Simplicity 2017: 1940s Misses Easy Pleated Shorts 28 W Vintage Sewing Pattern
Original circa 1947 Simplicity Pattern No. 2017 - Misses' and Women's Shorts
Original circa 1947 Simplicity Printed Pattern No. 2017 for misses' and women's shorts, offered in three styles. Seamed down the center front and back with a pocket, each style offers its own distinct approach to fit and finish. Complete Nice Condition and Unused.
Quick Facts
- Pattern Number: Simplicity No. 2017
- Year: Circa 1947
- Garment: Misses' and Women's Shorts (3 Styles)
- Size: 16 (28" Waist, 37" Hip)
- Condition: Complete Nice Condition
Design
Simplicity 2017 gives the home sewer three ways to interpret the classic short. Style I is fitted with front and back pleats, a left side opening, and a waistband. Style II takes a more relaxed approach, with elastic inserted through a casing at the upper edge and a flap-front pocket. Style III is dart-fitted through the hip and folds at the lower edge to form a tailored cuff, finished with the same left side opening and waistband as Style I. Eleven pattern pieces are given in all, allowing a sewer to build a small wardrobe of shorts suited to different occasions from a single pattern envelope.
A Moment in Fashion History
By the late 1940s, shorts had firmly established themselves in the misses' and women's wardrobe for casual and warm-weather wear, no longer confined to the beach or backyard. Pattern companies like Simplicity responded with multi-style envelopes like this one, letting a single purchase yield a tailored pleated pair, a relaxed elastic-waist version, and a cuffed dress short - reflecting the growing appetite for versatile, easy-care separates in postwar American sportswear.
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 ongoing exhibit, Sporty Looks for Active Gals - a growing collection celebrating active, playful designs for the sporting girl. Come take a look.
