The Yves Trousers are my love letter to one of fashion’s greatest revolutions: the moment women claimed the elegance, ease, and authority of tailored trousers entirely for themselves. It’s hard to imagine now, but there was a time when a woman wearing pants in public was a middle finger to the establishment, and this bold statement changed women’s fashion forever.
Inspired by the iconic pantsuits of Yves Saint Laurent, these slacks borrow from classic menswear tailoring while remaining unmistakably feminine.
With double front pleats, deep pockets, a traditional fly front, cuffed hems, belt loops, and a comfortable partial elastic waistband, they are as wearable as they are elegant. Even better, they can also be made as a stylish pair of shorts to keep you cool in the coming months.
Gertie is wearing black satin Yves Trousers with a black lace Patsy Blouse, and Susie is wearing white linen Yves Trousers with a Skipper Top.

Recommended Fabrics, Supplies, and Yardage Requirements
Recommended Fabrics
We recommend mediumweight wovens with plenty of drape: wool flannel, crepe, double crepe, and gabardine; viscose or silk satin; tencel twill or 4-ply crepe; linen and linen blends; and lightweight suitings. Drapey stretch wovens would be acceptable.
Knit fabrics are not suitable for this design.
Notions & Supplies
- Fabric for the pants
- Thread to match
- Lightweight fusible interfacing (look for tricot types)
- 1¼-in-wide (3.2 cm) fusible stay tape to stabilize the pocket opening (alternatively, cut a strip from a scrap of fusible interfacing yardage)
- ½ yd (0.5 m) 1½-in-wide (3.8 cm) elastic
- 7-in regular all purpose nylon zipper
- One 1-in (2.5 cm) button or one hook-and-bar pair
Coming soon!
Additional Resources
The companion sew-along video is exclusive to Sewing Circle members and it is available on Patreon.
Sizing Info and Finished Garment Measurements
Not sure which size range to choose? Learn more about our two size ranges here.
Sizes 2-20
| Size | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 |
| High Bust | 29 in | 31 in | 33 in | 35 in | 37 in | 39 in | 41 in | 43 in | 45 in | 47 in |
| 73.7 cm | 78.4 cm | 83.8 cm | 88.9 cm | 93.9 cm | 99 cm | 104.1 cm | 109.2 cm | 114.3 cm | 119.4 cm | |
| Bust A cup |
30.5 in | 32.5 in | 34.5 in | 36.5 in | 38.5 in | 40.5 in | 42.5 in | 44.5 in | 46.5 in | 48.5 in |
| 77.5 cm | 82.5 cm | 87.6 cm | 92.7 cm | 97.8 cm | 102.9 cm | 107.9 cm | 113 cm | 118.1 cm | 123.1 cm | |
| Bust B/C cup | 31 in | 33 in | 35 in | 37 in | 39 in | 41 in | 43 in | 45 in | 47 in | 49 in |
| 78.7 cm | 83.8 cm | 88.9 cm | 94 cm | 99 cm | 104.2 cm | 109.2 cm | 114.3 cm | 119.4 cm | 124.4 cm | |
| Bust D/DD cup | 32 in | 34 in | 36 in | 38 in | 40 in | 42 in | 44 in | 46 in | 48 in | 50 in |
| 81.3 cm | 86.4 cm | 91.4 cm | 96.5 cm | 101.6 cm | 106.7 cm | 111.8 cm | 116.8 cm | 121.9 cm | 127 cm | |
| Bust F/G cup |
33 in | 35 in | 37 in | 39 in | 41 in | 43 in | 45 in | 47 in | 49 in | 51 in |
| 83.8 cm | 88.9 cm | 94 cm | 99 cm | 104.2 cm | 109.2 cm | 114.3 cm | 119.4 cm | 124.4 cm | 129.5 cm | |
| Bust H cup |
34 in | 36 in | 38 in | 40 in | 42 in | 44 in | 46 in | 48 in | 50 in | 52 in |
| 86.4 cm | 91.4 cm | 96.5 cm | 101.6 cm | 106.7 cm | 111.8 cm | 116.8 cm | 121.9 cm | 127 cm | 132 cm | |
| Waist | 24 in | 26 in | 28 in | 30 in | 32 in | 34 in | 36 in | 38 in | 40 in | 42 in |
| 61 cm | 66 cm | 71.1 cm | 76.2 cm | 81.3 cm | 86.4 cm | 91.4 cm | 96.5 cm | 101.6 cm | 109.2 cm | |
| Hips | 36 in | 38 in | 40 in | 42 in | 44 in | 46 in | 48 in | 50 in | 52 in | 54 in |
| 91.4 cm | 96.5 cm | 101.6 cm | 106.7 cm | 111.8 cm | 116.8 cm | 121.9 cm | 127 cm | 132 cm | 137.1 cm |
Sizes 18-34
| Size | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 30 | 32 | 34 |
| High Bust | 39.5 in | 41.5 in | 43.5 in | 45.5 in | 47.5 in | 49.5 in | 51.5 in | 53.5 in | 55.5 in |
| 100.3 cm | 105.4 cm | 110.5 cm | 115.6 cm | 120.7 cm | 125.7 cm | 130.8 cm | 135.9 cm | 141 cm | |
| Bust A/B cup | 42.5 in | 44.5 in | 46.5 in | 48.5 in | 50.5 in | 52.5 in | 54.5 in | 56.5 in | 58.5 in |
| 108 cm | 113 cm | 118.1 cm | 123.2 cm | 128.3 cm | 133.4 cm | 138.4 cm | 143.5 cm | 148.6 cm | |
| Bust C cup | 43 in | 45 in | 47 in | 49 in | 51 in | 53 in | 55 in | 57 in | 59 in |
| 109.2 cm | 114.3 cm | 119.4 cm | 124.5 cm | 129.5 cm | 134.6 cm | 139.7 cm | 144.8 cm | 149.9 cm | |
| Bust D/DD cup | 44 in | 46 in | 48 in | 50 in | 52 in | 54 in | 56 in | 58 in | 60 in |
