If you have an old pair of jeans and are getting ready for the summer, turning them into shorts will allow you to renew your wardrobe at no cost. Since denim lends itself well to DIY projects, bleaching and fraying the shorts will allow you to achieve a grunge and trendy result. This is a relatively easy procedure, and considering you will be doing everything yourself, the torn effect will be genuine.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Cut the Jeans
Step 1. Get some old jeans, a pair that you wouldn't mind cutting
If you have a well-stocked wardrobe, you probably have jeans you don't wear as often anymore. Instead of throwing them away, you can turn them into a new garment. If you don't have old jeans, you can buy a cheap second-hand pair.
- If you don't want to cut the jeans you already have, you can buy a used pair from a second-hand store, or you can buy an out of collection model on sale. You will hardly find trendy trousers, but you can transform them to your liking at home.
- Maybe a friend of yours has jeans that she no longer wears. If you are the same size, you could ask her to give them to you.
Step 2. Cut the jeans using a pair of shorts as a template
If you already have shorts, straighten the legs of the jeans and layer the shorts on top. They will offer you a visual guide and let you figure out where to cut. Make sure you use shorts that are roughly the same size as your jeans.
- The cut should be made 3 centimeters lower than the hem of the shorts you use as a model. This way you will have enough fabric to fray and fray.
- Cut the jeans with the side seam facing you.
- Before proceeding, consider the pockets, so as not to cut them.
- You can use a tailor's chalk to accurately draw the line to be cut.
Step 3. Fold the jeans in half and cut the other leg to the same height
If you use the shorts as a one-leg model, the procedure will be easier. After cutting the first leg, fold the jeans in half and use it as a template to cut the other one. This will give you legs of the same length.
Step 4. With the chalk, mark the points where you want to create tears or holes
Before proceeding with scissors or a knife, it is better to mark the jeans with a chalk. This way, in case of an error, you can fix it by simply erasing the marks. Try to get a concrete idea of the final result. Do you want the shorts to be slightly frayed or really ripped? Planning your cuts before you go for scissors will give you plenty of time to think about it.
Step 5. Make cuts and holes
Take the scissors and cut the fabric in the places marked with the chalk. Make incisions randomly and roughly. Precise cuts will not allow you to get the desired result. You can make all the cuts you want and the size you want, but the holes must be limited both in number and in width, otherwise you risk completely destroying the shorts.
- Make sure you don't cut both sides of the shorts unless you have decided beforehand by taking your measurements.
- You can also fray the shorts by rubbing a knife on the fabric.
Step 6. Remove randomly with tweezers
If you pull only one thread, this action will affect the entire surrounding area. This is an effective way to make jeans appear to have frayed naturally. Pay particular attention to the parts you decide to cut: you should give the impression that holes have formed due to normal use.
Part 2 of 2: Treating the Shorts
Step 1. Discolor the shorts
The bleach will lighten them and also make them look worn out. This is a fairly common and simple technique: just spray a water-based bleach solution on your shorts (if you don't have a spray bottle, you can also prepare it in a basin and soak them). Put on a pair of rubber gloves to do this. Stop spraying (or take them out of the water) as soon as they start to fade.
A ratio of water and bleach 1: 1 will allow you to discolor them well
Step 2. Make permanent stains on the shorts so they can give you a grunge and rebellious look
To get a yellowed or faded effect, you can stain them with mud or coffee grounds. Try one of the following methods:
- Mud method. To get muddy water, put a handful of soil in a bucket, fill it with water, rinse the contents and pour it into another container large enough to hold the folded shorts. Do not mix soil and water, otherwise the earth will settle to the bottom of the container. Check your shorts regularly until you get the desired result. Remember that when dry they will be lighter.
- Coffee grounds method. It allows to have a more lasting result. In a bucket, pour roughly two cups of coffee grounds and enough water to make a liquid. The more water you add, the lighter the stain will be. Leave the jeans to soak overnight.
- Machine method. It's a pretty quick technique: just put the shorts on muddy ground and drive through them several times.
- Engine oil method. When doing car, bike, or yard work, run your hands over the shorts. Stains caused by motor oil or bicycle chain are virtually impossible to remove.
Step 3. Let the shorts dry
If you have discolored or soiled your shorts, wait for a few hours for them to dry well. For an authentic and natural result, letting them dry outdoors is a good idea.
Step 4. Sew a patch
It is an accessory that immediately creates a worn and unique effect. You can cut out a patch from another fabric and sew it. You'll have a true rebel look, perfect for a pair of ripped shorts.
The band patches will give the shorts personality and allow you to show off your uniqueness. If people who have similar musical tastes see them, you could make new friends
Step 5. Wash the shorts
Washing will further highlight the changes you have made. Use cold water, without detergent.
Step 6. Try on the shorts, just so you can see if you did a good job
Wear them and mirror yourself. If you want to make other changes, you can do it.
Step 7. Take a look at photos of ripped shorts
Nowadays anyone can dedicate themselves to a do-it-yourself project and share it on the internet; online you will therefore find numerous creative ideas. If you want to rip another pair of shorts, you can take inspiration from various ideas seen around and make them your own.
Advice
It is a good idea to repeat the same procedure several times. While you are satisfied with the first pair of shorts you ripped, they will surely be even better the second time around
Warnings
- Don't cut a pair of jeans you're not sure you want to sacrifice. Shorts may be a trendy piece, but they are generally less versatile than a good pair of jeans.
- You can buy new ripped clothes, but buying clothes that have been torn apart can make your look seem too artificial, as if you want to prove that you are a different person than you really are. Instead, tearing up the shorts at home will allow you to achieve a unique result.
