Men's Pleated Shorts Sewing Pattern PDF | Elastic Waist

Men shorts made from Patternalism sewing pattern #0201 – front view, male model

€28

A men's pleated shorts sewing pattern PDF in EU sizes 46–56 — deep box pleats at the front and back, elastic waistband with a drawstring, side-seam pockets. The double pleat creates an architectural silhouette that holds its shape: structured enough to read as intentional, relaxed enough to wear every day. Straightforward to sew — even if this is your first time working with pleats, the step-by-step instructions make the sequence clear.

Sizing Guide →

Size EU 46 48 50 52 54 56

Height, cm 176-180

Printing Instructions →

We created these shorts for those who believe that structure has no season. The box pleat — front and back — is not decoration. It is the architecture that makes the silhouette work from every angle.

Why this pattern will become your favorite:

A Shape That Holds: Deep box pleats at both the front and back create a crisp, clean volume that stays sharp throughout the day. The straight silhouette is the result of pleats doing real structural work — not a draped or gathered effect, but a precise, geometric one.
Built for Movement: A sewn-on waistband with an internal elastic and a drawstring option gives you a fit that adjusts without traditional waistband construction. Deep side-seam pockets are part of the design, not an afterthought.
An Accessible Construction: Pleats look complex. Our step-by-step instructions break down the sequence clearly — the result reads as precise and deliberate, even for those making their first pair of pleated shorts.

To maintain the intended "architectural" form, choose medium to heavy-weight fabrics with good recovery and structure:

Knits: Structured jersey, heavy-weight ponte, or scuba.
Woven: Mid-to-heavy weight linen, crisp cotton (twill or poplin), denim, or lightweight wool suiting.

Avoid: Thin, drapey, or "fluid" fabrics like viscose, rayon, or lightweight silk, as they will not hold the shape of the pleats and the structural intent will be lost.

		46	48	50	52	54	56
Main fabric, 140 cm (55") wide	m	2,18	2,18	2,22	2,22	2,28	2,3
Main fabric, 140 cm (55") wide	yd	2,39	2,39	2,43	2,43	2,5	2,52

A4 pattern file — tiled, print at home or at any print shop
Large-format pattern files — 600 mm and 900 mm wide, for plotter printing
Step-by-step sewing instructions

Thread: All-purpose polyester thread matching the fabric color (1 spool for sewing machine, 3-4 for overlocker/serger).
Elastic: 4–5 cm (approx. 2") wide waistband elastic.
Interfacing: Small amount of fusible interfacing to reinforce pocket openings and buttonholes/eyelets.
Drawstring: Decorative cord or ribbon (Waist circ. + 30–40 cm).

		46	48	50	52	54	56
Side seam length	cm	80,5	80,5	82,5	82,5	84,5	85,5
Side seam length	in	31,7	31,7	32,5	32,5	33,3	33,7
Waist elastic	cm	75,5	79	82,5	86,5	91,5	96,5
Waist elastic	in	29,7	31,1	32,5	34,1	36	38
Thigh	cm	94	97,5	101	105	108,5	112,5
Thigh	in	37	38,4	39,8	41,3	42,7	44,3
Bottom width	cm	41,5	42,5	43,5	44,5	46	47,5
Bottom width	in	16,3	16,7	17,1	17,5	18,1	18,7

Sewing Machine: With straight and zigzag stitch capabilities.
Overlocker/Serger: Recommended for professional seam finishing.
Needles: Universal No. 80-90 (for wovens) or Ballpoint/Jersey needles (for knits).
Ironing Tools: Steam iron or steam generator (crucial for setting the structural pleats).
Cutting Tools: Fabric shears or a rotary cutter.
Essentials: Tailor’s pins, chalk or fabric marker, and a safety pin or bodkin for threading the elastic.