Underpants can really make or break your day. If your underpants aren't comfortable, you aren't comfortable. The super basic UNDERPANTS are so good and cozy, flattering and full coverage - they are super basic, and basically SUPER!
This is a pattern I originally drafted several years ago for myself. (You do things like that when you live on an island without shops carrying underpants.) I've made little changes here and there over the years and I feel like I've finally gotten it just right. More importantly, I've finally gotten it just right for bodies of all different shapes and sizes!
testers + extended sizing
The release of the super basic UNDERPANTS coincides with the release of a more inclusive size range. I cannot quite explain how exciting it was to see how well this pattern fit my testers in 18 different sizes!! (Actually, 16 different sizes, as I wasn't able to get testers in my top two new sizes) On all of these different bodies - different shapes, colors, sizes and ages - the underpants looked and fit amazingly! The few issues that arose during testing were taken into account when I finalized the pattern. Some testers would have preferred a higher waist panty, so I've included tips on easy adjustments to raise the rise if you'd like that, too.
My sizes do not follow conventional US or UK sizing, but range from approximately a US 00 to 36, or a UK 4 to 40, fitting hip measurements 86cm to 170cm (or 33¾" to 67"). As I grade my patterns in to 18 sizes (formerly 10 sizes, but 18 starting with this pattern), I simply call them size 1 - 18.
Not all testers wanted to have their photos in panties for the world wide web, but I am so grateful for each and every one of of my testers! Here are a few photos of testers who approved of having their panties on display.
And here are a few comments that testers had about the super basic UNDERPANTS:
A size 15 tester said: "I confess I am a lover of granny panties...if its not touching my belly button, its not right but these!!!! ... Its above my FUPA and the shaping of the panty keeps it in place."
A size 12 tester said: "These are my new favorite underpants!"
From size 1 I heard: ""The undies are very comfortable! I like that the seams are over bum, not the sides."
And from size 2: "I love that you gave separate instructions for three different kinds of elastic application, and as a full-bottomed person, I also love that you came up just a bit at the center back to make sure there was adequate coverage. Overall they are a super comfy, well drafted basic!"
styling
Ok, so that's a little bit of a joke. I know you don't need any "styling advice" on "how to wear your underpants", but I thought it would be fun to give some additional inspiration anyway. Great underpants can be kind of expensive in the shop, but YOU have the power to make your own! Even better, you can make them as simple or wild and colorful as you'd like, and probably use up some fabric scraps in the meantime. Win, win and win!
first row: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 | second row: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
fabric + supplies
Are you feeling pumped to make your own super basic UNDERPANTS!? You'll want some lightweight knit fabric with four-way stretch. Before heading out to purchase this, it's good to know that underpants can be a fabulous use for scraps! Perhaps you've got some left-over pieces after making the super basic TANK TOP, or a t-shirt. Even if you don't have enough to make underpants, stretch jersey scraps can also be used for self-fabric binding on the waistband and leg openings of underpants. That saves you money - no need to buy elastic! - and it's another drop in the saving-the-planet bucket. Win, win. If you don't have any fabric in your stash that will work for underpants, here are a few fun ideas for elastics and fabrics.
Fold-over elastic (or FOE)
Picot elastic
Fabrics
And don't forget all the fun prints at Spoonflower! You can try one of these designs below, or even design your own! Although it's not organic, the best fabric to choose for underpants from Spoonflower is the Cotton Spandex Jersey. I've made several pairs from this fabric and I can assure you that it makes a lovely panty.
