As we explore different decades of fashion history for Crew this year, we're thrilled to introduce the Josephine Set – a sophisticated two-piece outfit that pays homage to the glamorous loungewear of the 1930s. That's right – this month you get TWO patterns that can be worn on their own or as part of a matching set. Access Josephine through our Crew membership starting at just $14 USD / $17.50 CAD per month! (Remember — you have the flexibility to cancel anytime!)
The Design
For this month's pattern, we were inspired by "Beach pajamas", a popular style that emerged during the 1930s. Designed for seaside and resort vacations, Beach Pajamas generally consisted of wide-legged palazzo pants paired with coordinating tops, and they became popular as women gained more fashion (and lifestyle) freedom. Part of a broader trend toward active and casual clothing designed for leisure activities, they were considered quite daring at the time (Pajamas in public! Quelle scandale!) and were the epitome of modern lounge wear.
With that in mind, we were excited to take this era-appropriate inspiration and create a very "today" matching set. Josephine is a versatile two-piece that can take you from morning by the pool to evening at the resort with effortless sophistication. Our top priority was designing pieces that work beautifully together while being equally stunning when worn separately.
The Josephine tank has an easy cropped fit and features wide straps, bust darts, and buttons up the back for a touch of vintage detail (we're obsessed with the little cutaway created by the placket!) Note that this top is meant to *just* cover the waistband of the pants – be sure to add length if you like a longer fit through the torso!
For our second piece, the Josephine pants are wide-legged and high-waisted with slanted French-seamed pockets and sailor-inspired button closures along the waistband. The deep hem facings can be sewn inside or outside the pants for a customizable finish.
While we love these pieces together (in matching or coordinating fabrics!) they can just as easily be mixed and matched with other staples in your closet!
Our Muse
For our inspiration this month, we looked to the incomparable Josephine Baker – the legendary entertainer, civil rights activist, and style icon who captivated the world in the 1920s and 30s. Born in St. Louis, she found fame and freedom in Paris, where she became one of the most celebrated performers of her era. Beyond her groundbreaking artistry, Josephine was a fierce advocate for civil rights and served as a spy for the French Resistance during World War II. Her impeccable sense of style, both on and off stage, embodied the sophisticated ease of 1930s resort wear. We celebrate and continue to be inspired by her fearless spirit, her commitment to justice, and her timeless elegance that transcended every boundary.
Suggested Fabrics for Bianca
This pattern is designed for structured woven fabrics that will hold the silhouette beautifully. We suggest cotton poplin, seersucker, chambray, oxford cloth, broadcloth, and linen for that authentic vintage feel. The tank can also be made in slightly drapier fabrics like viscose, but the construction of the pants requires a more structured fabric to support the high waistband and wide-leg silhouette. Choose fabrics that press well and maintain their shape for the most professional results.
As usual, custom fabric kits to recreate our sample are available at Core Fabrics, including matching thread, buttons, and all necessary interfacing. You can also shop the Perfect Match collection for other appropriate fabrics. Don't forget you can also get your pattern printed at Core Fabrics if you want to hurry up and get to your sewing!
Unlimited members enjoy a standing discount at Core Fabrics! Get 15% off any order of fabric, notions, tools or kits in the shop for as long as you are an annual member. Visit the Crew Hub when you're logged in to see your exclusive Core Fabrics code.
Watch the Design Story
Heather walks you through all the details of this pattern and gives you some tips for fabric and styling!
How to Sign Up for Crew
Crew is a monthly subscription service that sends you a unique pattern + curated resources to sew it each and every month, along with access to our private and supportive community. You can join monthly at just $14 USD / $17.50 CAD a month (for as little as one month if you'd just like to nab this month's pattern) or join with our annual Unlimited plan. With Unlimited, you get all the patterns in our upcoming Decades collection, PLUS the 12 patterns from last year's Stone Collection, in addition to a ton of special perks, like our new Crew 101 sewing workshop and a standing 15% discount to the Closet Core, Deer&Doe + Core Fabrics shops. You also get exclusive access to our Fitting Concierge, an Unlimited-only service with industry fitting-pro Gabby Brown to help diagnose and solve your biggest fitting issues, regardless of the pattern or company you're using!
We can't wait to see your #ClosetCoreJosephine! Join today to get sewing!
(Please note that if you are signing up after July 2025, you'll only be able to access Josephine at the Unlimited level).
I still don’t get it? I want to buy the Josephine pant pattern and try it out. Im almost 70yrs old so I’m not interested in most of your patterns. Im not very tech savvy and I don’t own a printer. But im sure the local print shop ciuld help me. If I join for a month can I pick the Josephine pattern as my free pattern? Right now it’s the only one I’m interested in trying out, maybe more in the future.
Hi Marily,
Josephine was our July 2025 Crew pattern, so it’s only available through Crew Unlimited (our annual membership), which gives you access to the full back catalog of past patterns.
The monthly Crew Essential membership only includes the current month’s pattern.
Your local print shop can definitely help you print the PDF!