Indigo Indigo Low-Waste Trail Trouser

I’m forever on the hunt for relaxed pants, and unfortunately I do sometimes have to leave my house in something other than joggers. My lower pelvis and right leg like to get cranky and swell from time to time, so restrictive clothing just isn’t something I’m willing to force myself into. Comfort over fashion, always!

Deciding on a Pattern

I’ve been researching all the new outdoor and trail pants available, but each one has had their drawbacks. I had fitting issues with the Leila Makes Topo Pants because the pants aren’t balanced at all! I even did a whole 5-part blog series about that pattern. Despite making changes to improve the balance, my test versions never turned out well enough to move forward with the pattern.

I’ve also studied the Road Trip Pattern Co. Cascadia Jogger (digitally, at least). This pattern is quite a bit more complex because it has numerous panels. As far as I could tell, there are also some balance issues, and given all those panels, adjusting the fit felt like more than I was willing to undertake at the moment.

I’ve had the Indigo Indigo Low-Waste Trail Trousers on my list for a while, so I decided to give them a go. The pattern is straightforward and includes nice details like an elastic drawcord with cord stoppers or an internal belt with G-hook. I also appreciated the drawstring cord at the hem, knee pleats (instead of darts) for mobility, and patch pockets. So let’s get into the style and fit of this pattern and go over some of the issues I encountered.

Style and Fit Analysis

Spoiler alert: the Indigo Indigo Trail Trouser pattern looks strikingly similar to ready-to-wear Converse trousers. I’m not sure who influenced whom. The Trail Trousers feature a relaxed fit with straight side seams, knee tucks for mobility, an elastic waistband with drawstring or integrated belt option, faux fly, adjustable hems (drawstring or elastic cord), back pockets, and your choice of side pockets or patch pockets in the front.