Meet the Betty Dress! This design, inspired by a true vintage dress worn by the character Betty Draper on Mad Men, is a charming classic. The beautifully sculpted bodice is accented with a ruched cummerbund (a lovely opportunity to play with contrasting fabrics) and optional back bow.
Make it with either the frothy bubble skirt, the full gathered skirt, or the slim pencil skirt for three very different looks. There’s even a dramatic bishop sleeve option with a slit opening, perfect for showcasing a lace border—and showing a bit of skin!
Charts
Not sure which size range to choose? Learn about our two size ranges here.
Sizes 2-20
Size | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 |
High Bust | 29 in | 31 in | 33 in | 35 in | 37 in | 39 in | 41 in | 43 in | 45 in | 47 in |
73.7 cm | 78.4 cm | 83.8 cm | 88.9 cm | 93.9 cm | 99 cm | 104.1 cm | 109.2 cm | 114.3 cm | 119.4 cm | |
Bust A cup |
30.5 in | 32.5 in | 34.5 in | 36.5 in | 38.5 in | 40.5 in | 42.5 in | 44.5 in | 46.5 in | 48.5 in |
77.5 cm | 82.5 cm | 87.6 cm | 92.7 cm | 97.8 cm | 102.9 cm | 107.9 cm | 113 cm | 118.1 cm | 123.1 cm | |
Bust B/C cup | 31 in | 33 in | 35 in | 37 in | 39 in | 41 in | 43 in | 45 in | 47 in | 49 in |
78.7 cm | 83.8 cm | 88.9 cm | 94 cm | 99 cm | 104.2 cm | 109.2 cm | 114.3 cm | 119.4 cm | 124.4 cm | |
Bust D/DD cup | 32 in | 34 in | 36 in | 38 in | 40 in | 42 in | 44 in | 46 in | 48 in | 50 in |
81.3 cm | 86.4 cm | 91.4 cm | 96.5 cm | 101.6 cm | 106.7 cm | 111.8 cm | 116.8 cm | 121.9 cm | 127 cm | |
Bust F/G cup |
33 in | 35 in | 37 in | 39 in | 41 in | 43 in | 45 in | 47 in | 49 in | 51 in |
83.8 cm | 88.9 cm | 94 cm | 99 cm | 104.2 cm | 109.2 cm | 114.3 cm | 119.4 cm | 124.4 cm | 129.5 cm | |
Bust H cup |
34 in | 36 in | 38 in | 40 in | 42 in | 44 in | 46 in | 48 in | 50 in | 52 in |
86.4 cm | 91.4 cm | 96.5 cm | 101.6 cm | 106.7 cm | 111.8 cm | 116.8 cm | 121.9 cm | 127 cm | 132 cm | |
Waist | 24 in | 26 in | 28 in | 30 in | 32 in | 34 in | 36 in | 38 in | 40 in | 42 in |
61 cm | 66 cm | 71.1 cm | 76.2 cm | 81.3 cm | 86.4 cm | 91.4 cm | 96.5 cm | 101.6 cm | 109.2 cm | |
Hips | 36 in | 38 in | 40 in | 42 in | 44 in | 46 in | 48 in | 50 in | 52 in | 54 in |
91.4 cm | 96.5 cm | 101.6 cm | 106.7 cm | 111.8 cm | 116.8 cm | 121.9 cm | 127 cm | 132 cm | 137.1 cm |
Sizes 18-34
Size | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 30 | 32 | 34 |
High Bust | 39.5 in | 41.5 in | 43.5 in | 45.5 in | 47.5 in | 49.5 in | 51.5 in | 53.5 in | 55.5 in |
