Pattern: 16th Century Men’s Renaissance Shirt with Neckline Gore

Based on a real garment in the Fashion Museum in Bath, England dated to around 1590, this shirt/hemd pattern features a gathered neckline and lower sleeve edges sewn into a separate collar and cuffs with a separate ruffle for each area. By changing the width of the ruffle or the embellishments used, it’s easy to modify the era that the pattern portrays because the basic body of this shirt can be documented all throughout the 16th century.

The outstanding feature of this pattern is the gore at the top of the shoulder, incorporated into the neckline. This allows for the fabric to drape very nicely and smoothly over this area without pulling on the collar. Those who’ve worn this shirt pattern versus the pattern without the gore pick this one because it is a bit more comfortable, and definitely looks better in pictures. That said, it’s also a bit more challenging to fit the neckline gore into place! It also features underarm gores and a center front neck opening which is held closed by a tie inserted through eyelets. About the sample: This sample garment which was used for the packaging and final test pattern is made entirely of white linen and features some reverse smocking at both neckline and sleeve base to help hold the pleated gathers in place. The black cuff and collar needlework is from the 1516-1519 “Portrait of a Man” by G. Romanino. The embroidery chart or the digitized embroidery file for machine use are both available at the designer’s website.

Pattern fits up to XL. All sizes in one envelope. This is a pattern, not a finished garment. Historical notes and embellishment suggestions included. Suggested Fabrics: white or black light weight linen or linen/cotton blend. Yardage Requirements: 3 yards of 45″+ wide.