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Returns Policy, Shipping & Customer Service
Returns Policy, Shipping & Customer Service
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We know you’ll love this sewing pattern as much as we do. If you aren't satisfied with the paper pattern version you have 30-days from receipt to return it. Please see our refund policy for more details;
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We dispatch 4 times a week: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Sunday. For more details see our Shipping Policy. Please be aware customs processing may affect delivery estimates and are outside of our control.
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Our international shipping is at a reduced rate, and is based on weight - so multiple pattern orders are cost effective. If you would like to discuss the shipping cost, please contact us.
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You can contact us about your pattern at any time by emailing us; vintagepatternssewbeeit@gmail.com and we promise to respond within 24 hours.
1940's High Waisted Shorts
Feel like a million dollar legs in these fabulous 40s shorts! The perfect addition to your vintage wardrobe. They are very simple to make. The instructions and illustrations are suitable for anyone relatively new to dressmaking. Note: Blouse is not included in pattern.
Offered here as a Digital Download (how to print and assemble). This pattern is also available as a Paper Pattern here.
Sizes
Sizes
Waist: 26” (66cm) Hips: 33" (84cm)
International Pattern Size Chart
International Pattern Size Chart
| Vintage Pattern Size | Bust (inches) | Bust (cm) | UK Size | France Size | Germany Size | Italy Size | Spain Size | US / Canada Size |
| 12 | 30 | 76.2 | 4 – 6 | 34 | 32 | 38 | 34 | 0 – 2 |
| 14 | 32 | 81.3 | 6 – 8 | 36 | 34 | 40 | 36 | 2 – 4 |
| 16 | 34 | 86.4 | 8 – 10 | 38 | 36 | 42 | 38 | 4 – 6 |
| 18 | 36 | 91.4 | 10 – 12 | 40 | 38 | 44 | 40 | 6 – 8 |
| 20 | 38 | 96.5 | 12 – 14 | 42 | 40 | 46 | 42 | 8 – 10 |
| 40 | 40 | 101.6 | 14 – 16 | 44 | 42 | 48 | 44 | 10 – 12 |
| 42 | 42 | 106.7 | 16 – 18 | 46 | 44 | 50 | 46 | 12 – 14 |
| 44 | 44 | 111.8 | 18 – 20 | 48 | 46 | 52 | 48 | 14 – 16 |
| 46 | 46 | 116.8 | 20 – 22 | 50 | 48 | 54 | 50 | 16 – 18 |
| 48 | 48 | 121.9 | 22 – 24 | 52 | 50 | 56 | 52 | 18 – 20 |
| 50 | 50 | 127 | 24 – 26 | 54 | 52 | 58 | 54 | 20 – 22 |
| 52 | 52 | 132.1 | 26 – 28 | 56 | 54 | 60 | 56 | 22 – 24 |
| 54 | 54 | 137.2 | 28 – 30 | 58 | 56 | 62 | 58 | 24 – 26 |
Use the size chart above to find your closest modern-day size equivalent in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the USA or Canada, using your bust measurement in inches or centimetres.
How to Measure Your Bust
- Wear a well-fitting bra.
- Wrap a measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust.
- Keep the tape level across your back and comfortably snug, without pulling it tight.
- Record your measurement in inches or centimetres and compare it with our size chart.
For the best fit, always choose your pattern size based on your body measurements, not your usual shop size. Always check your bust measurement before ordering!
For more information about how pattern sizes can slightly vary between brands and decade, how to measure yourself, what is ease etc, please visit our Vintage Sizing Explained.
Sewing Notions
Sewing Notions
Slide Fastener; Seam Binding (optional); I Spool of Matching Thread (100 yards); Snap Fasteners, Hooks and Eyes
Fabric Amounts
Fabric Amounts
Fabric amounts vary between 0.9 yds (0.83 metres) and 1.2 yds (1.1 metres), depending on size and views. Please see the pattern back image for specific details. Check out the extensive range of fabrics from our Recommended Partners.
Imperial to Metric Conversion Guide
Imperial to Metric Conversion Guide
Yards to Centimeter
| Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|
| ⅛ yard | 11.4cm |
| ¼ yard | 22.9cm |
| ⅓ yard | 30.5cm |
| ⅜ yard | 34.3cm |
| ½ yard | 45.7cm |
| ⅝ yard | 57.2cm |
| ⅔ yard | 61cm |
| ¾ yard | 68.6cm |
| 1 yard | 91.4cm |
| 1¼ yard | 114.3cm |
| 1½ yard | 137.2cm |
| 1¾ yard | 160cm |
| 2 yards | 182.9cm |
| 2¼ yards | 205.7cm |
| 2½ yards | 228.6cm |
| 2¾ yards | 251.5cm |
| 3 yards | 274.3cm |
| 3½ yards | 320cm |
| 4 yards | 365.8cm |
Inches to Millimeters/Centimeter
| Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|
| ⅛" | 3mm |
| ¼" | 6mm |
| ⅓" | 8mm |
| ⅜" | 10mm |
| ½" | 12mm |
| ⅝" | 16mm |
| ⅔" | 17mm |
| ¾" | 19mm |
| 1" | 2.5cm |
| 1¼" | 3.2cm |
| 1½" | 3.8cm |
| 1¾" | 4.4cm |
| 2" | 5.1cm |
| 2¼" | 5.7cm |
| 2½" | 6.4cm |
| 2¾" | 7.0cm |
| 3" | 7.6cm |
| 3¼" | 8.25cm |
| 3½" | 8.9cm |
| 4" | 10.2cm |
| 4½" | 11.4cm |
| 5" | 12.7cm |
| 5½" | 14cm |
| 6" | 15.2cm |
| 7" | 17.8cm |
| 8" | 20.3cm |
| 9" | 22.9cm |
| 10" | 25.4cm |
| 11" | 28cm |
| 12" | 30.5cm |
Roll Width (Inches to Centimeters)
| Imperial | Centimeters |
|---|---|
| 35" | 88.9cm |
| 36" | 91.44cm |
| 38" | 96.52cm |
| 39" | 99.06cm |
| 42" | 106.68cm |
| 48" | 121.92cm |
| 54" | 137.16cm |
Seam Allowances
| Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|
| ¼" | 6mm |
| ⅜" | 10mm |
| ½" | 12mm |
| ⅝" | 16mm |
| ¾" | 19mm |
Recommended Fabrics
Recommended Fabrics
Linen, Pique, Gaberdine, Sharkskin, Flannel, Chambray, Percale, Gingham, Shantung, Flat Crepe, Printed Silk. See our Fabric Partners
Skill Level
Skill Level
Beginner / Intermediate
What You Will Receive
What You Will Receive
After purchase, you will receive an email with a link to simply download at home, formatted for both 8.5"x11" and A4 printing. This digital download will print actual size full-scale pattern pieces.

Great product and received it immediately
Easy download as always, top quality. The pattern itself looks good, the most difficult part will be the placket, otherwise seems to be an easy project.
Very excited to use this pattern!
PDF -1940's Sewing Pattern: Ladies High Waist Shorts - Waist 26” (66cm) - Instantly Print at Home
- 5 stars: 4 (100%)
- 4 stars: 0 (0%)
- 3 stars: 0 (0%)
- 2 stars: 0 (0%)
- 1 star: 0 (0%)
Great product and received it immediately
Easy download as always, top quality. The pattern itself looks good, the most difficult part will be the placket, otherwise seems to be an easy project.
Very excited to use this pattern!
PDF -1940's Sewing Pattern: Ladies High Waist Shorts - Waist 26” (66cm) - Instantly Print at Home