Athletic Shorts Elastic Waist Side Panels
Introducing a men's sewing pattern for comfortable athletic shorts, distinguished by an elastic waistband, integrated side panels for dynamic styling, and practical side pockets.
When To Wear
These versatile shorts are designed for an active lifestyle and casual comfort, making them an ideal choice for:
- Athletic & Active Pursuits: Perfect for workouts, running, or any sport requiring freedom of movement.
- Casual & Everyday Wear: Ideal for relaxed outings, errands, or comfortable leisure.
- Loungewear: Suitable for comfortable wear at home or for light relaxation.
Key Design Features
Silhouette: a relaxed, comfortable fit through the leg, allowing for ease of movement.
Waist: An elasticated waistband featuring an internal drawstring for an adjustable and secure fit.
Side Panels: Distinctive side panels run from the waist to the hem, offering an opportunity for contrasting colors or textures.
Pockets: Practical side seam pockets are integrated into the front design for convenience.
Length: Designed to fall around the mid-thigh to just above the knee.
Level Of Difficulty
Intermediate. Requires experience with curved seams, pocket construction, and elastic & drawstring waistband assembly.
Fabric Recommendations
Choose light to medium-weight woven fabrics with good durability and drape, such as:
- Polyester or polyester blends
- Cotton or cotton blends
- Lightweight technical fabrics (e.g., for outerwear)
Additional Supplies
- Fusible interfacing
- Elastic tape, 4.5cm wide, for the waistband
- Drawstring cord for the waistband
Cutter's Must
- Main fabric:
- Left front - 1 qty
- Small left insert – 1 qty
- Large left insert – 1 qty
- Left lower – 1 qty
- Right front - 1 qty
- Small right insert – 1 qty
- Large right insert – 1 qty
- Right side – 1 qty
- Back - 2 qty
- Waistband - 1 qty
- Pocket bag - 4 qty
Sewing Instructions
- Stitch the right and left front panels separately from the parts. Press the seam allowances open.
- Side pocket. Attach the pocket bags along the markings to the back and front panels. Clip the seam allowances at the pocket opening markings. Turn out the pocket bags, press, and topstitch. Stitch the pocket bags. Stitch the side seams. Place bar tacks at the pocket opening.
- Top assembly. Press the hem allowance, turning up 1cm first, then 3.5cm. Stitch the front and back center seams. Topstitch along the left. Stitch the inseams.
- Waistband. Mark the elastic topstitching lines on the waistband. Between the topstitching lines, at the level of the center seam of the front, make 2 buttonholes for the drawstring. The distance between the buttonholes is 8cm. Stitch the waistband and elastic tape into a loop separately. Insert the elastic tape into the waistband, stretch it to the length of the waistband, and sew 2 decorative stitches. Attach the waistband to the shorts, catching the elastic in the seam.
- Hem. Topstitch the hem.
- Press the finished shorts.
- Insert the drawstring into the waistband.
