24 of the best mens sewing patterns 2021: make your own shirts, jackets, suits and pants

This week, the UK’s favourite sewing room saw 11 contestants on The Great British Sewing Bee tackle “gents classics”, from baker boy hats to jackets. If you’re feeling inspired to whip up DIY menswear, we’re bringing you this round up of some of our favourite men’s sewing patterns. We’ve brought together a bunch of our favourite patterns to sew you own style if you’re a male sewist, or to find project ideas if you’re looking to make clothes for the man in your life. You’ll also find some great ideas for home sewn gifts in this round-up for Father’s Day in a few weeks – we’ve added some quick-make accessories at the end if you don’t have time to whip up a whole three-piece formal suit from scratch!

In this article you’ll find sections for the most popular types of clothing that we find our followers ask for – read on to find shirt patterns, mens jacket patterns, mens suit patterns and mens pant patterns (aka trousers if you live in the UK). We’ve added projects for different levels of experience, so from beginners to intermediate sewists, we’ve got you covered!

If you’re looking for other types of sewing pattern too, you might also like our guides to the best sewing patterns for beginners, best summer dress patterns or best plus size sewing patterns.

New to sewing? Take a look at our how to use a sewing machine guide and beginner’s guide to sewing.

Main image (Above): Collette Negroni retro button-up shirt

Mens shirt patterns

• Buy the printed pattern (John Lewis, £15.50)
• Sizes: S – XL

Make your own semi-fitted shirt with long sleeves with this smart shirt pattern, complete with snap button closures, a collar and collar band, applied yoke, top-stitched detailing and a narrow hem. You’ll need a bit of sewing experience under your belt to tackle this one but it’s also a great skill-builder if you want to learn more about garment construction.

• Buy it now (Amazon, £8.75)

Whip up a me-made summer shirt with this fun pattern from New Look. Sew lightweight, button front shirts in sizes XS-XL), with a collar and pockets plus different shape and sleeve options.

• Buy it now (Amazon, £9)

If you’re looking for a classic men’s summer shirt pattern, this button front shirt will test out lots of fun garment-making skills, like constructing an open pointed collar and  inserting long or short sleeves.

• Buy it now (Seamwork, $14)
• Size range – XS – 2XL

A timeless classic that he’ll want to wear again and again, Eugene by Colette patterns is a simple henley that’s ultra customisable. Add your own flair through colour blocking and details such as side seam vents or dipping the tail.  You’ll have a great gift that he’ll be proud to wear on his summer holidays.

• Buy the paper pattern (Etsy, from £10.82)

Sew a sporty mens polo or rugby shirt, or make safari shirts with breast pockets, epaulets, and a pointed collar (choose between long cuffed sleeves or rolled up sleeves). This classic Butterick pattern has the lot and you’ll have a lot of fun experimenting with the different versions.

• Buy it now from (Love Crafts, £10.50)

Get ready for summer with this collection of everyday garments – this pattern shows you how to make a Polo Shirt, T-Shirt, Cargo Trousers, Cropped and Capri Trousers, in sizes small to XXX Large.

Best trousers and pants sewing patterns

• Get the free sweatpants pattern (So Sew Easy)

Who doesn’t love a pair of comfy sweatpants to lounge around in? After a year of lockdown, many of us live in loungewear in 2021! So why not make your own? This super slouchy free pattern from So Sew Easy are just the thing. With a relaxed fit and pockets for your phone and keys they are also functional so popping to the shop in them isn’t a problem. This project is perfect for the adventurous beginner.

• Buy it now (Etsy, £29.99)

Make a pair of traditional trousers or slacks with a neat, slim fit, featuring a zip fly closing, waistband and top-stitched side pockets. Practise sewing welt pockets, cuffed ankles, front pleats and belt carriers. You’ll need a bit of sewing practise already under your belt to make this pattern but it’s the right choice if you’re looking for a dapper, formal pair of pants or trousers.

• Buy it now (Minerva Crafts, £7.50)
• Size 36-38-40-42-44-46.

Make a pair of modern mens trousers or pants with angled pockets and back pockets for both casual or workwear. Add a contrasting ribbon for option A (below) to highlight the forward side seams.

• Buy it now (PDF patter, Etsy, £9.02)

Another super comfy pattern for this round up – sew a pair of slim fit cargo pocket jogger pants with step by step sewing instructions and a downloadable PDF pattern. Your finished joggers will have a slim fit with cuffed ankles and cargo pockets.

