Original 1949 McCall Pattern No. 7888 - Shirtwaist Dress

Original 1949 McCall Pattern No. 7888 for a ladies' and misses' shirtwaist dress designed for women's daytime wear. A shirt collar and softly gathered yoke lead to a belted waist and a long, gored skirt with hidden pockets. Close it with a concealed fly front or a row of buttons from collar to hem. Complete Nice Condition.

Quick Facts

• Pattern Number: McCall No. 7888
• Year: 1949
• Garment: Ladies' and Misses' Shirtwaist Dress (3 Views)
• Size: 12 (30" Bust, 25" Waist, 33" Hip)
• Condition: Complete Nice Condition

Design

McCall Pattern 7888 builds a classic shirtwaist from twenty pieces. A shirt collar opens over a front yoke, with soft gathers falling into the bodice, and a belt marks the natural waist. The gored skirt flares gently to about 1⅞ yards around the hem in this size, falling 48 inches from the back of the neck, with pockets set into the seams. Views A and C close with a concealed fly front for a clean, tailored line. View B buttons all the way from collar to hem. View A has long sleeves, View B has long sleeves gathered into bands at the wrist, and View C has short sleeves with cuffs. Pattern pieces for shoulder pads are included.

A Moment in Fashion History

By 1949, the New Look had pulled hemlines down to mid-calf and drawn every eye to the waist, and even the everyday shirtwaist followed. This McCall design keeps the shirtwaist's practical collar, yoke, and front closure but gives it the new proportions: a long, flaring skirt and a belted waist. Offering both a hidden fly front and a full row of buttons, it shows how the shirtwaist adapted with each change in fashion, one reason it became the most enduring dress of the century.

Illustration

The cover illustration has been digitally restored and enhanced by Judy Yates to highlight the original fashion artwork while preserving the character and artistry of this historic McCall pattern envelope.

Connections

The McCall Pattern Company embraced the New Look early and carried its nipped waists and full skirts into every kind of dress, from morning to evening. Explore McCall's take on the New Look.