My new favourite button up

Let me start by saying that I love this top!

I am a big fan of flowy, loose-fitting clothing, but as a someone with a bigger bust, this can often make me look heavier than I am.  The Phen shirt nips in at the waist, and when tucked in, does a great job of not making me look like I’m wearing a shapeless sack!  But the sides and back are still so drapey and the overall fit is super comfortable.  It’s the best of both worlds!

I’m giving this pattern 4 instead of 5 stars because the instructions felt a bit like micro-management at points, and there were around 70 individual steps. For example, cutting the under collar slightly smaller than the upper allows the upper to roll ever so slightly over the edge to hide the seam from the top — the Phen shirt uses this construction, but instead of explaining that before outlining the steps, a long sequence of very specific detailed instructions was given with the bare minimum of words and no explanations.  An advanced sewer would probably pick this up with no issues, but an intermediate sewer looking to improve their skill set might feel overwhelmed.

I didn’t make any alterations, but cut based on my high hip measurement since that’s where the shirt is the most fitted.  In the future, I think I would add 1/2″ to 1″ to the overall length so it could be worn with mid-rise instead of high-rise trousers and not have the sides come un-tucked when lifting my arms.  I also used french seams instead of following the seam-finishing instructions (I don’t have a serger) and that worked out just fine.  I also omitted the loop at the back.

I used a tencel satin which has a lovely drape, which I think is a great choice for this shirt.  I’ve already worn it a few times and love it so much!