Getting excited to sew your first pair of Calder Pants or Calder Shorts? We’ve been loading you up with inspiration and fitting tips, and today it’s time to talk fabric.

The Calder Pants & Shorts feature wide, flowy legs, a flat front, elastic back waistband, and everyone’s favorite—pockets. They’re made with light- to mid-weight drapey woven fabric, so chances are you already have something in your stash that you can use, or at least a wearable muslin! You’ll also need some lightweight interfacing and 2″ wide elastic.

Okay, so let’s get into it: what fabric works best for the Calder? We recommend drapey fabrics like rayon, poly twill, tencel, linen, and chambray. You can also look for crepe de chine, viscose, and silk noil. Basically, if you drape it over your legs and you like how it hangs and feels (and it’s not too sheer!), chances are it’ll work.

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite fabrics available right now to inspire your next Calder Pants or Calder Shorts. (If you’re shopping at Blackbird Fabrics, don’t forget that you can save 10% through April 30th with code CALDER10!) Let’s get started!

Fabric Ideas for the Calder Pants & Shorts

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Dark neutral fabric makes for a classic trouser look. A black or navy Calder will go with just about everything in your wardrobe.

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We’ve not yet passed Labor Day, so white and pale neutrals are A-okay! (I’ve never really understood that fashion “rule”. Isn’t it always after the most recent Labor Day?)

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There’s no reason your pants can’t be the star of the outfit. Make showstopping Calder Pants in these bright and bold colors.

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It’s finally spring in Boston, and these soft pastels remind us of life emerging from hibernation. (And give us hope that we’ll emerge from sewcial isolation at some point.)

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Chambray fabric varies in drapey-ness, but a flowy chambray Calder makes for a fun alternative to classic jeans.

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The full-length Calders already give you the illusion that you have legs for days—and these stripes will make you look even taller! Opt for vertical stripes if you don’t want to have to worry about stripe matching.

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There are so many gorgeous floral prints that would make killer Calders. Whether you choose a smaller, finer floral print or go for something large scale, you’re sure to steal the show in your floral Calders.

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Why do we love fruit-print fabrics so much? If you have fond feelings towards certain fruit, chances are you can find it printed on a fabric somewhere.

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Go plaid for an officewear look, and maybe get enough of the fabric to make a matching blazer or jacket!

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Dot prints can be small and subtle or big and bold. You can find a dotted fabric that works perfectly for the look you’re going for.

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Imagine a zebra or snake-print Calder Pant—how crazy cool would that be?! Or if you want just a touch of drama, make some Calder Shorts out of the more abstracty animal print options available.

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What’s better than an animal print? A print with animals. These vary from the wacky to the sophisticated, so keep in the mind the occasion you plan to wear your Calder to. (Note that the leopard print from Mood Fabrics is currently sold out, but fingers crossed they’ll get more in stock!)

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There are endless print options you can choose from for your Calder Pants and Calder Shorts. Remember to avoid anything that would be too sheer.

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We often think of fabric as either a solid or print, but there are also textured fabrics that add a lot of visual interest without adding color. Try one of these textured beauties for a unique look.

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The Calder’s wide legs are great for showcasing a cool border print! If you’re going for View B (the full-length version), check that your fabric is wide enough to fit your front and back leg pieces.

So many gorgeous fabrics! We hope you found one or two (or all) to fall in love with. Let us know which were your favorite in the comments below.

We can’t wait to see your Calders—be sure to tag them with #CalderPants and #CalderShorts so we can marvel at them and be supremely jealous of your new look.