Men's athletic shorts are one of the most satisfying wardrobe staples to sew. They're practical, comfortable, and quick to make, making them an excellent project for beginners looking to build confidence as well as experienced sewists who want a versatile everyday garment. With a relaxed fit, functional pockets, and an elastic waistband, handmade shorts are ideal for casual wear, lounging, workouts, or weekend outings.
The Winslet's Wyatt Men's Athletic Shorts Sewing Pattern combines comfort with clean construction. Featuring an elastic waistband with a functional drawstring, side pockets, and a back patch pocket, this easy-level pattern walks you through every step with detailed illustrations, making it a great choice for creating durable everyday shorts.
Why Sew Men's Athletic Shorts?
- Sew a comfortable pair of everyday shorts that are perfect for casual wear, lounging, or light activities.
- Create a practical garment with functional side pockets and a back pocket.
- Enjoy the comfort of an elastic waistband with an adjustable drawstring.
- Customize your fabric choice to create lightweight summer shorts or cozy lounge shorts.
- Finish a rewarding sewing project that's suitable for beginner and intermediate sewists.
Why Choose the Winslet's Wyatt Men's Athletic Shorts Sewing Pattern?
The Winslet's Wyatt Men's Athletic Shorts Sewing Pattern is designed to help you sew comfortable everyday shorts with professional-looking finishes while keeping construction straightforward.
- Skill Level: Easy
-
Features:
- Relaxed shorts
- Elastic waistband
- Functional drawstring
- Side pockets
- Back patch pocket
- Available Sizes: US 34 - US 54 | UK 34 - UK 54 | EU 44 - EU 64
Supplies & Notions
Prepare the following supplies before you begin sewing:
- Light to medium weight knit fabric with 30–50% stretch
- Matching polyester thread (3-ply)
- Elastic band (2.5–3 inches wide)
- Drawstring
- Sewing machine
- Serger (optional)
- Coverstitch machine (optional)
- Sewing needles
- Pins
- Measuring tape
- Fabric shears
- Thread cutter
- Fabric chalk or marking pencil
- Iron
If you don't have a serger, use a narrow zigzag stitch with a walking foot if available. A twin needle or narrow zigzag stitch can also be used as an alternative to a coverstitch machine. Always test your stitches on a fabric scrap before sewing the garment.
Fabric Recommendations
This pattern is designed for light to medium weight knit fabrics with 30–50% stretch.
Recommended fabrics include:
- Jersey
- Rib knit
- Fleece
- Terry
The sample garment shown in the sewing guide is sewn using cotton spandex terry (3–5% elastane).
According to the sewing guide, cotton spandex terry is recommended because it is:
- Durable
- Comfortable and flexible
- Water-resistant
- Easy to sew, making it ideal for beginners
Size Charts
Check the size charts and measure yourself to select the correct size, using the garment and body measurement tables in the guide.
Verify how much fabric you need by referencing the fabric yield table in the guide.
Pattern Inventory: What Pieces to Prepare
Cut the following pattern pieces:
- A. Front — Cut 2 fabric
- B. Back — Cut 2 fabric
- C. Waistband — Cut 1 fabric
- D. Side Pocket — Cut 2 fabric
- E. Back Pocket — Cut 1 fabric
- i. Back Pocket Ready Pattern — Cut 0 (used only for measuring and transferring pocket placement; not a fabric piece)
If printing at home, use the A4/US Letter pattern files. If printing at a copy shop, use the A0 pattern.
Pattern Marking
Transfer all pattern markings carefully before sewing. The guide includes markings for:
- Grainlines
- Waistline
- Hip line
- Thigh line
- Crotch
- Side seam
- Inseam
- Hemline
- Pocket notches
- Center notches
- Seam allowances
- Back pocket placement
- Drawstring buttonhole placement
- Pocket top, side, and bottom edges
Accurate transfer of these markings will help ensure the garment assembles correctly.
Cutting Layout
Arrange the pattern pieces according to the cutting layout diagrams provided in the sewing guide.
Keep the grainline arrows parallel to the fabric selvage to ensure the garment hangs correctly.
The layouts shown are suitable for 45-inch and 60-inch wide fabrics and are non-directional. If using fabrics with a nap or directional print, purchase additional fabric to accommodate the layout.
The illustrated layouts use US Size 40 as the example.
Fabric Cutting and Preparation
Lay out your pattern pieces according to the cutting diagrams before pinning them in place.
