Pattern and Instructions: The Varsity Gym Shorts
Banish any traumatic memories of gym class and replace them with these comfy, classic, vintage-inspired Varsity Gym Shorts.
They are a cozy companion to this month’s pattern, the Varsity Sweatshirt—perfect for playing, lounging, or sleeping in. Just don’t sleep so late that you miss class!
We used the same fabrics as the Varsity Sweatshirt, for super cozy and comfy shorts. You could also sew these up in athletic spandex knit fabric, for more vigorous activities. You'll find the tiled file (for printing at home on A4 or letter size sheets and taping together) and the A0 file (for printing at a copy shop like ThePlottedPattern.com). Please note that we have two size blocks, so make sure to download the correct files for the size you're making. If you have any questions about which size to sew, don't forget to read our blog post with all the details!
Don't forget to share your makes with the hashtags #charmgymshorts and #charmpatterns. I can't wait to see what you make!
xoxo,
Gertie
Comments (54)
Can someone post a picture of how to attach the binding? I’m a visual learner and am having a hard time seeing how to attach it from the written instructions!
Is there a video for this pattern?
Anyone turn these shorts in to sweat pants?
Hi, is there a video tutorial for this project?
Has anyone hacked front pockets into these shorts yet?
You can add pockets Into any side seam! A welted pocket might look cute on the front though!
Thinking of making these into tap pants (omitting the back pockets) to wear as a lining layer instead of slips!
I think I’m going to maybe have to make a leopard set 🧐🧐
That sounds so cute, can't wait to see!
So cute! Personally, I’d make them shorter.
Ooh la la! Can't wait to see!
A delightfully lounge-worthy pattern for me to tackle my knit-phobia with. Thank you!
They will also look good with a Midge Breton!
Adorable!
For we Pear Shapes with Cellulite :-D...I was thinking could wear knee length stretch leggings with these Shorts over the top - would look really cute plus Hide Things :-D. Especially if make leggings in the same colour as Shorts & Shirt. Ankle length would take the eye down to balance the Pear shape out...I'd do that rather than knee length myself.
I have RTW running shorts that are exactly this. it's perfect pairing in my opinion as I don't love running in leggings only nor is stretching (which I do mid-run) in shorts conducive to modesty!
I wonder how hard it would be to add some length to these.
June 2025- and I came here with the same thought to see if anyone has done this yet
Super cute!
I forgot it was the 15th lol! :D soooo cute!
Looking forward to seeing some makes from the community! Especially in plus sizes lol I live in shorts since I overheat so easily
Yes it would be so lovely to see these on a plus model! It’s so hard to get an idea of how they would look on me!
Super cute! But why no plus size pictures? 😭
Agree completely!! So hard to imagine how they might look on me!
Ooh I love this pattern! I've been thinking about making my own activewear for quite some time now, and the more I think about it, the more I feel it's gonna be a total Charm Activewear Collection™ 😍 These shorts, this month's sweatshirt, Audrey Cigarette Pants in the capri and/or full length, Barbie Top with short sleeves... Maybe even the Rizzo Jacket in a softshell fabric? I'm too excited now, I need to get planning on my colour scheme!!
Love your plan!
How stinking cute!
Where are your pom-poms Gertie? Lol, these remind me of my high school gym shorts - but cuter!
And now for a video with a cute vintage workout, please! 😁
I love these so much!
The other model looks so much like Gertie, I have to keep doing a double take. Can't wait to make these!
YES! I have been wanting to switch my gym clothes to something more vintage!
Now we can sew some upper east end 50 style workout suite , line the one seen on Mrs Maisel 😁 ideal for getting in shape after those lazy summer vacations ❤️
Love it so much!!
I loooove these!!! As a gym girl I can’t wait to make one in each colour!! 😍😍😍
O. M. G. I was hoping shorts would be the release today, but I didn't know if that would happen. Thank you so much charm I can't wait to make my charm school gym gear 😍😭
I'd rather have a pattern for the raglan shirt 😄
Love them!
Yes! I need shorts like these
This could not have come at a better time! I have recrntly gotten a diagnosis that means I have to really change up my lifestyle, including adding/increasing exercise, and all my old modern workout clothes don't fit and make me feel horrible about myself, making it hard to even want to get dressed *to* exercise. The universe (and Gertie!) provides.
Those are awesome!! I've been wanting to make some gym shorts!
OMG!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE So happy for the casual pieces!!!!
Me too!
Cute !
Thank you! I need comfy but cute clothes on days I don't feel well.
I can't wait to make these, they will also be fantastic for working on home projects.
I LOVE this! I do CrossFit and I always fantasize about having a cute Mrs. Maisel workout set while I’m sweating uncontrollably. This could be totally adorable! I might have to play with fabric some and I’m not saying it’ll work the way I envision, but I’m totally inspired to have my outfit match my hair when I workout!😂 plus, it’d make changing out of my skirts for workout wear so much happier. 🥰 Does anyone else dream about this kind of thing?
Exactly what I need! I love the retro style of the curved hem
Ahhh these are cute!!
Cute! It will be nice to have high waisted shorts, since waist bands on the lower cut ones just try to creep up to my waist, anyway
I was just telling my husband 10 minutes ago that I NEEEED shorts !!!!!!
These are so cute!! I can already see all the color blocking potential.
Love the look of these!
These are so cute!