Fabric recommendations for the Palazzo Pants Pattern Peter - 8 Fabrics in Comparison

This is the fabric that immediately comes to mind for palazzo trousers. Viscose is wonderfully thin and flowing, which perfectly accentuates every step and movement of palazzo trousers. The fabric appears particularly feminine and soft. However, there is one drawback: as it can slip quite a bit when cutting and sewing, you need a steady hand and perhaps a few more pins than usual. ;)

Advantages:

-very flowing and very light

-sleek look, hardly any volume-very common fabric, easy to find

-large variety of colors and patterns

Disadvantages:

-relatively fiddly to work with, not particularly beginner-friendly

-wrinkles

Tip:

-perfect for soft, flowing trousers

-look for 100% viscose woven fabric (poplin), no elastane, light weight (110-130g/m²)

-viscose twill is a nice alternative if you are looking for a slightly thicker viscose fabric. Look for 100% viscose twill, without elastane, with approx. 150g/m2.

Don't:

-do not choose this fabric for a very first sewing project, as it is relatively fiddly to work with.

My rating:

Muslin is currently indispensable in every wardrobe, and for good reason: the fabric is incredibly soft and wears almost like a second skin. It is also super breathable and an excellent choice for warm summer days. The typical, slightly crinkled structure gives the palazzo trousers a very relaxed, almost loungy vibe. The structure forgives small imperfections when sewing, but the finished trousers can also quickly stretch out.

Advantages:

-beautiful look

-very comfortable in hot temperatures

- a summer favorite

-easy to find

-wrinkle-resistant

Disadvantages:

-due to its structure, strong tendency to stretch out

-ironing thoroughly before cutting can help, but not 100% prevent it

Tip:

-iron before cutting, expect it to stretch out

My rating:

If you like things uncomplicated, cotton poplin is a great partner. The fabric is smooth and dense, which makes it very pleasant to work with when sewing - the perfect fabric for sewing beginners! Since cotton poplin has more body than flowing fabrics, Peter trousers will gain more structure from it.

Advantages:

-easy to work with (very beginner-friendly material)

-very dimensionally stable

-hardly any creasing

Disadvantages:

-the fabric is not flowing, the look may become "puffy" or a bit voluminous, especially below the waistband

Tip:

-choose lightweight fabrics

-expect some volume

Don't:

-do not use if you prefer a flowing look

My rating:

Linen is the epitome of relaxed elegance. The fabric has a slight, super high-quality sheen and a special characteristic: although it has a natural firmness, it also drapes beautifully and fluidly. Linen is extremely breathable, making it your best friend on warm days, an absolute summer favorite. Just keep in mind: linen wrinkles when worn – but for me, this authentic character is simply part of it. :)

Advantages:

-summer favorite: absolutely cooling & perfect for hot days

-high-quality fabric and look

-easy to work with

Disadvantages:

-rather expensive material

-wrinkles heavily

Tip:

-in terms of drape, a mix of cotton & viscose: the fabric has some body, but at the same time drapes fluidly - typical linen :)

-choose a light to medium weight here, 120g-230g/m

-Keep in mind that light fabrics may be see-through

My rating: 

If you want your Peter palazzo pants to be a trend piece, viscose satin is the first choice. The fabric looks incredibly elegant and high-quality. The concern that the pants will stick to your legs is also unfounded with viscose :) However, satin is a bit tricky: it is very smooth and slippery, so you should have a little patience when cutting and sewing. In my experience, the neatest seams are achieved by sewing directly with an overlock machine and, if necessary, adjusting the differential feed higher. Also important: iron the seam. 

Pros: 

- very flowy and very light

- sleek look, hardly any volume-gloss, perfect for an elegant look

Cons:

-a bit fiddly to work with

-creases when worn, but also uncreases again

Tip:

- perfect for shiny, more elegant, soft-flowing trousers 

- look for 100% viscose satin, no elastane, light weight (approx. 185g/m²)

- iron before cutting

Don't:

-avoid polyester satin - this fabric static clings and sticks to the leg, also looks cheap :(

My rating: 

For me, this mix is the "sweet spot". The combination brings out the best of both worlds: the linen content provides structure, while the viscose content gives the fabric that elegant, flowing drape. The material feels high-quality and heavy, is easy to work with, and looks appropriate for both the office and a city stroll, depending on the styling.

Pros: 

-easy to work with 

-very flowing and rather heavy, gives a very nice look, heavier than e.g. viscose woven fabric 

-easy to find 

-available in plain colors as well as printed

Cons:

-light colors may be transparent, this type of fabric is sometimes rather loosely woven

-slight tendency to stretch out (within limits, I think)

-tendency to crease

Tip:

-Great fabric, quite easy to work with and at the same time soft and flowing

Don't:

-choose a darker color if you absolutely don't want it to be transparent

My rating:

Jersey transforms the palazzo trousers into the ultimate feel-good companion. Perfect for Peter trousers as comfortable lounge pants for home, or for the current pajama look trend! :) 

Pros: 

-shape-retaining

-very comfortable

-4cm wide strip cut lengthwise can alternatively be used as a tie (no sewing - yay)

-hardly any creasing

-relatively easy to work with

-perfect fabric for "pajama look"

Cons:

-if the fabric is too thick/stiff, it doesn't drape nicely (for this reason, I wouldn't recommend French Terry either)

Tip:

-choose a light cotton jersey 

-if necessary, reduce the rise for a better fit - the fabric is usually also stretchy lengthwise, so you might need a lower rise here than with woven fabric

-viscose jersey or bamboo jersey also sound nice to me, these fabrics are more flowing and next on my list :)

Don't:
-avoid heavy or stiff jerseys

My rating:

Rib jersey brings a great texture to your look and is super trendy! Since it's naturally stretchy, the trousers will be super comfortable and can be worn as lounge pants or for everyday wear. 

Advantages:

-modern look

-super comfy

-can be worn at home or on the go

-4cm wide strip cut lengthwise can alternatively be used as a tie (no sewing - yay)

-hardly wrinkles

-relatively easy to work with

Disadvantages:

-Jerseys with wide ribs are unfortunately not so common. I would advise against narrow rib jerseys, as they stretch out very easily.

-can stretch out

Tip:

-definitely iron well before cutting to reduce later stretching

-choose cotton jersey with wide rib

-if necessary, reduce the rise for a better fit - the fabric is usually also stretchable lengthwise, you may need a lower rise here than with woven fabric

-Viscose jersey with wide rib also works very well

-> make sure that the rib is wide and the fabric consists only of viscose and elastane, at about 220g/m²

Don't:

-do not cut unironed

-avoid rib jersey with narrow rib

-also avoid "Ottoman" jersey, that's more of a sweater fabric :)

My rating: