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Pattern Review: Simplicity 3688 Trousers

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Hello readers!

We’re on Jeans & Trousers for the #CurvyYearofSewing and one of our suggested patterns is Simplicity 3688, a well loved and reviewed 1940’s wardrobe pattern that goes into the plus size range.  Along with a retro wide leg pant, this pattern includes a jacket, a blouse and a skirt.  On Pattern Review, this pattern has been reviewed 47 times!  I’ve had this pattern since it came out, but never really had any plans to sew it up.  I’ve been working on a fall/winter capsule wardrobe and decided this year that I wanted to add some pants to it and I’m certainly glad that I did, as I’ve been steadily wearing the jeans and trousers that I’ve been sewing.

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Pattern Name: Simplicity 3688

Size Range: 10-28W

What size did you make? 26/28W

What are your…..

Measurements: 48-41-52
Body Shape: Pear-ish/Spoon
Height: 5’8

What adjustments did you make and how long did they take?

The only adjustments I made was to grade between sizes my waist and hip measurements.  I didn’t have to grade this pattern up, which was AWESOME.

What was the construction process like? Did the instructions make sense to you?

These trousers were really easy to sew and the instructions were straightforward.  These went together super quickly and this pattern could easily be sewn by a beginner.  These pants include a lapped zipper and top button closure with instructions that explain the process.

How did you like the pattern’s fit? Do you think that the design works well for your body shape?

I think they fit me well.  I hope they work for my body shape, but whether I look amazing is personal preference.  I hope to look statuesque like the model on the pattern, but alas, I know that isn’t me.  I feel very comfortable wearing these trousers, and unlike slim-fitting jeans, I feel good about wearing a fitted top with these.  I followed the measurement chart and it seems to be spot on with my own measurements.

Will you make this pattern again? If so, what fit or design changes will you make?

Yes, indeed.  I’m actually going to make jeans with this pattern next.  I’m going to curve the back waistband in future versions, but for the jeans, I’m planning to add front pockets and a side fly.  I’m also going to add some length to the pattern as I plan to cuff them.

Do you have any advice on this pattern for other curvy sewers? Are there any resources or materials that helped you sew this piece up?

My advice is to JUST SEW IT.  I’ve sewn several pant patterns now, and this one was one of the simplest.  A lot of sewists seem to be afraid of sewing pants.  It’s really not as difficult as it looks, especially if you choose a pattern that isn’t fitted like this one.  You’ll never know how it will fit if you don’t try, and if they don’t fit, work on altering them.  Before I sewed my first pair of proper jeans (Closet Case Ginger Jeans), I made sure to read Pants for Real People by Pati Palmer and Marta Alto, which is a really helpful resource as is the first book, Fit for Real People.

Pattern Rating (1-5):

Size range: 4
Instructions: 5
Construction process: 5
Final fit: 5
Overall rating: 4.75

Overall, I love this pattern.  The wool/poly blend gabardine that I used for this version was a great choice.  I’m looking forward to seeing how they work in denim.  The blouse included with this pattern also looks like a winner and I’m sure that I’ll sew that up sometime.

Comments

  1. Thank you, Tanya, for the comprehensive review, and congratulations on a great job. They look so good on you! So I bought the pattern and sewed it up. Sadly, as a real apple, the fit was not so good around the hip and waist for me – and on the legs, they’re huge! However, with a hip length top they really work for me too and I just love wearing them. I found a great draping linen/wool mix at my favourite Croft Mill (UK). A bit Northern Soul…. (I redrafted to put in a front fly zip and zip guard – I’m a novice, but it worked fairly well; I can’t be doing with side zips.) Now, curvy sewers: any help, please, with fitting for apple shaped bodies? How do I choose the size when my waist is disproportionately large? How do I narrow the upper thighs given my large tum and bum, but keep the leg width lower down?

  2. Tanya, look at the Vogue Runway Valentino Couture slideshow. Outfit 3 of 69 slides shows your beautiful purple slacks with a mint coloured blouse and lilac duster coat. Stunning combination. I think this colour combination would look amazing on you. I am not clever enough to know how to send you the picture, all I can seem to copy is ARC2236[1].jpg don’t know if this would help you to see it or not. Try to find it, I think you would love the combination. All the best.

