How many styles of shorts can I achieve even though they will all have elastic waistbands? When I was selecting patterns, I wanted a variety of styles from different designers. I also wanted to choose designers that, in the past, weren’t always the best fit for my body. Why? Because I love challenging myself, and I partly attribute some of my previous struggles to my lack of knowledge. Namely, I wasn’t selecting the correct size and didn’t know how to adjust the shape and drape to match my body. I chose the Pomona pattern from Anna Allen Clothing because of the style and because I hated the two Persephone pants I made years ago. I’m really happy I choose this pattern because the shorts are lovely.
Analyzing Style and Fit
The Pomona shorts feature no side seam, which is why I was initially drawn to the pattern. The shorts have an elastic waist, high rise, and loose fit. They also include two patch pockets on the front and or back. The other really cool feature is how the waistband is constructed. Instead of having a separate pattern piece, the waistband is constructed by folding over the top edge, thus eliminating the extra bulk you would get with a waistband seam. Ultimately, you only have one pattern piece to cut out and a second piece if you want patch pockets. Cool. I am thrilled with the simplicity.
Materials and Notions
I made my shorts using Meet Milk Two-Tone Stripe Twill in Pecan. The material is a medium-weight woven twill made with TENCEL. The fabric consists of yarn-dyed subtle stripes running lengthwise in a lighter and darker shades of the same color. The material is 185 g/m2 (~5.5 oz) and has a fluid drape. The fabric was a little tough to work with because I was trying to keep my lines lined up nicely. I took a simple pattern and made it cumbersome with my fabric choice. It was worth it.
Sizing and Version
Body Measurements
| 00 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waist | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31.5 | 33 | 35 | 37 | 39 | 41 |
| Hip | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41.5 | 43 | 45 | 47 | 49 | 51 |
My current body measurements are a 36-inch waist and a 44-inch hip. If I consider my anterior tilting pelvis, my hip measures 46 inches. I was uncertain what size to pick because I was between the sizes. I decided it would be better to use the larger size since it is easier to adjust the pattern smaller. I used size 18.
Final Garment Measurements
| 00 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waist (unstretched) | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31.5 | 33 | 35 | 37 | 39 | 41 |
| Waist (stretched) | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41.5 | 43 | 45 | 47 | 49 | 51 |
| Hip | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46.5 | 48 | 50 | 52 | 54 | 56 |
| Front Rise | 11.25 | 11.5 | 11.75 | 12 | 12.25 | 12.5 | 12.75 | 13 | 13.25 | 13.5 | 13.75 | 14 | 14.25 |
| Back Rise | 15.25 | 15.5 | 15.75 | 16 | 16.25 | 16.5 | 16.75 | 17 | 17.25 | 17.5 | 17.75 | 18 | 18.25 |
| Inseam | 5.25 | 5.25 | 5.25 | 5.25 | 5.25 | 5.25 | 5.25 | 5.25 | 5.25 | 5.25 | 5.25 | 5.25 | 5.25 |
| Hem Circumference | 24 | 24.5 | 25 | 25.5 | 26 | 26.5 | 27 | 27.5 | 28 | 28.5 | 29 | 29.5 | 30 |
I really appreciate having a final garment measurement table. I can double-check that the size I’ve selected will work. First, will the waistband fit? My natural waistline is 36 inches, but I like to wear my waistband lower, so 37 inches will be close if not perfect. Second, will the stretched waistband fit over my hips? The stretched waistband for size 18 is 47 inches and will easily fit over my 44-inch hips. Third, will I have enough room to sit in my shorts? My seated hip circumference is about 47 inches, and the final garment has 52 inches at the hip. That is plenty of extra room, and I will be able to sit comfortably. Next, will I have enough room around the hem of my shorts? Measuring 5.25 inches down from the top of my inseam, my thigh measures 25 inches around. The hem of the shorts is 29 inches, so I will have enough room for my legs.
If I were still uncertain about size 16 vs. 18, I could use this table to further guide my decision. The unstretched waistband of 35 inches is my first indication that size 16 is perhaps not the correct size for me. My final waistband needs to be bigger than 36 inches since I wear my waistband lower than my natural waistline. The stretched waist is 45 inches and getting awfully near my hip measurement. If I had any subtle changes in my body, the stretched waist would be hard to get over my 44-inch hips. This alone tells me that size 16 would likely not work for me, so I feel confident about my decision to use size 18.
Conveniently at the bottom of the table in the pattern’s PDF, the designer states, “If you are between sizes, go to the next size up.” The designer also emphasizes selecting a size based on the stretched waist measurement in relation to your largest circumference (hip/butt/thighs). Great tips on choosing the correct size for this pattern.
Version
I made Version C, the shorts, with two front pockets, in size 18. The shorts are meant to be roomy and comfortable, and I feel like I’m honoring that style with my size choice.
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