DIY Faux Suede Patch Pocket Shorts!

So, I wanted a pair of khaki shorts. Khaki is such a basic wardrobe staple that will work with any other color. A classic neutral! 

But what I didn't want is a pair of plain shorts made from chino twill fabric.

I was inspired by these Peserico Suede Shorts. They retailed for $500, but are currently on sale for $199. Talk about an "I can make that" moment!

So, to get started, I drafted the base style from a pair of RTW 5" shorts that I already owned. I know I'd only need to add the details. But drafting pants is not easy at all. I had a lot of kinks to work out. It took me a solid week to create these and I questioned why the hell did I even start with these stupid shorts multiple times. But I have to always see things through until the end.

The first iteration came out way too small. I think I forgot to calculate in the seam allowances. I was almost finished. I only needed to attach the waistband and hem them. But when I tried them on, they wouldn't go past my hips. I was absolutely crestfallen. I threw them in a corner and went to bed.

I got up the next day and started all the way over from scratch and they worked! 

I added 2 darts to the front and 2 darts to the back. Like my inspiration shorts, I added patch pockets with flaps and edgestitched and topstitched them.

I also added inseam pockets.

For the back, I added faux welt pockets:

The reason I chose to use faux welt pockets is "pure laziness". I know I can make welt pockets and if you've been reading this blog, you know I can too! Those are a lot of steps and I had nothing to prove. And it's not like I'm going to stick my wallet in my back pocket! 

I just really like the aesthetic of that classic menswear detail.

I'd planned on making the belt with the D-rings like my inspiration. But I ran short on this fabric. BTW, it's a faux suede that I picked up in Atlanta a few months ago from Fine Fabrics. So I just integrated the channel stitching detail into the waistband.

These shorts were a real treat to make, even if I wanted to burn them in the process. Sometimes I just feel the need to challenge myself!