Pattern Review: Simplicity S9977 1980's Vintage Reproduction

Good morning! I have managed to get some sewing done over the last few days and I was able to get some sewing done! Between travelling and a busy Christmas period, I haven't been able to sew as much as I'd like, as well as it being far too hot to actually sew. I took my sewing machine, some fabric and patterns to my parents place, where I decided to crack on with some shorts. 

I've not had much luck with short patterns sadly, so I'm trying to give a few different short patterns a go this year. I do love a vintage pattern, and this one caught my eye as it has 4 different styles of shorts, all of which I quite liked the look of. It's currently summer in Australia and with Brisbane having highs of 30+ degrees Celsius (86F) every day, I need some shorts! And my pairs of ready to wear shorts are all coming to the end of their lives, after 6+ years of wear. 

The pattern 

Simplicity S9977 is a vintage reproduction, with the original pattern being released in the 1980's. The style of these shorts to me are trendy again, and are definitely the type of style I'd naturally go for. Instead of Simplicity's usual view A and onwards labeling, they've called the views 1, through to 4. I'm not sure if this is what they used to do back in the day, but it's interesting to think about!

View 1: shorts with an optional roll up hem, fitted with a fly, no elastic used. There are pockets!

View 2: shorts with a fly and also an elasticated waist, not elasticated the full band. Pockets included. 

View 3: Elasticated waisted shorts, with drawstrings through the side seam. No pockets, which would be due to the drawstrings. 

View 4: Wrap around shorts, waist band is closed at the back with a hook and eye, waist band at the front is closed with a tie. No pockets in these shorts. 

Suggested fabrics for this pattern are: broadcloth, chambray, chino, cotton types, lightweight denim, linen types, and poplin. Interfacing is needed for views 1 and 2. 

Also, this pattern boasts that it takes 1 yard or less, so this is a great stash buster project! I didn't have much of the fabric I used, and still had a little bit left after cutting this fabric out. 

This pattern also has some potential hacks that could be done, I'd love to see View 4 lengthened, as well as Views 1 and 2. Also, as a fan of pockets, I'm wondering if I could somehow add some pockets into View 4, maybe I'll give it a crack some day 🥰

My make - View 4

I chose to start with View 4, as the construction of these shorts are different to what I've seen before, and I love a little wrap skirt situation, so why not wrap shorts? I sewed a straight size 12, and the fit was perfect. 

I used a poly cotton blend I had gotten from The Nest, in Brendale. If you're a Brisbane local, go check them out! I got about 1.3 metres of this fabric, for $4. This fabric is a medium weight fabric, but since it's a poly blend, I wanted a pattern that would have some air flow, this one fit!

For View 4, I needed a hook and eye, which I was able to use some from my stash. I opted to bias bind the hems, so this was my only modification to the pattern. I also used some bias binding that was in my stash, and since it's not going to be visible, I went for a fun pink gingham one that I bought ages ago and never used. 

All up, this took me about 7 hours to sew up. I took my time with the bias binding as I wanted to get it correct and looking nice and crisp! Full disclaimer, I did manage to have a slight hiccup, I cut too close to the stitching and had to hand sew to mend this. I'm definitely leaning into visible mending as I love being able to show people the story behind my garments. Usually I don't have to mend things until I've been wearing them for a few years though!

Thankfully, this mend was right in the crotch, underneath my butt, so if anyone sees it while I'm wearing it, that's a them problem. 

I love these shorts! They're a nice length, I'd probably only wear them around home or when I'm lazing around, but they're so so comfortable. I'm also thinking of making this view again but adding a ruffle to the hem, which may give it a little more length. 

Next time I sew this pattern, I'll try view 3, I'm also wondering if it's possible to try adding pockets, and it looks to be a great base pattern for shorts!

Here's the final product, I'm a tad obsessed 🥹😍

Total of 2025 creative goals

Make 12 garments (1 of 12 complete!)

• Make 2 dresses
• Make 2 pants
• Make 2 shorts: 1 of 2 complete
• Make 2 skirts
• Make 2 tops
• Make the husband 2 button downs

Whole 30 Fabric Challenge: 0.9 metres of 30.

Make 9 fabrics: 0 out of 9.