100.3 cm | 105.4 cm | 110.5 cm | 115.6 cm | 120.7 cm | 125.7 cm | 130.8 cm | 135.9 cm | 141 cm | |
Bust A cup | 42.5 in | 44.5 in | 46.5 in | 48.5 in | 50.5 in | 52.5 in | 54.5 in | 56.5 in | 58.5 in |
108 cm | 113 cm | 118.1 cm | 123.2 cm | 128.3 cm | 133.4 cm | 138.4 cm | 143.5 cm | 148.6 cm | |
Bust B/C cup | 43 in | 45 in | 47 in | 49 in | 51 in | 53 in | 55 in | 57 in | 59 in |
109.2 cm | 114.3 cm | 119.4 cm | 124.5 cm | 129.5 cm | 134.6 cm | 139.7 cm | 144.8 cm | 149.9 cm | |
Bust D/DD cup | 44 in | 46 in | 48 in | 50 in | 52 in | 54 in | 56 in | 58 in | 60 in |
111.8 cm | 116.8 cm | 121.9 cm | 127 cm | 132.1 cm | 137.2 cm | 142.2 cm | 147.3 cm | 152.4 cm | |
Bust F/G cup | 45 in | 47 in | 49 in | 51 in | 53 in | 55 in | 57 in | 59 in | 61 in |
114.3 cm | 119.4 cm | 124.5 cm | 129.5 cm | 134.6 cm | 139.7 cm | 144.8 cm | 149.9 cm | 154.9 cm | |
Bust H cup | 46 in | 48 in | 50 in | 52 in | 54 in | 56 in | 58 in | 60 in | 62 in |
116.8 cm | 121.9 cm | 127 cm | 132.1 cm | 137.2 cm | 142.2 cm | 147.3 cm | 152.4 cm | 157.5 cm | |
Waist | 40 in | 42 in | 44 in | 46 in | 48 in | 50 in | 52 in | 54 in | 56 in |
101.6 cm | 106.7 cm | 111.8 cm | 116.8 cm | 121.9 cm | 127 cm | 132.1 cm | 137.2 cm | 142.2 cm | |
Hips | 48 in | 50 in | 52 in | 54 in | 56 in | 58 in | 60 in | 62 in | 64 in |
121.9 cm | 127 cm | 132.1 cm | 137.2 cm | 142.2 cm | 147.3 cm | 152.4 cm | 157.5 cm | 162.6 cm |
Piece Name | Sizes 2-10 | Sizes 12-20 | Sizes 18-24 | Sizes 26-34 |
Gathered & Bubble Skirt Dress, main fabric (1, 2, 7, 8, 9) | ||||
45 in
|
6-1/8 yd | 6-7/8 yd | 7-1/8 yd | 8-1/8 yd |
5.6 m | 6.3 m | 6.5 m | 7.3 m | |
60 in
|
4-5/8 yd | 5-1/8 yd | 5-1/4 yd | 5-7/8 yd |
4.2 m | 4.7 m | 4.7 m | 5.3 m | |
Gathered & Bubble Skirt Dress, contrast fabric (3, 4, 19, 20) | ||||
45 in
|
2 yd | 2-1/4 yd | 2-1/8 yd | 2-1/4 yd |
1.8 m | 2.1 m | 1.9 m | 2.1 m | |
60 in
|
1-3/8 yd | 1-3/4 yd | 1-3/4 yd | 2 yd |
1.3 m | 1.6 m | 1.6 m | 1.8 m | |
Gathered Skirt Dress Bodice, lining (1, 2) | ||||
45 in
|
3/4 yd | 1 yd | 1 yd | 1 yd |
0.7 m | 0.9 m | 0.9 m | 0.9 m | |
60 in
|
5/8 yd | 5/8 yd | 3/4 yd | 3/4 yd |
0.6 m | 0.6 m | 0.7 m | 0.7 m | |
Gathered Skirt Dress Skirt, optional lining (5, 6, 7, 8) | ||||
45 in
|
4-5/8 yd | 5-1/8 yd | 5-1/4 yd | 6 yd |
4.2 m | 4.7 m | 4.8 m | 5.2 m | |
60 in
|
4-5/8 yd | 5-1/8 yd | 5-1/4 yd | 6 yd |
4.2 m | 4.7 m | 4.8 m | 5.2 m | |
Bubble Skirt Dress, lining (1, 2, 10, 11) | ||||
45 in
|
2-1/8 yd | 2-7/8 yd | 2-3/4 yd | 2-7/8 yd |
1.9 m | 2.6 m | 2.5 m | 2.6 m | |
60 in
|
