ANITA | Printed patchwork shirt

It looks like something that came down through a family. It did not, but it looks like it.

The clothes that get remarked on are almost never the expensive ones. They are the ones that look as though they have a history: a coat from somebody's grandmother, a quilt that was made rather than bought. Most of what is for sale has no history at all and does not pretend to. Anita is printed to look pieced.

The pattern is a patchwork of faded greens, rust and cream, printed with the stitch detail included, so each panel reads as a separate piece of cloth as the shirt moves. It is laid across a relaxed open shirt in a light matte weave: point collar, tonal buttons, curved hem, and an easy cut through the shoulder and hip so the panels shift rather than sit still.

Why women our age keep coming back to it

• The stitching is part of the print. Printed seam detail is what makes it read as pieced cloth rather than as a pattern, and it is why people look twice.
• Muted, not bright. Faded green, rust and cream sit quietly together, so a busy pattern stays calm enough to wear on an ordinary day.
• It works over what you own. Cream, olive and black all sit under it, worn open over a plain tee with the sleeves turned once.
• An easy cut with a curved hem. Loose through the shoulder and hip, with a hem shaped to hang correctly when it is left open.

Buy more, save more

• Buy 2 and save 10 percent
• Buy 3 and save 15 percent
• Buy 4 and save 20 percent

The discount is applied automatically at checkout.

How it fits

Anita is sized in UK numbers, 8 through 22, and it runs on the small side. The chart gives body measurements rather than flat garment measurements, so measure over a light top, keep the tape level and do not pull it tight. If you are between two sizes, if you want room through the shoulder, or if you plan to layer underneath, take the larger size. Measurements are in inches.

30 days to change your mind

Send it back within 30 days for a full refund. There is no restocking fee and no questions about why.

A few recent reviews

Two women at the quilt show asked whether it was pieced. It is printed and I told them so.
Bernita L., Scottsdale

The colors are properly faded, not muddy. There is a difference and they got it right.
Myrtis C., Tucson

Size up. I took the 18 instead of my usual 16 and it hangs open properly.
Susie D., 69