Menswear Roundup

Do you sew for any men in your life? I love my husband but he can be a bit picky on clothing. For that reason alone I avoided sewing for him for years. The problem is, he doesn't fit ready-to-wear clothing well. He's 5'6" tall which for males is considered short. Plus his build is broad across the chest, shoulders and neck but with a small waist and hip. We would buy him shirts to fit his shoulders that would just hang off the rest of his body. Last year I had a change of heart and jumped into menswear sewing.

When I finally started sewing for him, he quickly asked for more items. His closet is now at least 75% made by me which is so rewarding to see. He's one of my biggest supporters.

I thought as we get into the holiday season it might be a good time to roundup some of my favorite patterns for men. Some of these I've tried, while others are on my list of patterns to try in the future. There's a section of all the freebies I know about at the end of the post too. 😉

Basic T-shirt

Liesl + Co Metro Tee

This has been the basic t-shirt pattern I've used since I started sewing for my husband. He prefers a slim fit tee and this definitely fits the bill. I do grade in for his waist as that's where his measurements lie. The size range is XS-XXL and has both short and long sleeve options. 

Liesl + Co Metro Tee in cotton spandex

Made for Mermaids Dylan Tee

The Dylan tee is one that I reach for when I'm try to scrap bust or play Tetris to get shirts for my hubby plus both of my boys. The side panels allow for a different look or color blocking but also make the bodice pieces slimmer. This gives more flexibility with pattern placement. The sizing on this pattern spans from XXS-XXXL and has 3 heights. It also comes in a coordinating boys version in addition to a girls and women's gathered bodice versions. 

Made for Mermaid's Men and Boys Dylan

Made for Mermaids Men's Dylan (Top) in Cotton Lycra from Joann

Made for Mermaids Dylan in Custom Cotton Lycra

Made for Mermaids Jordan Tee 

The Jordan is a semi-fitted top that has the most options of all these t-shirts. It can be made sleeveless or with short, 3/4, long or long thumbhole sleeves. Plus this pattern has the options of crew or hood necklines, kangaroo pocket or a split hem. I actually tested this pattern (read my review here) for my husband and he reaches for it all the time. This pattern is also available for women and in a unisex children's version too. The men's size range includes 3 heights from XXS-XXXL. 

Made for Mermaids Jordan in Knitpop Bamboo Lycra

Sinclair Patterns Kai 

I've been so happy with Sinclair Patterns for both my husband and myself that I thought I'd give the Kai, their inset sleeve t-shirt, a try recently. All Sinclair Patterns are offered in 3 pattern heights short, regular and tall which are separate pattern files and adjusted for height throughout the pattern, not just length. My husband wears the short height and I grade to a smaller size for his waist and hips. The size range for this pattern is XS-XXL.

Sinclair Kai in Mily Mae Fabrics Jersey knit

Sinclair Patterns Tao

I seem to struggle to find raglan patterns that fit us well. I think it's because my husband and I both have broad shoulders. The fit of the Sinclair Tao and it's women's counterpart, the Demi, are the best fitting raglan's I've tried. I made this matching set last year and we both wear them frequently. This pattern also has the three separate height files like the Kai above and boasts the same XS-XXL size range. 

Sinclair Men's Tao (Right) and Sinclair Women's Demi (left)

Sinclair Men's Tao in Surge 125gsm ABP as a rash guard

Pattern for Pirates Men's Basic Tee

The P4P Basic Tee is a slim fit tee offered in 3 heights and sizes ranging from XXS-XXXL. I haven't made this one for men but have made the women's version. One benefit to sewing a P4P pattern is that their Facebook Group has great support for sizing help. This pattern is also available for women and youth. 

Jalie 3669 Nico Raglan

I haven't made this raglan personally but people rave about it. The great benefit about Jalie is their absolutely massive size range. This pattern spans a 22"-50" chest for size 2t-XXL. Another perk about Jalie patterns is that their instructions are posted on their website so you can see if you understand the process before purchasing. This pattern comes with 3 sleeve lengths and a straight or curved hem. 

Jalie Nico Raglan

Hoodies

Sinclair Patterns Walker

My husband and I tested the Walker Hoodie in 2018 which was the first hoodie I ever made him. My first one was the thick French Terry one below. This pattern works for both heavy and lighter weight fabrics. He's requested it in sweater knit and a mid-weight brushed French Terry for everyday work hoodies too. The fit is a semi-relaxed look. This pattern comes in 3 heights offered in separate files and spans sizes XS-XXL. I even used this pattern with fleece (sized up one size) for my husbands halloween costume last year. 

