1940s Hepburn Pleated Trousers - Rust
Meet the Hepburn Pleated Trousers in Rust: wide-leg 1940s trousers named for Katharine Hepburn, with a deep front pleat, turn-ups and contrast top stitching.
Inspired by Katharine Hepburn’s iconic trouser suit look, the Hepburn is an authentic rework of a 1940s trouser pattern, adapted for the modern figure and modern fabric. The wide leg is typical of both the 1930s and 1940s, and it reflects the sportswear trends of those decades. It’s comfortable enough for dancing, and smart enough for the office or an evening out.
The trousers sit at the natural waist with a deep waistband and fasten with a side zip and a single shell-look button. Deep front pleats form a sharp crease down each leg, and two back darts give a clean fit through the seat. Contrast top stitching on the pockets and waistband adds a tailored finish, and a turn-up completes the hem. The fabric is a rayon/polyester blend with a touch of elastane, so it has some comfort stretch.
Hepburn is the more formal of our 1940s trousers. For a guide to how it compares with our Swing, Marlene, Rosie and Landgirl styles, read 1940s trousers (or pants) for ladies explained and which vintage style trousers are right for you. You can browse more in our 1940s trousers collection.
Rust picks up the warm tones in our Earth Pearl print. Try it with the 1930s Ellen Blouse in Earth Pearl or the 1940s Button Back Blouse in Earth Pearl.
Also available in Black, Brown, Navy, Steel, Khaki, Racing Green, Pacific, Terracotta and Pinstripe.
Key features
- Wide leg
- Natural waist with deep waistband
- Deep front pleat
- Turn-up hem
- Side zip with shell-look button
- Contrast top stitch on pockets and waistband
Fabric: Rayon/polyester with a touch of elastane.
Inside leg: approx. 31.5" [confirm]. Leg width: approx. 22" circumference.
Care: Cool hand wash or dry clean.
Made with love in Yorkshire, England.
FAQ
Who are the Hepburn trousers named after?
They are inspired by Katharine Hepburn’s iconic trouser suit look, which helped make wide-leg tailored trousers fashionable for women.
What are pleated trousers?
Pleated trousers have folds of fabric stitched into the waistband at the front. Deep front pleats give room through the hip and form a sharp crease down the leg, a hallmark of 1930s and 1940s trouser tailoring.
What is a turn-up?
A turn-up, also called a cuff, is a folded band of fabric at the hem. It adds weight so the trouser hangs well, and it’s a classic detail on 1940s trousers.
How do the Hepburn trousers differ from other 1940s trouser styles?
Hepburn has a fitted waistband, side zip, deep front pleats and a turn-up, and it is the more formal style. Swing trousers have a side button fastening and are made for dancing. Marlene trousers have a front zip, no waistband and a very high waist. Rosie trousers have a wide, curved waistband and a back zip. Landgirl breeches are based on plus fours. Our 1940s trouser guide explains each one.
How do the trousers fit?
They sit on the natural waist, and the wide waistband may sit slightly high on some wearers. The fabric has some comfort stretch. Choose your size by natural waist measurement.
How long are they?
The inside leg is about 31.5 inches, with a turn-up. If you’re petite, take this into account when ordering.
Do the trousers have pockets?
Yes. They have side pockets with contrast top stitching.
Are they authentic 1940s style?
Yes. They are an authentic rework of a 1940s trouser pattern, adapted for the modern figure and modern fabric.
What colours do they come in?
Rust, Black, Brown, Navy, Steel, Khaki, Racing Green, Pacific, Terracotta and Pinstripe.
How do I care for them?
Cool hand wash or dry clean.
Read more here:-
Meet the Hepburn Pleated Trousers in Rust: wide-leg 1940s trousers named for Katharine Hepburn, with a deep front pleat, turn-ups and contrast top stitching.
Inspired by Katharine Hepburn’s iconic trouser suit look, the Hepburn is an authentic rework of a 1940s trouser pattern, adapted for the modern figure and modern fabric. The wide leg is typical of both the 1930s and 1940s, and it reflects the sportswear trends of those decades. It’s comfortable enough for dancing, and smart enough for the office or an evening out.
