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Inspiration and fabric suggestions for the Thai Fisherman Pants

August 01, 2022 7 Comments

We are excited to offer this new PDF pattern for a simple pair of wrap pants - the 161 Thai Fisherman Pants. Thai Fisherman Pants are comfortable, easy to sew, and are quite popular as exercise or lounge pants. Originally worn as work pants (fisherman often wore them in Thailand), these are great for gardening, yoga, or even for dressing up to wear out. We have been looking forward to offering this PDF pattern to you, for a quick sewing project. The pattern is currently only available as a PDF, but if you would like to see it in print, let us know (comment here or send us an email - mail@folkwear.com).

Inspiration

We have some inspiration photos below (all from Pinterest) to show you how you can make and wear these easy pants. Then a few fabric suggestions. Make these with solid fabrics, prints, a combination, or even with silk for something luxurious.

Shorten the legs to make a cropped pair of pants. It is easy to shorten these pants at the cuff. The leg is straight from about half-way down the pants, so you can easily shorten them to your desired length.
Pinterest link (from Hippie Pants website)

Make the waistband from a different (coordinating) fabric than the legs.

Pinterest link

HW0074 Cotton Unisex Thai fisherman pants Thai Fisherman image 3

Make one leg from one fabric and the other leg and pocket from a coordinating fabric. Choose one of those fabrics (or a completely different one) for the waistband. This is a great way to use up small amounts of fabric you have on hand. Each leg uses approximately 1 yard (.9m) of fabric, and the waistband uses approximately 3/4 yard (.69m) of fabric.
Pinterest link

Open image in slideshow, Thai Fisherman Pants - Meditation Pants - Mens Lounge Hippie Yoga Pants Lightweight - Personal Hour

Open image in slideshow, Thai Fisherman Pants - Meditation Pants - Mens Lounge Hippie Yoga Pants Lightweight - Personal Hour

Make a solid pair of long pants - perfect for a peaceful Sunday morning. Pinterest link.

Fabric Suggestions

The pattern suggests light to medium weight fabrics such as cotton broadcloth, ikats, lightweight twills; linen, lightweight wool, or rayon. You could even make these with Thai silk, silk shantung, or dupioni silk for special occasions or luxurious lounging. Below are some suggestions from some of our favorite fabric shops (and including some fabric from Folkwear).

This Peach Colored Raw Silk from our Folkwear fabrics would make for a pretty, yet hardy pair of pants. This would make for a slightly dressier pair of pants, yet still rustic.

An opposite type of silk to the previous suggestion, the 19.5mm silk charmeuse from Dharma Trading. It is a sumptuous option for pajama or lounge pants. Lightweight (but on the heavier side of charmeuse) and silky, this would be lovely and luxurious. Dharma Trading has lots of colors. Esi made a pair in some similar fabric and loved them (we'll show you that soon).

The striking weave on this Merchant & Mills Neon Tokyo Ikat from Oak Fabrics would elevate the Fisherman's Pants. With this fabric, the pattern could suddenly be appropriate for social outings or other slightly dressier occasions. Pair it with a contrasting/coordinating fabric for the waistband or ties for more interest.

For simplicity, Folkwear's Organic Yarn-Dyed Linen in Blushing combines the best of comfort and fashion. The lightness of the linen and the loose fit of the pants would be a perfect solution to the summer heat currently hitting the Northern Hemisphere. We have several colors available.

Last, this show-stopping Iridescent Purple Silk Shantung from Mood Fabrics would make for an unforgettable garment. Despite being a solid, the color and texture are decidedly head-turning.

7 Responses

Val White

August 15, 2022

I also prefer a printed pattern.

Bonnie

August 11, 2022

I would prefer a paper pattern. I am wondering about using a knit for the pattern.

Bonnie

August 11, 2022

I always prefer paper patterns. I am wondering about using a knit for the pattern.

Carolyn

August 09, 2022

I, too, would like a paper pattern. I also appreciate the comment about the martial arts pants, without a waistband. Since I have a short front rise and a long back rise, that might work better for me. But a muslin will be required. I like the ideas for using multiple fabrics, since I have a ‘stash’ with lots available. Thanks!

Athena PN

August 03, 2022

I too greatly prefer printed patterns!

On another note: this style of front-fold pant, without the waistband foldover or pocket, is a typical feature of Chinese martial arts pants, particularly in Kung Fu & Kajukenbo studios. I wore similar pants for many years while training, held up with a ranking belt (& some discreet safety pins!). They’re incredibly comfortable, fit all body types, & if made with crotch gussets they allow for enormous freedom of movement. So pleased to see this pattern at Folkwear!