1960s Vintage McCalls Sewing Pattern 5885 Uncut Misses Party Dress Sz 32 B
Original 1961 McCall's Pattern No. 5885 - Misses' Dress with Slim or Full Skirt
Original 1961 McCall's Pattern No. 5885, a scoop-neck dress built from one fitted bodice that takes either a slim, three-gore skirt with a back pleat and slight side-front gathers (View A, short sleeves) or a full, five-gore gathered-and-pleated skirt (View B, sleeveless). Tie ends finish the front bodice seams on both. Factory Folded and Unused.
Quick Facts
- Pattern Number: McCall's No. 5885
- Year: 1961
- Garment: One-Piece Dress (Slim or Full Skirt)
- Size: 12 (32" Bust, 34" Hip)
- Condition: Factory Folded and Unused
Design
The scoop-neck bodice is fitted through the body, its front seams finished with soft tie ends rather than plain darts alone - a small detail that dresses up either version. View A takes the same bodice into a slim three-gore skirt, gathered slightly at the side front and finished with a back pleat, worn with short set-in sleeves. View B strips the sleeves away and gathers a fuller five-gore skirt, front-pleated as well as gathered, into the identical waistline. Twenty pieces in total, closing at the center back.
A Moment in Fashion History
McCall's 5885 belongs to the same family as our other "slim or full skirt" pattern in this collection, McCall's 5357 - proof that offering both silhouettes from one bodice wasn't a one-off idea but a real, repeated strategy as the era's shape genuinely hung in the balance. Where 5357 kept its construction simple, 5885 adds real detail on both sides: tie-finished bodice seams, a five-gore pleated-and-gathered full skirt rather than a plain gathered one. It's a reminder that even as the industry hedged its bets on which silhouette would win, it never stopped refining either option.
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's pattern envelope.
Connections
This pattern is part of our ongoing exhibit, Pillbox and Polish - Camelot ushers in youthful elegance. Come take a look.
