Butterick 8906: 1950s Sexy Misses Wiggle Dress Size 32 B Vintage Sewing Pattern
Original circa 1959 Butterick Pattern No. 8906 - Fitted Sheath Dress
Original circa 1959 Butterick Pattern No. 8906 for a junior misses' and misses' fitted sheath dress, designed for daytime or office wear. Figure-molding lines and a high-rising waist are anchored by a novel bodice inset at the midriff. View A features 3/4 sleeves with a standaway collar; View B has short sleeves, a scoop neck, and a contrasting inset and trim. Complete Nice Condition.
Quick Facts
- Pattern Number: Butterick No. 8906
- Year: Circa 1959
- Garment: Fitted Sheath Dress
- Size: 12 (32" Bust, 25" Waist, 34" Hip)
- Condition: Complete Nice Condition
- Envelope: Worn and Repaired
Design
This 8-piece pattern hinges on a novel bodice inset - a small vertical panel at the neckline and waist that does real shaping work, helping create the dress's high-rising waist and figure-molding lines. View A dresses the design up with 3/4 sleeves and a standaway collar for a slightly more tailored look, while View B trades that for short sleeves and a scoop neck, with the inset and trim done in a contrasting fabric for graphic definition. A side-seam zipper keeps the closure discreet.
A Moment in Fashion History
By the late 1950s, the fitted sheath had become the definitive silhouette for the fashion-forward woman, prized for its clean, body-skimming line. Butterick 8906 shows the era's fondness for small, novel design details - here, a shaped bodice inset - as a way to keep an otherwise simple silhouette visually interesting, whether styled with a tailored standaway collar or a graphic contrast trim.
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 Butterick pattern envelope.
Connections
This pattern is part of our ongoing exhibit, Pillbox and Polish - a growing collection tracing the bridge between 1950s structure and 1960s youth culture. Come take a look.
