How to Design Your Own Boxing Shorts
- 1). Measure the circumference of your waist and add an extra inch for the seam allowance. Cut a piece of a wide elastic band to this size. Set it aside. Decide if you want the elastic to show and function as a waistband on its own, or if you want to cover it with fabric. Use regular elastic if you are going to cover it.
- 2). Use a pattern for basic elastic-waisted shorts. Boxing shorts can be as short or as long as you want. You can find a pattern that uses two different colors of fabric in the design to create an interesting color-blocked style. If your sewing skills are not that advanced, opt instead for a single color design. Your ability to sew will determine the outcome of the design. The pattern will indicate what level of difficulty it is, so choose your pattern accordingly.
- 3). Measure the width of your thigh at its widest point, and note it down. Measure your inseam by placing the measuring tape on the inside of your inner thigh, directly below the crotch, and running it down to where you want the shorts to end. Add about 2 inches for a hem, or whatever the pattern suggests. Find your size on the back of the pattern and determine the recommended amount of fabric that you will need.
- 4). Choose a shiny sportswear fabric with a little bit of sturdiness to it. Polyester and spandex blends are an ideal option for your design, but as long as the fabric gives a little and isn't too thick, it should be suitable.
- 5). Cut your pattern out. Be sure to cut on the lines that correspond to your determined size. Pin the pattern to the fabric. If you want to make your shorts longer or shorter than the pattern dictates, simply cut the fabric to length as you cut it out around your pattern pieces. Keep it long and hem the length later if you are not sure yet of your desired length. Go slow and be sure that each measurement is the exact same for both of the leg panels. If you are using the color blocking method with two different colors of fabric, you can fold the fabric in half, pin the pattern pieces and cut out two fabric pieces at a time, to ensure uniformity.
- 6). Sew the fabric panels together, but do not add the hem or elastic just yet. Be sure that the show sides of the fabric are facing each other as you sew. The seams will be on the inside after you turn the fabric right side out. Take a minute and consider your design. You can attach a small strip of fabric to the waist, fold it over your elastic and have smooth fabric against your skin, or you can attach your wide elastic band now.
- 7). Make the fabric-covered elastic by creating a pocket to slip the elastic into. Sew the same fabric over and make the fold slightly wider than the elastic. Turn the shorts inside-out again. Sew a hem at the top. Leave about an inch opening. Attach a safety pin to the elastic and feed it through the pocket you just made. Bring the two ends of the elastic out at the openings and sew them together. Sew the pocket closed. For the wide elastic band, turn the shorts inside-out and pin the edge of the elastic band to the edge fabric. Sew all around until the two ends of the band meet. Sew the ends of the band together and keep the fabric smooth as you sew the final edge to the closed section of the band.
- 8). Try your shorts on and determine the final length you want them to be. Add a strip of fabric in a different color and hem it to the bottom of the shorts. Be sure the strips are the same width for each leg. You can simply hem the fabric as it is. You can cut the fabric to make the legs shorter and then hem them. Make the hem as wide or as narrow as you want. The options are endless here. Add your finishing touches, and enjoy working out in your one-of-a-kind boxing shorts.
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