The trousers sit at the natural waist with a deep waistband and fasten with a side zip and a single shell-look button. Deep front pleats form a sharp crease down each leg, and two back darts give a clean fit through the seat. Contrast top stitching on the pockets and waistband adds a tailored finish, and a turn-up completes the hem. The fabric is a rayon/polyester blend with a touch of elastane, so it has some comfort stretch.
Hepburn is the more formal of our 1940s trousers. For a guide to how it compares with our Swing, Marlene, Rosie and Landgirl styles, read 1940s trousers (or pants) for ladies explained and which vintage style trousers are right for you. You can browse more in our 1940s trousers collection.
Rust picks up the warm tones in our Earth Pearl print. Try it with the 1930s Ellen Blouse in Earth Pearl or the 1940s Button Back Blouse in Earth Pearl.
Also available in Black, Brown, Navy, Steel, Khaki, Racing Green, Pacific, Terracotta and Pinstripe.
Key features
- Wide leg
- Natural waist with deep waistband
- Deep front pleat
- Turn-up hem
- Side zip with shell-look button
- Contrast top stitch on pockets and waistband
Fabric: Rayon/polyester with a touch of elastane.
Inside leg: approx. 31.5" [confirm]. Leg width: approx. 22" circumference.
Care: Cool hand wash or dry clean.
Made with love in Yorkshire, England.
FAQ
Who are the Hepburn trousers named after?
They are inspired by Katharine Hepburn’s iconic trouser suit look, which helped make wide-leg tailored trousers fashionable for women.
What are pleated trousers?
Pleated trousers have folds of fabric stitched into the waistband at the front. Deep front pleats give room through the hip and form a sharp crease down the leg, a hallmark of 1930s and 1940s trouser tailoring.
What is a turn-up?
A turn-up, also called a cuff, is a folded band of fabric at the hem. It adds weight so the trouser hangs well, and it’s a classic detail on 1940s trousers.
How do the Hepburn trousers differ from other 1940s trouser styles?
Hepburn has a fitted waistband, side zip, deep front pleats and a turn-up, and it is the more formal style. Swing trousers have a side button fastening and are made for dancing. Marlene trousers have a front zip, no waistband and a very high waist. Rosie trousers have a wide, curved waistband and a back zip. Landgirl breeches are based on plus fours. Our 1940s trouser guide explains each one.
How do the trousers fit?
They sit on the natural waist, and the wide waistband may sit slightly high on some wearers. The fabric has some comfort stretch. Choose your size by natural waist measurement.
How long are they?
The inside leg is about 31.5 inches, with a turn-up. If you’re petite, take this into account when ordering.
Do the trousers have pockets?
Yes. They have side pockets with contrast top stitching.
Are they authentic 1940s style?
Yes. They are an authentic rework of a 1940s trouser pattern, adapted for the modern figure and modern fabric.
What colours do they come in?
Rust, Black, Brown, Navy, Steel, Khaki, Racing Green, Pacific, Terracotta and Pinstripe.
How do I care for them?
Cool hand wash or dry clean.
Read more here:-
| SIZE | BUST | WAIST | HIPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6* | 79cm 31" |
61cm 24" |
84cm 33" |
| 8 | 84cm 33" |
66cm 26" |
89cm 35" |
| 10 | 89cm 35" |
71cm 28" |
94cm 37" |
| 12 | 94cm 37" |
76cm 30" |
99cm 39" |
| 14 | 99cm 39" |
81cm 32" |
104cm 41" |
| 16 | 104cm 41" |
86.5cm 34" |
110cm 43" |
| 18 | 110cm 43" |
91.5cm 36" |
116cm 45.5" |
| 20* | to 117cm to 46" |
to 97cm to 39" |
123cm 48" |
| 22* | to 124cm to 49" |
to 104cm to 42.5" |
130cm 51" |
| 24* | to 131cm to 51.5" |
to 110cm to 44" |
137cm 54" |
| 26* | to 138cm to 54" |
to 117cm to 46" |
144cm 57" |
Delivery
Enjoy free delivery on orders over £150.
