Fabric Edit | BFF Bermuda Shorts & Pants

The BFFs are relaxed shorts & pants with a flat front waistband and elastic around the sides & back. You can choose pleats or no pleats, mid or high rise, below-knee shorts or full-length pants. And yes, there are pockets.

One of my favourite parts of testing is seeing how differently everyone makes and wears the same pattern. Our team has done an incredible job of bringing the BFF Bermuda Shorts & Pants to life. They’ve sewn them across a range of sizes, in all sorts of fabrics and with their own very different style aesthetics, giving you a fabulous glimpse at just how versatile this pattern can be.

Mel and I are up first, followed by our brilliant testing team. Above each make, I’ll tell you which options they chose, what fabric they used and which Pattern Emporium top they’re wearing, if they’ve paired it with one.

A QUICK WORD ABOUT FABRIC

The BFFs work best in a light to medium-weight woven fabric with some softness and drape. And because I know someone will ask: no, we don’t recommend quilting cotton. It might be lovely and easy to sew, but its stiffness can make the pleats and elastic gathers stand away from the body and add bulk through the waistband. You’ll find the full fabric recommendations in the tutorial & on the website.

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Kate

Want a closer look at mine? Head to the BFF website listing and watch the What’s In The Pattern video, where I talk you through each pair, the options I chose, the fabrics I used and how I styled them.

Clockwise from top left: (1) Chartreuse pants - linen (Drapers), pleat front, high rise, no pockets, with All Good Tee. (2) Striped pants - Linen cotton blend (Drapers), mid rise, pleat front, pockets, with All Good Tee. (3) Leaf pants - rayon challis (Maai Design), pleat front, mid rise, pockets, with Rise & Shine Top. (4) Blue/black shorts - rayon (Light & Lush from Maai Design), pleat front, mid rise, pockets, with Rise & Shine Top. (5) Khaki shorts - mid weight linen, plain front, high rise, full elastic waistband, pockets, with On Repeat Woven T-shirt. (6) Safari shorts - light weight linen, plain front, high rise, pockets, with About Town Popover.

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Melanie

"The option for plain front or pleat front is magic. My prominent apron tummy adores the pleat front for the extra ease. The flat front waistband is polished while the elastic back gives perfect comfort and adjustability. It has my fave in-seam pockets that sit fabulously flush."

Style 1: Pants
Details: Size 18, pleat front, in-seam pockets, high rise.
Fabric: Rayon with all its perfect drape.
Wearing with: Low Key Cami.

Style 2: Shorts
Details: Size 18, pleat front, in-seam pockets, high rise.
Fabric: Linen.
Wearing with: A top Mel whipped up from scraps.

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Sophie

"I really didn’t expect to love these shorts as much as I do! They’re insanely comfortable AND cute. With cooler weather setting in here, I went with a mid-weight wool-touch twill blend, and I love how well it holds the pleats!" 

Style 1: Shorts
Details: Size 10, mid rise, pleat front, pockets, regular length.
Fabric: Wool-touch twill blend.
Wearing with: Unwind Top.

Style 2: Shorts
Details: Size 12, high rise, pleat front, pockets, regular length.
Fabric: Wool-touch.

Style 3: Pants
Details: Size 10, mid rise, pockets, regular length.
Fabric: Viscose twill.
Wearing with: On Repeat Woven T-shirt

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Rachel

"I know you will have all seen the new BFF Pants and Bermuda pattern by now. Unsurprisingly, it’s another amazing pattern that I have fallen in love with. I have to admit I didn’t think Bermudas would be for me, but I love where they sit on my leg and they are so, so comfortable to wear."

Details: Size 12, high rise, plain front, tall length.
Fabric: Viscose linen blend.
Wearing with: About Town Popover.

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Livia

"It’s SO good!! When Kate announced this pattern, my immediate thought was, “Oof, Bermudas are cute on other people, but they never look good on me.” I was dead set on only making the pants. But then I remembered it was Kate, and I haven’t found a single thing she’s drafted that I didn’t like yet, so I figured I should give the Bermudas a go. And is anyone surprised that I absolutely adore these? Ought to teach me never to doubt her superpowers!" 

Style 1: Pants
Details: Size 18 with size 12 elastic, pleat front, high rise.
Fabric: Crepe.

Style 2: Bermuda shorts
Details: Size 16 with size 12 elastic, pleat front, mid rise, tall length.
Fabric: Heavier cotton.

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Jess

"I used the full elastic waistband. The flat-front waistband wasn’t the best look on me, although I love it on everyone else! My absolute favourite feature is the side-seam pockets. The way they’re sewn makes them look almost like a faux welt pocket and gives such a lovely, crisp finish. Also, I don’t think my butt has ever looked so good, so kudos to Kate for achieving that impossible task! Big fan here, if you can’t tell."

