Everyone needs a good button-up in their closet (or more than one!) and we have a few great candidates for your favourite shirt pattern in our shop. Today we are looking at the similarities and differences between the Kalle Shirt and Jenna from Closet Core Patterns and comparing them to the Mélilot and Fougère shirt patterns from Deer&Doe (our sister brand). We'll look at all the details and options for each pattern so you can get a sense of which might work best for your style and closet! Let's do this.
Kalle Shirt & Shirtdress
Kalle is one of our bestsellers for over seven years running! That is a long time for anything to be considered stylish and we suspect its because its a timeless workhorse with a ton of options. With Kalle you can choose between 2 collars, 3 plackets, and 3 lengths, and because you can mix and match all the details you can essentially make infinite shirts, dresses and tunics from just one pattern. Add on the sleeve expansion and it really takes it to another level. Kalle is available in print in sizes 0-20 and PDF in sizes 0-32.
Mélilot Shirt
Mélilot is another take on a classic chemise. It has a similar cuffed, cut-on sleeve to Kalle but this pattern includes the long sleeve view. It has a slimmer, more form-fitting shape with bust darts for shaping, and just one hip grazing length. However, there are two placket options and both a band collar and standard (though more rounded) collar variation. We've detailed some more of the differences in our pattern match-up below. Mélilot is available in sizes 34-52 in PDF only.
Kalle vs. Mélilot
Jenna Shirt
Jenna is the latest pattern from CCP. We designed this beauty to fill a hole in our wardrobes that was previously full of vintage men's shirts from Ralph Lauren and Lacoste. A take on a classic oversized button up, we riffed on the initial view by adding a cropped length as well as a shirtdress option with a gathered skirt panel. Jenna is one of our first patterns in alpha sizing which allows us to go to print in our entire size range. Jenna is available in print or PDF in sizes XXS-4X.
Fougère Shirt
Overshirt, shacket, lightweight jacket . . . whatever you want to call it, Fougère has you covered. Similar to Jenna, Fougere has a roomy fit but based onthe amount of ease we'd say it's slightly more oversized. The voluminous 3-piece sleeve is ideal for layering in the spring or enjoying as a loose and breathable piece in the summer. With plenty of design lines to play with and two dramatic but distinct silhouettes, Fougère offers endless fresh and bold style opportunities. Version A has a curved hem that ends below the hip, while version B is cropped with an elasticated hem and works well as a light jacket. Fourgère is available in PDF in sizes 34-48 and 46-52.
Jenna vs. Fougère
Learn More with our Shirt Making Class!
Our online class for shirtmaking is the perfect place to start if you are feeling intimidated sewing any of these patterns. Heather Lou will walk you through collar construction, how to sew a perfect tower placket (you will feel like a wizard) and all the tips and tricks for getting professional looking button ups! It comes with either the Kalle or Jenna shirt patterns to get you going, or choose "no patterns" at checkout to use Mélilot, Fougère, or one you already have. Build your sewing skills and you will be able to tackle any shirt pattern that comes your way!
