Sophomore
For months I’ve been trying to work on a pair of cotton trousers that have a great fit around the hip and waist. I feel that most affordable brands (abroad as well as in India) make trousers that are more or less straight from the hip/butt up to the waist. So whatever fits me at the hip is loose at the waist, and if I try a size smaller then I can’t get into it because it’s too tight around my hips. I know I am not alone in this feeling, and I don’t even have a curvy figure to boast of, so what are all the other Indian women doing for trousers?
Out of necessity to add a pair of cotton trousers to my wardrobe and the desire to get to the bottom of this trouser-for-women-with-hips problem, I have been spending a lot of time and energy and even tears (yes, there was that one time when I just cried in frustration) trying to develop a pair of cotton trousers that fit well. You’re probably wondering why a simple pair of cotton trousers requires this much time, but it’s tough to get that perfect fit without lycra; plus I don't have any formal training in pattern making which would have definitely helped. Things reached a point where I tried to outsource the pattern making to other companies that provide this sort of service, but I wasn’t happy with their fits either. Then I went sleuthing around at other major boutiques, but either they didn’t have great fits in pure cotton, or they used blends of cotton, polyester and lycra to get a figure hugging fit.
It kind of pains me to know that the pattern we finally arrived at was under my nose the whole time. It just required a few tweaks from another pattern we had (raise the crotch level, tighten the thigh and contour the waist) which I discovered after spending 2 days staring at all the paper patterns and pants we had produced so far. Anyway, after months of making around 50 samples that didn’t work, I have introduced our first pair of cotton trousers, “Sophomore”, into the store. It’s fitted around the hip, it’s booty lifting, and it’s really comfortable. It comes in brown (the ones in the photos below), ivory and black. I’m so excited about these that I'm giving my regular customers a special price on these trousers just to share the joy.
Out of necessity to add a pair of cotton trousers to my wardrobe and the desire to get to the bottom of this trouser-for-women-with-hips problem, I have been spending a lot of time and energy and even tears (yes, there was that one time when I just cried in frustration) trying to develop a pair of cotton trousers that fit well. You’re probably wondering why a simple pair of cotton trousers requires this much time, but it’s tough to get that perfect fit without lycra; plus I don't have any formal training in pattern making which would have definitely helped. Things reached a point where I tried to outsource the pattern making to other companies that provide this sort of service, but I wasn’t happy with their fits either. Then I went sleuthing around at other major boutiques, but either they didn’t have great fits in pure cotton, or they used blends of cotton, polyester and lycra to get a figure hugging fit.
It kind of pains me to know that the pattern we finally arrived at was under my nose the whole time. It just required a few tweaks from another pattern we had (raise the crotch level, tighten the thigh and contour the waist) which I discovered after spending 2 days staring at all the paper patterns and pants we had produced so far. Anyway, after months of making around 50 samples that didn’t work, I have introduced our first pair of cotton trousers, “Sophomore”, into the store. It’s fitted around the hip, it’s booty lifting, and it’s really comfortable. It comes in brown (the ones in the photos below), ivory and black. I’m so excited about these that I'm giving my regular customers a special price on these trousers just to share the joy.
Labels: customer service, design process, research and development
posted by Anaka at
5:17 PM
13 Comments:
anaka! i want one. i have had that problem for ages and i am happy to know it's just not me. i can't wait to get my hands on these... how much do they cost?
They are Rs 1420. It's best to try them on to figure out your size though... unless you know your size already from the linen trouser that we've been selling so far...
hi! the pricing is fab anaka... i would not think twice about picking them up. i would however like to try them on when i am in chennai next.
Well I have tons of fabric so we should definitely have them in your size whenever you come to Chennai next.
Hi there,
These cotton pants look fabulous. I have been following your collections and plan to visit your shop when I am in chennai this Dec 16th. Btw, when does your winter collection come out.
Thanks
Hi Bobby, Please drop by when you come to Chennai. The new collection- well it's being produced right now and as and when each style is ready I will put it into the store. Hopefully everything will be ready by the 17th of December.
there you go - cotton trousers - i think women should be wearing cotton trousers in a tropical climate. Not jeans. i start sweating when i see people suited up in jeans in tropical weather.
Well maybe many women don't have a choice if they want to wear western clothes- and jeans are probably a better alternative than synthetic pants.
yes anaka , people buy what they see and what is easily available.
Hi Aanaka,
The winter collection is great. I am planning on picking up the trousers, have been waiting for your invention in the "trousers department" for two years now!:) i am going to be around in Chennai in the last week of December and would love to meet up with you. wanted to discuss a couple of things that i could do for Brass Tacks. see you, hope you have my number, also if possible please sms me your mobile (the data in my mobile got corrupted thus the loss!) thanks. sowmiya.
Hi Sonu/Miya, Believe me I too have been dying to get those trousers right forever! I'd love to meet you as well. If you send me an email at anaka@brasstacksmadras.com then I can send you my contact details and you can get in touch when you are here.
Hi Anaka,
Where can i find your collection in Bangalore?
last time you mentioned that some of your collection was displayed @ Ambara; can i still find them there?
Hope to have your store in Bangalore soon ... :)
Regards
Dedeepya
Hi Dedeepya,
I'm sorry but my clothes are no longer with Ambara or anywhere else in Bangalore. I am trying to organize an exhibition sometime next year, but haven't finalized anything yet. I hope you'll sign up on the mailing list for Brass Tacks or on facebook so I can keep you posted. And in the meantime, come to Chennai!
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