The True Bias Lander Pants and Shorts

It’s week three of this years Summer capsule wardrobe series and I can’t wait to share my next pattern choice! It’s really taken me by surprise so I hope you feel inspired too!

Continuing the theme of ‘one pattern, four ways’,  where I want to show you how versatile the Truebias Ogden cami top can be and how to style it in different ways, I’ve chosen the another Truebias pattern - the Lander pants and shorts! 

These are such a great separate to have in your wardrobe and will go with so many things! 

As always, you can check out my latest outube video to hear all the chat and see the trousers in real life, or read on for more images and links to our popular kits!

Design and Style variations

The Landers have a high-waisted, button fly design which is not only flattering but really comfortable too.

The pattern has lovely details like the front and back patch pockets and belt loops.

The fit through the legs is straight and there are 3 length options - shorts (with a 4” inseam), ankle length and boot length, which can be worn with a heel. For my two versions I’ve opted for the shorts and ankle length and not made any adjustments to the length (I’m about 5ft 5”).

Fabric choices and notions needed

The pattern recommends medium to heavy bottom weight fabrics with little to no stretch, such as twill, linen, corduroy and denim.

To give my versions a more summery feel I’ve used some of our 100% linen fabric in these two gorgeous colours.

This fabric was really easy to work with and as it presses well it was so satisfying to put the pockets on and make the fly. I added a double line of top stitching on the pockets which I think looks nice too.

As well as the main fabric you need a bit of lining fabric for the front pockets - this is a great way to use up some nice offcuts you might have - I managed to find enough liberty tana lawn for mine! You don’t get to see it but I always like knowing that it’s there.

Buttons, matching thread and some interfacing for the waistband and fly are the other notions needed and we have bundled everything up into a gorgeous little kit! All you need to add is the lining from your stash and you are all set! These are limited edition kits so I'm sorry if you are reading this in the future and they are all sold out, but we do also sell the items individually and have a lovely selection of new 100% linens now in the just arrived section. 

Sizing and construction tips

The pattern comes with size range US 0-18 (Waist 26”-38.5” and hips 34”-46.5”). I made a size 4 which hits my measurements spot on and I’m normally a UK 8/10 so hopefully that gives you some context of sizing - just remember to measure yourself before choosing a size.

They are nicely fitted around the waist and hips and then looser in the leg which makes them really comfortable.

In the past when I have made trousers I often do a flat bum adjustment (that's what I have done on my ginger jeans in the past - see more in this post). For the landers I decided to make the shorts first and do a straight out the pattern 4 and it worked out great, so I did the same for the trousers. 

I think for next time I probably would do the adjustment as there is a bit of excess fabric at the top of my thigh but I reckon its disguised pretty well as the cut of the legs is much looser than say, the ginger jeans. There are also the really big pockets on the bum which give it a relaxed loose feel anyway. 

I found the instructions were really simple to follow, especially for the fly and everything came together really well. If you have sewn a few garments before but haven't sewn a fly yet, then I think this is a great one to try. Just remember to mark clearly where the circle marking is on the trouser front and on the fly shield so that everything will line up correctly and you'll be fine!

There is a 1 inch seam allowance included at the side seams which gives you room to easily adjust. It recommends basting the seam with the larger seam allowance and then before attaching the waistband, trying them on to check the fit. I didn’t alter mine from the 1” seam allowance and initially I thought they were a little on the big side but I think if they were any tighter I might not get anything in my pockets!

The waistband is a rectangle which means that it does gape a little at the centre back and you could get around this by adding a curved waistband. Layla, who teaches a lot of our dressmaking workshops, has made the landers too and added the waist band from the Ginger jeans, so if you already have that pattern its an option. I just wanted to show you what its like out the pattern packet and I think it is ok.

Style options

Building on our ‘one pattern - 4 ways’ theme I’ve paired each of my versions with the Ogden Cami’s from week one.

The shorts make a lovely casual day outfit for holiday or sunbathing in the garden.

Or for a fancier look wear it with a pair of wedges. 

And the trousers can easily be dressed up or down for a casual day look.

Or dress them up with heels and choose to tuck the top in for more waist definition or leave it for for maximum breeziness!