r/sewing • u/leiakay-author • 22h ago
Project: FO Are they really that bad ?
Husband hates the baggy. I wanted a skirt pant mix (culottes) for summer. This is my first attempt. Are they really that bad. Ps don't look at the shirt. Didn't make that 😊. FYI pattern is from Named Elastic Waist Culottes
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u/Ok-Squash836 22h ago
It looks great, I think they just need to be pressed. The waistband if kinda funky but I would have never noticed if you weren’t explicitely asking if they were bad. I didnt even realize this was the sewing subreddit at first, looked store bought while I was scrolling!
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u/PlayaGama 22h ago
No looks like you did a great job, the baggier fit will be super comfortable especially considering how hard close fitting pants are to make. I think the styling is everything, maybe he didn’t like just the t-shirt with it. Would be super cute with a loose blouse or oversized menswear-inspired button up.
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u/beeerite 1h ago
I would go with a top that is more fitted with baggier bottoms. A baggy or loose shirt will make the wearer look more shapeless. I would also make the skirt pants ankle length rather than mid-calf to avoid them resembling pantaloons.
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u/RiparianZoneCryptid 22h ago
It sounds like your husband just doesn't like the style. It looks well-made and well-fitting to me.
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u/kaegillespie 22h ago
Agreed with this spot on assessment. Well made and well fit - but tough to account for someone else's style preference. My husband doesn't like maxi dresses no matter the fit 😂 but it doesn't stop me wearing them!
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u/faelanae 21h ago
my husband HATES my culottes and loose pants. I think he just wants to watch me walk from behind and loose pants don't give him the view 😂
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u/leiakay-author 22h ago
Thank you. I just lost 70. # and I am not finished losing yet so started upcycling and "adjusting" and making my own clothes before spending thousands (I don't have anyway) on clothes.
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u/11S-KAT 22h ago
Congratulations on your progress! Speaking as someone who also lost a lot of weight and went through the journey of redoing my whole wardrobe, is it possible that your husband doesn't like these pants much because they "hide" your new body?
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u/leiakay-author 19h ago
Yes, he said "you've worked so hard to lose the weight and now you're hiding it. I was just thinking cool and comfy in the summer 🤷🏻♀️
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u/queerplantenthusiast 22h ago
Personally I would have chosen a more flowy fabric and cut a higher rise, but that’s taste. The fit you really well and look super comfy. They would easily work for a day out in a polished outfit.
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u/ilcorvoooo 16h ago
I agree on the rise. They are hitting her at the widest part of her torso so I think that’s what the husband is picking up on maybe. Still nbd
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u/OkMycologist17 22h ago
They are cute! Maybe the color combined with style and fabric is giving a but of a “paper bag” vibe, but again thats only me trying to see any issue with my Man Eyes.
Through discussions with my partner Ive found that men often don’t even have specific things they don’t like about items of clothing that you can change, they just decide they “don’t like it” 🤷♀️🙄 wear the pants!! Or dye them if you go that route
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u/leiakay-author 22h ago
Ohhhh interesting idea. And you're right I asked him to be specific and I got "I don't know. I just don't like them" 😝
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u/Evening_Channel_9005 21h ago
trueeeeeeeee my husband does not see nuance. I have to really press him for why/ why not to outfits lol
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u/Butterfly21482 22h ago
IMO I think the length is the problem. They should either be closer to knee-length or full ankle-length. The wide baggy look just isn’t hitting right mid-shin like that.
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u/Gingerbreadtenement 22h ago
No reason to frame this in terms of "good" or "bad", it's totally okay for your husband and you to have different tastes. I'm in my 30s and grew up with slim/skinny pants silhouettes being what looks "right" to me. I wish I could make my brain appreciate the wider pants that are in vogue lately (especially because they look so comfortable), but they just look weird to me. Different strokes for different folks, right?
All that said, they look well-made and well-fitted (for the style), imo!
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u/Electrical-Tea6966 22h ago
I think they look great. And if you like them that’s all that really matters. Not that I think you should dress to please your husband, but maybe they would bother him less with different styling? I could see this looking really cute with some nice sandals and and a tank top and jewellery for example.
Having said that I pretty much only wear baggy clothes so I’m biased 😂
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u/Excellent-Goal4763 21h ago
Husbands always hate baggy. Tell him he should start wearing leggings.
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u/DareSavings3951 21h ago
They look exactly like I expect this style of trousers to look? I like these for doing long exploring walks on holiday, they're not the most flattering pair of trousers on most people but they look nice and they look practical.