  4. These are wonderful! Thanks for posting. After reading your review and seeing your photos, I *immediately* bought the pattern.

  5. Wowza!!!! These are stunning.

    For the side zip fly are you going to a technique like Tasha did recently with a pair of capris? Zipper hidden in the pocket?

  6. You DO look statuesque in these pants. I usually only wear pull-on stretch pants but might just give these a go. Thankyou for a great review.

  7. Tanya, you look fly! I dig the purple? blue? with those phenomenal loafers.

    I also have had this pattern in my stash for years and never gave it serious consideration until seeing your version. I had always liked the idea of a hepburnesq pant but never thought I could pull it off. Mind changed.

  8. Tanya, these look wonderful! I love the fit and the classic and classy look. Well done!

  9. Wow! Those look awesome on you!! Thanks for this review. I happen to already have it & cant wait to sew some pants!

  10. Thank you for the “Just sew it”! I have said that a million times with pants. I think some people would honestly be surprised! I personally have far fewer fit issues on my lower half than upper.

    You did an amazing job with these. I love this pattern, I love your fabric and you achieved a great fit!!

  13. I love your trousers, Tanya! The fit and the colour and the drape are all perfect. Now I need to get this pattern and make it. 😀

  14. These look fabulous on you, and as my daughter is only a few inches larger than you are I suspect that this pattern will look equally good on her – and trousers normally don’t because she is ‘curvy’. Great review and I will be making a similar pair as a result. Many thanks.

  15. Love the pants. Congrats on a great job! I am wondering where you took the outside shots? You aren’t in snowy Nova Scotia, that’s for sure!

  16. Thank you for a great review of this pattern. It is so nice to see the pattern made up in a plus size! I was able to see what it would look like if I were to sew it up. And you look great in your pants!!

    • Thanks, Marie! Yes, it’s hard to imagine a pattern — especially a pant pattern — when you only see examples on thin women.

  17. Beautiful job on both the pants and the review. Immediately upon reading your review I bought the pattern. Thank you!

    • Thanks, Lisa! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. I’m going to start on another version soon after I sew up a pair of Cashmerette Ames jeans.

    • Thanks, Abbey! It is YOUR color! I think this is the first item I’ve made in purple in a long time. I need to make a top to match. 🙂

  19. Tanya, you look beautiful. Another paradigm shift….I always thought being plus sized, you shouldn’t tuck anything in or wear wide-legged trousers. Well, you proved me wrong. Thank you for sharing your measurements. You always surprise me. Keep sharing your stylish creations.

    • Thanks, Deb! I’m finding out how much I love wearing wide leg pants/jeans lately. I’ve tried leaving sweaters/blouses untucked, but it adds a bunch of bulk and doesn’t look good. I think the high waist is your friend when you have a bit more going on in the midsection. 🙂

  20. These pants look wonderful on you! I’ve seen that pattern in the past and it didn’t speak to me, well it is talking now!

    • Thanks, Sheila! The pattern didn’t speak to me, either, until I was looking through my pant patterns and decided to sew it up. 🙂

  21. I have this pattern but have been chicken to try it out. You and I are the same height and similar measurements, when I see how fabulous they are on, I feel encouraged to try it. You look wonderful in these pants and the purple colour is gorgeous.

  24. Because these pants flatter your shape so well; I just have to make them for me!! Thank you for this review. You look Faaahbulous! ;o)

  25. You look every bit as fab as the model, because your darn pants fit so well!!! Super, thanks for the review, I too have this pattern and I had no idea it had so many reviews on PR, as I just picked it up on a whim (I do love 40s fashion…)

  26. These trousers look amazing! I’ve had this pattern for ages, but keep chickening out of using it – this will encourage me to get going and actually try it out. Thanks so much for sharing your review!

  27. Say what you want I think you look just as amazing as the models on the pattern! Beautiful!

  30. Those pants look absolutely fabulous on you! You and I have exactly the same measurements and shape so I am definitely going to give these a try. Thank you very much for taking time to review them.

  31. Tanya, you look amazing in those pants. As a curvy girl myself, pants usually do not fit me that well. May try this pattern and see if I can get an “amazing” look also. Good job!!

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