My brother calls these my Bushido Shorts, and I like the characterization. Like the broad lifestyle that samurai sentiment implies, these loose shorts made from the Winslow Culottes pattern from Helen’s Closet are amazingly versatile and have found their way into just about every aspect of my life!
They’re astoundingly comfortable for physical activities like Yoga where loose clothing of use, and amazing for taking it easy. Great for getting things done around the house or in my shop. Wonderful for events like festivals where I’ve appreciated how much fun it is to move along with the swaying legs and how cozy they are to hunker down in.
If like most fellas you aren’t used to clothes with flow or drape I think there’s an opportunity for you to be immediately surprised with how pleasing and adaptable these Bushido shorts can be!
Bushido Shorts – Winslow Culottes Pattern Review
First of all, I want to stress that this pattern is amazing. Culottes are a relatively simple and forgiving garment even for a novice sewist like me, and even more so if you choose a forgiving fabric, but Helen has done a great job of making this pattern perfect and easy to follow. She lovingly includes details in the well-drafted pattern that make it easy to print, assemble, and cut. Further, the instructions and illustrations are superb, and Helen made it easy enough that I decided to attempt a few things I haven’t had the courage to try in my other sewing endeavors! Things like: Pattern matching, Hem bands, Removing the invisible zipper and closing the back, as well as Adding a two-stage waist button.
If you plan on making a pair – and especially if you are a fella new to sewing and interested in a more typically masculine look – I’d consider a few things when approaching the pattern. For my Bushido shorts I made the following changes. First, the Winslow Culottes Pattern is designed for your natural waist (up near your belly button) so if you are from the 90’s and find it impossible to wear anything that high, you’ll need to adjust your leg length accordingly. Secondly, I tamed the flow a bit by adding a hem of heavier fabric, a best-of-both-worlds situation.
And finally, you’ll want to consider how you’d like to close or cinch the garment – there are lots of options (Folding button, drawstring, elastic, front zip) that would be easy to integrate, and can replace the invisible zipper in one fashion or another, most gents are going to find an invisible zipper in the back a little unusual or intolerable, though I’ve loved the clean look it creates in a lot of the makes I’ve seen on IG.
Bushido Shorts – Starting out
Before you get sewing review all of the additional assistance and suggestions Helen produced for the Winslow Culottes Pattern including the sewalong. Christ – there’s even an illustrated guide on how to wear it! and these additional resources will give you great insight into your next steps.
I had planned to write up a second post on the build process, but I think you get the picture, and reviewing all of the resources over at HC, I just don’t think it’s needed, but if you’re looking for a sewing partner, I’d totally make a second pair, so hit me up.