Unusual Couture Bolero Effect 1953 Dress Pattern size 38 1/2″ Bust (98cm)

€7.00

  • The Bolero is actually part of the dress, sewn to the underbodice; an unusual couture style.
  • Need another size? Ask us about expert vintage grading for a modern fit.
  • Recreate the true 1950s silhouette with authentic shaping and construction.
  • Trace with confidence from a professionally restored, 100% scale pattern. Learn about tracing here.
  • Original French 1950s pattern, translated to English with updated modern sewing terms.
  • Print your way with A4, US Letter and Wide Format for home, copy shop.
  • Advanced  sewing skills required; not suitable for novices.
Unusual Couture Bolero Effect 1953 Dress Pattern size 38 1/2" Bust (98cm)
Unusual Couture Bolero Effect 1953 Dress Pattern size 38 1/2" Bust (98cm) - Image 2
Unusual Couture Bolero Effect 1953 Dress Pattern size 38 1/2" Bust (98cm) - Image 3
this sewing pattern is not for novices
Unusual Couture Bolero Effect 1953 Dress Pattern size 38 1/2" Bust (98cm) - Image 5
Unusual Couture Bolero Effect 1953 Dress Pattern size 38 1/2" Bust (98cm) - Image 6

#415 is an early 1950s bolero dress sewing pattern for sewists who enjoy something more interesting than a standard fitted day dress. 

The kimono bolero is actually built into the dress over a fitted bustier-style underbodice, giving the finished garment a polished, almost couture look without needing a separate jacket.

The bolero has three-quarter sleeves and curved lower edges finished with bias trim. The panelled skirt flares gently and has an inverted box pleat at centre front beneath the button fastening. Two wide bias-cut bands form mock-pocket details and repeat the bolero trim, giving the whole design a very deliberate, distinctive finish.

This is an advanced vintage sewing pattern. The fitted underbodice and attached bolero need to work together, so I would make a proper mock-up and get the bust, waist and balance right before cutting your final fabric. 

You should already be comfortable fitting a close bodice, handling unusual pattern shapes, sewing bias pieces and curved edges accurately, and following concise written instructions without needing every step illustrated.

What makes #415 worth the extra work is that it looks genuinely different. The attached bolero, fitted underbodice and strong skirt details give you the sort of handmade 1950s dress that shows off both the pattern and the skill that went into making it.

 

1950s Size Chart

Modern Size Chart

Vintage patterns are usually sized by bust measurement.  This is the best single measurement for choosing a pattern size.

If you have a larger bust size compared to your dress size, you will need to calculate your dress cup size. It’s very simple. For more info, please click here

We specialise in grading our vintage patterns to other Bust sizes from 32 to 64 inches (82cm to 163cm) on request.

Click here for our pattern resize request form.
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