If you’re wondering how these elastic-waisted pant sewing patterns compare, this post is for you! I’ve made several Free Range Slacks and a couple pairs of Bisque Trousers over the years. Naturally, I can’t help but compare the two patterns so here’s a comprehensive comparison for those interested.

About the Patterns

The Bisque Trousers by Vivian Shao Chen is the newest of these patterns. I’ve made two pairs so far. The pleated front and back darts set it apart from other elastic-waisted patterns. For a more thorough review of the pattern, check out this post.

The Free Range Slacks by Sew House Seven has been a personal favorite of mine for years. I’ve made it countless times and share some of my versions in this post. Its unique feature is the side panel.

Both patterns have the same PDF files and have sizing for 00-34. They both have a wide leg view as well as a tapered leg view. I made the tapered leg view in both patterns.

Some other differences:

• 2 inch elastic for Bisque Trousers vs 1.5 inch elastic for Free Range Slacks.
• Pocket construction. You’ll have to topstitch the pockets down for the Free Range Slacks.
• Optional flat-felled seams on the Free Range Slacks.
• Bisque Trousers need slightly more fabric. I can get away with 2 yards for the Free Range Slacks by cutting the side panel pieces on the cross-grain.
• Bisque Trousers has a shorts length view.

My Sizing Info

My actual measurements can vary from day to day, but I generally base sizing off a 28 inch waist and 35 inch hip so that’s what I’m going to use as a point of reference for this post. I’m 5 ft tall. Both patterns suggest choosing your size based on your hip measurement. Doing so would make me a size 2 in Bisque Trousers and a size 0 in Free Range Slacks.

For #WaistBiggerThanHip sewists, I’ll share a blog post with more sizing comparisons for the Bisque Trousers in the future. You can find one for the Free Range Slacks in this post.

Comparing Size 2

Bisque Trousers in grey cotton twill (left): Shortened the inseam by 2 inches. Shortened the rise by half an inch for 1.5 inch elastic instead of the 2 inch elastic the pattern intended.

Free Range Slacks in windowpane cotton (right): Shortened inseam by 2 inches.

This comparison is not ideal since the fabrics aren’t the same, but they’re both a size 2 on their respective sizing charts. The Bisque Trousers have less ease than I’d like and can be hard to get over my hips sometimes. That could be due to the fabric or my own errors, but I’ve decided to give these to my daughter after having worn them for months.

The Free Range Slacks remain in my closet and I pull them out when I want something for warm weather. I wish I’d taken care to pattern match it, but that doesn’t affect how comfortable they fit.

Comparing Size 4 and 6

Bisque Trousers in grey linen blend (left): Size 4. Shortened the inseam by 2 inches and the rise by half an inch.

Free Range Slacks in striped linen blend (right): Size 6. Shortened the inseam by 2 inches.

Though they’re not the same size, they’re both made similar essex linen/cotton blend fabric. The ease is better in the larger size for the Bisque Trousers, but I also feel like it’s a bit frumpier. I prefer the look of it cuffed and can’t wait for warmer weather to wear it more.

These striped Free Range Slacks are the first pair I ever made and still something I wear often. They felt slightly too big when I first made them, but have remained something I can comfortably wear years later.

Overall Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with either of these patterns. Both are excellently drafted and their directions are easy to follow. It really just comes down to personal preference. My sister, who has similar body proportions to me, prefers the Bisque Trousers while I lean toward the Free Range Slacks.

I like the look of the Bisque Trousers, but don’t think they look as good on me. Maybe it’s the extra fabric from the pleats that’s throwing me off, but I think I prefer the look and the fit of the Free Range Slacks on me more. I also like the tapered leg of the Free Range Slacks and that it looks good cuffed and uncuffed.

I’m probably going to try the Bisque Trousers in a shorts length, which the Free Range Slacks doesn’t have as an option. Maybe I’ll like the look more in that view, but I’ll stick to the Free Range Slacks for an elastic-waisted pant pattern for now.

What do you think? Have you made both patterns?