Pleated culottes with a draped rounded hem – Imperial Women
Livraison estimée
Pickup available at Imperial Fashion Lyon
Usually ready in 2 hours
Description
Culottes, or gaucho pants—trousers so voluminous they read as a skirt. Two deep pleats originate from the waistband, releasing all the volume at once: the silhouette flares from the waist to a 60 cm hem opening. When standing still and facing forward, one might mistake it for a midi skirt. While walking, the separation of the legs becomes apparent.
The hem is rounded, shorter on the sides than in the middle—86 cm on the outside, 88 cm in the center. This curve prevents the bottom from forming a stiff, flat circle; it complements movement. A 20 cm slit is opened there, which frees the stride and reveals the leg when walking.
The slanted Italian pockets are set into the side seam: they disappear into the volume without adding bulk to the hip.
The 33 cm rise places the waist high and elongates the leg, which this shape requires—such volume set on a low waist would overwhelm the silhouette.
It is cut from the collection's tailoring fabric. The weight of the fabric is what makes the flare hold its shape: in a lighter material, the volume would hang limply instead of opening up.
With a heel and a fitted top, the balance is that of a dressed-up city outfit. With flat ankle boots and a short sweater, it transitions to everyday wear without losing its allure.
Features
- Culottes, very loose fit
- Two pleats on the front
- High waist
- Rounded and slit hem
- Italian pockets
- Tailoring fabric
Measurements — taken flat on a size S, without stretching the fabric
- Waist width flat: 34 cm (circumference is double)
- Rise: 33 cm
- Hem opening: 60 cm
- Outside length: 86 cm
- Center length: 88 cm
- Slit height: 20 cm
Composition
- 72% polyester, 23% viscose, 5% elastane
Care
- Machine washable
Manufacturing
- Made in Italy
Which trousers with which jacket? The seven shapes are drawn to scale with their measurements in our tailoring guide.
Hem and sleeves adjusted by our seamstresses in our Lyon boutiques. Bring your order and we will pin the alteration on you.
We keep your measurements on file: the next time, the trousers will already be at your length when you arrive.
Free in-store pickup at our Lyon shops, order ready in 2 hours if the item is in stock.
France: €6 for home delivery or pick-up point. Belgium: €10. Switzerland and European Union: varies by destination.
Exchange and returns within 14 days, credit valid for one year or refund. Return shipping costs are at your expense. Full terms and conditions
Our pieces are Italian, and Italian clothing generally fits smaller than French clothing. An Italian 40 corresponds to a French 36, or a size S. Here are the benchmarks to help you choose the right size.
Size conversion
| Our size | France | Italy |
|---|---|---|
| XXS | 32 | 36 |
| XS | 34 | 38 |
| S | 36 | 40 |
| M | 38 | 42 |
| L | 40 | 44 |
| XL | 42 | 46 |
This conversion chart is a guide, not a rule: the same size fits differently in fluid crepe than it does in wool drape.
How to take your measurements
Measure yourself in your underwear, with the tape measure flat against your body, without pulling it tight or holding your breath. Get someone to help you if possible: self-taken measurements are often inaccurate.
- Chest measurement — at the fullest point, with the tape measure held horizontally across your back.
- Waist measurement — at your natural crease, just above your navel.
- Hip measurement — at the widest point, approximately twenty centimeters below your waist.
- Inseam — from the crotch to the bottom of the hem, along the inside of your leg. This is the useful length of a pair of trousers.
- Rise — from the crotch to the waistband. This determines whether trousers are high-waisted, mid-rise, or low-rise.
Reading the measurements on our product pages
On product pages that feature it, the Garment measurements button, located below the size selector, opens the model's measurement chart: the garment photographed laid flat with dimensions. Measurements are taken flat, with the fabric relaxed, for the size indicated at the bottom of the diagram.
A width under the arms of 50 cm corresponds to a total measurement of 100 cm: the garment is measured from one seam to the other, across a single layer. Remember to double it to compare with your own measurements. To move from one size to the next, count on a difference of approximately four centimeters flat across the bust, and two to three centimeters at the waist for bottoms.
Between two sizes
The Imperial suit is tailored without being tight: blazers, cocktail trousers, and tuxedos follow the lines of the body. Choose your usual size, and go up a size if you plan on wearing the jacket over a thick knit.
Oversized and palazzo cuts are ample by design: the volume is part of the model's aesthetic, it is not a matter of size. Choose your usual size, even if the piece looks large on the hanger.
If you are hesitating, choose the larger one: a piece that is too tight cannot be fixed, whereas a slightly large piece can be tailored. For a fluid piece, choose the smaller one, as the drape will be cleaner.
Are you a different size on top and bottom? This is the most common case, and it is precisely the advantage of buying pieces separately: a jacket in your top size, trousers in your bottom size. Our suits are put together piece by piece.
Fitting and alterations
An alteration service is available in our Lyon boutiques to adjust a length, take in a waist, or adapt a piece to your body shape. Trying on the garment remains the safest way to choose: pickup is free and your order is ready within two hours if the item is in the boutique. Our advisors are also happy to answer your sizing questions by phone.
