1950s Misses Simplicity Sewing Pattern 1696 Misses Maternity Suit Sz 34 Bust
Original Circa 1956 Simplicity Pattern No. 1696 - Three-Piece Maternity Suit
Original circa 1956 Simplicity Printed Pattern No. 1696 for a three-piece maternity suit — a jacket, a skirt, and a sleeveless top that mix and match. The trim skirt has an adjustable tie waistline with a cut-out front and a pleat at the lower back edge. The sleeveless top has a high, round, button-detailed neckline with a back-neck zipper, and the jacket closes with five buttons under a cardigan neckline, with kimono sleeves and button-detailed pockets.
Quick Facts
- Pattern Number: Simplicity No. 1696
- Year: Circa 1956
- Garment: Three-Piece Maternity Suit (Jacket, Skirt, and Top)
- Size: 14 (34" Bust)
- Condition: Complete Nice Condition
Design
A fourteen-piece pattern built for maximum mix-and-match value across the season. The skirt is the real engineering feat: an adjustable tie waistline with a cut-out front lets it expand through pregnancy, while a pleat set into the lower back edge keeps the hem from losing its shape. The sleeveless top pairs a high, round neckline with a pointed button-detailed band at front and a back-neck zipper for easy dressing. Over it, the jacket adds a cardigan neckline, easy kimono sleeves, a five-button front, and patch pockets finished with their own button detail — worn together as a full suit, or the top and skirt alone for a lighter look.
A Moment in Fashion History
By the mid-1950s, the three-piece maternity suit had become a genre of its own, prized for exactly this kind of versatility — a slim skirt, sleeveless top, and cardigan-style jacket that could be worn in different combinations as the wearer's needs and the season changed, without ever reading as strictly "maternity" from across the room.
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 Simplicity pattern envelope.
Connections
This pattern is part of our upcoming exhibit, Nursery Notions — maternity wear, layettes, crib covers, and quilts, the sewing life around having a baby. Come take a look.