1-5/8 yd | 2-1/8 yd | 2-1/8 yd | 2-1/2 yd |
1.5 m | 1.9 m | 1.9 m | 2.3 m | |
Bubble Skirt Dress, tulle | ||||
35 in
|
2-1/4 yd | 2-1/2 yd | 2-1/2 yd | 2-7/8 yd |
2.1 m | 2.3 m | 2.3 m | 2.6 m | |
72 in
|
1-1/8 yd | 1-1/4 yd | 1-1/4 yd | 1-3/8 yd |
1 m | 1.1 m | 1.1 m | 1.3 m | |
Gathered & Bubble Skirt Dress Bow, interfacing (19, 20) | ||||
60 in
|
5/8 yd | 5/8 yd | 5/8 yd | 5/8 yd |
0.6 m | 0.6 m | 0.6 m | 0.6 m | |
Pencil Skirt Dress, main fabric (1, 2, 12, 13) | ||||
45 in
|
2-1/8 yd | 2-1/2 yd | 2-1/2 yd | 2-1/2 yd |
1.9 m | 2.3 m | 2.3 m | 2.3 m | |
60 in
|
1-1/2 yd | 1-1/2 yd | 2-1/8 yd | 2-1/4 yd |
1.4 m | 1.4 m | 1.9 m | 2 m | |
Pencil Skirt Dress, contrast fabric (3, 4) | ||||
45 in
|
3/4 yd | 1 yd | 1 yd | 1-1/8 yd |
0.7 m | 0.9 m | 0.9 m | 1 m | |
60 in
|
3/4 yd | 3/4 yd | 5/8 yd | 1 yd |
0.7 m | 0.7 m | 0.7 m | 0.9 m | |
Pencil Skirt Dress, lining (1, 2, 5, 6, 14, 15) | ||||
45 in
|
2-1/4 yd | 3 yd | 2-7/8 yd | 2-7/8 yd |
2.1 m | 2.7 m | 2.6 m | 2.6 m | |
60 in
|
1-5/8 yd | 2 yd | 2 yd | 2-5/8 yd |
1.5 m | 1.8 m | 1.8 m | 2.4 m | |
Bishop Sleeve, main fabric (16, 17, 18) | ||||
45 in
|
1-3/8 yd | 1-1/2 yd | 1-1/2 yd | 1-5/8 yd |
1.3 m | 1.4 m | 1.4 m | 1.5 m | |
60 in
|
1 yd | 1 yd | 1 yd | 1-3/8 yd |
0.9 m | 0.9 m | 0.9 m | 1.3 m |
Sizes 2-20
2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | |
Bust A
|
32 in | 34 in | 36 in | 38 in | 40 in | 42 in | 44 in | 46 in | 48 in | 50 in |
81.3 cm | 86.4 cm | 91.5 cm | 96.6 cm | 101.7 cm | 106.8 cm | 111.9 cm | 117 cm | 122.1 cm | 127.2 cm | |
Bust B/C
|
32.5 in | 34.5 in | 36.5 in | 38.5 in | 40.5 in | 42.5 in | 44.5 in | 46.5 in | 48.5 in | 50.5 in |
82.6 cm | 87.7 cm | 92.8 cm | 97.9 cm | 103 cm | 108.1 cm | 113.2 cm | 118.3 cm | 123.4 cm | 128.5 cm | |
Bust D/DD
|
33.5 in | 35.5 in | 37.5 in | 39.5 in | 41.5 in | 43.5 in | 45.5 in | 47.5 in | 49.5 in | 51.5 in |
85.1 cm | 90.2 cm | 95.3 cm | 100.4 cm | 105.5 cm | 110.6 cm | 115.7 cm | 120.8 cm | 125.9 cm | 131 cm | |
Bust F/G
|
34.5 in | 36.5 in | 38.5 in | 40.5 in | 42.5 in | 44.5 in | 46.5 in | 48.5 in | 50.5 in | 52.5 in |
87.6 cm | 92.7 cm | 97.8 cm | 102.9 cm | 108 cm | 113.1 cm | 118.2 cm | 123.3 cm | 128.4 cm | 133.5 cm | |
Bust H
|
35.5 in | 37.5 in | 39.5 in | 41.5 in | 43.5 in | 45.5 in | 47.5 in | 49.5 in | 51.5 in | 53.5 in |
90.2 cm | 95.3 cm | 100.4 cm | 105.5 cm | 110.6 cm | 115.7 cm | 120.8 cm | 125.9 cm | 131 cm | 136.1 cm | |
Waist
|
25.25 in | 27.25 in | 29.25 in | 31.25 in | 33.25 in | 35.25 in | 37.25 in | 39.25 in | 41.25 in | 43.25 in |
