This riding habit shirt kit is based on a few extant examples from private collections, contemporary images, and a bit of experimental archaeology. The shapes provided in this kit are designed to make a shirt that can work anywhere from 1770 to 1820. Riding habit shirts are essentially feminized versions of 18th & 19th century men’s shirts, so the construction process is nearly identical. Often made from fine linen, with cotton becoming a bit more common toward the end of the period, riding habit shirts could be very plain or very ornate depending on the person wearing it.

Please note that this is a kit with pared down instructions rather than a full pattern. It is recommended that you have at least an intermediate level of sewing skill and a decent familiarity with historical stitches. If you need a bit of extra help, check out the W&R YouTube channel for tutorials and sew alongs.

Pieces have been cut precisely with drawn threads to ensure they are perfectly on grain.

Sizes

A - up to 36" chest & 12" upper arm

B - up to 44” chest & 15" upper arm

C - up to 52” chest & 18" upper arm

D - up to 60" chest & 20" upper arm

Kit Includes:

- illustrated instructions for shirt & thread button making
- pre-cut shirt pieces
- full spool of 100% linen thread
- pins
- needle
- beeswax