Not bad right? I am seeing this style of fisherman pants pop-up everywhere. They are seemingly a rip-off (or, charitably, an hommage) of a Thai fisherman pant style of pants and are defined by their easy fit, tie-waist and wide fold-over waistband. The ones I’ve seen most frequently are the Matteau version above, but Banana Republic also has their own in their White Lotus branded collaboration (image below). I thought they looked like a fun pant for summer and was pretty darn sure I could sew my own version.
I decided to use the Simplicity K8556 pattern as a base - specifically view A - which I picked up a few years ago at a pattern swap. The cut of the wide leg seemed perfect and the pattern is for a woven fabric with no stretch so I figured it would be easier to adapt. When I am trying to hack a pattern it is a very unscientific process. For example, I know that Simplicity patterns usually run large, so I picked my usual size and figured that the elastic waistband, as drafted, but with no elastic (in my version) would probably be the right size. It was (!) which doesn’t always happen but is a nice surprise when it works out. I also decided to just chop the pattern down about half-way up the rise, and then measure the distance to where I wanted the waistband to come up to on my waist. That number ended up being 7 inches, so I cut a rectangle that was 14 inches tall (so I could sew it folded over, like a normal waistband) and was the same width as the pants (which was roughly 40.5 inches). My fabric scraps weren’t that long so I cut two rectangles (20.25 inches by 14 inches) and sewed them together.
I also decided to add a back pocket, for a little practicality. I made it long and skinny (in a Tibi style of pocket) but big enough to fit a phone, and sewed it on to purposefully fray the edges, for a little visual interest. I wasn’t sure how the ties are attached (it doesn’t show up in any photos) but I had an ace in the hole: a pair of Thai fisherman pants from Thailand, circa 2007. On those, the waist-tie is sewn down in the middle of the back of the waistband, about 6 inches long, so I just did that.
Here is the finished product, perfect for a surprise few days of spring weather that we received last week:
The fabric is a lovely cotton twill from Stonemountain and Daughter and I believe the few yards I bought came out to about $40 with tax. I thought it was actually too close to the Matteau fabric and wanted something darker/more olive colored, but this is what I had and ended up being the perfect weight of fabric - soft but with some structure. I did find the perfect color later, so I am considering making these again in a darker fabric.
I also tried it with some Tory Burch fish earrings, which I’m hoping lean fun versus annoyingly fisherman themed. This was a pretty straightforward project, so with the free pattern, this was about $40 and a few hours of my time. A success for sure!
What pants would you dupe if you could? Thanks for stopping by!
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