For orders under £150, UK standard delivery is 2 to 4 working days — £4.50 EU standard delivery is 3 to 6 working days — £15 USA standard delivery is 3 to 6 working days — £20 International standard delivery is 5 to 10 working days — £20
Need it a little sooner? Express delivery is available.
A little note on duties: any applicable import taxes are calculated and added at checkout. We ship DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), which means we take care of everything on your behalf — your parcel passes straight through customs and arrives at your door with nothing more to do.
A little note on duties: any applicable import duties are calculated and added at checkout. We ship DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), which means we take care of everything on your behalf — your parcel passes straight through customs and arrives at your door with nothing more to do.
A little note on duties: import duties or taxes may be applied by your country's customs authority when your order arrives. We'd recommend checking your local customs guidelines before ordering if you're unsure — we'd hate for any surprises to take the shine off your new piece.
Returns
We offer a 30 day return window, just in case your piece isn't quite the one.
For all the finer details, you can visit our Delivery & Returns page.
These pleated trousers receive excellent ratings from customers. Shoppers praise the "excellent quality" fabric that "hangs perfectly" and the "gorgeous colour." The tailoring is described as "perfect" with a flattering fit that's true to size. Customers appreciate the versatile styling for both day and evening wear.
- The fabric is of excellent quality and hangs perfectly.
- Gorgeous colour and perfect tailoring.
- Lovely expensive looking trousers nice style and cut
Perfection!
I just received my black Hepburn trousers and I love them. The piping against the black color adds interest. The fit is perfect. They are comfortable easy to wear and look beautiful on you. They are figure flattering and forgiving. I own a pair of each of the different styles of trouser that they offer and I would say these are the most forgiving of weight in the middle than the side button trousers though both are lovely. In case someone is struggling to make a decision of which to get.
I want to say something about The House of Foxy Customer care. Due to an error on my part I ordered a 8 though I meant to get a 16. The help department changed it for me in time. What amazing service. I didn’t believe they could do it, when I wrote and they did. I would recommend The House of Foxy to anyone.
I love the way these pants fit, very flattering! The fabric is also very soft and cool feeling. I wear a size 12 and had to get them hemmed due to my height (5'2).
Great fit, lovely fabric.
My only negative is that the turn ups need to be stitched in place, they don’t hold on their own.
Lovely trousers, fit true to size. I’m 5’6 and they were the perfect length for a mid heel. They seem to wash well so far.
These trousers are amazing ,the fit, the drape and look are all perfect. i love them and will be pairing them with a HOF blouse and a vintage waistcoat and a 1940's swing tie for when I attend the many 1940's vintage events I attend
Lovely trousers - the fabric is heavy enough to make them fall beautifully, and the front pleat doesn't make me look dumpy, and I love the aubergine colour. Now I'm just going to lounge on a low sofa while Cary Grant fixes me a Manhattan.
This is my third pair of Hepburn's and I absolutely love them. The fit is gorgeous. I have a fairly extreme hip/waist ratio and these have always fit me beautifully over my *ahem* hips without gaping on my waist which is lovely and quite rare.
The fabric is perfect and very authentic. With just enough texture to be interesting while still being soft and comfortable to wear. I'd say they were a medium weight, they hang beautifully but don't feel thick or bulky. They drap very nicely too. I find the length ideal on me (5'7"). I've had my first two pairs for a long time and wear them to work regularly and they wash/wear splendidly too. I have found they keep their colour and have noticed hardly any pilling.
This green colour is STUNNING I would say a little richer and deeper than they come across in photographs.
They're just gorgeous and I cant wait to buy my next pair!
Disappointingly my order was two inches smaller than it should have been when measured against an existing pair the same size. Customer services dealt with this quality control issue well by paying for returns postage and replacing it.
These pants are so comfortable and ooze with class as soon as you put them on. It is such a confidence booster to walk around with such pizzazz!
It was my very first purchase from House of Foxy and now I am a convert for sure. The price point (including shipping) is more than reasonable.