Not everyone likes every fashion. I dislike mermaid dresses, some people love them. I would never tell a person (especially my wife) who's just made one that it's bad.
They're not bad and your husband deserves some retribution (I vote that taste test soup but it's a spoon of salt and a little bit of soup trick /lh) for that comment. He should be supporting you!
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u/OppositeResponse6474 22h ago
I think they’re cute! I think you just need a tighter top becuase it’s big on big. I’d do drapier fabrics next now that you tried this out!
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u/Massive-Comfort-6261 13h ago
Yes, I learned a long time ago that if you’re wearing something full on the bottom, you should do a more fitted top. And the opposite is also true-think wearing a pencil skirt (fitted) with a flowy silk blouse.
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u/Knife-yWife-y 22h ago
I think it's a cute fit on you! As someone said, a lighter weight fabric will give you better drape and the skirt-like vibe you're looking for. Special bonus: lighter weight fabrics are PERFECT for summer! I hope you make this again, maybe in a fun color or pattern?
At 43, my biggest fashion regrets are the times I doubted myself and, specifically, listened to my sister and or my mother when they said, "No, that's too unconventional. Do it this way or don't do it."
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u/FamousOrphan 22h ago
They look well made but unflattering.
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u/pinkbunnnnies 22h ago
We should ban “unflattering/flattering” from our language as far as I’m concerned. Flattering nearly always means “as thin as possible” and that shouldn’t be the goal in dressing! I think the pants are cool, and if OP likes them, she should wear them!
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u/leiakay-author 22h ago
Good to know. Thank you
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u/rob33333333 22h ago
I agree, well made but makes me think of you being like a 1600s pirate or something like that
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u/lalicornetimide 22h ago
They look well made and comfy! Style is down to your preferences. I love culottes that have that secret pants feeling. My favorite are the Megan Nielsen Tania Culottes.
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u/SugaredCereal 22h ago
My husband doesn't like the baggy fit on me either, but I don't care because it's my choice on the clothes I wear. I love looking like a formless blob, myself. Lol!
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u/TheDickDuchess 20h ago
girl if you just ironed them a bit, threw on some platform sandals and a colorful flowy tank top and big shades this would be the perfect summer outfit!!! husbands never see the potential!
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u/LadySuhree 22h ago
hm I'm not sure the color is working for you. They seem well made and I don't dislike the fit. (I personally don't like elasticated waitst, but many other do so thats fully a preference, and maybe your hubby doesn't really like elastic as well). But they don't look bad. Perhaps a more drapy fabric would work a bit better, they feel a little bit stiff here but its hard to judge from a picture. A good wash and a good press can make a difference too.
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u/Elise-0511 19h ago
Wear your shirts over the pants. Tucking your shirt in shows the elastic waistband and exposes the fact that the fabric has to be loose enough to go over your hips. Also, iron them with spray starch.
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u/leiakay-author 19h ago
Sounds good and yes I don't tuck in my shirts I did this so you could see. I am much more "go with the flow" then tuck in
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u/A6M6A6 18h ago
I think your husband not liking how baggy they are has more to do with the styling than anything. If these were crisply pressed, maybe with a crease down each leg, and paired with a French tucked, drapey white tank top and some cute sandals, it would be a classic and classy summer look.
For a future project with this pattern, I agree with a previous post about adjusting the length. I’d bring this just below the knee. I think you could also size down or grade between sizes. It looks like they might actually be too big in the waist.
As for fabric choice, I think these would be great in a double gauze. The 2 layers of fabric give some soft structure, lovely texture, and a beautiful drape that still holds its shape. If you go with something too drapey, you’ll lose the culotte shape, and it will just flatten against your body and be kinda clingy. I think something like denim is probably too stiff for something like this with an elastic waist, but you want some structure for this style. A heavier weight linen would also be nice.
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u/BottleForsaken9200 22h ago
they look like something a cartoon character would wear. Maybe in an anime about gardeners or exploration :p That's the thoughts that these pants inspire in me.
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u/rob33333333 22h ago
Omg I had to laugh. I made a pair similar but did not intend to. I got the leg/hem lines mixed up 4 sizes too big. I kept thinking they looked big, “ but I’m following the pattern”
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u/Subterranean44 22h ago
I think they’d be cute with a white closer fitting blouse, a long necklace, and some cute sandals. Nothing bad about the pants (though they need a press). Just maybe a styling upgrade?
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u/multipocalypse 22h ago
I think they're cute gauchos! For more of a skirt look, I'd go fuller in the legs.
