Sinclair Patterns Motion Shorts

The mileage I put my workout clothes through is unreal. Sweat, dirt, more sweat, lots of movement, frequent washings—and yet they still hold up. But it’s time to add to my closet. I wanted to branch out with new styles that weren’t just plain leggings hacked into biker shorts.

Back in July, I started exploring patterns and was drawn to the Greenstyle Moxi Shorts and Sinclair Patterns Motion Shorts. I ran a comparison in VStitcher and found the Motion Shorts had a better overall fit—cleaner drapelines and balanced horizontal lines. I also liked that the Motion Shorts come in three different base sizes based on height (more on that later), plus two different outer short lengths. That kind of flexibility makes it easy to adjust the fit and length to your body.

Analyzing Style and Fit

Both the Moxi and Motion Shorts are inspired by ready-to-wear athletic styles. They feature a curved back yoke for extra mobility. Specifically, the Motion Shorts have a relaxed fit through the hips and a contoured yoga waistband that comes in both mid and high rise. The sport short outer shell comes in two lengths. You can also add built-in shorties (aka biker shorts) in three different lengths. There’s even an option for a zippered side pocket.

The pattern instructions are detailed and well-written. Give yourself time to read through and take notes before you start. There’s a video tutorial included too, which is helpful. Piecing the pattern together is a bit of a puzzle and definitely calls for a lot of 3D spatial thinking.

You can make these shorts using stable knits, woven, or stretch woven fabrics. I used a stretch woven for the outer shorts, and classic knit spandex (i.e., leggings fabric) for the waistband and shorties.

Sizing

The Motion Shorts start with a base size. Don’t be too discouraged if you’re significantly taller than the base heights listed. I’m 5’11”, so… yeah. I get it. I did use the TALL base size.

My current body measurements are 39-inch bust, 33-inch waist, and 43-inch lower torso. As always, I used my measuring band method for the lower torso measurement. My hips are technically 42 inches, but the measuring band gives a more consistent fit reference when picking pattern sizes. I measure 43 inches with the measuring band. In the end, I made size 14 shorts.

The pattern includes a good amount of info on intended ease and fit, and where the garment should sit on the body. All of that is super helpful.

What’s missing, though, is any final garment measurement for the waistband or hips—either for the outer shorts or the shorties. And honestly, with how many pattern pieces there are (and how weirdly shaped some of them are), I wasn’t about to calculate that myself.

That said, based on the fit in VStitcher and how they turned out on my body, I’d say the sizing seems accurate for my range. I can’t speak to sizes smaller than 14 or larger than 24.

Materials

Eventually, I will make it through all the types of spandex at Blue Moon Fabrics. This time, I went with Allure polyester spandex with wicking—because, have I mentioned how much I sweat during workouts?

According to Blue Moon Fabrics:

“Allure is a 4-way stretch polyester spandex double knit with wicking properties, ideal for high-performance activewear. Its lightweight composition and temperature-regulating capabilities make it ideal for compression and base-layer apparel, ensuring you stay comfortable and dry no matter the activity. Allure is designed to give you the most comfortable experience possible, with fabric that moves with you and maintains breathability and moisture management. Its quick-drying capabilities make it easy and convenient to wash and wear.”

It comes in 42 colors. And trust me, I’ll be putting this stuff through its paces.

For the outer fabric, I splurged and went with Spoonflower Sports Woven. I used it to make Ryan some shorts over the summer, and he’s just as tough on his gear as I am. His shorts have become his absolute favorite and not just because of the bright colors and fun prints.

According to Spoonflower:

“Sport Stretch Woven, made from 90% REPREVE® recycled polyester microfiber and 10% spandex, is a fitting fabric for the outdoor enthusiast. This fast-drying, slight-stretch fabric is ready to take on waves or rays with a 50+ UPF rating and water-repellent coated finish. From boardshorts and athletic wear to outdoor apparel, Sport Stretch Woven has a soft, lightweight feel that won’t slow you down when you’re on your latest adventure.”

It has 25% 4-way stretch and excellent colorfastness—even with sweat. We’ll see how it holds up after a few weeks of workouts.