That's a sharp-looking shirt!
By the 1860s, shirts began to conform more to the shape of the wearer than to the width of the fabric. Shirt fronts became stiffer, the shape of bibs changed, and they became more heavily starched than ever. Because this stiff front was difficult to
button without creasing it, front closures were simply for show; the real opening was in the back. Collars and cuffs were made separately and attached to narrow bands on the shirt's wrist and neckline.
Use our pattern, based on extant examples and period tailor's manuals, for 19th century (1860s and 1870s) men's shirts.
Fits chests 34 to 56". All sizes in one envelope.
Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you've come to expect from Reconstructing History.
Suggested Fabrics: shirt body - med-weight cotton; bib, collar band, cuffs - fine linen or cotton batiste
Notions: 40/2 linen thread or equivalent
Yardage Requirements: 3 yds 60” wide or 6 yds 36"