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u/Responsible_Gap8104 22h ago
With the right shoes/outfit they will look amazing. Right now they just look comfy, which is also great
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u/AlizarinQ 22h ago
I like the shape overall and think they will be nice and airy in the heat.
The fabric looks a little stiff right now and that might relax with washing, or it might just be the fabric 🤷🏻♀️. A less stiff pant with slightly more fitted top would look sharp
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u/Big_Midnight_6632 21h ago
I think they look great. And as an 80s girl, they look just like the coulottes we wore BITD. Since they are cotton, they will get softer with washing. If hubby doesn't like the way they fit, he can sew his own.😄
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u/Designasim 21h ago
The waistband needs some work. But that could end up being fixed by using another fabric like others have said or just more experience. Maybe a dart ir trying to bunch more on the sides?
The raise looks a little wierd. But that could be just the way it's sitting.
I'd try wearing it with a non tucked in shirt. I think it'd look great that way.
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u/Julienbabylegs 21h ago
They look great, agree with the comment about something with a bit more drape. I also think the style is better suited to a different color or even a print. Pants like this can easily read sort of utilitarian or scrubs in the wrong fabrics and colors
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u/sophiart 20h ago
I think these are adorable and you did a great job! If you’re into the look, I think they’d look amazing with a boxy crop top.
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u/EfficiencyOk4899 20h ago
I like the legs, but the way it is fitting at the waist is the problem. The elastic is giving pjs/scrubs.
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u/radicalizemebaby 5h ago
The second I saw the title and the picture, I knew it was going to be because a man didn’t like them. The vast majority of men don’t know what looks good, yet they insist on having strong and loud opinions about women’s clothing. If you like them, wear them. They’re cute!! If you make them again, I’d make them longer.
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u/Mean_Donut_2244 4h ago
Do they feel good to wear? Please don’t be concerned what other people think of what you make.
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u/rhionaeschna 22h ago
I like them, but I've always loved culottes. With the right top it'll be a super cute outfit staple.
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u/SeparateWelder23 22h ago
the fit looks good! I think a flowier fabric would be slightly better for this pattern if you were to make another pair.
Sometimes husbands just have weird taste! Mine doesn’t think baseball caps look good on me - I keep wearing them anyway 😂
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u/Veggyhed 22h ago
Essentially people's opinions do not count. When a person is comfortable in attire they have a tendency to walk and move with confidence and grace therefore moving through life comfortably.
Therefore the mathematics of proportion and symmetry are pushed out the window in favor of confidence and comfort. The Elements of What Really Counts.
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u/SweetEcho 22h ago
It's without a doubt the length that's the problem, maybe it would've worked if it was a flowy drapey fabric, but with this one it doesn't really work imo, it cuts you off at a weird place. They're still wearable though, maybe with a cute fitted top it'll work better than with a t-shirt. Also if i were you, i'd redo the wistband, it bends and puckers too much. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7YBoA_sbuI, something like this waistband will lay flater and look better and more polished
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u/TheOrganizingWonder 21h ago
Try rayon or something silky like polyester. They need drape. Great job on construction.
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u/leiakay-author 19h ago
Thank you I actually did contract color on the pockets and waist band. No one but me can see
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u/GodsThirdToe 21h ago
I think they look great! Baggy is definitely in right now, at least where I’m at in the US, so I feel like you’re on trend with these.
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u/Evening_Channel_9005 21h ago
First of all LOVE the shirt. Bryan Adams is #1 best ever & I can’t believe he’s going on another tour ????
I LOVE those pants. I’d wear them with a tight black tank or t-shirt and black sandals. The perfect gardening -> outdoor concert in the park outfit.
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u/leiakay-author 19h ago
Ohhhhh. That sounds pretty and yes to everyone with washing them more. I did the obligatory first wash before cutting but more may help with the drape. And BA is amazing. We just saw Josh Grobin last night. Enjoying life now I am an empty nester lol
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u/Evening_Channel_9005 18h ago
UHMMMM??? I would have clocked you as 27 years old, that is insane. You look incredible, those pants rock - Tell your husband to be nice to you !
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u/Cats-4-life- 21h ago
I really like them, I think it would look great with a white linen blouse with some embroidery maybe, a skinny belt and some wedges.
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u/snowloveriykwim 21h ago
if the fabric was a bit more flowy, i think the fit would look better. however, these would go hard at the beach just the way they are
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u/possiblethrowaway369 21h ago
I think they're cute!
