The first time that I made the Pomona Pants and Shorts in 2021, I made silly mistakes that made me actually not like this pattern very much. Four years later, I can say that, “It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me.” It seems obvious to me now, but live and learn. At least now others can learn from my mistakes or maybe give this pattern another chance.
Don’t do these 3 things:
When I made the pants version for the first time, I used a linen rayon, which might have been nice for flowy wide legged pants, but I made the tapered version because I was stuck on the Free Range Slacks tapered style. If I made the tapered view again, I would choose a fabric with less drape like 100% linen, cotton, or denim.
The second mistake that I made in the pants was adding the patch pockets to the front that were meant for the shorts version. I don’t know why I thought that was a good idea, but it looks a little funny.
The third mistake was making the wrong size (size 14). The size 12 was for 41.5” hips and mine are 42, so I was nervous about the .5” making them too small to pull up. I realize how silly that is now, especially since I was using a flowy, lightweight fabric that had some give, and I would have been totally fine.
I made the third mistake again when I made the shorts. I used a better fabric (light denim) and didn’t add pockets, but I still made the size 14. I’ve worn the shorts a lot over the years even though they’re kind of big. So, I think that’s what made me curious to try again.
Now that I am older and wiser, I made the size 12 and put pockets on the back, where they look much less strange. I saw that @alexandria_arnold used the frayed selvage edge of her fabric on the back pockets of her Pomona Pants and I thought it was a cute idea, so tried it on these. I think it adds a fun element of detail and it was really easy to do.
I saw that @brittanysewsclothes added side seams so that she could add side seam pockets and I really like that idea because I find myself constantly reaching for pockets that aren’t there. Lol.
The rise on this pattern is too high for me, so I took 2″ off of the rise. I also lengthened them by 1″ and lowered the pockets by 1″.
I love the way these turned out and they are so comfortable in this heavier weight denim. I’ve already worn them so much since I finished sewing them. They’re a great mid-blue color and go with most of the things in my closet, which is really nice.
I love wearing shorts because they go easily with all of the t-shirts and button up shirts in my closet, but I’m excited to make a couple of dresses that I hope to wear a lot this summer too. What are you looking forward to wearing this summer?
Pattern & Fabric Details
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Union St Tee by Hey June Handmade in cotton jersey
Pomona Pants by Anna Allen in 100% cotton denim
Thanks for reading today’s blog post and happy sewing!
This makes me want to try denim Pomona shorts! I’m in need of a new pair of denim shorts and even though I make jeans something about making fitted denim shorts doesn’t appeal. And I think lowering the rise would work for me too. Love the pocket detail. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, Nichole! I’m so glad it makes you want to make shorts. Pull on pants/shorts forever is where I’m at in this phase of life. lol. This denim is probably around 8oz and my first pair was probably around 6oz. They’re both very comfortable!