64.1 cm | 69.2 cm | 74.3 cm | 79.4 cm | 84.5 cm | 89.6 cm | 94.7 cm | 99.8 cm | 104.9 cm | 110 cm | |
Hips – Pencil Skirt
|
36.5 in | 38.5 in | 40.5 in | 42.5 in | 44.5 in | 46.5 in | 48.5 in | 50.5 in | 52.5 in | 54.5 in |
92.7 cm | 97.8 cm | 102.9 cm | 108 cm | 113.1 cm | 118.2 cm | 123.3 cm | 128.4 cm | 133.5 cm | 138.6 cm | |
Hips – Bubble Skirt (lining)
|
40.25 in | 42.25 in | 44.25 in | 46.25 in | 48.25 in | 50.25 in | 52.25 in | 54.25 in | 56.25 in | 58.25 in |
102.2 cm | 107.3 cm | 112.4 cm | 117.5 cm | 122.6 cm | 127.7 cm | 132.8 cm | 137.9 cm | 143 cm | 148.1 cm | |
Bicep
|
14.75 in | 15.5 in | 16.25 in | 17 in | 17.75 in | 18.5 in | 19.25 in | 20 in | 20.75 in | 21.5 in |
37.5 cm | 39.4 cm | 41.3 cm | 43.2 cm | 45.1 cm | 47 cm | 48.9 cm | 50.8 cm | 52.7 cm | 54.6 cm | |
Skirt Length
|
27.75 in | 28 in | 28 in | 28.25 in | 28.25 in | 28.5 in | 28.5 in | 28.5 in | 28.75 in | 29 in |
70.5 cm | 71.1 cm | 71.8 cm | 72.4 cm | 73 cm | 73.7 cm | 74.3 cm | 74.9 cm | 75.6 cm | 76.2 cm | |
Bubble Skirt Lining Sweep
|
58.25 in | 60.25 in | 62.25 in | 64.25 in | 66.25 in | 68.25 in | 70.25 in | 72.25 in | 74.25 in | 76.25 in |
148 cm | 153.1 cm | 158.2 cm | 163.3 cm | 168.4 cm | 173.5 cm | 178.6 cm | 183.7 cm | 188.8 cm | 193.9 cm | |
Gathered Skirt Sweep
|
137.75 in | 141.75 in | 145.75 in | 149.75 in | 153.75 in | 157.75 in | 161.75 in | 165.75 in | 169.75 in | 173.75 in |
349.9 cm | 360 cm | 370.2 cm | 380.4 cm | 390.5 cm | 400.7 cm | 410.8 cm | 421 cm | 431.2 cm | 441.3 cm |
Sizes 18-34
18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 30 | 32 | 34 | |
Bust A/B
|
46.25 in | 48.25 in | 50.25 in | 52.25 in | 54.25 in | 56.25 in | 58.25 in | 60.25 in | 62.25 in |
117.5 cm | 122.6 cm | 127.7 cm | 132.8 cm | 137.9 cm | 143 cm | 148.1 cm | 153.2 cm | 158.3 cm | |
Bust C
|
46.75 in | 48.75 in | 50.75 in | 52.75 in | 54.75 in | 56.75 in | 58.75 in | 60.75 in | 62.75 in |
118.7 cm | 123.8 cm | 128.9 cm | 134 cm | 139.1 cm | 144.2 cm | 149.3 cm | 154.4 cm | 159.5 cm | |
Bust D/DD
|
47.75 in | 49.75 in | 51.75 in | 53.75 in | 55.75 in | 57.75 in | 59.75 in | 61.75 in | 63.75 in |
121.3 cm | 126.4 cm | 131.5 cm | 136.6 cm | 141.7 cm | 146.8 cm | 151.9 cm | 157 cm | 162.1 cm | |
Bust F/G
|
48.75 in | 50.75 in | 52.75 in | 54.75 in | 56.75 in | 58.75 in | 60.75 in | 62.75 in | 64.75 in |
123.8 cm | 128.9 cm | 134 cm | 139.1 cm | 144.2 cm | 149.3 cm | 154.4 cm | 159.5 cm | 164.6 cm | |
Bust H
|
49.75 in | 51.75 in | 53.75 in | 55.75 in | 57.75 in | 59.75 in | 61.75 in | 63.75 in | 65.75 in |