| 111.8 cm | 116.8 cm | 121.9 cm | 127 cm | 132.1 cm | 137.2 cm | 142.2 cm | 147.3 cm | 152.4 cm | |
| Bust F/G cup | 45 in | 47 in | 49 in | 51 in | 53 in | 55 in | 57 in | 59 in | 61 in |
| 114.3 cm | 119.4 cm | 124.5 cm | 129.5 cm | 134.6 cm | 139.7 cm | 144.8 cm | 149.9 cm | 154.9 cm | |
| Bust H cup | 46 in | 48 in | 50 in | 52 in | 54 in | 56 in | 58 in | 60 in | 62 in |
| 116.8 cm | 121.9 cm | 127 cm | 132.1 cm | 137.2 cm | 142.2 cm | 147.3 cm | 152.4 cm | 157.5 cm | |
| Waist | 40 in | 42 in | 44 in | 46 in | 48 in | 50 in | 52 in | 54 in | 56 in |
| 101.6 cm | 106.7 cm | 111.8 cm | 116.8 cm | 121.9 cm | 127 cm | 132.1 cm | 137.2 cm | 142.2 cm | |
| Hips | 48 in | 50 in | 52 in | 54 in | 56 in | 58 in | 60 in | 62 in | 64 in |
| 121.9 cm | 127 cm | 132.1 cm | 137.2 cm | 142.2 cm | 147.3 cm | 152.4 cm | 157.5 cm | 162.6 cm |
The Yves Trousers have double front pleats, a front fly, front pockets, and a partial elastic waistband in back. They can also be made as shorts. They are designed for a drapey fabric and have a semi-relaxed fit.
Because of the elastic in the waist, the pattern is designed to fit with 6 inches (15.2 cm) of ease at the waist and between 5-1/2 to 10 inches (14 to 25.4 cm) of ease in the hips.
Sewing Tips & Charm Membership Info
Measure yourself around your upper bust (under your armpits and above your breasts, without a bra on), the fullest part of your bust (while wearing your preferred bra), the smallest part of your waist, and the fullest part of your hips (this is likely around the fullest part of your butt). Make sure to hold the measuring tape snugly and parallel to the ground. Compare your body measurements to the size chart.
Find your upper bust measurement on the size chart to find your garment size, and then scan down the cup sizes in that garment size column to find your cup size. For instance, a 37-inch upper bust will make you a size 10, and a 39-inch full bust means you need a B cup. Don’t worry if your waist doesn’t match the size 10 column’s measurement of 32 inches; you can grade the waist in or out as needed. It is most important to choose a size to fit your upper bust and cup size, as the waist is easier to adjust up or down.
Sewing pattern sizes are very different from ready-to-wear garments and bra sizes, so be sure to work with your measurements when choosing a size.
Charm’s 2-20 size range is designed for a body with an hourglass shape. Our 18-34 size range is designed for a body with less waist definition.
Still not sure which size range to choose? Learn more about our two size ranges here.
If you have never used a PDF pattern before, this short video is full of tips: How to Use A PDF Pattern.
It will show you how to choose which PDF format to use, how to print just your size(s), and how to easily assemble and cut out your pattern pieces.
We offer digital patterns in two formats: letter-sized PDFs to print at home and A0 sized PDFs to print at a copy shop. In the US, we highly recommend printing A0 files with The Plotted Pattern. Outside of the US, these printers have been recommended.
When you join us as a Sewing Circle member, you will receive one vintage-inspired sewing pattern a month (with a companion sew-along video) and join the most creative and fun sewing community around!
Specific benefits at the Sewing Circle tier include:
- A vintage-inspired sewing pattern on the first day of every month
- A companion sew-along tutorial video for the pattern
- Access to the entire archive of Sewing Circle patterns and videos!
- A monthly live Crowdcast with Gertie where she shares the history and inspiration behind that month’s pattern
- Access to our community hub on Discord to post your projects, ask for advice, and chat with other members
- One Charm Pattern for free randomly every calendar year (Gertie’s choice)
To view all of the patterns in the Sewing Circle archive, click here and filter for “Pattern Availability = All Sewing Circle Patterns.”
Yes, absolutely! Unlike other monthly sewing memberships, when you are a Charm patron, you get access to the entire archive of sewing patterns available to your tier.
To view all of the membership patterns available at each tier, click here and filter for “Pattern Availability.”
Click here to join the membership on Patreon. There is no long term commitment required, and you can cancel at any time.





























