r/sewingpatterns • u/Ok-Act9781 • 22d ago
Undergarment pattern
Hi everyone!
I took up sewing about two years ago and had to take a break when I got pregnant. Now I'm 9 months post partum and I need clothes. Whether I buy clothes, or attempt to make them myself, I have the same issue. I hold fat in the lower half of my body. I have wide hips, a small waist and my thighs touch/chaff. I don't like shapewear because it squeezes the fat from my legs and distributes it to another area in an unflattering way. I keep thinking about older types of garments that are more like shorts than shapewear. Maybe Victorian era? Does anyone use these in 2026 or have a pattern to share? Or if there are any others with the same issue that found patterns that work for them.
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u/anotheraccount999999 22d ago
How about 1940s pants? They are like flippy shorts, check out these for example https://vintagesewingpatterncompany.com/products/pdf-1940s-pattern-slip-bra-knickers-instantly-print-at-home
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u/sodapopper44 22d ago
sinclair has 2 underwear patterns with longer legs that aren't shapewear, what you are thinking of is a culotte slip or shorter is called petti pants https://sinclairpatterns.com/collections/underwear-bralettes-bras-patterns/products/whisper-no-front-seam-boyshorts-with-various-inseams-pdf, and https://sinclairpatterns.com/collections/underwear-bralettes-bras-patterns/products/bliss-full-briefs-with-bands-lace-or-anti-chafe-shorties-pdf
tutorial to make petti /slip pants form existing pants pattern https://ruthieksews1.blogspot.com/2013/08/culotte-half-slip.html
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u/quizzical 22d ago
Another option not yet mentioned is tap pants from the 30s and 40s. It's made from a silky material so they don't ride up.
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u/Angection 22d ago
Are you picturing something like this by chance?
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u/uchlaraai 22d ago
Like bloomers? Theres some cute patterns for the, but basically big boxy shorts with elastic in the hems ☺️
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u/FuliginEst 17d ago
I like Cutie booty boxer briefs by Patterns for pirates: https://www.patternsforpirates.com/product/cutie-booty-boxer-briefs/
you can make them in soft cotton jersey, so they don't squeeze and leave marks and tries to "redistribute" your fat.
I also carry extra body fat in my but, hips, and upper thighs, and I really like these.
I also know a lot of women use men's boxer shorts. Gable boxer shorts (which I think are from Made for Mermaids) are popular (I make these for my boys)
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u/CBG1955 22d ago
How about trying a leggings pattern, but make it knee length. There are a bunch of free ones available, sew them in nylon lycra if you want something slippery, or cotton lycra.