

Printed pants have been on my radar this year. I don’t know if people have just started wearing them since it’s kind of a trend right now, or if I just started paying attention to it more. Either way, I have pinned quite a few print pants on my Pinterest (photo below). I’ve also noticed a lot more people wearing them here in the Lisbon area (and usually point them out to Dallas when he’s with me).
I had my mind set on making a pair of pants in black and white because I figured those would be really easy to style and would match a lot of things in my closet. But then one day, Pinterest decided to show me a bunch of printed pants options, and I saw one that had a big stripe down the side.
That made me think of this wax printed cotton that I got from Pauline’s (@sewuthinkucan) de-stash last year. I had about 2 meters of it, and I had planned to make a cool sling bag with it, but I knew it wouldn’t be a good use of the fabric, and I would have a bunch of fabric left over. Then it dawned on me after seeing those striped pants on Pinterest, that this fabric just might make the coolest pants.

I got to work trying to decide to best pants pattern to use. I really didn’t want to have to buy a new pattern, so I was trying to decide between the Seaforth Pants and the Pomona Pants. I told myself I wasn’t going to make another pair of Pomona Pants without hacking them to have a side seam and front pockets…but a side seam would have totally messed up the print on the fabric! Right?!
So, I went with the Pomonas. It only bothers me a little bit that these don’t have front pockets because they turned out SO cool. I really wanted to pattern match the back pockets, but I didn’t have big enough pieces in that area of the print, so I decided to do exactly the opposite so that it at least looked intentional. I think it looks cool still.
I made my usual adjustments to this pattern, removing 2″ from the rise so that they are mid-rise. I made these as long as possible and was able to add 2″ in length. For the hem, I used 2.25″ wide bias binding and sewed it on with a 3/8″ seam allowance. That way I could still have the 1.5″ hem but only lose 3/8″ in length.
It worked out really well! I actually thought that I might need to remove a half inch from the hem because I don’t want them to 2000’s drag on the floor. I wore them to the movies with some friends on their first outing (last photo, below), and I think they were fine though.



These definitely make a statement. I don’t usually have strangers commenting on my outfits, but when I wore these out, I noticed some people staring. Hopefully in a good way? That’s what I’m going to go with anyways.
The good news is that I still have enough fabric left to make a small/medium sized bag eventually, and then maybe it will make up for not having front pockets! I’m so happy that I realized this fabric’s full potential, and I know these are going to be a wardrobe favorite.
Now, I’m still just trying to decide if I should make a pair of black and white pants still (with front pockets!). I just have so many solid color blouses and button up shirts that I think they would go really well with. I guess we’ll see!
Pattern & Fabric Details
(no affiliate links)
Tabitha Tank by Anna Zoe + Pomona Pants by Anna Allen
Last photo: Simplicity 5801 + Tether Pouch by Wholecloth
Thank you for being here and checking out today’s blog post. What do you think about printed pants lately?

Love your new pants and your treatment of the back pockets.
I have that pant pattern but havenโt made it up yet. Iโm going to have to give it a try.
Thank you, Karen! I’m glad you like what I did with the back pockets. It’s such a nice pattern! You should definitely try it out soon.
Awesome pants – love the stripe! I’d say go for the black and white as these look so good.
Thank you, Alice! I don’t think I can resist. Black and white is still so tempting and they’re so breezy and fun for summer.
Wow! Your pants are so fun and look amazing on you. I have that pattern, and you’ve inspired me to think about hacking it.
Thanks Michelle! I saw someone else post a reel showing their Pomona Shorts with a side seam and pockets, and they were so cute. It seems simple enough!
I really like these printed pants on you. The back pockets are great.
I would encourage you to make the black and white… since you have several solid colored shirts.
It’s kind of fun to have people stare because you look good!
Love you, Grandma Frame ๐ต