McCall's 5953: 1960s Uncut Misses Shirtwaist Dress Sz 36 B Vintage Sewing Pattern
Original 1961 McCall's Pattern No. 5953 - Misses' and Junior Dress
Original 1961 McCall's Pattern No. 5953 for a misses' and junior shirtwaist dress, designed for everyday wear. The dart-fitted, front-buttoned bodice tops a full four-gore gathered skirt, with unmounted above-elbow sleeves worn with or without cuffs. The dress may be made collarless and trimmed with military braid or jumbo rick rack at the neck, sleeves, and hem, or finished with a self-fabric or contrasting collar for a more tailored look. Factory Folded and Unused.
Quick Facts
- Pattern Number: McCall's No. 5953
- Year: 1961
- Garment: Misses' and Junior Dress
- Size: 16 (36" Bust, 28" Waist, 38" Hip)
- Condition: Factory Folded and Unused
- Envelope and Instructions: Good Condition
Design
This 13-piece pattern builds a versatile shirtwaist dress around a dart-fitted, front-buttoned bodice and a full four-gore gathered skirt with a center-front zipper. The unmounted, above-elbow sleeves can be finished plain or with turned-back cuffs. From there, the dress opens up several looks: worn collarless with jumbo rick rack or military braid trimming the neck, sleeves, and skirt for a playful, graphic finish, or with a self-fabric or contrasting collar and belt for a crisper, more tailored take on the same silhouette. McCall's "Easy-Rule" fitting feature is included for a more accurate fit.
A Moment in Fashion History
The full-skirted shirtwaist dress remained a wardrobe staple into the early 1960s, prized for taking a woman from morning errands to an afternoon visit without a change of clothes. McCall's 5953 reflects the era's appetite for a single dependable pattern that could be styled multiple ways - rick rack and bold print for a younger, more casual look, or a tailored collar and belt for something a touch more polished - all from the same dart-fitted foundation.
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 - a growing collection tracing the bridge between 1950s structure and 1960s youth culture. Come take a look.