Mens jacket patterns

• Buy it now (Amazon, £9.16)

Sew this Mimi G Men’s lined jacket for a classic but modern make. This two-button jacket has a notched collar,  button cuffs and patch pockets. Make it in woven fabrics.

• Buy it now (Etsy, £13.25)

Make a cosy shirt jacket inspired by boxy Lumberjack shirts. This PDF jacket pattern shows you how to make an overshirt jacket with a convertible collar, pockets and two-piece cuffed sleeves. You’ll add visible topstitches along all seams. This pattern is suitable for medium-weight woven fabrics such as cotton, linen or wool.

• Buy it now (Minerva Crafts, £15.50)

We wanted to include options for smarter and casual jackets in this round up, and this DIY mens jacket sits somewhere between casual and formal. Make your own lined jacket with a collar, shoulder pads, two sets of buttons, welt pockets and two-piece sleeves.

Buy it now (Etsy, from £6)

If you’re looking for mens sewing patterns to see you through to Autumn or Winter, this neat jacket pattern from Simplicity could be the one for you. Make a mens casual lined jacket with contrast knit collar & bands, welt pockets with flap & front separating zipper. This will be one of those wardrobe staples that will enjoy hours of wear for years to come.

Mens suit patterns

• Buy it now (Amazon, £11.91)

Sew a smart mens suit with this fitted, unlined jacket and slightly tapered trousers pattern. You’ll get to try out lots of garment constructions skills with this one – sew French seams, make a collar, collar band, shoulder pads, welt pockets and interfaced, lined, two-piece sleeves. The trousers have a button waistband and side front pockets plus a crotch shield and fly zipper.

• Buy it now (£10, John Lewis or The Fold Line)

Ok so we appreciate some of you may be looking for everyday mens sewing patterns, but just in case you’re looking for something a little more formal, check out this snazzy Men’s Dress Suit Pattern from Simplicity. Make your own tuxedo-style dress suit jacket with lapel. The trousers have side pockets and a front fly closure.

Buy the pattern from John Lewis for £10

• Buy it now (Amazon, £10.50)

This modern formal suit pattern would be a great one to use if you’re thinking of making the suits for a wedding as it includes the formal trio of jacket, waistcoat and trousers. This is a slim-cut suit pattern with a two-button jacket  or a single-breasted frock coat with a rear centre slit. Add a matching waistcoat for a dapper set.

Other mens sewing patterns

• But it now (John Lewis or Sew Essential, £10)
• Sizes 34-42 and 44-52

Happy days if, like us, you love a bit of 1970s vintage style –  this Mimi G Style for Simplicity sewing pattern is the one for you. For the jumpsuit pattern you’ll make a a top-stitched jumpsuit with fly front zipper closing, a notched collar, back yoke, chest patch pockets, lower pockets, a fabric belt and short set-in sleeves with tuck detail. Or DIY your own top-stitched overalls with a fly front zip, a side button closing, suspenders crossed at the back and fastened at the front, plus a a patch pocket buttoned to the bib.

• Buy it now (Seamwork, $14)
• Sizes XS – 2XL

Summertime for us means sunny beach days. A great addition to your beach wardrobe is these pair of Harrington swim shorts by Colette Patterns. They have a great vintage feel to them due to the inseam length but if you prefer something more modern you could make these longer. They have an elasticated waist to keep them comfortable while jumping around in the water and mesh lined pockets to add functionality. You could also make them out of woven fabrics such as Chambray or Linen for a pair of perfect every day shorts.

• Free bucket hat sewing pattern

In case you missed, it bucket hats are enjoying a comeback. Sew your own 1990s-inspired head gear with our free pattern by Jessica Entwistle and Simply Sewing magazine.

• Buy it now (Sew Over It, £5-7)

Perfect your sewing skills with the perfect beginner sewing project! Sew Over It have brought us a great quick-sew tie PDF pattern. Customise with colourful fabrics and you’ll have so much fun you’ll want to make a matching handkerchief too!

How to make bow ties

• Buy it now (Amazon, £9.50)
• Sizes XS-XL

We couldn’t let this mens sewing patterns round-up end without adding some PJs into the mix! Try three ways to sew classic mens nightwear with this pyjama triple pattern – including a long robe, night shirt, pyjama top and bottoms.