The best clothing never goes out of style, and denim shorts are the perfect example. Together with the platinum blonde hair and the colored sundresses, they immediately make summer. The beauty is that you don't have to spend a dime to get a pair of shorts. This article will give you instructions on how to transform a pair of jeans into shorts and use different techniques to make them original.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Deciding to Turn Jeans into Shorts
Step 1. Choose a pair of jeans to turn into shorts
The ideal jeans are those that comfortably wrap around the hips, buttocks and thighs. Remember that baggy jeans will become baggy shorts, while skinny jeans will become tight shorts.
- Stretch jeans aren't the best for this transformation. Usually, this fabric incorporates pieces of rubber or plastic, so if these parts hang from the bottom of the shorts, the result will not be the best.
- You can also transform khakis into shorts. You just have to take a look at the label and make sure they are 100% cotton, or close to it.
Step 2. Make the jeans shrink
If you want to transform a pair of jeans that you have barely worn or that have never been washed, put them in the washing machine and then let them dry in the tumble dryer before proceeding with the cut. This allows you to make them shrink so they won't end up being shorter than you want.
Step 3. Determine how long the shorts should be
Depending on the degree of fit and the shape of the jeans, you can choose between the following lengths:
-
The capri come exactly to the calf and look great with high heels or sandals.
- Capers are only slightly shorter than classic trousers, so if you don't want to make a drastic change, they're ideal.
- Tight or skinny jeans can be transformed into capri without a problem, while baggy jeans would not create as good an effect. The bottom hem of the shorts should wrap around the calves, not be flared.
-
Bermuda shorts come to the knee or a little higher. Depending on the type of jeans you are going to transform, Bermuda shorts can be super comfortable or stylish and elegant.
- If you want shorts that are loose and comfortable enough to wear all summer long, turn a pair of soft jeans into Bermuda shorts.
- Jeans that fit well at the thighs and knees can be transformed into Bermuda shorts, especially if you plan on pairing them with a soft top.
-
The hem of the classic shorts is approximately 8-13 cm away from the knees. It is a versatile garment that can be made more elegant or informal.
- Both baggy and tight jeans are ideal candidates to be transformed into classic shorts.
- Classic shorts feature an ideal length if you have jeans with holes in them or otherwise damaged below the knees.
-
The super short shorts feature a 5-8cm hem. They are perfect for going to the beach, especially when paired with a cute bikini top.
- Tight-fitting jeans are best to turn into super-short shorts, while with baggy jeans you risk over-exposing the upper thighs.
- If you choose this solution, be careful. If you want very short shorts, you can always cut them gradually to adapt them to your needs; however, if you overdo it the first time, you won't be able to go back.
Method 2 of 4: Making the Cut
Step 1. Put on your jeans
Use a piece of chalk or a safety pin to mark where on the jeans you want to cut: at the calves, at the knees, at the mid-thigh, or at the top of the thigh. Once you've marked the spot, take off your jeans.
- Remember that the jeans will get shorter because they will fray. If you want the hem to be frayed, the point you mark should be about 2.5 cm below the length you want the finished shorts to have.
- If you don't want to fray them, mark a point about 1.3 cm below the length you want the finished shorts to have.
- If you want to make one or more cuffs on the shorts, mark a point at least 8 cm below the desired length.
Step 2. Lay the jeans out on a flat surface
A table or desk would be preferable, since it comes to the waist, but if you don't have enough space, you can arrange them on the floor.
Step 3. Align a ruler to the point you marked
Tilt it slightly towards the outside of the jeans. Using the chalk, draw the line of the cut with a light hand. Repeat with the other leg.
- The lines to be trimmed should reach slightly below the crotch, forming a V. This style looks better on you than a pair of straight cut shorts.
- Don't over-mark the V. It should be almost unnoticeable, unless you want the shorts to look shorter towards the thighs.
Step 4. Cut the shorts
Cut straight along the line you marked.
- For best results, use tailor's scissors, which are designed for cutting heavy fabrics such as denim.
- If the line isn't perfectly even, don't panic. Once the shorts have frayed, the less straight parts will not be visible.
Turn Jeans into Shorts Step 8 Step 5. Put on the shorts
Remembering that at the bottom they will shorten by several centimeters because they will fray or be turned upside down, are they more or less the same length you had in mind? Maybe you realize that you actually prefer Bermuda shorts to capri pants. Take a look at the result and make a decision before proceeding.
Method 3 of 4: Refine the Hem
Step 1. Determine if you need to hem shorts
If you want to prevent them from fraying too much or if you prefer not to wear frayed shorts, you need to hem them to get the result you want.
- Fold the hems down by 6mm and use the sewing machine to secure them.
- If you don't have a sewing machine, fold the hems down by 6mm and sew them by hand.
Step 2. You could also do the cuff
If you want to wear shorts this way, you should still sew the edges together to prevent them from fraying too much.
- Use your sewing machine to make a stitch around the edge of both legs, but you can also do this by hand.
- Fold the hems up twice to create the cuff.
- Use the iron to fix the cuff.
- If you want the cuffs of the shorts to always be at the same height, you can sew a stitch on the sides of the cuffs to secure them.
Turn Jeans into Shorts Step 11 Step 3. Unfasten the shorts
If you prefer the classic frayed look, then put the garment in the washing machine. Wash it regularly and let it dry in the dryer to make a nice fringe.
- If you want them more frayed, repeat the wash and dry cycle.
- If you want to prevent the shorts from fraying too much, wash and dry them until you have the desired result, then sew a stitch around the legs right on the part where the frayed area meets the intact denim.
Method 4 of 4: Decorate the Shorts
Step 1. Add a touch of glamor
Sew beads and sequins to create an original pattern, or decorate them with fabric paint.
- If you need a little help deciding which pattern to make, you can buy sequin and beaded kits from a haberdashery or fabric store.
- Fabric paint can also be found in these shops. Use stencils to create an accurate image.
Step 2. Age the shorts
Do you want to give the idea of having worn them for years? Use sandpaper, a grater or steel wool to "destroy" them.
- Rub these items around shorts pockets and thigh area for an aged look.
- Rub these items around the hem of the shorts to create a gradual frayed effect.
Step 3. Pierce the shorts
Make slits in the front of the jeans with a pair of scissors or an X-Acto knife.
- Customize the look as you wish. You can decide to make several openings or just a few, then cut them from different angles or try to make them parallel.
- Use scissors to make holes in the shorts. Gently spread the slits with your fingers. After washing them, the holes will have a frayed and authentic look.
Turn Jeans into Shorts Step 15 Step 4. Discolor the shorts
You can create a faded pattern to only lighten certain areas or make the shorts completely white.
- Mix 2 parts water and 1 parts bleach in a plastic container.
- Put the pants in a dry bathtub and pour the bleach solution into them.
- Try to focus on the areas you want to discolor and experiment with different patterns based on how you spray the bleach.
- Once you are happy with the color, run cold water on the jeans and then wash them in the washing machine, alone and without detergent.
- Use rubber bands for an acid wash or smudge effect. You simply have to gather the legs of the shorts on themselves and tie them with rubber bands. Place them in a tub or tub filled with bleach solution, consisting of 2 parts water and 1 parts bleach. Leave them to soak for 20-60 minutes, depending on the desired color, and rinse them under tap water. Finally, put them in the washing machine, alone and without detergent.
