Elasticated trousers can be a fun and relatively straightforward sewing project, and there are lots of patterns to choose from. I wear them constantly during the spring and summer – they’re so comfortable in a woven fabric like linen or cotton.
Sometimes it can be hard to know where to start, so I thought I’d gather up a few of them and put them all in one place for you. I’ve included my thoughts and honest review about the ones I’ve made.
1. Ninni Culottes by Named Clothing
The Ninnis are described as ‘a pair of delightfully simple and easy elastic-waist pants’ – I’d agree with this! These are probably my favourite trousers in this list. There’s a generous amount of ease (space built into the shape of the leg), and features in-seam side pockets. You can also sew them from a knit or a woven fabric.
I’d say they have a fairly high waist, which I personally find very comfortable. I think the instructions are well written and explained, and they are a good introduction to making pockets and inserting elastic for a waistband.
2. Pomona Pants by Anna Allen
Anna Allen’s patterns are, in my opinion, some of the most well-written and beginner friendly patterns out there. The illustrations and instructions are always clear, and she has a range of different designs (including the popular ‘Persephone Pants’).
These Pomona Pants were the first elasticated trousers I sewed for myself, and I made several pairs since, including a version as shorts. There’s a choice between a slimmer and wide leg, back pockets or front pockets. There aren’t any side pockets as there are no side seams, at all! The leg piece is designed to wrap around the side of the leg, and be seamed only on the inside of the leg. I think this works quite well, though I do really miss having in-seam pockets. It’s the one thing about this pattern that I’m less keen on as a result. They’re just so useful!
I have had fun jazzing up one of the back pockets, though – here’s a video I made about making a patchwork star back pocket on a pair of Pomonas:
3. Bob Pants by Style Arc
I love the shape of these Bob Pants – they’re a fun twist on a relaxed trouser! The leg has an interesting shape, starting out with a good amount of ease, then tapering to form a ‘balloon’ shape. They have a higher rise than the Pomonas, but less high than the Ninnis. They do have an in-seam pocket. I’ve made a couple of pairs of these, and find them really comfortable, whether in a lightweight linen, or a heavier weight cotton for cooler days.
My one criticism of this pattern would be that the instructions are fairly limited. There are pictures, but the written instructions are quite brief, and assume some knowledge. If you’re new to sewing, or haven’t attached an elastic waistband before, I’d watch a YouTube tutorial, or build some confidence with another pattern first. At this point, I have a favourite way of inserting an elastic waistband and sewing in-seam pockets, so I mostly just use this pattern for the shape of the leg. I think the Pomona and Ninni instructions are a great place to start if you’re less confident.
I hope that helps, and that you feel inspired to sew a pair of elasticated trousers! Remember you can pick up your waistband elastic and other sewing supplies at William Gee.
Happy sewing! Lorna x
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