Hi, Stash Hub community; I’m seeking recommendations for a great adult button-up shirt pattern. I’m hoping for something with clear instructions that is relatively straightforward to make, as I don’t claim to be an expert at shirt-making. (At least initially I’m hoping to avoid plackets, etc) What can you recommend, please? #genderneutral #nonbinary
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I have made the Tropical Shirt from Wardrobe by Me for my son although I would wear that style too. It’s short sleeved though. The pattern was relatively straightforward although I did struggle a bit with the collar. This was the first shirt I’ve made and I am a very amateur sewist.
I do want to try the Tony Shirt from Emporium patterns though, that looks an easy make. Again it’s short sleeved.
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My first thought is the Band Camp shirt from Love Notions, but with some caveats, as it has a women’s version and a men’s version (or a bundle with both). It uses a facing rather than a traditional placket, though the long sleeve has a tower placket. I imagine you’d be able to do them as normal plain sleeves without that, though. They’re both a boxy fit without skimming the body, so I think it could work.
You’d have to pick the one that works best depending on the circumstance. Comparing the two, I think these are the main differences:
- The women’s version has a lower and more open neckline.
- The women’s version has darts for bust shaping (but also a plain front version if you don’t need darts for a full bust).
- Instructions for the women’s version has the buttons on the right, and I believe left for men, but that should be easy to reverse.
- The women’s version has a sleeveless option.
- The men’s version has a colour-blocked front option.
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Hi, I’ve made the Helen’s Closet Cameron shirt a few times. It’s designed to be gender neutral. As with all her patterns, it’s got great instructions and you could avoid the sleeve plackets with a short sleeved version. Saremy from Sew Sew Live does a great sew through too (YouTube). The sleeve placket is worth a try if you feel really brave, I did a few practise attempts on scrap fabric first.
Good luck with whatever you choose!
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Grainline Stdio has the Archer Shirt and there is a video sew along.
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I’ve bought the Cameron button up by Helen’s Closet. I haven’t made it myself yet but I can still highly recommend it as Helen’s patterns are great and always have super detailed instructions.
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I enjoyed making the Albie shirt by Style Arc; it doesn’t have a separate placket and it’s an open/Cuban collar which makes it less fiddly. It’s also boxy with no bust shaping, plus I imagine the front pieces would be easily reversible depending on which way round you prefer to button your shirts. I made this with a contrast collar and matching pair of shorts for a summer co-ord!
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Thank you, I will check it out.
I enjoyed the Assembly line oversized shirt. I made it early on in my sewing learning and it wasn’t too challenging. Size down for a better fit
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Thank you for the very thoughtful response. Much appreciated.
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I made the Cameron for my husband. I usually love Helen’s closet patterns, have made him an number of shirts and have been sewing for donkeys years, but I found this pattern confusing and didn’t like having to constantly check which version I was sewing. It put me off ever sewing a gender neutral pattern again, unless there are no button plackets or fastenings!
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I can’t speak to how gender neutral suitable it is, but the Elbe Patterns Sanders Button Up is a very nice sew! Compared to other men’s shirts I’ve made, the construction was really easy to follow
Ah that’s a shame. I guess the different versions depend on which side you want to put the buttons? I’ll have to bear that in mind when I make it myself. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Also the length of the shirt and sleeves!
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I havent made it, but i must say Tony is on socials and is very helpful regarding his pattern. Including hacks to mke it a jacket
I went through my pattern stash and realised the Presley shirt ticked many of the boxes and I had made it before so…drumroll, here’s my make for my daughter. Thanks to everyone who helped me out with ideas.
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The tony shirt seems a good one, plus he is super helpful on his Insta, he has hacked the sleeves, im not sure if its available to buy
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Loooove that shirt, what fabulous fabric too!
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That looks great! Fantastic fabric, too.
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