Last but not least in our series of reviewer roundups, today we are sharing six versions of the Fougère overshirt (available in sizes 34-48 and 46-60)!

We’ve included some review highlights below, but we encourage you to visit everybody’s full posts for more photos and information. Thank you to Jo, Stephanie, Sylvia, Nisan, Jessica, Samantha, and Annika for taking the time to review Fougère! 

Our jaws literally dropped when we saw this incredible brocade Fougère from Jo (@fivespicepower)! She really maximized the color blocking potential of this pattern, and we’re obsessed with all the bright pops of color. The version on the right is her toile in an upcycled Barney fabric—and we’re having a hard time choosing a favorite between the two!

[I]f you want the TLDR I thought shackets sucked and now I don’t. I matured, I concluded, like fine wine, which is to say I am now off-putting to 20somethings and desperately attempting to be liked by 30somethings. Shackets are my thing now. I’m a light jacket man and I said it here first.

The pattern is well drafted – I found the notches judicious and the instructions clear and easy to follow. I found the sizing appropriate and did not need to do any adjustments to the pattern apart from my customary lopping off of 2 inches from the sleeves. It came together reasonably quickly. My favourite part of the instructions is the way the cuffs and collar are finished: it’s very neat and clever and looks lovely and clean.

Jo at @fivespicepower

Stephanie (@smlennox) opted to make Version A of Fougère in a lightweight striped cotton (perfect for wearing through the hotter summer months!). She used only one of the patch pockets and cut it on the cross-grain, as well as the top piece of the 3-piece sleeve. This is such a subtle but striking way to play with print!

This pattern is a great staple (31 7/8”- 57 7/8” bust) with some fun details like a three piece sleeve that allowed for some fun pattern play, as well as a sleeve vent (rather than your normal placket) and a nice curved hem finished with a hem facing (it made hemming, dare I say, enjoyable?)

Stephanie of stephtime.com

When the perfect fabric meets the perfect pattern! Sylvia (@theravelout) constructed her Fougère overshirt from a linen/viscose blend in the cheeriest yellow color, and we all want this piece in our own closets!

My favorite thing about this pattern is the construction of the three-part sleeve. It comes together nicely to create a vent, similar to a placket but without all that hassle. It’s brilliant and I love it!

Sylvia of theravelout.com

For Nisan’s (@the.social.fabric) final review of our new collection, she was kind enough to try out the Fougère overshirt. As usual, she went above and beyond with the finishing touches on this one, and it really shows in her final results. We love how she’s styled it here both tucked in and untucked. It works beautifully as a loose blouse!

You all know how much I love classic shirt patterns with fun twists, and this is exactly how I would describe the Fougère. It has all the traditional details you would expect from a button up shirt, plus really cool three-piece sleeves, sleeve vents instead of plackets, and a beautiful curved hemline finished with a facing. I also threw in a couple of touches like double topstitching throughout the shirt, flat felled side seams, and hand finished collar stand and cuffs.

I love Deer and Doe instructions, and this pattern was no exception. I learned a new way of sewing the collar stand and I much prefer it to my usual method! Overall, I can wholeheartedly recommend this pattern to anyone who is looking for a new overshirt pattern to try.

Nisan of thesocialfabric.net

Here is another showstopper from Jessica (@sewingjess)! She added a back seam to this Fougère overshirt to create a cool two-toned look, making sure to select fabrics of the same weight and weave so it would hang evenly on both sides. She also added 45 cm of length for this extra-dramatic look!

I’m a big fan! I had a few moments of style doubt while I was sewing, especially on the choice of fabric. I didn’t doubt the pattern . . . but once the garment was finished, what a pleasure! The look is there and the colors pop! My overshirt can be worn as a dress or a jacket, with bare legs or over pants, with heels or sneakers . . . it’s super versatile. I’ve wore it and I only receive compliments. The workwear cut is superb. It’s the shirt I’ve been waiting for for years. 

Jessica of sewingjess.wordpress.com

Here we have Samantha (@purplesewingcloud) with her striped linen/cotton Fougère overshirt. We loving following Samantha for her bright and cheery makes, and this version of Fougère did not disappoint! She made a straight size 50 with no fit adjustments, finding the sizing, bust darts, and length perfect. 

It’s a really beautiful oversized light shirt, it’s a perfect wardrobe staple with some great options. The pattern has all the classic traditional shirt features but with a modern classic twist. I’ve made mine in a light fabric but I think it would work so well in something heavier for cooler months. As a Garment the shirt works wonderfully on its own but also as a layering piece, because it’s oversized there’s no issues with wearing tees or even a dress under it. The instructions are well detailed and thoughtfully put together with great illustrations. 

I think my face shows how happy I am with my new shirt!

Samantha of @purplesewingcloud

Last but not least, we have Annika (@frau.a.w) with her final review of Fougère! It really completes her whole look, doesn’t it?

My absolute favourite. I like the split sleeves and the slit finish. The top completes the look wonderfully – it is discreet in the background but also wonderful to wear alone. The buttons are a nice detail. I used poplin. The whole look is streetstyle in perfection. The cuts are well thought out and perfectly matched.

Annika of (@frau.a.w)

A huge thank you again to everybody for taking the time to sew and review the Fougère overshirt (available in sizes 34-48 and 46-60). If you haven’t already, make sure to check out the reviews for the Genêt pants and Hysope blouse we shared earlier this week. Which pattern will you be making first?

Note: Pattern Testers and Reviewers

Our pattern testers have worked with us closely while we were developing the pattern, and provided feedback on the construction and fit. Our reviewers featured in this blog did not take part in pattern testing, and so did not provide feedback during the design phase. Their feedback is based on the final version of the pattern only. In exchange for their honest review, they received an early copy of the finished pattern as well as a purchase credit for fabric and supplies. The opinions they express on their blogs (which we recommend visiting!) are their own, and we have encouraged honest and constructive criticism.