I've thought about this purchase for a while before I got them, so I finally convinced myself to get them and it was perfect. I'm so relieved the waist to hip ratio fit me, and henning the bottom was easy! Thanks
Everything but the length was perfect. I measured myself per the instructions and the pants fit fine.
The length is just too long. I don’t think I missed a petite option and I knew I would have to hem them. Therefore if you guys really want my opinion.., please make them easier to hem. Maybe sell them unfinished if a petite length isn’t an option?
I’ll try to include a photo if I have time in the next few weeks.
This steel color is STUNNING! It's such a versatile color in my wardrobe. I love these trousers so much. The only thing is being 5'1 they are too long, so I will have to get them hemmed. Would be great if HoF started making shorter trousers for petite ladies :)
I bought these in Berry and found they didn't suit my fuller figure.
These trousers are lovely, with a slight stretch and they feel like luxury. Very well made and they have a nice fit. My only issue with them is I wanted an aubergine colour, more purple than brown as I was matching to a jacket I already own. It's surprisingly hard to find a nice aubergine pair of trousers... Anyway, it looks much redder/browner than I'd have liked it to be. Colour is always a bit of a gamble when buying online, so can't really fault anyone except myself on this as I had read another review saying much the same thing and I went ahead anyway hoping for the best. So bottom line: lovely, well made, but just be aware if you want a purple aubergine, that this is not it. I will be keeping them anyway as they have an amazing fit and it goes very well with cream or dusty/rose pink tops. Very happy I stumbled upon this shop and will most likely be revisiting.
These trousers have all the great details and tailoring of elegant vintage style. The fabric has a lovely weight and drape, with an authentic feel too. I want them in every colour !
I love these trousers! Fit like a dream and drape so nicely. Got lots of compliments at work! Absolutely need more colors. ❤️
Beautifully cut, my trousers were a little long, but I can have them altered, like most of my trousers. Love the colour and the material makes them hang well. Love my 1940s Hepburn trousers.
Tight fit around the waist. Should have sized up. Aubergine is burgundy as it looks in the pictures.
Thank you for your lovely review Kristin! Our Aubergine colourway has a much stronger purple tone than burgundy/red. Please drop us an email regarding the waist fit so we can investigate this for you - this style should fit true to our size guide❤️
Just bought another great pair of the Hepburns. The fit is great, and I always feel elegant in these pants. The fit is high-waisted, but, unlike other retro/repro brands, not so high that they come up to my ribcage. Love them!
Love these pants. This aubergine pair seems to be a bit shorter than previous pairs I have purchased, which I appreciate, because I do not have to have them hemmed. They do seem more snug around the waist than the last pair that I purchased. But I am pleased with them and LOVE the color. It goes so well with so many of your other offerings!
My second pair of the "Hepburn" trousers and definitively not my last! Runs true to size (18). I`m 170cm and they can be worn with low heel shoes or winter boots without touching the floor.
Lovey exspensive looking trousers nice style and cut
These trousers are lovely but do have a couple of flaws. The fabric has a lot more drape then it appears to in the photos. The drape is really quite lovely but also means the turn-up hem is super saggy and does NOT look at all like the photos, it falls over it's own weight. If you have decent hand sewing skills a bit of stitching takes care of it no issue. My second problem with the drape is that because these are very high rise and the waist band is so narrow the soft drape REALLY accentuates the lower tummy. I dont mind this too much but ladies with larger lower bellies may not like the look. Lastly, I purchased this trouser in both blue and berry and the berry is slightly smaller in the waist I barely fit in it, while the blue fits perfectly. But I still like it enough that I'll probably buy the green :P
Love the Hepburns. Great fit
I LOVE the fit of these pants. These are my second pair and they look great on, and the construction is very nice. However, I am noticing a lot of pilling after only a couple wears and one hand-wash, which is a bit disappointing.
I just received my 40s Hepburn pleated trousers. They are gorgeous!!! I highly recommend them. Delivery was great too. Thanks, House of Foxy!
They’re a bit big even in the smallest size, however I’m still rly glad I purchased! If your under 5’4 you may need to hem, but I would still reccomend
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