Sinclair Walker Hoodie in heavy weight French Terry

Sinclair Walker Hoodie in Mily Mae Fabrics mid-weight brushed French Terry 

Made for Mermaids Hudson

The Hudson Hoodie is a color blocked princess seam hoodie offered for men, women and children. This pattern has instructions for either a hemmed or lined hood and can be made with or without the hidden kangaroo pocket. Otherwise, pick to make it with all the same fabric or mix it up like I did. Below are the Hudson's I made for my husband and young boys for Christmas last year. They've all gotten a lot of use out of these. The Hudson features 3 heights and spans sizes XXS-XXXL.

Made for Mermaids Men's Hudson (right) in French Terry from Raspberry Creek

New Horizons Summit Peak

This pattern has been on my to-make list for my husband since it came out. I tested the women's version and have made several of the kids version for my boys. The design features princess seams, a scuba style hood and pull-over or zip front. The sizing spans from XXS-3X.

New Horizons Summit Peak Hoodie

New Horizons Elevation

This is another pattern on my to-make list that hasn't quite happened yet. It has some great color blocking details on the bodice and sleeves. It too spans from size XXS-3X.

New Horizons Elevation Hoodie

Greenstyle Hudson Pullover

This pattern is unique in that it is a raglan shirt with hood option. It was recently updated to include half zip directions in addition to the kangaroo pocket and thumbhole cuffs in the original pattern. I haven't made any Greenstyle men's patterns but am very happy with the fit for their women's patterns. The size range for this pattern is from XS-XXL. 

Greenstyle Hudson Pullover

Patterns in Florence Fabio Sweatshirt

A fellow seamstress made this pattern for her husband and I was drawn to it immediately. It has shoulder details that make it different and a great opportunity to color block. It's drafted for fleece or French Terry. The one downside to it is that the size range is pretty limited ranging from S-XXL. 

Patterns in Florence Fabio Sweatshirt

Love Notions North Star Hoodie & Pullover

I've had the women's version of this pattern on my wishlist for a while so it's only fitting if I add it to my sew list for my husband too. I love that this pattern has a collar or hood with a half zip and pockets. There are videos included in the pattern for help with construction too. This pattern is currently drafted for size XS-XXXL but Love Notions is updating their size chart to 5X. 

Love Notions North Star

Henley/Polo

Sinclair Oliver Polo & Hoodie

The Sinclair Oliver is the first polo pattern I've ever used. I was terrified of making polos but my husband was very insistent he wanted me to try them. This pattern was one that I tested (the review is here) and was not difficult at all! This pattern is unique in that not only does it offer a traditional polo but also has a hooded placket option. There are multiple banded arm lengths and split side seams for ready-to-wear touches. As with all Sinclair Patterns, this pattern is offered in 3 individual height files and a size range from XS-XXL. As you'll see below, my husband really prefers the Surge Fabric Shop's 125gsm Athletic Brushed Polyester (ABP) with this pattern.

Sinclair Oliver Polo in Surge Fabrics 125gsm Athletic Brushed Polyester

Sinclair Oliver Polo in Surge Fabrics 125gsm Athletic Brushed Polyester

Sinclair Oliver inside finishing looks extremely professional

Sinclair Oliver with hooded placket in Mily Mae Fabrics French Terry

Made for Mermaids Lee

The Lee is a semi-fitted raglan with a traditional crew neckline or option henley with placket. It comes in sizes XXS-XXXL with 3 height lengths. What's great about this pattern is that it's available in a kids unisex or women's versions too. This patterns differs from the Sinclair and P4P versions since it a raglan vs the others have inset sleeves. 

Pattern for Pirates Men's Henley

This pattern seems simple at first glance but is loaded with options. It has a traditional neckline or henley placket. The placket can be combined with the optional hood too. Plus don't miss out on the thumbhole cuffs for the long sleeves. This pattern is for sizes XXS-XXXL and also has 3 heights. There is a coordinating Yo Ho Henley for youth or a Women's Henley as well. 

Other Items

Sinclair Patterns Rocky Tank

I signed up to test the Rocky Tank for my husband without him knowing. Then we realized he hasn't worn a tank in over 15 years! We gave it a go and since then he's requested more. He has over 5 at this point. He likes that this tank comes with a plain or side color blocking options and works as a tank or layering piece. The armsyce offers a dropped option or a regular tank version. I find I really like how the color blocking makes this a great scrap buster. This pattern comes in 3 heights from sizes XS-XXL. 

