Browsing Pinterest, I saw these two Banana Republic cotton or linen garments and thought “I have sewing patterns for these!” One of them is a FREE sewing pattern just released this week, in 2026, too! So, join me as I explore the sewing pattern that will help you duplicate these two Banana Republic garments.
The chore coat is a dupe for almost any “chore” style coat – try the Ilford Jacket, the Painter jacket by Wardrobe by Me, or just dive into your stash for an oversized shirt-style pattern that can be made into a cotton chore coat. This one is shown in a pretty fawn color or light blue. The key details are multiple pockets, an oversized shape, shirt collar and wider sleeves. If your pattern has a tailored sleeve, just lengthen the sleeve to full length and omit the cuffs. A chore/painter coat is a great layer in the spring and fall (and if you live where it doesn’t get cold in winter.) A coat is generally a confident beginner/intermediate sewing pattern.
The second pattern are wide leg coulottes with elastic waist, and this week Matchy Matchy Sewing Club just released their free coulottes pattern, the All Day Coulottes, and they offer great fabrics to go with it, including a big gingham just like the Banana Republic version! This is a SUPER easy beginner friendly sewing pattern that you can make for your first time making clothes. These come in three colors, black, natural and gingham on the BR site, but of course, you have a WORLD of colors to choose from. Select a light to medium weight cotton or cotton linen blend fabric. You can upcycle sheets, or even tablecloths for this pattern too.
And I’d pair these in the spring with ballet flats, I love this style shown below. These are made in Spain, by Alohas, and they are as comfy as they look. My daughter has a pair she got for her birthday and I can assure you they are ALL THAT AND A BAG OF CHIPS. If she ever wants to get rid of them, they are ALL MINE, LOL. The ties are elastic (we made a bow and then tied the ends together in another knot to keep them secure) so they are super adjustable for whether you have on a light sock or your feet are swelling with walking.
Now, as for cropped pants, if you don’t like the crop, any wide straight leg pant like this can quite easily be lengthened to full length pants as a beginner-friendly alteration. It’s one of the first pattern alterations you’ll learn to make and it’s a good one to know. Lengthen/shorten lines appear on almost every pattern to help sewists adjust for their own height and length preferences.
These two Banana Republic knock offs are easily made with these patterns and you’ll have the advantage of sewing them in the colors you want – including fun prints if you like those!
The All Day Coulottes photo by Matchy Matchy Sewing Club
Don’t overlook vintage patterns! This one from the 1980s is for fleece, but would be fine made in a size up in a cotton. The coat on top is 1990s vintage Easy Coat, still available from Christine Jonson Patterns.
Chore coats with cropped pants make a great transition to spring outfit, especially for cool mornings and evenings but sunny afternoons. They’re both easy to sew patterns with a lot of options.