What clothes should you sew for a summer wardrobe in 2025?

Olivia Miller
Product & buying expert with 15+ years of retail experience

Must-haves: shorts

The star of the season, shorts are a must-have. Available in denim, linen or bright cotton, they suit every style.

If you like fitted cuts, go for the Fauvette style by Instinct Couture, perfect in lightweight denim, chambray or even faux leather for a bolder look.
The great thing about Fauvette is that it’s available as both trousers and a skirt, in sizes 32 to 52.

For a more casual and accessible version, especially for beginners, the Bibiche pattern (Vestiaire Éponyme) is a lovely alternative. Its elasticated waistband and tie fastening make it easy to put together. Sew it in a flowing fabric or a brightly coloured cotton (yellow, pink, red…) for a guaranteed vibrant look.

For babies and children, the Kumquat shorts by Klafoutis are a sure-fire hit: quick to sew, perfect for using up fabric scraps, and fully customisable (contrasting bias binding, small patterns, embroidery, etc.).

A jumpsuit for summer

The perfect choice for sunny days, the jumpsuit wins you over with its ease of wear and natural elegance. It does, however, require a bit of technical skill: darts, concealed zips or collars are often part of the design. Just the thing to set yourself some sewing challenges that will keep you motivated!

For women, the Vanille by Miss Cactus (sizes 34 to 56) is a real hit. Made from a flowing fabric, this jumpsuit offers a smart look and is ideal for optimal comfort.

For babies and children, the Bergamote jumpsuit by Klafoutis is a real hit with its 54 variations! Whatever your sewing level, you’ll be able to sew one of these variations!

Skirts: feminine, easy to sew and easy to wear

The skirt is a summer essential: light and versatile, it suits every style. When it comes to sewing, it’s also an excellent project for beginners. Elasticated skirts are the clear winners: they can be sewn in no time at all and allow you to use flowing fabrics such as viscose or double gauze.

The Calypso pattern by Vestiaire Éponyme is perfect for a flattering and on-trend wrap-around style.

Fancy something with a bit more structure? Skirts with buttons or a zip at the front, such as the Hortensia pattern by Fée Main Patrons, are making a big comeback. In linen, striped cotton or small checks, they add a retro touch to your summer wardrobe.

For children, go for a style with an elasticated waist and patch pockets – perfect for outdoor adventures!

Flowing silhouettes and colours with a dress

You simply can’t go wrong with dresses this summer! Short or long, plain or printed, they suit every body shape.

Long strappy dresses, such as the Delhi design by Fée Main Patrons, offer a beautiful, elegant look without compromising on comfort.

For a more casual look, the Capucine dress by Miss Cactus in jersey, or the Signac dress by Les Patronnes, allow you to sew a flattering piece without any major technical difficulty.

Beginners can opt for A-line dresses, which can be sewn without a zip or darts, for a quick and rewarding project.

For babies and children, styles with straps or an elasticated back are both comfortable and adorable to wear.

When it comes to prints, flowers, fruit, stripes and polka dots will be everywhere this summer!

The timeless blazer, in an oversized style

This summer, tailoring is breaking the mould. Blazers are worn loose-fitting, in softer fabrics and in vibrant colours. Lemon yellow, candy pink or pastel sky blue: these vibrant shades breathe new life into the classics.

The Arybelle jacket by Comme une Fleur, available in sizes 32 to 60, is a great place to start as the pattern isn’t too challenging.

The return of Bermuda shorts

Long shunned, Bermuda shorts are making a striking comeback on the catwalks and in family wardrobes.

For women, take a look at the Kumquat pattern, which can even be adapted for winter by using a woollen fabric.

Men can opt for the same style, but tailored for them and available in sizes XS to XXL.

For children, check out the Brocciu Bermuda shorts from Papa de Jojo.

When it comes to fabric, go for sturdy, summery materials: structured linen, chambray, lightweight gabardine or soft denim.

These designs are relatively simple, as they don’t require any special techniques, such as sewing a fly. You can have a go at these seams without being an expert!