First (and Best?) V&A Shirt

So, I finished my first wearable V&A shirt recently, and it might just be my favourite garment I’ve made!

The author stands in front of a hedge, photographed from neck to thighs. She's wearing a long-sleeved shirt tucked into pale grey pants, one hand on her hip and the other held in front of her. The shirt is navy with pink, brown, and orange flowers all over it. It doesn't have a collar, but does have a centre front button placket that extends halfway down her torso.

(Please forgive the photography; the sun was not co-operating during this photoshoot 😦 )

The author stands in front of a hedge, photographed from neck to thighs. She's wearing the same navy floral shirt and pale grey pants as before. She is unbuttoning one of the buttons of her sleeve cuff.

This is perhaps the best shot of the fabric – isn’t it stunning?!

Close-up of the centre front placket of the navy shirt. The florals are easier to see; there are larger flowers in multiple colours, as well as smaller, single-coloured flowers. There are four navy blue buttons along the placket, and the bottom is pointed.

You can also see the centre front button placket – I am so pleased with how neat this is, it was very nerve-wracking sewing it! Below, you can see where I put a cheeky little hanging loop on the yoke (because of course).

Close-up of the navy shirt, laid flat on a wood surface. The collar is open, so the inside yoke area is visible. There is a small rectangle sewn to the yoke, with a hanging loop of navy ribbon attached.

I love how subtle and sleek the inverted box pleat looks at the back.

The author stands in front of a hedge, photographed from neck to hips. She faces away from the camera, so the back of the shirt is visible. The shirt is yoked, and has an inverted box pleat at the back to gather it.

I am so happy with this pattern, it just fits so well. I should mention too, this fabric came from a shop called Sapling Textiles, and it’s an Indian block-printed cotton. It’s very lightweight, so it should be good for summer.

The author stands in front of a hedge, photographed from neck to hips. She's wearing the navy shirt and pale grey pants from before, this time with the shirt untucked. The author has her hands in the pockets of her pants.

Upon testing this shirt by wearing it to work, I did find that it was a little too short, so next time, I’ll extend the hem a little. That “next time” will be very soon, I’m so excited! And I plan on wearing this shirt as often as I can until then.

2 thoughts on “First (and Best?) V&A Shirt”

Oh! Yes, what a beautiful shirt! Blouse? Of course you had me at the band collar though. All the details, the sweet fabric, and your sewing is just so precise. These photos are a joy. The shirt looks so crisp as well as soft though — after you’ve washed it will you need to starch and iron it for it to keep such body?

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Filliefanatic says:

October 28, 2025 at 10:12 am

Thank you so much! I do iron it after washing, but no starch 😊

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