I’ve been working to make the “perfect” pair of pants…..made a muslin, then used good fabric and lined the pants. They were pretty good but I have just a few tiny problems. When I sit down, the thighs are quite tight and I also think I made the crotch depth too shallow because they are not too comfortable when I sit. Also the lining is that acetate type stuff used for linings and it helps them slip on and fit really well but it’s COLD!! In the winter, I find the pants too uncomfortable to wear!
Any hints for me? Thanks in advance to everyone who has ideas.
Jane
PS I have several fitting books and I have consulted them throughout the process but I just can’t seem to figure it out on my own, even with the books. They don’t seem to address the thigh problem.
Replies
As for the lining: acetate is cold, yes. I line all my winter wool pants and usually use poly fabric meant for dresses or tops. There is fabric out there that is soft, not cold in winter and not hot in summer and is 100% poly. I buy when there is a sale, sometimes 5 or 10 meters at a time. Nice to have a patterned lining.As for the fit, when you sit down, grasp above the knee and pull up. You will notice that men do this when they sit down.....watch and emulate. This takes the tension from the upper pant leg.You know, making patterns just following measurements does not always work. I find that I fit everything over and over and over. I know, it is tedious but it does work. It may take a lot of basting and a full length mirror, and sometimes a helper. Most husbands are not very helpful here, find a girlfriend who likes clothing and knows fit.
for the lining, essentially any shiny fabric will feel cold initially, but if you use a natural fiber such as silk or rayon it will warm up much faster and stay warm. I don't think I would use a polyester fabric esp in the winter when it gets so dry - it will become much more staticy. Try using the Bemberger rayon. China silk also makes a very good lining
I have never thought of polyester being staticy in linings - I live on the we(s)t coast and static is a phenomenon almost never heard of!
It took me just a moment to understand the "we(s)t" coast, but I got a good laugh. Try going east - or anywhere when you put heat on in the house, the heat is VERY drying and static becomes a major issue, my hair is flyaway, its hard on my sinuses - and don't get me wrong, I don'[t keep the heat high at all and turn it way down at night when I sleep, but its just very dry,
Oh, I know about static alright, I lived on the prairies for a number of years, the kind of work places where you approach a filing cabinet in tiny increments.
I think th at all of tour requirements in clothing depends go back to where we live and the US of A has many and varied climates.
This post is archived.