1930s–1940s Transylvanian Folk Shirt – Handwoven Linen with Whitework Embroidery

A traditional blouse-style shirt from Transylvania, dating from the 1930s to 1940s. Sourced during my travels in Eastern Europe, it is made from a lighter-weight handwoven linen and features intricate white embroidery on the chest panel, cuffs, collar, and hem. Additional pintuck and ladderwork detail runs down the front, and the sleeves are full and gathered into embroidered cuffs. The hem and collar are finished with scalloped edging.

It fastens with small white buttons at the neck and cuffs and is cut in a square, generous style through the body with narrower proportions through the shoulders and upper chest.

 Note on the Embroidery

The cuff features traditional Eastern European motifs, symbolising protection, vitality (red), and calm (blue). These hand-stitched patterns were passed down through families and linked to specific regions or villages.

Size and Fit

This piece has a roomy body but a close fit through the shoulders, armholes, and neck. Based on the actual measurements, it fits approximately:

• UK Women’s 10–12 / US 6–8 / EU 38–40
• UK/US Men’s XS–S / EU 44–46 (narrow fit through the upper body)

The collar measures 14.5 in / 37 cm — common in garments of this type and period — and is typically worn open unless the wearer has a very slim neck.

Measurements

• Chest (underarm to underarm): 24 in / 61 cm
• Shoulder to underarm: 9 in / 23 cm
• Sleeve length: 24 in / 61 cm
• Neck to hem: 24.5 in / 62 cm
• Collar circumference: 14.5 in / 37 cm
• Shoulders across: 19 in / 48.5 cm

Condition

Freshly laundered. There is yellowing to the linen, particularly on the back, which may reduce with further soaking but may not fully lift. The collar appears to have been fully reattached at some point in its life — visible in the photos.