Let’s talk about pant patterns… specifically shorts!

It’s summer and we have talked about my favorite knit patterns, swimsuit, tiered skirts, tank tops…. you get were I’m going with this? Yes, its summer and I’m trying to get myself ready because the kids are out this week! So I need to get my act together and quickly!

I have been looking at short patterns and of course I have been looking at the Big Four because hey who can pass up a printed pattern for $2 or $6, its hard to beat that price. But I have to say the options for In Print short patterns are kinda dismal and there isn’t a whole lot that is calling out to me, but here is what I’m looking at right now… both from The big 4 and also from Indie Pattern Companies.

V9008 - I looked at this pattern and it’s a pleated or flat front shorts, and I’m going to say this I prefer to have a flat front short than a pleated one but looking at the offerings from the Big Four I have to say I don’t see a whole lotta options. But I’m looking at this one because it could potentially work for me.

S9549 - I also looked at these, but you know my gripe with these, the sizing ends at 45 1/2” for hip meaning I missed that boat by an inch…. and then on top of that I need wearing ease. If someone in Simplicity is hearing me, we need extended sizing in shorts! Size 18 is not size inclusive. I’m going to stop complaining about that because I sound like a broken record. If you fit within their size range I would say “get them”, perhaps that’s why I’m so bitter about it.

Pietra Pants and Shorts from Closet Core Patterns - Love them. I’ve made two sets of these shorts, they are fantastic. So easy to make and you can tackle these with one yard of fabric. Super easy to fit and these pants are really flattering on most reviewers on Sewing Pattern Review. Printed patterns go up to 20 and PDF patterns go up to size 32.

Dani Shorts - True Bias pattern. They have both full waistband elastic and a elasticated waist with a zipper view. Love these and it’s looking like I may be making some more of both views because it feels like best of both worlds right now so I feel like I’m getting my money’s worth. Luckily they are extended size range so that is great for anyone that is looking for bigger sizing on this with top sizing at 32 which is a 65.5 hip.

Lander Pants / Shorts - Also a True Bias pattern. I got it all cut out…. there is no extended size range on these and I’m right at the top of the range on this pattern. Luckily there is a 1” seam allowance on the sides which will give me some room to play around but I’m not gonna lie…. its gonna be close! I cut out a muslin (out of leftover twill that I had around here, and I pocket I borrowed an old jacket from my daughters which she no longer wears so its ok. But fingers crossed they work because I like the style and I’m ready to make them with a zipper and hack the pockets.

Now… for the patterns that I wonder if they will work.

Emerson Shorts / Pants - Also from True Bias, can you tell I have been spending some quality time on their website? They look as if they are pleated with an elastic back. They may work but the pleats in the front, I’m not quite convinced just yet. Obviously I would have to make these in a rayon fabric and you don’t want anything too stiff because you got those pleats in the front! The sizing is up to 18 with a hip of 49.5” Sizing will work for me. But again…. no extended sizing.

Chi-town Shorts from Alina Sewing Co. They are a mid rise classic, relaxed pant silhouette. They look great… but these go up to size 18 with a hip of 48,5” so yet again, no extended sizing on these. They will fit but … I’m sad for this sizing we keep seeing.

Persephone Pants from Anna Allen Company- They are quite popular with many in our industry. They are a high waist pants and shorts… and they have no side seams which will make this a somewhat challenging pant to fit. I’m on the fence on these…I’m not quite convinced just yet. Sizing goes up to 20 with a hip of 50”.

I’ve looked at Cashmerette, Jalie and others…. I don't care for the other designs. But trust me I have a looked.

I have so much to say about this and how there is very little extended sizing both in the Big Four and on Indie Patterns for shorts. First of all I will say its not easy making a pattern, and that extended sizing has to come from a different block altogether. Also, a lot of indie designers ask for testers and I will say this pants are hard to fit. Hence I suspect is there is a very limited amount of testers out there in that extended size range that would want to test a pants / shorts pattern let alone for an indie pattern company to put so much work or sell something that they may know it will not sell well because pants are notoriously challenging to fit or can be scary for someone who is a beginner.

So with that being said… I’m open to hearing about shorts / pants patterns out there that have a flat front, not an elastic waist, don’t look like palazzo pants and fit a hip of at least 46”.

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