I’m late to the Persephone Pants party, but I’m glad I arrived. Anna drew inspiration from 1940’s sailor pants by including a super high waist, waistband inseam pockets, a button fly, and the design element that explodes most people’s heads: no side seams.
For me, one of the most appealing things about the pattern is how similar they are to highly coveted RTW sailor pants. Instead of paying $400, I could make a pair for under $40. Don’t get me wrong – I love supporting small women-run businesses and that $400 price point makes sense, but if the option to make it myself is there, I’ll take it! Also, the instructions are so stellar I’m certain a novice sewist could make them!
Shortly after the pattern was released, I did give it a go, but they just didn’t work out. My waist measurement ranges from 26.5″ to 27.5″ and my hip measurement ranges from 37″ to 38″. Even though that put me somewhere between a size 2-ish to a 6, I settled on cutting out a size 4 (waist 27″, hip 37″). They came together really quickly, but once I put them on, I had a bad case of dumpy butt. They were just too big.
I wasn’t entirely sure what the issue was; Was it fit? Fabric choice? Both? Was it an actual dumpy butt? I suspected the cheap bull denim I bought at Joann Fabrics may have grown, but in an effort to salvage them I tried taking in the back seam and crotch. Those efforts proved unsuccessful and I ended up setting the mutilated pants and pattern aside for a while.
After reading a couple folks had some luck with sizing down, I chopped my pattern pieces down to a size 2 and cut into some 10oz Duck Canvas hoping for the best. And it worked! I didn’t need to make any adjustments after sizing down.
Although I have a lot of love for this pattern, the lack of side seams and rear pockets leave your booty and thighs on display. What the hell type of underwear do you wear with these? Or do you just not give a damn?
I have fabric set aside for two more pairs – more 10oz cotton duck, but in black and some Kaufman speckled denim that I’m really excited about. I thought I’d hate the button fly, but I’m warming up to it and will probably keep it on future pairs. It appears I adjusted the position of the left pocket in the wrong direction (step 30), so I’ll be careful not to do that again ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.
Hot tip: sew a line of stitching in between each buttonhole to connect the button fly and facing together (check out this Tessuti blog post for a visual). It definitely helps keep the fly from peeking open!
I am working on my second pair of Persephone pants and yup the first ones were a bit big. I notice many people make them very tight. How do you breathe? I fear a snug fit in high-waisted pants will make me feel like I cant breathe! I am going to try grading between two sizes and see how that goes. (-:
I’ve outgrown these Persephones and working from home, I now have a strict “no hard pants” policy. Good luck with your next pair!
Hi. They look great on you! Love the color, too. I have fabric and the pattern but now I am a little concerned that the Persephone is tight in the crotch- someone mentioned that to me last night. I think I’ll sew a muslin. I’m over 50 and want cute, comfortable and the ability to stand up to use. Thoughts on the crotch fit of this pattern?
Marion
Such a beautiful pair of pants! I’m curious what color these are in? Exactly the cork color I’m looking for but no such luck.
I’m pretty sure it’s Nutmeg!
Your pants look amazing! I’m almost finished making my first pair of Persephones right now. Such a fun pattern.
Just thought I’d mention about the left pocket adjustment…I understood the instructions to mean the left pocket when you’re wearing them. Not looking at it. So I think you adjusted the wrong pocket. Does that make sense?
I adjusted the other pocket and it turned out looking even.
Either way though, your pants turned out amazing! Great job.
Thongs thongs everyday! I started wearing the hanky panky lace one size low rise things and have been wearing them nearly everyday for the last 7 years. Aging sure makes panty lines so so much worse. Also, $18/ pair undies make me feel fancy. One day I’ll get around the sewing them myself!
Thongs are out for me! Nope! Never!
I was once that way! Now I’m the opposite. Haha cheeky panties work well too. They are like the gateway to things though…
Wow, they look amazing! Love the fit and it really looks so good on you! Inspires me to keep on trying making really well fitting pants ;).
Try coming to terms with your body in your sixties 😳. Your pants fit perfectly and are so flattering. I love the Persephones too, so no fears of the inevitable body changes when we sew our own!
Well first up…your Persephones look very good indeed. Well done!
My measurements, particularly my waist, also has a ‘range’ and it’s sometimes a struggle for me to get fully on board when it comes to trying a new pants pattern.
Your review, and your thoughts, are helpful. The Persephone pants are reminiscent of Seafarer jeans I wore (and loved) in the seventies. Back then, way back then, I didn’t have the same shape…and the shape I had, stayed put, LOL! I’ll have to think carefully before committing to these.
Thank you for your kind words! I hope you give this pattern a try.