People's Patterns

made-to-measure sewing patterns
Swim Trunks sewing pattern illustration
Beginner $9 Simple

Swim Trunks

Swim trunks drafted to your waist and hip measurements with an elastic waistband. Choose your preferred length and customize the fit for a pair that stays comfortable in and out of the water.

Generate This Pattern

Enter your measurements and customize. Preview before you buy.

Drafted from 5 of your measurements. No size chart approximation.

What You Get

  1. Pattern pieces: Front Panel, Back Panel, Front Liner Panel, Back Liner Panel, Waistband, Side-Seam Pocket Bag
  2. Download formats: Tiled PDF (US Letter and A4 for home printing), projector file for no-print cutting, A0 large-format for copy-shop printing
  3. Construction steps: 1. Assemble liner / 2. Prepare pocket bags / 3. Sew center front seam...
  4. Materials guide: Fabric recommendations with yardage estimates, notions list, needle and thread guide, and machine settings
  5. Scale check: 1:1 verification square so you can confirm print accuracy before cutting any fabric

Customizable Options

  • Fit: Slim (+2.5″) , stretch fabric only / Regular (+4″) / Relaxed (+6″)
  • Side pockets: None / Side-seam mesh bag ×2
  • Liner: Full mesh panels (board-short style) / Brief-cut liner (retro style) / No liner
  • Hem side split: None / 1″ slit (retro/athletic)
  • Back pocket: None / Small patch pocket
  • Rise style: Ultra low (2000s, −2.5″) / Low rise (−1.5″) / Mid rise (body rise) / High rise (+1.5″) / Ultra high (paperbag, +3″)
  • Seam allowance: ⅜″ / ½″
  • Hem finish: ½″ turned & stitched / ¾″ with binding tape

Style Variations

Drafted from 5 of your measurements

Every dimension is drafted from your measurements. No grading, no size charts.

What we draftSource
Waist circumferenceDrafted directly from your waist measurement
Hip circumferenceDrafted directly from your hip measurement
Crotch riseDrafted directly from your rise measurement
Thigh circumferenceDrafted directly from your thigh measurement
Inseam lengthDrafted directly from your inseam measurement

Fabric Recommendations

  • Nylon taslan
  • Supplex nylon or poly-spandex

Customer Reviews

Be the first to review this pattern. Generate yours and share your fit feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fabric should I use for swim trunks?

Board short fabric (polyester or nylon with a DWR finish) is the standard choice. Look for fabric with 2-way stretch for comfort.

Do I need a serger to sew swim trunks?

A serger gives the cleanest finish on swimwear fabric, but you can use a zigzag stitch or stretch stitch on a regular sewing machine.

Related Patterns

Learn More