Details: Size 30, full elastic waistband and side in-seam pockets.
Fabric: Stretch woven plaid from Boho Fabrics.

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Amanda

"I must confess, my initial thought was, “Not for me!” But I’ve learnt to push myself out of my comfort zone, and I know Bermudas are very much on trend right now. What I love most is the number of ways you can make them suit your own style. Change the fabric, length, pockets or front, and you can multi-size for different waist and hip/seat sizes. What’s not to love?"

Style 1: Neutral Bermuda shorts
Details: Size 8, pleat front, in-seam pockets, high rise and regular length. (I’m 165cm but chose the longer length for my personal preference.)
Fabric: Unknown but more body that my other sews.
Wearing with: Sweet Talker Bubble Sleeve Top in black rayon.

Style 2: Sage green Bermuda shorts
Details: Size 8, pleat front, in-seam pockets, mid rise and tall length. I (also longer length for my personal preference.)
Fabric: Linen.
Wearing with: Be Mine Top in linen.

Style 3: Black and white pants
Details: Size 8, plain front, in-seam pockets, high rise and regular length.
Fabric: Rayon.
Wearing with: On Repeat Woven T-shirt in the same fabric and a plain black rayon Sweet Talker Top.

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Sally

"These pants are the best version of an easy-to-sew, easy-to-style, elevated trouser! I adore the flat front and pleats. They give an elastic-waist pant that little bit of extra refinement. I’ll make one size smaller next time, as Kate suggested."

Details: Size 12, pleat front, regular pants length, in-seam pockets and back pockets.
Fabric: Cotton sateen from Spotlight Australia.

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Kindel

Shorts - "As soon as I saw the pattern, I knew I wanted a gingham pair to take me into autumn. The print gives the shorts such a chic, polished look while still keeping them fun, comfortable and casual. They were even dressy enough to wear to the office. Pattern Emporium does it again with another wardrobe win!"

Style 1: Bermuda shorts
Details: Size 6, high rise, pleat front and regular length.
Fabric: 100% cotton gingham.

Pants - "I have to admit, whenever I try a new pants pattern, I immediately think about how I could wear it to the office. These are the perfect pair for that! They’re incredibly comfortable, and the look can change completely depending on the fabric and how you style them."

Style 2: Pants
Details: Size 6, regular pants length, pleat front, faux fly, in-seam pockets and no back pockets.
Fabric: Suiting, possibly a polyester blend.

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MJ

"Bermuda shorts seem to be divisive! Some people don’t get the hype, while others feel a kindred connection. I’m definitely in the latter group. As a teen, I wore my dad’s hand-me-down shorts. That progressed to taking my husband’s, and now I’ve finally made some of my own.

If you have sensory issues with clothing rubbing, pulling or pressing against your belly or legs, you’ll really appreciate this pattern.

PS: I was very proud of my in-seam pockets!"

Style 1: Bermuda shorts
Details: Size 14, mid rise, plain front, flat-front waistband, no pockets and regular length. 
Fabric: Brown cotton/linen blend.

Style 2: Bermuda shorts
Details: Size 14, mid rise, pleat front, flat-front waistband, faux fly, in-seam pockets and regular length. 
Fabric: Lightweight cotton denim.
Wearing with: Sweet Cheeks Vest.

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Justine

"These might be my new favourite pants! I’ve made four pairs so far. I love the pleat front because of the extra fabric across the tummy area."

Style 1: Pleat-front Bermuda shorts
Details: Size 14, high rise, no pockets and short length. I’m 163cm tall and sized down from the beginning of the size 16 range.
Fabric: Rayon.
Wearing with: Low Key Cami.

Style 2: Plain-front Bermuda shorts
Details: Size 14, plain front, faux fly and short length. I sized down from my measured size.
Fabric: Lightweight Tencel.

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Jody

"I’ve wanted a pants pattern like this for so long, and I know I’ll sew many more pairs. I wasn’t entirely sure about the shorts, but I decided to give them a try. I’m so glad I did because they’ll take me into autumn with no trouble at all."

Style 1: Pants
Details: Size 10, pleat front, flat-front waistband, high rise, in-seam pockets and regular length.
Fabric: Suiting. It was soft but a little heavier than recommended, which made the gathers at the back slightly bulkier.

Style 2: Bermuda shorts
Details: Size 8, mid rise, plain front, no pockets and flat-front waistband.
Fabric: Very soft, fluid corduroy.
Wearing with: All In Shirt.

