McCall's 2403: 1960s Misses Centennial Costume Sz Small Vintage Sewing Pattern
Original circa 1960 McCall's Pattern No. 2403 - Misses' Centennial Costume with Pantalets
Original circa 1960 McCall's Printed Pattern No. 2403 for a misses' Centennial costume ball gown with matching pantalets. Made for the wave of Civil War Centennial commemorations sweeping the country in the early 1960s, this full-skirted 1860s-style gown comes with two bodice options: a low, off-the-shoulder neckline with short puffed sleeves (View A), or a high neckline with long sleeves (View B). Complete Nice Condition, envelope Worn and Repaired.
Quick Facts
- Pattern Number: McCall's No. 2403
- Year: 1960 (printed copyright)
- Garment: Misses' Centennial Costume with Pantalets
- Size: Small (10-12), 31-32" Bust
- Pattern Condition: Complete Nice Condition
- Envelope Condition: Worn and Repaired
Design
This 19-piece pattern builds a dramatically full 1860s-style ball gown over an enormously wide skirt - 262 inches around the hem in this size. Both views share the same dropped-shoulder, gathered bodice and flanged trim detail running down the front and back, but View A is cut with a low, off-the-shoulder neckline and short puffed sleeves finished in a contrast band, while View B rises to a high neckline with long fitted sleeves. Each view calls for its own extensive trim package - black velvet ribbon, black lace insertion, and pink baby rickrack for View A; green grosgrain ribbon and white tatting-type lace edging for View B - along with a back zipper closure. Matching pantalets, included in the pattern for either view, are worn beneath the wide skirt. The envelope also touts McCall's new "Easy-Rule" fitting feature, introduced as an exclusive of this pattern.
A Moment in Fashion History
This pattern belongs to a wave of "Centennial" costume patterns released by the major pattern companies around 1960, timed to the string of Civil War Centennial commemorations, pageants, and costume balls held across the country from 1961 through 1965. Rather than reflecting the fashion of its own printing year, the design deliberately recreates the wide hoop-skirted silhouette, dropped shoulders, and trim-heavy bodices of the 1860s, giving home sewers an accurate costume to wear at local Centennial events without needing a genuine antique gown.
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.
