That’s a great process. I also have my eye on the TAL pattern — I love the pockets and can imagine making a version to layer over other shirts. I’ve made both the grainline Archer and the Closet Core Jenna. The Archer has a really nice classic, slim fit. And the Jenna is perfectly oversized. Different methods for sleeve plackets which were fun to try.
Thank you! And yes, the pockets on the TAL pattern are such a good detail, exactly the kind of thing that makes a shirt feel intentional rather than just basic. The layering idea sounds also good!
It’s so interesting to hear you compare the Archer and the Jenna, I was actually debating between the Jenna and the TAL pattern myself, but since I’d already made a few things from TAL, I wanted to give it another go rather than jumping to something new. That said, the Jenna keeps popping into my mind every now and then. Maybe it’s still on the list somewhere.
Honestly, I completely understand why you left, you literally can’t escape them. The ads and AI-generated images have become so overwhelming that you have to actively filter as you scroll. But somehow I still manage to find outfits that genuinely inspire me, so I keep going back for that.
That said, Pinterest isn’t the only place I save things anymore. Instagram has become just as useful for me, I have folders there too, and it’s actually quite easy to collect images from all over the place now. So I’m less dependent on any one platform than I used to be. But I guess Pinterest is stil my favorite, for the moment, but that’s just me.
Hey, have you come across the shirt making course from The Pattern Line? It is AMAZING and one of the patterns included is the oversized Bowery shirt. I think they’ve either just started a new class or are about to this Sunday. It covers a huge variety of menswear details and couture details for plackets and collars and cuffs.
Plus you get unlimited access to a sewing chat with some very very talented & creative people!
The TAL Oversized shirt is my fave button up shirt pattern. I find the fit is a perfect blend of oversize but with some key areas that are not oversize: cuffs, neck, and shoulders.
The shoulder is essentially a drop shoulder, but still seems drafted for a femme body so while oversized it isn’t sloppy. The neck when buttoned to the top is not too loose and not too tight, again it avoids the sloppy, wearing-a-mans-shirt vibe. The cuffs are like the collar, almost a snug fit but really help anchor the oversize fit.
I’ve also made the Closet Core Jenna and Kalle, along with the Modern Sewing Classic Shirt and Helen’s Closet Cameron. The TAL shirt is far and above my favourite that I’ve made five times in fabrics ranging from linen to plaid flannel to pleather. Most have been shortened to a more traditional shirt length. I have the collar expansion and adore the big seventies inspired pointed collar.
Thank you so much for this, what a detailed and generous breakdown of the fit! You’ve actually articulated something I was trying to put into words: the way it manages to feel oversized without tipping into sloppy. I always loved the oversized menswear fit yet still flattering for women, but didn’t realised that the TAL pattern makes it achievable thanks to the cuffs and collar as anchors, so thank you for sharing that. This could be helpful for all those reading your comment.
Also wauw, I love repeating sewing patterns, but five versions is a serious commitment, and the range of fabrics you’ve tried is so helpful to know. That’s what makes us truly understand the different silhouettes a well made shirt can have.
I’m even more excited to get started now. Thank you!
That’s a great process. I also have my eye on the TAL pattern — I love the pockets and can imagine making a version to layer over other shirts. I’ve made both the grainline Archer and the Closet Core Jenna. The Archer has a really nice classic, slim fit. And the Jenna is perfectly oversized. Different methods for sleeve plackets which were fun to try.
Thank you! And yes, the pockets on the TAL pattern are such a good detail, exactly the kind of thing that makes a shirt feel intentional rather than just basic. The layering idea sounds also good!
It’s so interesting to hear you compare the Archer and the Jenna, I was actually debating between the Jenna and the TAL pattern myself, but since I’d already made a few things from TAL, I wanted to give it another go rather than jumping to something new. That said, the Jenna keeps popping into my mind every now and then. Maybe it’s still on the list somewhere.
Meant to ask: how do you manage all the ads and fake content in Pinterest? I quit the platform because I found that so frustrating.
Honestly, I completely understand why you left, you literally can’t escape them. The ads and AI-generated images have become so overwhelming that you have to actively filter as you scroll. But somehow I still manage to find outfits that genuinely inspire me, so I keep going back for that.
That said, Pinterest isn’t the only place I save things anymore. Instagram has become just as useful for me, I have folders there too, and it’s actually quite easy to collect images from all over the place now. So I’m less dependent on any one platform than I used to be. But I guess Pinterest is stil my favorite, for the moment, but that’s just me.
I want to try the MVP BD Shirt pattern by House of Izzie - she’s a Parsons trained designer and I’ve loved every pattern I’ve made of hers
Thank you for sharing. Would love to see the finished results.
Hey, have you come across the shirt making course from The Pattern Line? It is AMAZING and one of the patterns included is the oversized Bowery shirt. I think they’ve either just started a new class or are about to this Sunday. It covers a huge variety of menswear details and couture details for plackets and collars and cuffs.
Plus you get unlimited access to a sewing chat with some very very talented & creative people!
Thank you for sharing
Thank you for this. It’s great. I’m definitely trying to think the process through more carefully than I have previously.
The TAL Oversized shirt is my fave button up shirt pattern. I find the fit is a perfect blend of oversize but with some key areas that are not oversize: cuffs, neck, and shoulders.
The shoulder is essentially a drop shoulder, but still seems drafted for a femme body so while oversized it isn’t sloppy. The neck when buttoned to the top is not too loose and not too tight, again it avoids the sloppy, wearing-a-mans-shirt vibe. The cuffs are like the collar, almost a snug fit but really help anchor the oversize fit.
I’ve also made the Closet Core Jenna and Kalle, along with the Modern Sewing Classic Shirt and Helen’s Closet Cameron. The TAL shirt is far and above my favourite that I’ve made five times in fabrics ranging from linen to plaid flannel to pleather. Most have been shortened to a more traditional shirt length. I have the collar expansion and adore the big seventies inspired pointed collar.
Best of luck with the TAL shirt!
Thank you so much for this, what a detailed and generous breakdown of the fit! You’ve actually articulated something I was trying to put into words: the way it manages to feel oversized without tipping into sloppy. I always loved the oversized menswear fit yet still flattering for women, but didn’t realised that the TAL pattern makes it achievable thanks to the cuffs and collar as anchors, so thank you for sharing that. This could be helpful for all those reading your comment.
Also wauw, I love repeating sewing patterns, but five versions is a serious commitment, and the range of fabrics you’ve tried is so helpful to know. That’s what makes us truly understand the different silhouettes a well made shirt can have.
I’m even more excited to get started now. Thank you!