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Efrat

"I was so happy to test this pattern! My thighs rub together all the way down to my knees when I walk, which has made shorter shorts difficult for me to wear. Enter the BFF Bermuda Shorts. They help me stay cool through summer and, in my opinion, look fabulous all year round. Who says Bermuda shorts are only for summer?!"

Style 1: Bermuda shorts
Details: Size 28 with size 20 elastic, pleat front, high rise and short length shortened by 2.5cm (1").
Fabric: Linen viscose.
Wearing with: Hello Gorgeous Tee.

Style 2: Bermuda shorts
Details: Size 28 with size 20 elastic, pleat front, high rise and short length shortened by 2.5cm (1").
Fabric: Viscose suiting.
Wearing with: Be Mine Top with balloon sleeves.

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Sandra

"It's going to be a favourite! If you want dressier shorts for work or simply prefer a little more length through the leg, this pattern is for you. If you want a classic but simple pants pattern, it’s for you too. You can tailor the options to suit your needs and create so many different looks simply by changing the fabric."

Details: Size 12, high rise, plain front, in-seam pockets and short length.
Fabric: Polyester blend.
Wearing with: On Repeat Woven T-shirt.

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Yin Ying

“There’s something extra special about turning Malaysian handmade batik into something you can wear and feel proud of. I’m honestly so happy with how these outfits turned out. I love seeing the pieces come together, especially when I can bring a little Malaysian touch into my handmade wardrobe. This project is a lovely reminder of why I love sewing: the freedom to make something that feels uniquely me."

Style 1: Batik Bermuda shorts
Details: Size 8, plain front, in-seam pockets, high rise and short length.
Fabric: Cotton Primissima batik.
Wearing with: Modified About Town Popover.

Style 2: Batik pants
Details: Size 8, short pants length, flat-front waistband, in-seam pockets and no back pockets.
Fabric: Cotton viscose batik.

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Sherree

“I’m loving my BFF Pants for these warmer days!”

Details: Size 10, regular pants length, in-seam pockets and no faux fly.
Fabric: Rayon from Tessuti.
Wearing with: Yours Truly Tee.

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Samantha

“I’m not someone who particularly enjoys sewing shorts or pants because I’m not very confident adjusting the crotch area. Every so often, I give myself the challenge, only to question my life choices halfway through! But I trust Kate, so I took the leap. I’m so glad I did because, man, do I heart my first pair of BFFs!”

Style 1: Bermuda shorts
Details: Size 12, high rise, pleat front, faux fly and short length.
Fabric: 100% linen from a local store.
Wearing with: About Town Popover.

Style 2: Bermuda shorts
Details: Size 10, high rise, pleat front, faux fly and short length. I sized down for a more fitted look.
Fabric: Tencel linen from Spotlight.

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Hannah

“I absolutely LOVE this pattern. These have genuinely become my go-to shorts, and I’ve been telling anyone who will listen that they need to make them. I love how changing the fabric gives the same pattern a completely different look. If you want a versatile shorts pattern that you can customise to suit your own style, I really can’t recommend these enough. I’ve made several pairs already, and I can see plenty more in my future!”

Style 1: Bermuda shorts
Details: Plain front, flat-front waistband, in-seam pockets and regular length.
Fabric: Mystery cotton woven from an op shop.

Style 2: Hacked shorter shorts
Details: Cut 23cm (9") above the pattern cutting line, with a flat-front waistband, in-seam pockets and a 1.2cm (1/2") hem.
Fabric: Black tropical rayon.

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Kynthia

“The BFF Bermudas are such a versatile piece to have in your wardrobe. I love how they give you a polished, put-together look while still being comfortable enough for everyday wear. I’m only 157cm tall, but I chose the tall length to create a culottes look. The extra length gives them a relaxed, flowing shape that I absolutely love. They’re just right for keeping things simple but polished at the office!”

Details: Size 20, pleat front, in-seam pockets and tall shorts length. The pleats were accidentally folded in the opposite direction.
Fabric: Gabardine.

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Rachel

“It may be heading into winter in California, but I’m holding on to summer with these shorts! I’ll probably have to make the pants next so I can keep wearing the BFFs through winter. They’re just so comfortable, and I love the way the in-seam pockets are constructed.”

Details: Size 10, mid rise, plain front, no faux fly, in-seam pockets and short length. I also made a small back crotch scoop adjustment for my flatter seat.
Fabric: Viscose linen blend.

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Marie-Eve

“I’ve found my new favourite pants pattern! The BFFs have so many lengths and options to choose from. I made mine in a chiffon that had been sitting in my fabric stash for years, and I love how they turned out.”

Details: Size 16, plain-front pants.