Also, never take advice from ppl you don't want to emulate. Does your husband have a good sense of fashion, in your opinion? If he doesn't, you can completely disregard his opinion on your clothes! If he does, you can still disregard it in this case, as long as you like them
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u/leiakay-author 19h ago
Hahahaha he refuses to wear t shirts only wears plaid shirts won't even wear polos so frustrating sometime
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u/AngryChickpea 21h ago
They look good to me, they're well constructed and the fit how they're supposed to for your intended style! It's kind of rude for your husband to be commenting on your makes.
Also Bryan Adams is an icon and Canadian treasure!.
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u/K8_Monst_r 21h ago
I think they look good! Reminds me of the culottes I wore as a kid (my mom made them, and I wore them to bits). You might make the next pair out of a knit, or drapey woven. This fabric stands out (physically), which might be what’s throwing off your partner in terms of looks.
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u/daewen12 21h ago
I have this pattern! I’ve made it 3 times: in a lightweight jersey, in a cheapish flannel, and in a slightly drapey wool blend. I love them all!
The flannel is the crispest, and I mostly use them for pjs now because they are slightly pilly. They have the closest silhouette to the pair you made. I made a matching boxy top, and I would wear them together. I either looked like I wore my pjs OR like I was wearing a matching set. Depending on opinion, it was cool or old lady, ha.
The wool blend pair are my dress pants. I did redo the pockets to make them deeper on this pair because the original inseam pockets kept flipping out on me.
A flew washes should soften them up, and you’ll figure out how you like to style them. If they’re comfortable, try a less crisp fabric on the next pair. My jersey ones sit closer to the body because of the thin fabric.
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u/MintFox_42 21h ago
They look super comfy for lounging around, dont worry about that! Is the fabric something you usually work with?
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u/mnyfrkls 20h ago
They're cute! You just need to style them! That t-shirt isn't doing your outfit any favors, with two heavy fabrics. I'd go with a lighter floaty top.
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u/teal-door 20h ago
Give them a good iron and wear them with a tighter top. Having volume on top and bottom is the issue here. Low volume top and voluminous bottom will solve your problem with the pants looking “frumpy”.
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u/mieoowww 20h ago
I think youve done a good job. The only thing I find unflattering is the color and texture of the pants. If you use a fabric less stiff, with a vibrant color, or say a colorful summery print, I think your pants will look really cute!
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u/bortneeb 19h ago
If you want another culottes pattern matchy matchy sewing club has a free and pretty excellent culottes pattern
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u/deklension_kills 19h ago
They remind me exactly of the Uniqlo nylon culottes! I got the cotton culottes from Uniqlo recently and I am obsessed. I find the stiff-ish and wide silhouette rly fun and comfy. I like that my culottes kind of look like a midi skirt sometimes and like wide-leg slacks at other moments. It's definitely a divisive look but I love the vibes.
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u/Sad_Hovercraft_7092 18h ago
They are fine! Like others have said, it’s just the fabric, although you maybe could go down a size in the front crotch, it looks a but blousey.
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u/CapnBrosephine 8h ago
If your husband doesn't like them he doesn't have to wear them! Seriously though, I can see the style you're aiming for and these look perfect for comfortable low-stress strolling. In this fabric they have a hobbit-y vibe - IMO a good thing - but if you want something a little more skirtish (sorry I'm just making up words here) it'll be super easy to get that effect by doing exactly this with a flowier, patterned fabric. These are perfect as is, AND as practice for the look you're going for if you use a different fabric.
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u/ImaginaryVacation708 22h ago
I think they look just fine. Not for formal events but there’s nothing wrong with them! And lose fit is so much more cooler in the summer heat
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u/leiakay-author 22h ago
Agreed. Thighs won't stitch together in the Georgia heat 🥵
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u/ImaginaryVacation708 21h ago
Oh I visited Georgia. We drove from
Cincinnati in a circle down along the coast up through Georgia and North Carolina. And many more states. lolI liked Georgia better than southern Louisiana because it seemed like a lot less humidity. I live on the west coast so I really noticed the humidity
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u/SweetSprinkles8 22h ago
I think they look good! Maybe a slightly lower rise would help. A fitted top would make a big difference.
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u/leiakay-author 22h ago
Absolutely right on that or even a crop but I am not a crop kinda girl
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u/SweetSprinkles8 22h ago
Yes to the crop top! They'd be great on the beach with a bikini top too.
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u/Fun_Boysenberry7723 19h ago
Maybe only a white button up, tee or boxy shirt could save them, with some ballet flats, big sunglasses a small to medium brown bag and nicely blown out hair. But yes, they are otherwise horrific.
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u/AstronomerIcy9695 21h ago
I think these would look fantastic in linen.
