RIVA Shirt in FS Midweight FS Signature Linen paired with RIVA Pant in FS GINGER Midweight Linen

When I first looked through FS patterns, I didn’t notice the RIVA collection. Looking at it closely, this pattern bundle not only contains the perfect wardrobe staples with timeless designs but also featured outstanding detail. Funny story, I never had a classic white shirt – please don’t blame me – but in all honestly, I used to find them pretty boring.

However, it seems that tastes change over time because I have recently caught myself searching for a white shirt. When I saw the back of the RIVA shirt I knew I found the one. They say: ‘A wise man changes his mind sometimes, a fool never.’
I choose to make the RIVA shirt in BLEACHED FS Signature Finish Midweight Linen, then decided to give the Riva pant a go and used the FS GINGER Midweight Linen.

RIVA Shirt in FS BLEACHED Midweight FS Signature Linen paired with RIVA Pant in FS GINGER Midweight Linen

It says on the Riva booklet that this pattern collection is chic and comfortable and I honestly could not agree more. The shirt might look classic in front but wait until you see the back: its deep back pleat does not go unnoticed! The fit is quite oversized which makes it more casual and wearable for everyday. The Riva pant is a beautiful high-waist trouser with a double front pleating and slant pockets. The back is – again – no less interesting with its double welt pockets (there is also a hidden button and a tiny loop inside) and a V slit at the centre back waistband. Actually, this is the kind of pant I have always wanted but never found in my size in French stores. Both designs also come with a short version and a sleeveless shirt version for warmer weather.

RIVA Shirt in FS BLEACHED FS Signature Linen paired with RIVA Pant in FS GINGER Midweight Linen

Let’s talk a bit more about fitting now! The RIVA Collection is available from size 2 up to size 24 (B51 W46 1/4 H55). At the moment my measurements put me on different sizes (B s.22 W s.20 H s.18) and so normally I have to grade between sizes. However, before grading, I always look at the finished garment measurements to get an idea of the ease. This is a real timesaver because for oversized looks I often skip grading and make one straight size. This is exactly what happened with the Riva shirt and I decided to make a straight size 18. About the pant, I first made a muslin in size 20 but decided to size down for a more fitted look around my hip area. I did not alternate much for the pattern pieces, I simply made length adjustments because I’m short (160cm / 5’3): I shortened the sleeves (by 4cm / 1,57 inch), the rise (by 4cm / 1,57 inch) and the leg (by 5cm / 2 inch).

RIVA Shirt in FS BLEACHED FS Signature Linen paired with RIVA Pant in FS GINGER Midweight Linen

I am truly happy with how both shirt and pant turned out! I think both fit very (very) well, especially the Riva pant, without any major adjustment! I mean, fitting pants can really drive someone crazy (Am-I the only one?) but the Riva pant fitting is just chef’s kisses for my body shape. Next time I will only do a couple of adjustments: I will shorten the shirt back curved hem (which I really love but like to try something new) and I will add 1 or 2 cm to the pant waist.

I sewed these garments with great pleasure, fabrics-store patterns have very detailed step-by-step sewing instructions that help you overcome any tricky construction problems. Shirt and pant patterns indeed are not the easiest ones, there are often difficult details that can be scary – I have to be honest I got a bit scared when I first glanced at the instructions booklet!
Yet I sewed my first sleeve plackets and welt pockets and it was a total success, without checking any video tutorials! I was also quite impressed by the shirt construction, I found it pretty quick and surprisingly easy. For instance, I honestly don’t remember having sewn a collar so easily and neatly (there is a bias binding finish inside) and I think I made this shirt over the course of 2 or 3 evenings.
I found the instructions booklet very useful with lots of pictures, body and finished garment measurements, a fabric yardage guide and of course well explained illustrated sewing steps. Another benefit is that the pattern is color printed which is very handy to trace/ cut and made my eyes suffer less.

RIVA Shirt in FS BLEACHED FS Signature Linen paired with RIVA Pant in FS GINGER Midweight Linen

In conclusion, I think the RIVA collection keeps its promise in offering a timeless silhouette for years to come. I hope you will try to sew these versatile patterns to go to a chic event or on a day-to-day basis. I personally look forward to experimenting with both new pant and shirt to add new staples to my handmade wardrobe. I am extremely happy to have found the high waist pant of my dream and I am very thankful to FS for letting me review this collection.