hello! I was hoping that some of you who are familiar with SImplicity patterns from the 60′s/70′s could tell me how accurate their sizing is? How is the ease? Do they run big or small? Thanks!
sizing accuracy
Previous post: morning of the skirts
Next post: Garter Belt Hardware Question
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
in my experience, simplicity patterns from the 60s run HUGE. i mean, it could be the whole style of the period, to have so much ease, but i was extremely unhappy with the pieces i made using 60s simplicity patterns and needed to take them in (by multiple inches) and add a lot of shaping before i was satisfied.
if you’ve got a couple of killer patterns you’re itching to try, definitely make a trial version first!
i agree, they run big! I made a dress with a 32 bust and it was a 38 bust easy. the dresses always are dumpy on me if i don’t take them in a lot. make a wearable muslin, use like a quilting cotton or a sheet first.
they run big! i always end up taking at LEAST 2 inches off of my “size”
ALWAYS go a size DOWN! Avoid the disappointment of a baggy bodice… Not cute.
I agree that they often run large, but you will most likely want to measure your pattern and compare the measurements to your own. Most often I end up sewing with early 60s patterns, and though I usually remove ease at the bust (I am small up top), back and shoulders, I often don’t remove much from the waist and hips. You will get a more “authentic” 60s look if you don’t overfit the bodice- most dresses were not worn as fitted back then as they are today. But, it is all about your preference and the occasion. I generally prefer a little closer fit in a dress, but I sewed an early 60s pattern for my sister’s wedding recently, and I was very comfortable and felt appropriate for the occasion because the dress was a little less snug in the bodice.
Agree with other comments, patterns tend to be big
anyone has info about the 70′s 80′s sizing? i understand 60′s run big what about 70′s or 80′s? thanks
I just made a muslin for a mccall’s shirt pattern from 1977. I graded it myself, and am fairly certain it’s accurate, it certainly hangs the right way, but I plan to take it in by about two inches to suit my taste. I always feel that overly loose bodices make me loose my shape visually. Point is, I find that my 70′s patterns run a little large.