How to make fashionable shorts from jeans – life hacks and instructions

Everyone probably has old jeans lying around in their closet that they no longer wear. Don't rush to throw them away! You can use them to make unique and fashionable shorts with your own hands.

This is not only a way to save money on updating your wardrobe, but also a great creative project. You don't need to be a professional seamstress — all you need is a pair of scissors, a little imagination, and our simple tips.

In this article, we will look at some cool ideas and give step-by-step instructions on how to turn unwanted pants into a stylish summer item. You will see that it is easier than it seems!

What jeans to use to make shorts

You need to start by choosing which jeans to use to make shorts. These can be your favorite jeans that are no longer fashionable, or pants bought specifically for this purpose. To avoid making a mistake with the style of the base garment, you need to have an idea in advance of what can be made from different old jeans.

Trendy shorts can be made from loose jeans that don't fit tightly around the hips — Straight Fit or Relaxed Fit. Boyfriend jeans, baggy jeans, bootcut jeans, and classic straight-leg pants are all suitable for creating the desired model.

You can also look for men's jeans in the right size. The current fit is high-waisted.

Skinny jeans can only be turned into trendy tight-fitting shorts, but a model that fits tightly around the hips will only look good on slender and long legs.

It is better to choose thick denim for cutting – it will hold its shape well and is suitable for creating any model. Stretch jeans are not suitable for turning into fashionable shorts – this fabric will be difficult to cut neatly, and the bottom edge will pull unattractively across the hips.

All types of jeans – explanations from the DRESS editorial team

How short to cut them

Ultra-short shorts and Bermuda shorts remain the most fashionable in the near future. You can also choose something in between and cut your jeans to mid-thigh length.

Short shorts are ideal beachwear, especially if they have raw edges. In this case, you should cut the jeans diagonally in a V shape rather than horizontally to emphasize your legs.

To create fashionable Bermuda shorts, loose jeans are cut to the knee or slightly above it. Keep in mind that you need to cut the fabric with a little extra for finishing the edge.

Tips and instructions for cutting

Here are some tips to help you cut your jeans perfectly and make comfortable and fashionable denim shorts:

• Be sure to wash your jeans before working on them—denim can shrink. If you skip this step, the shorts will shrink after the next wash and will not look as good as you would like.
• Think through all the details and style of your future shorts in advance. Look at photos on the internet, go to stores, and try on several different styles of shorts. Note their size and how they fit 😉 This will help you decide on the length, thickness, and fit.
• Before you start, turn the inner pockets of the jeans inside out so that you don't cut them with scissors while trimming;
• Make the back of the pant leg 1-2 centimeters longer than the front so that the shorts will fit better;
• When basting, allow for a seam allowance. If you plan to use a straight machine stitch or a small fringe, leave an additional 2-3 centimeters of length. For cuffs, leave a seam allowance of 6-7 centimeters.

It is much easier to cut jeans than it seems. Follow the step-by-step instructions to achieve the desired result:

1. To turn your favorite jeans into fashionable shorts, start by marking the desired length. Use chalk, a pencil, or a dry piece of soap to mark the cut, allowing for a seam allowance for the bottom edge.
2. Fold the pants in half so that the shorts are symmetrical, and secure the fabric with pins;
3. Use sharp scissors to cut along the marked lines;
4. Treat the bottom edge as you like.

There are three relevant ways to process the bottom edge of denim:

• Machine stitching with imitation factory seam;
• Turns;
• Fringe.

Let's consider each of the methods.

Machine stitching with imitation factory seam

This seam option is suitable for almost any occasion, including semi-formal looks.

Procedure:

1. Fold the edges of the pant legs inward by 1-2 centimeters and baste with contrasting thread;
2. Repeat the undercut and basting;
3. Sew the hems on a sewing machine, stepping back a couple of millimeters from the fold;
4. Remove the basting threads.

The hemmed bottom can now be ironed with steam to give it a neat shape.

Subtleties

The other two options — turn-ups and fringe — are convenient and popular because they allow you to cut your jeans without hemming them. Dark blue denim makes for striking turn-up shorts — the inside of these items is much lighter, creating a beautiful contrast.

Fold the bottom edge several times with the wrong side facing outwards — it all depends on the thickness of the fabric. Usually, 2-3 folds are enough. Then iron the bottom edge with a steam iron — your fashionable cuffed shorts are ready.

For accuracy, you can sew the cuffs on the sides of the trouser legs with neat stitches. Or use adhesive-backed thermal tape for hemming. Simply place it between the main trouser leg and the cuff, then secure the construction with an iron.

Fringe

An unfinished hem is ideal for short ripped denim shorts. Fringed shorts are perfect for sporty and casual styles, as well as for a unique boho look. For this method, you will need manicure scissors and tweezers.

Make vertical cuts along the bottom edge of the shorts to the desired height. Use tweezers to lift the horizontal threads and pull them out to create a beautiful fringe. You can add holes and scuffs in the same way.

Want stylish shorts but don't have the time or money to go shopping? Make them yourself from old jeans — it's easy, quick, and eco-friendly. Just take some unwanted jeans, cut them to the desired length, finish the edges to your liking — smooth, distressed, or frayed — and you'll have a unique item that no one else has. All you need is a little imagination, a pair of scissors, and the desire to update your wardrobe without overspending.

How to decorate fashionably

If you want to add more personality to your homemade shorts, decorate them with embroidery, patch pockets, or acrylic paint on fabric. Don't overdo it with the decor — minimalism is in fashion, so keep the decorative details simple.

You can make fashionable grunge-style denim shorts by adding scuffs or changing the color by bleaching the fabric in places. To create holes, make small cuts in the desired places and carefully pull out a few threads.

You can create a slightly washed-out look with bleach. Dilute the solution according to the instructions and soak the shorts in it for a while. The duration of exposure depends on the concentration of the solution. Once you have achieved the desired shade, rinse the garment thoroughly.

How to make shorts from trousers

Jeans are not the only fabric that can be used to make fashionable shorts. Linen, poplin, and thick cotton trousers are also suitable. The main requirement is that they should fit loosely around the thighs so that the bottom of the trouser leg does not constrict the legs.

Trousers can be turned into Bermuda shorts or mid-thigh length shorts. The procedure is similar to shortening jeans:

1. Mark the desired length, leaving a 2-4 cm allowance for finishing the edge.
2. Fold the pants in half, secure the fabric with pins, and cut along the marked line.
3. Sew the bottom edge with an overlock stitch.

In the case of pants, it is not possible to leave the bottom edge unfinished — fraying is only possible with denim shorts. The preferred option is a neat machine stitch or, less commonly, a hem.

As you can see, turning old jeans into unique shorts is not difficult at all. A little courage, simple tools, and a couple of hours of free time can yield excellent results.

The best part of this process is complete creative freedom. You decide how long the shorts will be, how to decorate them, and what look to create with them. Not only does this save money, but it's also a way to get something that no one else will have.

So don't rush to choose boring jeans. Take them out of the closet, arm yourself with scissors, and give them a second life. I'm sure your new fashionable shorts will take pride of place in your summer wardrobe.