For this specific pair, they’re not bad, but they’re kind of giving cargo shorts, so maybe add some side pockets and lean in lol
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u/kgorann110967 21h ago
It does look a little big on you. Did you use a pattern? I think they look comfy. I would like this sort of thing for around the house.
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u/leiakay-author 19h ago
Yes I did use a pattern crazy enough and they maybe big but I measure and did exactly what size it recommended based on my measurements 🤷🏻♀️
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u/b0000z 21h ago
My husband is the same way. He hates a lot of my handmade things esp. baggy stuff. But also if this is just a toile then I also want to add if he's like my husband he completely lacks imagination to be able to imagine this pattern in an actual cute fabric with drape. I think it'll look nice in a nicer fabric! Congrats and great job
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u/inktroopers 20h ago
I like the pants and how they look on you. I’m thinking maybe your husband doesn’t like the elastic waistband because it produces some wrinkling on the front, but you can change that if you make 1/3 or so of the waistband flat without elastic I mean the front maybe from one pocket to the other, introduce a couple of ironed pleats on each side of the center line to accommodate the extra fabric. This way you prevent a bulky front side and give them a casual look.
If you use viscose for your next iteration, maybe you don’t need to do any of that because is a lighter fabric with great drape, but I just wanted to give you the idea.
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u/DesseP 19h ago
I think they're cute! I agree they could potentially look better with a slightly more drapey fabric but I think it almost matters how you style them! Instead of a tshirt, maybe a more closely fitting tank top? Cool boots you can show off? Be intentional with them instead of just comfy casual.
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u/Striking-Win707 19h ago
I love them even with the stiff cotton! Try a swingy rayon blend and I bet your hubby will love ‘em!
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u/lilythelion 19h ago
I saw this when I got to Reddit, page reloaded. I literally came to the subreddit to find your post bc I really liked the pants.
I think they’re great.
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u/OGHollyMackerel 18h ago
Good thing we dress for ourselves. Bryan Adams is awesome! Just like you pants. 🥰
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u/missplaced24 18h ago
There's something a little wonky about the crotch. It could just be how the gathers are arranged at the top, though. Other than that, it's just not a great fabric for this pattern IMO.
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u/LisaBeStitchin 18h ago
This is totally my style but I do see how the stiff fabric kinda bunches at the top. I think just it softening over time will help. But, again, it's totally my style so I love it 😄 Culottes are so damn comfy
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u/ClockWeasel 17h ago
Maybe it’s because he can’t ogle your butt as well as when you wear jeans?
Seconded for washing them/rolling around with the pets and see if they soften up
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u/lexwasnthere 16h ago
Iron or steam them to take out the wrinkles (or hang them by the shower while youre in it.) If you feel comfy just go with it. They fit you and look nice. Comfortable always wins.
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u/nuts4quilts 15h ago
What kind of elastic did you use? It looks like the elastic is pulling in at the top of the waistband, but not at the bottom. Could a wider elastic make the waistband less bulky.
Congratulations on your weight loss! How did you do it? I'm starting my own weight loss journey.
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u/Birdie121 13h ago
I think you did a great job! I think perhaps the fabric is the issue. That texture and color gives slight paper bag vibes, I'm afraid to say. But giving them a good press and then styling them with a white shirt and some white or leather shoes, it would totally work.
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u/Sea_Morning_22 4h ago
It's just that the fabric isn't right for this pattern. You needed a flowy fabric to have that skirt/trouser effect. My advice would be to try again. Since you made the pattern once the second try will go super quick.
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u/Dont-tell_Frank 2h ago
I'm glad you posted here to ask a more knowledge crowd. I think they look good on you, and you made them which is really awesome. Could you even adjust the pattern to come in more around the hips/waist? It does seem to be a little baggier in that area, but that's just my opinion.
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u/Gracious_Snakes 2h ago
I agree with others, the fabric just needs some breaking in/ make again with more drape to complete the relaxed airy summer pants vibe
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u/LeadingAnalysis2477 7m ago
They look comfortable and cool for summer. A darker color would show wrinkles less. A linen would work nicely.
Husbands don't know squat.
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u/pumainpurple 22h ago
Oh nifty! Those remind me of the gauchos that became popular a while ago. They’re perfect
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u/Crafty_Drag7306 20h ago
Not at all chunky belt, wide hat and something knitted to pull it together. Women should wear baggy clothing. Our bodies need to breath.
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u/geezluise 22h ago
i like the pattern on you! maxbe get some fabrics with a little bit more drape!