Folkwear Thai Fisherman Pants #161

Sizes XS - 3XL

The Thai Fisherman’s Pants first appeared in the late 1800s in what is now Thailand (then called Siam). The design was similar to this sewing pattern, with large pants legs and an oversized waistband that was wrapped to fit. Cut-and-sewn pants were introduced to Siam by Europeans and these pants combined the traditional wrap garment (like sarongs) with a more European-like pants design. These unisex pants were worn by laborers, including fishermen, hence the origins of the name.

These adjustable pants are comfortable for working in the garden or around the house, exercising, or lounging. Make them in a nice silk to wear for special occasions. The pants can be cut to calf length (more popular in Thailand) or left to ankle length (more popular with Westerners). Wrap the extra fabric from the waistband around the body (this puts the pocket in front), tie the waist ties and fold the rest of the waistband down over the tie.

Suggested fabrics: Medium to medium weight cottons such as broadcloth, ikats, lightweight twills; linen, lightweight wool, or rayon. Try Thai silk, silk shantung, or dupioni silk for special occasions.