McCall 7302: 1940s Misses Sports Dress Size 32 Bust Vintage Sewing Pattern

Original 1948 McCall Pattern No. 7302 - Misses' Sports Dress Original 1948 McCall Printed Pattern No. 7302 for a misses' sports dress, cut for warm-weather wear with a striped, chevron-mitered skirt front and a dramatic squared-off back. Wide shoulder straps extend into a soft, cape-like back yoke that drops into a deep square back, closed with a back zipper and finished with a self-fabric belt. Complete Nice Condition, with a professionally repaired envelope. Quick Facts Pattern Number: McCall No. 7302 Year: 1948 Garment: Misses' Sports Dress Size: 14 (32" Bust) Condition: Complete Nice Condition Envelope Condition: Damaged Envelope, Professionally Repaired Design McCall 7302 makes striking use of striped fabric, with the front skirt panel cut on the bias - the pattern piece itself is marked with a slanted grainline arrow rather than a straight one, which is what allows the stripes to miter into a clean chevron point at center front. Cutting on the bias also changes how the skirt falls, giving it a softer, more fluid drape that fabric cut on the straight grain doesn't have, a quality many home sewers of the era specifically sought out. Wide shoulder straps widen into a soft cape-like yoke at the back, which drops into a dramatic squared-off low back for a cool, breezy fit. A fitted bodice gives way to a gently flared, gored skirt with side pockets, cinched with a self-fabric belt at the waist. A back zipper closure keeps the front clean and uninterrupted. Thirteen pattern pieces are given in all. A Moment in Fashion History By the late 1940s, the "sports dress" had become its own recognized category, distinct from both the tailored day dress and swimwear - a practical, breathable style meant for resort towns, boating, and warm-weather leisure. McCall 7302's mitered stripe detailing and dramatic open back reflect the era's growing confidence in bold, graphic construction, turning a simple striped cotton into a genuine style statement. Illustration The cover illustration has been digitally restored and enhanced by Judy Yates to highlight the original fashion artwork while preserving the character and artistry of this historic McCall pattern envelope. Connections This pattern is part of our ongoing exhibit, Sporty Looks for Active Gals - a growing collection celebrating active, playful designs for the sporting girl. Come take a look.