year and the construction process was not too difficult for me – there is no sleeve-fitting involved and the collar is manageable too. Highly recommended for women with fuller busts and thicker upper arms like me.
Thank you very much for adding this pattern to the list, Meg! You really put a lot of work in this great posting! I will definitely try out some of the other patterns as well.
Ah, good to know that’s a good pattern!
Glad you find the post useful!
Nice job!
(Just curious, how long did this take you?)
I’ve gotten pretty speedy at putting these together. I do them in snippets as a mindless break in between work sessions.
What a fantastic resource! Thanks, Meg!
Glad you like it! I hope you find it useful!!
Phew what a long list! It made me realise how many of these I have in my stash already – mostly the Big 4 ones but plenty of others too.
I muslined the Granville shirt a couple months ago and never sewed it up. This might be the kick I need to do that. I’d also like to give the Oakridge with the bow a go. Plus I have the Harrison to audition!
I’m also considering the SBCC Paloma blouse. The featured view is with a modern, interesting pleated placket but the view I like is the one with buttons which looks like a nice relaxed camp-shirt type fit. I haven’t bought it yet because I am trying not to buy patterns until I’ve sewn through some more of my immediate queue but I keep coming back to look at it so it’s only a matter of time!
I forgot about SBCC- thanks for the reminder! The Paloma is cute! Can’t wait to see yours.
Thank you for all your hard work putting this together! I really want to make a button down shirt soon but have some other things on my list. I bought the Harrison and can’t wait to make it!
Glad you enjoyed the post!
Exhaustive and exhausted. Well done Meg, great work. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it, Beth!
Very thorough and thoughtful roundup!
There are 2 button up shirts on BootstrapFashion that weren’t included in the roundup. I thought they were worth mentioning here. These are not available on the Lekala patterns site; they are designed by a person (Vado) for Bootstrap. They are more expensive than the typical Lekala/Bootstrap pattern, but within reason for indie. One is a fitted blouse, where you can choose the dart placement (8110). The other is semi-fitted (8114).
Thanks, Elizabeth! Ha, I was pretty sure I missed a few here and there- those look like lovely patterns!
No wonder you’re exhausted. What a lot of work! Thanks for the comprehensive list!
Hope it’s useful for you, Candis!
Oh Meg, what did we do before wonderful you? You are my hero – I want to be you when I grow up (I’m old enough to be your mother). Thanks so much for your wonderful inspiration!
Ha ha- glad you like the post, Julie!
This is quite a list! But I have one more to add. J. Stern Designs button down, with cup sizing and expansive range.
Oh, wow- I hadn’t heard of J.Stern before- thanks for the heads-up!
Wow, so many patterns, so little time! (but so much fabric to use up – yes!!!) You’ve done a brilliant job with this round-up, Meg – thank you! (and I’m so pleased to see the Mila shirt included 😉 )
Glad you enjoyed the round-up! The Mila is on my list to sew!
Such a marvelous selection! Great job pattern hunting!
Glad you enjoyed it, Pam!
Seriously Meg you MUST be exhausted after all the prep you did for this posting! WOW exhaustive doesn’t even begin to describe it 🙂 Thank you for this – I’ve bookmarked this for future reference!
Glad you like it and I hope it’s useful!!
I had no intention of making a shirt in the near future, but now you have me thinking… Zig-Zag Button Placket, that should get you some second glances!
(I also marvel at the difference in styling!)
Isn’t the Zig Zag placket shirt cool?!
Gosh Meg you’ve been busy. well done
Ha ha… yep! I love patterns, can you tell?