The Anatomy of Pants

Now, I don’t know about you but, I put my pants on one leg at a time just like everyone else. I also have a favorite pair of trousers, which I’m sure you do too!

We’re talking about the perfect pair of bottoms for any occasion you can think of. The kind of trousers you have tucked away in your capsule wardrobe that are dual-purposed for a day at the office, to a night out to meet with your friends! Whether they are made up of a delicious Brushed Cotton Twill or a beautiful Stretch Cotton Corduroy, they have made an everlasting impression on you, and now you have to make more of them! With this guide we’ll cover the basics where you’ll be able to distinctly identify the Anatomy of Pants, so you can recreate your next pair, with your unique design twists.

Now, let’s pick up the slack, and make some slacks!

The first item on our list to cover, is the overall Material you’ll be using for your pants. Ponte Roma, Wool Crepe, or a Cotton Sateen, are all durable fabrics for pants, depending on what your needs are. Next is the Waistband. Although usually made with the self fabric, you can use this opportunity to line the inside of your waistband with an eye catching print! The Waistband is a common home for Main Labels, and Care Instructions for your fabric. The Care Instructions will indicate how to care for the garment, and the Main Label’s use is to promote your brand! If you’re making your own pants, consider joining the Sewciety club by using our exclusive Mood labels for all of your handmade garments, and tag us anywhere with #MadeWithMood.

Attached to the waistband, is a Hook and Bar closure for securing your trousers. The purpose of these versatile notions are to provide an out-of-sight closure for a more elegant appearance. Of course, for added security and backup to this is a simple Button and buttonhole. Although usually sewn on the outside of garments, on trousers they are placed on the inner waistband as well. Just below this notions party, is the Zipper! Usually made with a polyester coil for pants, there is a strong closed bottom that keeps the zipper tape from separating! Thus keeping any, and all embarrassing moments at bay.

Additionally we have Belt Loops for, you guessed it, a belt! The belt loops help to secure your pants to your figure with a belt. If you’re like me, sometimes you need the whole trio of security when running downtown Manhattan hailing a cab. But when I do, I like to look stylish in my favorite pair of trousers, with a crisp Pleat at the very front. I like to have that “just picked these up from the dry-cleaners” vibe!

Now to the main feature, the Pant Legs. Originally named pantaloons, they were called a pair because they were two separate pieces. You actually had to put them on one leg at a time and tie them to your waist; it’s the whole reason we call them a “pair” of pants now! There is a lot of debate on whether pant legs should be Cuffed, or Uncuffed and where is an appropriate length for them to stop at. Of course it’s all up to your own personal preference, but I’ve never been opposed to a little bit of ankle showing!

Lastly we have the Front Pockets, and the rear Welt Pockets! These two serve a very similar purpose, and that is to hold your variety of items while you chant your mantra of “phone, keys, wallet” while you rush out the door. Front pockets are typically larger in size, and are usually sewn on both left and right of your pants. Welt pockets are rectangular openings on the rear of your trousers, that are smaller in terms of space, and can also be made as a faux pocket.

I hope this guide was helpful for you! Did you think of what material is best for your next pants project? Let me know in the comments below!