Sewing Functional Summer Bottoms with Closet Core Patterns

My daughter is home from college for the summer and working full-time at art camps through our local community center. That meant she needed practical, work-appropriate bottoms that could survive long days, lots of movement, and inevitably… paint. Lots and lots of paint.

We landed on two Closet Core patterns that ended up being absolutely perfect for her style and body shape: the Claire Shorts and the Frank Jeans. Both are functional, high-waisted, comfortable, and exactly what she was hoping for.  Read on or watch here:

Why Closet Core Patterns Work So Well for Her

One of the reasons I continue reaching for Closet Core patterns is because their drafting works exceptionally well for my daughter’s proportions.

She’s 5’2” with a long torso, shorter legs, a pronounced hourglass shape, and a preference for very high-waisted styles.

Closet Core drafts tend to accommodate a slightly longer body, which means I usually have far fewer adjustments to make for her than with many other pattern companies.

Meanwhile, I’m built almost the exact opposite with a short torso and longer legs, so I personally make more adjustments for myself in Closet Core patterns. It’s always fascinating how different bodies interact with pattern drafting.

If you’ve ever struggled with fitting, finding pattern companies that align more naturally with your body shape can make sewing dramatically more enjoyable.

Picking Pattern Companies for Your Body Shape

If this is something you’re trying to figure out for yourself, I do have a mini-course all about choosing pattern companies based on body shape to simplify fitting and reduce frustration.

The Goal: Functional Summer Workwear

Her summer job requires:

• Work-appropriate bottoms – khaki in color
• Lots of pockets
• Comfortable movement
• Durable fabrics
• Pieces she can wear repeatedly all summer

And because she works in fine art and oil painting, these garments are absolutely going to end up covered in paint. At this point, paint-covered clothing is basically part of her aesthetic.

Closet Core Claire Shorts Review

The Closet Core Patterns Claire Shorts checked so many boxes for her:

• High waist
• Thick waistband
• Cargo pockets
• Utility styling
• Comfortable fit
• Room for a belt

The large cargo pockets were especially important because she’ll be carrying a walkie-talkie and camp supplies.

Adjustments I Made to the Claire Shorts

The original pattern includes a hidden button fly, but she strongly preferred a zipper fly instead.

That adjustment was actually very straightforward:

• Omitted the button extension
• Added a zipper fly instead
• Used the existing grown-on fly construction

I also made these other adjustments:

• A 3/8” full seat adjustment
• Slight scooping of the back crotch curve
• Minor fit refinements through the rise

Both the Claire Shorts and Frank Jeans are drafted with a slightly cheekier fit through the back, which is very current in ready-to-wear styles right now.

While I personally prefer a little more ease, she loved the youthful fit.

Closet Core Frank Jeans Review

The second project was the Frank Jeans, another pattern from the Closet Core Crew subscription.

These are essentially a customizable “choose your own adventure” jean pattern with options for rise and leg shape.

Naturally, she chose:

• High-rise
• Wide leg

Because apparently, she inherited none of my love for mid-rise pants.

Sewing Details for the Frank Jeans

These went together very similarly to traditional jeans construction, but I had forgotten just how enjoyable jean sewing can be.

A few construction details:

• Size 5 nylon zipper
• Jeans tack button closure
• No rivets to keep them looking more like trousers
• Quilting cotton pocket lining from my stash
• Additional waist adjustment before attaching waistband

Before sewing on the waistband, we tried them on and removed an additional 1.5 inches from the waist for a closer fit. That simple extra fitting step made a huge difference.

Fabric Choice: Stretch Cotton Twill from Minerva

Both garments were sewn from a taupe stretch cotton twill from Minerva*.

This fabric turned out to be ideal for summer workwear because it’s durable, has a slight stretch, and very comfortable to wear. 

I originally purchased it during one of Minerva’s Craft Club sales thinking it would work beautifully with my daughters’ wardrobes and color palettes.

High-Waisted Styles Are Getting Harder to Find

One interesting thing we noticed while shopping recently is how quickly rises are dropping again in ready-to-wear.

If you love a high-rise fit, especially with an hourglass figure, finding options in stores is becoming harder and harder.

That’s one of the biggest advantages of sewing:

• You choose the rise
• You choose the fit
• You choose the proportions
• You make clothes that actually feel good to wear

And for her, high-rise styles are what feel comfortable and flattering.

Final Thoughts

These projects were such a good reminder that practical sewing can still be deeply satisfying. Not every garment has to be dramatic or trend-driven to earn its place in a handmade wardrobe.

Sometimes the best sewing projects are simply the ones that get worn constantly.

And I have a feeling these shorts and pants are going to be absolutely lived in this summer.