126.4 cm | 131.5 cm | 136.6 cm | 141.7 cm | 146.8 cm | 151.9 cm | 157 cm | 162.1 cm | 167.2 cm | |
Waist
|
41 in | 43 in | 45 in | 47 in | 49 in | 51 in | 53 in | 55 in | 57 in |
104.1 cm | 109.2 cm | 114.3 cm | 119.4 cm | 124.5 cm | 129.6 cm | 134.7 cm | 139.8 cm | 144.9 cm | |
Hips – Pencil Skirt
|
49.25 in | 51.25 in | 53.25 in | 55.25 in | 57.25 in | 59.25 in | 61.25 in | 63.25 in | 65.25 in |
125.1 cm | 130.2 cm | 135.3 cm | 140.4 cm | 145.5 cm | 150.6 cm | 155.7 cm | 160.8 cm | 165.9 cm | |
Hips – Bubble Skirt (lining)
|
53 in | 55 in | 57 in | 59 in | 61 in | 63 in | 65 in | 67 in | 69 in |
134.6 cm | 139.7 cm | 144.8 cm | 149.9 cm | 155 cm | 160.1 cm | 165.2 cm | 170.3 cm | 175.4 cm | |
Bicep
|
20 in | 20.75 in | 21.5 in | 22.25 in | 23 in | 23.75 in | 24.5 in | 25.25 in | 26 in |
50.8 cm | 52.7 cm | 54.6 cm | 56.5 cm | 58.4 cm | 60.3 cm | 62.2 cm | 64.1 cm | 66 cm | |
Skirt Length
|
28 in | 28 in | 28 in | 28 in | 28 in | 28 in | 28 in | 28 in | 28 in |
71.1 cm | 71.1 cm | 71.1 cm | 71.1 cm | 71.1 cm | 71.1 cm | 71.1 cm | 71.1 cm | 71.1 cm | |
Bubble Skirt Lining Sweep
|
74.5 in | 76.5 in | 78.5 in | 80.5 in | 82.5 in | 84.5 in | 86.5 in | 88.5 in | 90.5 in |
189.2 cm | 194.3 cm | 199.4 cm | 204.5 cm | 209.6 cm | 214.7 cm | 219.8 cm | 224.9 cm | 230 cm | |
Gathered Skirt Sweep
|
167.75 in | 171.75 in | 175.75 in | 179.75 in | 183.75 in | 187.75 in | 191.75 in | 195.75 in | 199.75 in |
426.1 cm | 436.2 cm | 446.4 cm | 456.6 cm | 466.7 cm | 476.9 cm | 487 cm | 497.2 cm | 507.4 cm |
Fabric Notes
Main Fabric: light- to medium-weight wovens: cottons like lawn, poplin, sateen, and broadcloth; linen and linen blends; silks with body like dupioni, taffeta, and shantung; sheers like flocked tulle, lace, and eyelet.
Contrast Fabric: light- to medium-weight wovens with body: cottons like poplin, sateen, and broadcloth; and silks with body like dupioni, taffeta, and shantung.
Lining Fabric: light- to medium-weight cottons and lining fabrics.
Tulle: for the Bubble Skirt version only. We recommend firm tulle with a stiff hand.
Supplies
- Fabric for dress
- Contrast fabric for cummerbund and bow
- Lining for dress
- Lightweight fusible interfacing (look for woven, weft, or tricot types)
- Tulle for Bubble Skirt option
- Thread to match fabrics
- 22-in nylon zipper
- 1¼-in-wide fusible stay tape to stabilize zipper (alternatively, cut a strip from a scrap of fusible interfacing yardage)
- Hook & eye (for bow on Gathered/Bubble Skirt)