They tend to be very well-cut with ease in places other pattern companies see no need for ease (why would you want to lift your arms above your head while wearing a shirt?). Back then they wouldn't have had seam allowances on the paper patterns either, which would be a definite drawback in a class.

I try Burda first when looking for a pattern, partly because of the cut, and partly because of how much cheaper they are than anywhere else. I was also very fond of Ottobre magazine for baby clothes, and I like the look of their adult patterns but have never actually tried one.