Simplicity 1887: Slouchy Silk Trousers

The jury is still out: will I actually wear "silky track pants"? Not sure, but I do like them!

I pretty much rely on the website You Look Fab for information on what is current in fashion. I don't say I necessarily act on this information, but Angie does a tremendous job of covering trends and helping women to think about whether and how they might incorporate different looks into their wardrobes. Even though I am not conscious of trying to follow trends and I don't buy ready-made clothing, I know that Angie's influence is at work in my sewing. Her posts Two Ways to Wear Silky Track Pants and The Skinny on Baggy and Slouchy Trousers are undoubtedly what got me thinking about this style of pants.

This isn't a new trend, but it seems to have picked up a lot of steam this year, with lots and lots of slouchy pants available online (and, presumably, in stores). The versions below are from Eileen Fisher via Nordstrom's website. From the customer reviews, the first pair have been very popular. I like all of these pants and fabrics but, while I think Eileen Fisher's prices are very fair for the quality, they are expensive--around $250 per pair.

Simplicity 1887 has been in print for three or four years, but I hadn't noticed it until this spring. If the style appeals to you, it's a good value, with shorts, a skirt and pants included.

The style has front pleats, a curved flat front waistband and a partial-elastic band. The pockets are very nicely drafted: they are large enough to be useful and they do not gape. Although I don't think the instructions mentioned this, I stabilized the pocket edge with 1/4" cotton woven twill tape for durability and to guard against sagging.

The elastic at the pant hemline turned out pretty cute, I think! Strangely enough, I did not shorten the length at all. I am 5'2", and these could maybe use to be 1/2" shorter, but not more. If you are taller than me and want a full-length pant, you will need to add to the hem before cutting out.

If I make these again, I need to increase the waistband by at least an inch. I had read that the pants were really oversized, so I made the size 10. I like the fit overall, but getting them over my hips is a real struggle! Once they are up, they are incredibly comfortable. Unfortunately, pants do need to go up and down over the course of the day.

The fabric is navy silk crepe de chine from FabricMart Fabrics, purchased some time last year. Two and a half yards of this 54" wide silk made this pair of pants plus another SBCC Mimosa top (just completed yesterday). Since the silk was on 30% off sale when I bought it, it was $7/yard. The pants therefore cost about $10.50 in fabric, $0.99 for the pattern and about $3.00 for two yards of 5/8" elastic, or under $15. Quite a bit less than the Eileen Fisher version, and very luxurious-feeling to wear.