Original 1952 Simplicity Pattern No. 3906 - Girls' Shorts, Beach Shirt and Bra

Original 1952 Simplicity Pattern No. 3906 for a girl's summer set: a gathered bra top with shoulder straps, pleated shorts with deep patch pockets, and a sleeveless beach shirt with a notched collar. Made to mix and match for days at the beach or the pool. Complete and in Nice Condition.

Quick Facts

• Pattern Number: Simplicity No. 3906
• Year: 1952, printed on the instruction sheet
• Garment: Girls' Shorts, Beach Shirt and Bra
• Size: 8 (26" Breast, 23" Waist, 28" Hip)
• Condition: Complete Nice Condition

Design

Simplicity 3906 is a three-piece beach wardrobe for girls. The bra top has shoulder straps, with gathers at the center front held in place by a narrow self-fabric tie. The shorts have soft pleats at the front waistline, deep patch pockets, and a back zipper. The sleeveless beach shirt closes with three buttons and has a notched collar and patch pockets, and saddle stitching can trim the pockets on both the shirt and shorts. The envelope shows the set in solid colors and in crisp lengthwise stripes. Twelve pieces, with details printed on each pattern piece.

A Moment in Fashion History

In the early 1950s, girls' summer clothes took their cue from grown-up beachwear. The two-piece bra-and-shorts look that women wore at the beach was scaled down for young girls, paired with an easy cover-up shirt. Simplicity's printed patterns, with every marking printed right on the tissue, made quick summer sewing like this simple for home sewers.

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

The gathered, tie-front bra top from this 1952 beach set is a ready start for a little hula dancer costume: add a grass skirt and a flower lei, and she's ready for the luau. Explore our ongoing exhibit of casual looks for girls and women moving through history, Sporty Looks for Active Gals, and our limited-time exhibit of masquerades, pageants and make-believe, Costumes for All Ages from All Eras, before it closes.