Mid-19th Century Men’s Fitted Shirt Sewing Pattern – Authentic Historical Tailoring
$14.00
Create an authentic mid-19th century men’s fitted shirt with this historical sewing pattern (1840-1870). Features tailored design, shoulder yoke, and gusseted underarms. Sizes 34″-54″.
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On all US Orders over $50!
Mid-19th Century Men’s Fitted Shirt Sewing Pattern – Authentic Historical Tailoring
$14.00
Create an authentic mid-19th century men’s fitted shirt with this historical sewing pattern (1840-1870). Features tailored design, shoulder yoke, and gusseted underarms. Sizes 34″-54″.
Get Free Shipping
On all US Orders over $50!
All of our patterns tell a story.
Why Choose This Pattern?
Mid-19th Century Men's Fitted Shirt Sewing Pattern (1840-1870)
Create an Authentic Historical Mid-19th Century Men's Fitted Shirt with Our Premium Pattern
Pattern #0011 | Non-Download Physical Pattern | Sizes 34"-54" (86cm-142cm) chest
Are you searching for an authentic mid-19th century men's fitted shirt sewing pattern that delivers historical accuracy and practical wearability? Our Pattern #0011 recreates the refined silhouette worn by gentlemen during the Victorian era between 1840-1870, offering you unmatched historical authenticity for your reenactment, theatrical, or collection needs.
Why Choose Our Mid-19th Century Men's Fitted Shirt Sewing Pattern?
Unlike basic square-cut designs, this mid-19th century men's fitted shirt sewing pattern features the tailored approach that revolutionized menswear during the Civil War period. Historical clothing experts have meticulously researched and developed this pattern based on surviving garments from museum collections and period documentation.
Historical Significance of the Mid-19th Century Fitted Shirt
The mid-19th century men's fitted shirt represented a significant evolution in Victorian menswear. While earlier shirts featured looser, square-cut construction, the fitted shirt introduced a more structured silhouette with shaped panels that complemented the increasingly formal men's fashion of the era.
According to fashion historian James Laver, "The mid-Victorian period saw increasing formality in men's dress, with greater attention paid to fit and tailoring even in undergarments." This shift reflected changing social expectations and manufacturing capabilities during the industrial revolution.
Essential Features of Our Mid-19th Century Men's Fitted Shirt Pattern
This comprehensive mid-19th century men's fitted shirt sewing pattern includes:
- Authentic Tailored Design – Precisely shaped body with shoulder yoke for proper Victorian silhouette
- Historical Construction Techniques – Gusseted underarms and reinforced seams for both authenticity and durability
- Period-Correct Collar Options – Multiple historically accurate collar styles for different occasions
- Versatile Cuff Variations – Choose from documented styles appropriate for the 1840-1870 period
- Premium Pattern Materials – Computer-generated pattern sheets printed on quality white paper
- Expert Historical Guidance – 10 pages of detailed construction instructions with period techniques
Digital Alternative Available
Prefer an immediate digital download? Visit our Pattern #0011 Digital Download Version to receive the same high-quality pattern in PDF format. The downloadable version includes all the same historical information, sizing options, and construction techniques as our physical pattern, with the added convenience of instant access and printable files.
Perfect for Historical Enthusiasts and Professional Costumers
Whether you're a Civil War reenactor, Victorian-era enthusiast, museum curator, or theatrical costumer, our mid-19th century men's fitted shirt sewing pattern provides the historical accuracy required for authentic portrayal. The pattern is suitable for intermediate sewists comfortable with detailed construction techniques.
Comprehensive Sizing Options
Our mid-19th century men's fitted shirt sewing pattern accommodates a wide range of modern body types while maintaining historical proportions. Available in chest sizes 34"-54" (86cm-142cm), ensuring you can create a properly fitted garment regardless of build.
Expert Resources and Recommended Materials
Learn more about historical shirt construction from respected costume historian Nancy Bradfield's research on Victorian menswear, which documents the subtle evolution of shirt styles throughout the 19th century.
For historically appropriate fabrics, visit our Preferred Vendors page for trusted suppliers of period-correct materials including fine cotton, linen, and appropriate trims.
The Craftsmanship Behind the Mid-19th Century Fitted Shirt
The mid-19th century men's fitted shirt wasn't merely clothing—it represented the craftsmanship and social expectations of the Victorian era. Each element served both functional and aesthetic purposes. The shaped body with its shoulder yoke allowed greater movement while maintaining a trim appearance under waistcoats and jackets. Gusseted underarms reinforced high-stress areas, extending the garment's life during an era when clothing represented significant investment.
Our pattern preserves these authentic construction methods, allowing modern sewists to experience historical techniques while creating a shirt that performs as well as its 19th-century counterparts. The detailed instructions include guidance on proper hand-stitching methods, button placement, and finishing techniques that create an authentic appearance impossible to achieve with purely modern methods.
Historical Wearing Context
The mid-19th century men's fitted shirt was typically worn with a variety of neckwear depending on the occasion. For formal events, a high standing collar with cravat or bow tie completed the ensemble, while turned-down collars offered more comfort for everyday wear. Our pattern includes instructions for creating detachable collars—a practical innovation of the period that allowed for laundering of the collar separate from the shirt body.
