With that in mind, this brings about a dilemma - where to find normal-waisted pants? There are a few vendors out there, and a proper dig through the racks at the local thrift stores might turn up an option or two. Other than that, it's down to sewing them for ourselves.
Luckily, pants patterns from the past are readily available. I found gobs of 1970s trouser patterns at my local Savers thrift store, for 99 cents each, and was happy to discover that 1970s pants bear a striking resemblance to 1930s pants (don't pay attention to the illustrations on the envelope - they have little to do with how the pants will actually look when made up). I have a pair of jeans made from such a pattern to show you next time, but this time let's take a look at some inspiring 20th century pants, to get the style juices flowing:
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| 1930s wide legged trousers - via |
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| 1946 trousers with an option for peddle-pushers - via |
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| 1950s trousers, high of waist, trim of leg, short of length - via |
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| 1960s sees the transition from skinny leg back to wide leg, now with groovy cuffs - via |
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| 1970s - VERY wide legs, slim hips, a return to the '30s - via |
...and what they *don't* do is...show the top of your underwear, create a belly and love handles where there aren't any, form a "dent" in your hips, uncomfortably squeeze your pelvis in an effort to stay up, and proportion the body to look short-of-leg and long-of-torso.
Next time I will show you the pants I made and am super stoked about. Meanwhile, I'm off to the thrift store to find some more vintage pants patterns....
If you too are looking to Bring Sexy Back in normal-waisted pants, here are some resources:
Ready-Made Pants
Modcloth - several styles of jeans with skinny or wide leg.
Urban Outfitters - all skinny leg styles, appropriate for 1950s Teddy Girl looks.
Pinup Girl Clothing - a broad selection of 50s and 60s style shorts and pants
HeyDay Vintage Style - Great selection of 1940s trousers
Repro Patterns
Wearing History "Smooth Sailing 1930s Sports Togs" Pattern
Decades of Style #4004 1940s Empire Waist Trousers
The Tailor's Apprentice "Jenny" Sailor Suit Pattern
Folkwear #250 Hollywood Pants
Folkwear #240 Rosie the Riveter (includes pants as well as overalls)
EvaDress - 1930s - #1210, #650
EvaDress - 1940s - #9016, #3322
EvaDress - 1950s - #7496
Vintage Patterns
MOMSPatterns - patterns from 1930s to present.
Etsy - search for vintage pants patterns.
eBay - search for vintage pants patterns