Pattern Review: Jalie Swim Shorts

Ever since Jalie Patterns came out with their Swim Short pattern, I've admired it. But, because it's so very short and the model is so very thin compared to my body type, I have shied away from it.  It's been years since I've worn shorts any higher than my knee. I'm nervous about my leg shape, and frankly too practical to even both with something that I have to fuss with (pull or tug down because it rides up between my legs) or if it results in leg chafing (shudder!). 

As a swimmer and a former water polo player, I'm no stranger to running around in my swimsuit.  I still feel at ease doing so when I fall back to the way I felt those days... "I don't care, I'm happy and comfortable and being silly running around in a swimsuit while you wear clothing is racy and weird and it's fun to me that you're shocked."  I used to run from the pool to the band room to get my oboe as swimming was my last class, then I had water polo practice right after. Had to get to the band room before it was locked for the night. Yes, I did practice my instrument.  Though, I'll admit I've pulled back from wearing any swimsuits in the last 5 years as my body gained some weight to help me through some health issues.  

So, as I looked at the pattern, I thought, "Well, screw it. I'm going to try these. If they're too short I'll just lengthen them. I want to go from sliding on water slides to walking around a water park and have a little short to cover my bum a little more than just my swimsuit. And, I want to go from car to stand-up paddling in the same outfit. These are really the thing I've been looking for."  So I bit the bullet and jumped in.    

Boy am I glad I did. I made these out of the same fabric as my Shelf Bra Cami as a muslin and the muslin worked out beautifully!  The length is just a tad short for running around town (meaning I'm still building my self confidence for wearing these to the grocery store).  But the length is absolutely perfect for swimming, water play and any water/land sport combos. In fact, I was tickled by how comfy the built-in panty is and by how well the back of the leg stayed down even when wet!  The fabric is a tad sheer when wet, but with the panty, it's no sweat!  There will be no flashing of underparts in these!  

As you can see, I jumped in quite literally, I wandered in the water up to my waist - uh, hello frigid Pacific Northwest saltwater!  And HELLO CRAZY BIG JELLYFISH!  Yeah, um it's best not to shake hands with any jellyfish. And if he's floating around in the surf, give them a wide berth.  This guy was easily 2' across. Yikes!  It's your ocean little dude. 

I love that the Jalie team designed the larger sizes (I wore largest on my hips and graded to the next size down on my waist) so that the waist band comes up to the belly button.  This is such a comfy short that I plan to make some for lounging in.  As you can see, there are a couple fitting issues I could address if I want. But after a few emails exchanged with the awesome Jalie team, they let me know that these fit quite perfectly out of the pattern. Holy wow. That's a first!  

Next pair, I plan to bring the crotch closer to my body from the lower half of the front pieces.  The crotch is a little low.  As in, the design allows for a deeper, fuller body to fill the crotch curve than mine is.  My goal is to keep the shorts the same length, just slash and lift the crotch curve a little. The drag lines in my current version do go away if I lift the CF of the short, below the waist band.  But, that also affects the length of the shorts at CF. 

I might also consider making a fitted leg on my next pair. I'm really comfortable with a legging or shortie legging. So maybe I can make these the same, yet keep the neat side pocket and crossed side seam.