Complete Your Historical Wardrobe
Create an authentic ensemble by pairing this shirt with our other historically accurate patterns:
- Pattern #0014/0015: Mid-19th Century Men's Summer Trousers
- Pattern #0018/0019: Mid-19th Century Waistcoat options
- Pattern #0010: Square-Cut Gentleman's Shirt (for comparing different historical styles)
Order your Mid-19th Century Men's Fitted Shirt Sewing Pattern today and experience the satisfaction of creating a historically accurate garment that connects you directly to the craftsmanship and style of the Victorian era.
Past Patterns 1979-2025. All rights reserved
Additional information
| Weight | 11 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13 × 10 × 3 in |
This item is for single, non-commerical usage. If you want to mass produce items, please contact us.
Sizing Information
(Metric size sheet opens as a PDF in a new browser tab)
Preferred Vendors
Past Patterns works with vendors from all over the world to help us replicate the amazing articles of clothing. Now you can too!
Visit our preferred vendors page to order directly from some of our top recommended suppliers.
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FAQ's
(Frequently asked questions)
Why are both Trowsers and Trousers listed on site?
Over the last 200 years, much like the human body, our style of language has changed. For vintage patterns, we attempt to use the language of the day where possible.
Can you grade (edit) a Vintage Revival pattern for my size?
please contact us with the specific pattern number and the specifications you require. We have staff available for this for an additional fee.
What sizes do Past Patterns patterns come in?
Our patterns, with some exceptions, are manufactured in sizes 8 through 26 for women and sizes 34 through 54 for men. Most patterns are multi-sized. For a complete listing of measurements in inches see the size chart.
Do you have vintage patterns (manufactured prior to 1950) that you want to sell?
we are always on the lookout for original, American designed, vintage patterns especially for categories outside of current items. We are interested if you have 1 pattern or 1000 patterns. Give us a call to discuss.
Why is my pattern size different from my off the rack dress size?
We use the U. S. Board of Standard Measurements to size our patterns. The ready made clothing manufacturers have their own set of sizes developed from their own statistics. For a complete listing of measurements in inches see the size chart.
How are the patterns packaged?
We package our patterns in two forms: Bond Paper and Tissue. Except for the Tissue patterns, each is slipped into a reusable plastic sleeve. Many contain documentation in the form of Historical Notes or the printer ie., Butterick. Because the patterns are printed in house to order, they can take from three to seven days. Tissue patterns, which are printed out of house, are available to ship immediately.
What does a Corset Kit contain in addition to the Corset pattern?
In addition to the pattern, the kits contain everything you need to make the corset except the thread. The kits contain, according to their type, fabric and lining, stays, clasp or busk board, back lacing, tape for finishing the edges, trim lace, ribbon, leather, tin stock, waist tape, punch and setter, eyelets, marking pencils, cording, reed and a loop turner.
Need a pattern in your language?
we can translate our instructions into just about any language
Have an old and incomplete Past Patterns item. What can I do?
The answer depends on if the pattern is still in production or not. If it is, please mail us the old pattern and we will ship you a copy of the latest pattern for a minimal fee along with normal shipping charges. If the item is no longer in production, we would need to know exactly what you have to determine the best course of action to help you.
What is the difference between a Past Patterns original pattern and a Vintage Revival pattern?
The Past Patterns originals were designed in house and based upon the research, disassembly and time of Saundra Ros Altman. These designs come from finds all over the United States reaching from San Diego, California to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC. She created the initial patterns, the sizing charts and the instruction content. Many of the these patterns are multi-sized or are available in various sizes. For the most part, these designs are done taking into account the modern human body's shape, height and weight. The Vintage Revival patterns are traces or copies of an old, mass produced pattern; the first mass produced patterns came out in the 1850s. For the most part, you get exactly what came in the original package; in some cases, Saundra has appended historical notes to the instructions. The Vintage Revivals patterns, being copies of the originals, generally only come in one size and are based upon the size and shape of the human body from the era the pattern came from.
What software do you use to create patterns?
We utilize PW Studio for our designs. Isabelle Lott, a contributor over the years to Past Patterns, is the owner of the company and will be happy to answer an software related questions you have. Her software is available for licensing.
What measurements do I need to know to order a Corset Kit?
The bust and back length. The back length is measured from the prominent bone at the base of the neck to the natural waistline.
Where can I see the appropriate clothing fabrics for the 18th and 19th centuries?
You can see 1740 through 1940 fabrics in a book titled "Textile Designs" by Susan Meller and Joost Elffers. The subtitle states, "Two Hundred Years of European and American Patterns for Printed Fabric by Motif, Style, Color, Layout and Period and 1,823 Illustration in Color." What they don't say is that 90% of the swatches pictured are life size. The ISBN is 0-8109-3853-7. A second book is Wearable Prints, 1740-1860, History, Materials, and Mechanics by Susan W. Greene. The ISBN is 978-1-60635-124-6. Great books! Order it from your local library that has interlibrary loan capability if you cannot afford the price. There are now many sources for appropriate fabric through the Internet.
Where can I find antique patterns to purchase?
On the Internet try: "Patterns from the Past."
Need a pattern tomorrow?
we do offer expedited domestic shipping for extra fees. We can also expeditie international shipments but delivery dates overseas cannot be promised.
Becoming a Wholesalers of our patterns
We offer Wholesalers significant discounts that will allow both your and our businesses to flourish.
Why don't we sell PDFs of our patterns - First due to piracy. We have spent over 40 years creating and tracing these patterns along with researching them. We print and ship all of our patterns ourselves. If we started sending out PDFs, in no time, copies of our Intellectual Property would be all over the internet and we would be out of business. Second, some of our patterns are constantly being updated. We want our clients to get the BEST POSSIBLE version of our products.
