The MYKONOS shirt is, in short, perfection.  To start, it has four (yep, FOUR) pockets and is inspired by vintage men’s tailoring.  The pockets are large and purposeful. Perfect for knick knacks of all sorts, ideal for an on the go, messabout, fart around lifestyle. It is the type of shirt your grandparent would wear every day. A grannie shirt you would covet as a child and cherish as an adult. The silhouette and practicality of the shirt can be easily dressed up or down. I would say it falls firmly in the part shirt, part jacket “shacket” category of clothing. I used FS BLEACHED Signature Finish Midweight Linen for this one, but could easily see a lighter or heavier fabric looking fantastic.

I chose to sew a size 6 based on my measurements, veering small based on the photos in the instruction booklet. While sewing I was a bit sceptical that I would be swimming in a comically large garment and look like a toddler that snuck into her dad’s closet rather than a chic cool girl wearing her partner’s clothes. After attaching the collar and sleeves I was delighted to find that the design has an effortless oversized fit, which in fact projects cool girl rather than toddler (although no shade to toddler style, there is a time and place for that too).  This very garment also happens to fit my husband and look great on him too which is very unusual because he is a rather large human and I am a rather small human.

The pattern comes color printed, with an instruction booklet, pattern hanger and a summery co-ord pant pattern as well. The instructions for the shirt are simple and clear. I was able to follow along with very few mistakes which is unusual for me on a cold sew of a new pattern. I had never sewn inseam chest pockets before, and although I didn’t totally understand what or why I was doing certain steps, it all came out lovely and crisp in the end. There are many top stitching details throughout the shirt that add to the purposeful oversized yet tailored look.  I found the construction of the shirt enjoyable and thoughtful, which is not always the case with often tedious button-downs.

The MYKONOS shirt is a perfect wardrobe staple, fun to sew, effortless to style and full of pockets.  It’s equal parts lunch lady, grandpa, french janitor, professional oil painter, teddy girl and rich glamorous auntie. I hope to see many of you try it out and get lost in the pockets and gender neutral ease of the silhouette.