The Flared Shirt

Most of the shirts in The Maker’s Atelier range favour a boyish silhouette but this summer I thought it was time to introduce a more feminine style with this Flared Shirt.

To me it is reminiscent of blouses from the late 50s or early 60s with a neater shoulder line and flared silhouette. 

The shoulder and cut of the armhole mean that there is an option for sleeveless as well as with sleeves on the same shirt body. Of course not everyone’s shoulder is the same length – follow this Journal post to easily adjust the shoulder to suit you. 

The armhole is neat to avoid gaping. 

The flare is added within the front and back pieces as well as at the side seam; in this way a structured A-line is avoided.

The flare is soft and fluid but not so extreme that the shirt cannot be tucked in. 

The collar is similar to the Holiday Shirt but the opening is lower and the collar edge is in line with the centre front, rather than stepped in as the Holiday Shirt. For all the facing pieces I would recommend ironing the interfacing to the fabric first, then pinning or chalking around the pattern pieces to avoid distorting the fabric and ensuring accuracy. 

The finished length is 61.5-66 cm or 24-26 inches, depending on size selected. To shorten or lengthen the body either add or subtract equally around the hem to keep the slight curve of the hem. Alternatively make the adjustment in line with the lower of the two notches at the side seam. In this instance the line from the underarm to hem will need to levelled out. Also the flare will appear greater if shortened and less if lengthened. 

The sleeve is designed to be bracelet length with the cuff turned. The cuff is integral to the sleeve so it could be left unturned. This straight sleeve can lengthened or shortened to suit. 

As shown in the images, this style works in plain or patterned fabrics especially in linen or cotton but it would also suit florals especially Tana lawn.