Sinclair Rocky Tank in rayon spandex

Sinclair Rocky Tank in rayon spandex 

Sinclair Rocky Tank in Surge Fabrics 125gsm ABP

Thread Theory Finlayson Sweater 

I love the style of the Finlayson Sweater. It has a crossover cowl neckline or can be made with a cowl hood. I do find this pattern fits extremely relaxed so I would recommend sizing down. I've used this pattern for multiple sews for my husband but also made my dad and brother-in-law these sweaters for Christmas last year. Of the fabrics I've tried with this pattern, I prefer the look and fit of the Hacci. The pattern fits sizes XS-XXL.

Thread Theory Finlayson in sweater knit with ribbing

Thread Theory Finlayson in hacci 

Thread Theory Finlayson in Hacci

Underwear

Made for Mermaids Gables

The Gables are a classic, fitted knit boxer brief pattern in sizes XXS-XXXL. They have 3 lengths, an optional fly and an elastic waist. One benefit to Made for Mermaids is that they offer hacks with each of their pattern releases. Their blog features how to add a hammock and enclosed seams hacks. 

M4M Gables size medium in Surge Fabrics Underarmour fabric with 1.5" waistband

Stitch Upon a Time Men's Boxer Briefs

I made a pair of these for my husband when I was newly into sewing. The pattern sewed together easily and fit really well. I just realized, I don't prefer sewing underwear and haven't made him anymore since then. This pattern spans XXS-XXXL and has 2 leg lengths, optional elastic waistband and finishes with bands around the legs. 

Thread Theory Comox Trunks

I haven't tried the Comox but know others that really love the pattern. It's drafted for size 24-45. There's a tutorial on the Phee Fabrics blog about adding a SAXX hack too. 

DIBY Men's ABB in Custom Cotton Lycra

Sew A Little Seam Men's Movie Night Pajamas- Free with the code in the SALS Facebook group. These fit size XXS- 3x with short or long sleeves, hems or cuffs and an optional placket. There's also free women's, unisex children and pet patterns through SALS.

Patterns for Pirates Walk the Plank PJs- These are a loose fitting unisex woven pajama pant finished with an elastic waistline. This pattern includes inseams 30", 32", 34" and 36" with a size range from XXS-Plus 3X. There's also a free youth version. 

Patterns for Pirates Slouchy Beanie- This unisex versatile beanie is offered for sizes 17-24". 

Made for Mermaids Neckwarmer- This pattern comes in 4 sizes for the whole family, including men's sizing. 

Made for Mermaids Earwarmer- Another freebie for the whole family meant to keep warm. 

Made for Mermaids Banded Beanie- This beanie is available in 4 sizes and can be made reversible or lined. 

Made for Mermaids Bow Tie- If I can talk my husband and boys into wearing bow ties, I will be making this pattern. They are so adorable! The sizes include baby, kids and adult. 

Peekaboo Patterns Classic Necktie- This pattern comes in skinny and standard widths and fits neck size 44-62". Get this pattern free with the code found in the Peekaboo FB Group. 

Duck Muffin Beanie- This beanie is finished with a band and fits head circumferences 14-24". It can be made either more or less slouchy. 

Stitch Upon A Time Wonderland Mittens- These mittens fit children and adults from hand width 4"-9". 

Elbe Textiles Sage Tee- This is a basic relaxed fit crew neck short sleeve shirt for chest size 34-48". 

DIBY Men's ABB Tee- I tested this tee for my husband and can honestly say it has the most fit adjustment instructions of any mens pattern out there. The size range is expansive going from 34-48 in both standard and tall heights. It also features 2 neckline and 3 sleeve lengths. 

Thread Theory Arrowsmith Tank- This pattern features a deep crew neck with enlarged armholes and binding finishing. It's designed for sizes XS-XXL.

Peekaboo Adult Classic Sweatshirt- This unisex sweatshirt is drafted for a 31-56" chest size and includes a neckline, hood and/or kangaroo pocket design. To get this pattern for free, use the code found in the Peekaboo FB Group. 

Other Companies worth noting:

Wardrobe By Me also has a large collection of menswear patterns. I haven't sewn any of them but did get recommendations for looking at their men's pattern offerings. 

Toby K Patterns is an exclusive men and boys pattern company.  I tested the kids Berlin tee but haven't made any of their men's patterns for my husband yet. 

Thread Theory offers some well drafted classically designed patterns. I've mentioned several above but they have a coat, Fairfield button-up shirt, numerous pant patterns, a cardigan, vest and several different shirt designs to consider. 

True Bias Hudson Pants- I haven't made these yet for my husband but hear rave reviews about this pattern. The Hudsons are drafted for medium to heavy weight knits with an elastic waist and slight drop crotch. 

Love Notions may only have 3 men's patterns but the patterns that they do have are ones I'm drawn to. Tami drafts her patterns to have a great fit so they are definitely worth checking out. 

Peekaboo Patterns has a ton of men's patterns too with a wide range of offerings. 
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