When cutting:
- Position the grainline parallel to the selvage.
- Trace the pattern if using fabric shears.
- Cut away any marking lines.
- Cut all notches accurately to assist with assembly.
After cutting, transfer all important pattern markings—including circles, buttonholes, and fold lines—to the wrong side of the fabric. Mark the center front on pieces cut on the fold to make alignment easier during sewing.
Seam Allowance
Please follow the seam allowances as indicated on the pattern file layers. These are provided specifically for each piece to ensure accurate construction.
This pattern uses:
- 1 cm (3/8") seam allowance all around
- 3.8 cm (1½") hem allowance
- 5 cm (2") pocket top allowance
Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions
1. Attach the Side Pockets
1a. Place the Front (Pattern A) and Side Pocket (Pattern D) pieces with their right sides facing together. Sew between the pocket notches, then clip both notches.
1b. Turn the pocket piece toward the wrong side of the front piece and topstitch along the pocket opening to secure the two pieces together.
1c. Fold the pocket piece toward the wrong side of the front, matching the pocket notches. Pin in place.
1d. Overlock around the curved edge of the pocket bag, leaving the pocket opening unstitched.
Repeat the same process for the second front piece.
2. Attach the Back Pocket
2a. Fold the top edge of the Back Pocket (Pattern E) toward the wrong side and press.
2b. Fold the top edge again to enclose the raw edge and topstitch across the folded edge.
2c. Fold the remaining seam allowances toward the wrong side and press.
2d. Position the pocket on the transferred pocket placement marking on the left back piece.
2e. Topstitch around the side and bottom edges of the pocket, leaving the top edge open.
3. Sew the Back Crotch Seam
Place the two Back (Pattern B) pieces with right sides together.
Sew along the back crotch seam using an overlock stitch.
4. Sew the Side Seams
Place the prepared front and back pieces with right sides together.
Match the side seams and overlock both side seams.
Repeat for the opposite leg.
5. Sew the Inseam
Align the inseams of both legs with right sides together.
Overlock continuously from one hem, through the crotch, and down to the opposite hem to complete the inseam.
6. Attach the Waistband
6a. Fold the Waistband (Pattern C) in half with right sides together and sew the short ends to form a loop.
6b. Fold the waistband in half lengthwise with the wrong sides together and press.
6c. Divide both the waistband and the shorts waist into four equal sections and mark them.
6d. Align the raw edges of the waistband with the waist edge of the shorts, matching the quarter marks.
6e. Stretch the waistband evenly while overlocking it to the shorts.
7. Insert the Elastic and Drawstring
7a. Cut the elastic according to your waist measurement shown in the size chart.
7b. Join the elastic ends securely by overlapping them and sewing with a zig-zag stitch.
7c. Insert the elastic into the folded waistband.
7d. Evenly distribute the elastic around the waistband.
7e. Sew the waistband closed, enclosing both the elastic and the waist seam allowance.
7f. Fold the waistband in half, concealing the elastic and waist seam allowance inside. Topstitch along the waistband edge to enclose the open edge.
7g. Sew two parallel rows of stitching 3/4 inch apart across the waistband to create the casing for the drawstring. Stretch the elastic evenly while sewing.
8. Insert the Drawstring
Use a safety pin or bodkin to attach to one end of the drawstring.
Insert the drawstring through one buttonhole, guide it all the way around the waistband casing, and bring it out through the second buttonhole.
9. Finish the Hem
Fold the hem of each shorts leg toward the wrong side and press.
Coverstitch the hem from the right side so the neat double row of stitching is visible on the front.
Repeat the same process for the opposite leg.
Ready to Sew Your Own Men's Athletic Shorts?
A comfortable pair of shorts is a wardrobe essential you'll reach for throughout the year. With the Winslet's Wyatt Men's Athletic Shorts Sewing Pattern, you'll learn practical techniques such as sewing side pockets, attaching a back patch pocket, constructing an elastic waistband, and inserting a functional drawstring—all while creating a versatile garment you'll enjoy wearing again and again.
Whether you're sewing them for relaxing at home, weekend outings, holidays, or everyday casual wear, this easy sewing pattern provides clear, step-by-step guidance to help you achieve professional-looking results. Download the pattern today and create a comfortable pair of handmade shorts you'll be proud to wear.
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Share your finished Wyatt Men's Athletic Shorts on social media with #MadeWithWinslets. If you have questions, feedback, or customization requests, contact the Winslet's team at support@winslets.com.
