Mission Impossible-Pants That Fit
I knew I was hard to fit in pants, but this story is ridiculous. I was on a quest for a pair of light weight pants that fit well, so I went to Nordstrom’s, known for their excellent sales staff. Despite the heroic and aerobic efforts of the saleswoman, after trying on 22, twenty two, pairs of pants, we both gave up, exhausted.
Two of the lovliest things about Nordies are their “vanity sizing” and the fact that they use just two words to describe any fit problem you might have: “athletic” or “tiny”. So, in Nordie’s vernacular, I was unable to find pants that fit well because of my “athletic” thighs, so if we went up a size, they didn’t fit because of my “tiny” waist! Wow, who knew?
This is why I am also on a quest to sew my own pants, pants that actually fit a body that is both “tiny” and “athletic”. I leave behind me a scattering of ill-fitting pants stretching decades, so I was determined that I was really going to get the fit right this time.
Late last May I started to make my own pants from Simplicity pattern #2562-they’re called the “Amazing Fit Pants”. For each size, the pattern includes a cut for “Lean”, “Normal” and “Curvy” body types which is what attracted to me to this particular pattern.
I am calling them my “Nine Month Pants” for good reason. I started with a muslin, of course, and built the pants off of the muslin after I had made my changes. Unfortunately, the muslin was way off and needed massive changes.
To my recollection, the fitting of these pants involved eight women over a nine month period-guess it “takes a village”! There was tweaking of every single part of these pants along the way. I think I actually lost my way somehow, as the final fit is a little disappointing.
x
x
Taking pictures of myself is not my forte so I apologize for the photo quality, but you get the drift-they do not fit. The final product is better than some of the readymade pants I wear, but still a disappointment. I will try this pattern again, correcting the errors I made on these pants and hopefully, nailing the fit.
x
The net score: nine months, eight fitters, 22 pairs of ready-made pants, zero pants that fit. Grrr.
Humorous post but I know this is not a funny predicament. Years ago my mother altered a pants pattern to fit my body and those pants were divine. Now I mostly wear jeans and if I happen to find a pair that fits really well, I wear them out!
I actually think I’m close to a good fit-I am surrounded by master fitters so I hope to have a pair for myself with that “divine” fit! It would be so wonderful to have a pattern that fits and all I had to do was sew it up and I had a great fitting pair.
It’s interesting to see what alterations are needed for perfect fitting clothing. I remember on my divine pants, one important change was taking off some fabric in the back– a half inch or so–before adding the waistband. It made a huge difference. I’m glad you are getting close. It really lifts your mood when clothing feels wonderful.
And I’m looking for wonderful fit, not just okay. And I need the opposite correction in the back…
wow, that is some real stick-to-it-ness! Looking forward to seeing how it goes for number 23. I’d like to hear what fabric choices you make for the ones you like.
I have some stretch cotton twill with a bit of a bumpy pattern woven in, navy. We’ll see how my next muslin goes…
I have a similar problem, and a ‘tiny’ height as well. Solution: bring back skirts!
You’re right! Skirts are a lot more comfy and cool in the summer anyway.