Quest for the Perfect Pants

In a startling departure from our usual Thursday Sewing with Kids, I’ve been spending the bulk of my week sewing FOR my kids.  And today, I’ve been refining my Perfect Pants pattern.  It’s hard to know just what to look for, where to trim and where to expand–I mean, do I want a narrower leg? a wider hem? a lower rise? pockets?  These particular pants are for our boy, but something in me has me convinced that there is a universal Perfect Pant that looks good on everyone and that translates to all sizes.  I am on the hunt for such a pant.

So tell me: what do YOU look for in a pant?  What makes the difference between your favorite pair–for yourself or your loved ones (my husband has a pair of jeans that I’ve been known to request frequently)–and all the others that just don’t quite measure up??

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  • Florence
    March 10, 2011 at 2:53 pm

    I never buy anything that doesn’t sit well below the waist with a low rise…but this also has to magically not fall any lower at the back when bending or sitting – the two things in combination are hard to find, but not impossible! I like it to sit completely flat across the front (which they tend to when they’re low rise).

    I think both my children are the same – they don’t like anything up around their tummies (they wear tights, skirts and trousers Below Tummy) and they also get annoyed if the garment slips down at the back when they’re on the floor playing.

    So I agree – I think a good fit is universal (or at least these things are within my own family).

    Good luck on the perfect pant quest! x

  • Belinda
    March 10, 2011 at 2:57 pm

    Great fit in the crotch “stride” as my grandmother called it. Of course, that’s the hardest part to get right. However, if that part is right, the rest of the pant is easy!
    I’ve learned that it’s a combination of things that make for a good “stride” fit, but, for me, the shape of those curves is really, really important. I can have the right length, front to back split & depth, but if the shape is wrong, I won’t like the fit. The best fitting pant I ever made came from copying a ready made pair that I loved. Of course, that pattern no longer fits & the style is all wrong. One day I’ll try again 🙂

  • Rachel at Stitched in Color
    March 10, 2011 at 4:12 pm

    I like a wide waistband with some give so that it won’t cut into me. Because my stomach is incredibly firm and toned, LOL. I guess it has to do with working with maternity clothes – why can’t all pants be so flattering on the belly?

  • Jodi B.
    March 10, 2011 at 5:21 pm

    I seem to have more luck with pants that have hidden zippers on the side My favorites were a pair of side-zip black cigarette pants that had some give in them and were not skin tight that I wore with many things. I’m an apple, wonder if “pears” have it easier….

  • Jodi B.
    March 10, 2011 at 5:32 pm

    oops just reread the blog post… I dont’ think our husband would look good in cigarette pants!