70’s Zoot Suit Pants (Wearing History's Smoth Sailing Trousers)

Using Wearing History’s Smooth Sailing Pattern (working on the top currently)

I know the name makes no sense but that's the best I can come up with right now.

I had surprisingly little alterations to do with this pattern. The directions are clear and the only fiddling I had was with the waist band. I’m contemplating making a pajama version even, they are just so comfortable. Also, I accidentally put the zipper on the wrong side, oh well.

But I still had problems:

1. I hand stitched it (did this spring before graduation so no machine yet)
2. My 1^st version was out of broadcloth (why????) so it was completely see through.
3. My 2^nd version was out of a weird herringbone (knit?) with fantastic drape came out large enough that DH could squeeze into them in a very unbecoming fashion

I want to find a pair of schooling breeches in this pattern/color- would look nice with my current boot/ half-chap combo.*
Fabric can be purchased from DenverFabrics here**

I eventually took in my 2^nd version so my only complaint now is that they drape so much that they lost the lovely tailored look and look more like zoot suit pants. I’ve lost a bit of weight since I first made them so at least the toosh isn’t quite so tight.

Don't ask what my feet are doing... I really don't know. Pretend it's to show off the cuff.

I then remade the pattern in blue gab for a Fourth of July dance. I hate, hate, HATE the hem- so incredibly messy. Eventually I'm going back and adding a large cuff to hide all that mess. But that's for a costuming entry. I have grand-ish-sort of plans for it- but I might throw it out for the Fairy Godmother costume (sic 'em glitter wand!)

Things I love about this pattern:
- The hip-waist ratio is near perfect for me
- The instructions are nice and clear (I think someone with basic garment construction experience would be fine, this was my first pair of pants)
- The crotch is "vintage" without being a diaper look
- Plenty of toosh room without being excessive
- Fits just at the right spot I don't need to do a swayback adjustment
- I love the front releases, I just love them
- The hem swishes in a fun way while dancing, it's just the right size without going into bellbottom territory

Other Thoughts:
- You may need access to a search engine or sewing text at times. Not having trouser sewing experience had me pondering a term once or twice, but this still wasn't bad (for those who don't like to look things up, Colette Patterns have a glossary in the back of their pattern pamphlets if memory serves and they came out with a trouser pattern recently)
- The pattern is sized in length for someone of average height. I took off 6" or so and am in 2" heels, but I'm also 5'-5'1" depending on the day.
- I really want to try these in a nice suit weight grey wool or wool-blend.
- I tried interfacing and not interfacing the waistband, I think I prefer not

* I'm riding again- well I am trying out two different instructors next week. Slowly putting together riding/athletic gear, I don't know how I made it through BUGWB, nothing fits properly.
**I am merely providing the link here for reference. I recommend neither for or against purchasing fabric from them. I haven't found a favorite fabric source.