Pull-on shorts are shorts with an elastic waist and no fly: front, back, a casing and a hem. They teach you how trousers go together (side seams, inseams and the crotch seam) in a few hours and with little fabric, which makes them an ideal first trousers project. Sewly drafts them from your hip, waist and seated crotch depth, so the rise sits where it should.
Pull-on shorts options
- Fit: regular, relaxed (the default) or oversized.
- Length: short, mid-thigh (default) or Bermuda, plus a length adjustment of up to 25 cm (10 in) either way.
- Elastic width: from 1 to 5 cm (3/8 to 2 in), 3 cm (1 1/4 in) by default.
- Pockets: in the side seams (default), patch pockets, or none.
The legs are cut straight and roomy, for comfortable shorts that suit pyjamas, summer days and running errands alike.
Sizes
Use your own measurements or a standard size: women's EU 32–54 (US 0–22, UK 4–26), men's XS to 3XL, or children's 2 to 14 years. Measure your crotch depth sitting on a hard chair, from your waist down to the seat; it matters more than any other number for comfortable shorts.
Best fabrics for shorts
Linen, cotton poplin, seersucker, chambray, French terry or double gauze. Poplin and seersucker are easy to cut and press, which helps for a first pair. French terry makes soft lounge shorts, and double gauze is airy for summer pyjamas.
How hard is it to sew?
A beginner project. If you have sewn a straight seam and pressed it, you can sew these. Allow 1 1/2 to 3 hours depending on the pockets; a second pair goes much faster. The guide explains each step in order, and you can ask it what a term like inseam means as you go.
What's in the pattern
- Front leg and back leg, each cut as a mirrored pair, with a fold-over casing for the elastic at the waist
- In-seam pocket bags or patch pockets
Notions: elastic, with the length worked out from your waist. The guide lists the pieces with their cut counts, the fabric quantity for 110, 140 and 150 cm (45, 55 and 60 in) wide fabric and a cutting layout. Seam allowances are included: 1.5 cm (5/8 in) on wovens and 1 cm (3/8 in) on knits by default.
How to sew pull-on shorts
- Sew the pocket bags into the side seams, or topstitch the patch pockets.
- Sew the side seams, then the inseam of each leg.
- Turn one leg right side out, slip it inside the other and sew the crotch seam.
- Finish the seams, fold and stitch the casing, and thread the elastic.
- Hem the legs with a double fold and press.
Our guide on how to sew an elastic waistband casing covers threading and joining the elastic, and the project post sew pyjama shorts in an hour uses this pattern.
Frequently asked questions
How much fabric do I need for shorts?
Mid-thigh shorts usually take 0.8 to 1.2 m (7/8 to 1 3/8 yd) of 140 to 150 cm (55 to 60 in) wide fabric. Bermuda length, larger sizes or 110 cm (45 in) wide fabric can bring it to about 1.5 m (1 5/8 yd). Sewly computes the exact quantity for your size and fabric width.
Are pull-on shorts a good first sewing project?
Yes. They need only straight seams, one curved crotch seam and a casing, and they use little fabric. They are rated as a beginner pattern in Sewly's library.
Can I make boxer or pyjama shorts?
Yes. Choose the short or mid-thigh length, a relaxed fit and no pockets, in cotton poplin, flannel or double gauze.
Can I sew shorts for a child?
Yes. Pick a children's size from 2 to 14 years, or enter the child's measurements, and the pattern is drafted to them.
