How much fabric trousers take

It all depends on hip size and fabric width. With fabric 1.4 to 1.5 m wide and hips up to 100 to 105 cm, the front and back pieces fit side by side, and you need one trouser length plus 15 to 20 cm for the waistband and hems.

For wider hips or wide legs the pieces no longer fit side by side. Then take two trouser lengths plus 10 cm. Measure the length from the waist to the hem at the side.

An example: trousers 105 cm long, hips 98 cm. 105 + 15 = 120 cm, that is 1.2 m.

For fabric 1.4 to 1.5 m wide and sizes EU 38 to 44:

Classic straight or tapered trousers: 1.1 to 1.5 m.

Culottes: 1.2 to 1.5 m. Shorts: 0.6 to 0.8 m.

Wide-leg palazzo trousers: 2 to 2.5 m, as they need two lengths.

For larger sizes count two lengths for any style.

The classic for trousers is suiting wool, especially gabardine, which holds a crease, and twill. For everyday wear dense cotton suiting (see cotton) or denim.

For fitted trousers take a fabric with elastane: stretch cotton. It gives, so the trousers sit comfortably.

See what is in stock: all suiting fabrics.

Corduroy and other pile fabrics are cut with the pile running the same way on both legs: add 10 to 15 %.

Checks and stripes are matched at the side seams and the seat: add 10 to 20 %.

Cotton and denim can shrink at the wash: wash the fabric before cutting and allow 5 % extra.