How to Cut Jeans Into Shorts
Cutoff jeans are a classic closet staple that any denim lover should own. Not only are they easy to wear, but they are even easier to make.
Save time and money by upcycling a pair of jeans into cutoff jean shorts. Making them yourself is remarkably easy. You don’t have to know how to sew and you only need a few basic materials and a little bit of time to complete the project. Before you jump in and cut jeans into shorts, take a couple of minutes to plan ahead and think about the design and the fit.
Deciding on a Design
One of the best things about cutting jeans to shorts is that you can design them however you like. If you want them short or long, you can decide how much coverage your shorts will provide and determine the best length for your cutoffs.
Customizing the design of your shorts also means you’re free to add embellishments or patches to infuse a bit of style into your shorts. Making ripped jeans is another easy DIY project that can elevate the look of your cutoff jean shorts and add personalization.
Finding the Right Fit
Cutoff jeans are a great choice for both men and women. Some women may even find that converting a pair of men’s jeans into cutoffs can be a unique way to create a relaxed fit. If you prefer your shorts fitted, women’s jeans like skinny jeans can be a good selection.
You can always make jeans into shorts with a pair you already have on hand. If you’re handy at sewing, learn more about altering jeans to create the exact fit you have in mind.
Getting Started
Making cutoff jean shorts is truly simple. Gather up a few basic materials and follow our step-by-step DIY shorts from jeans tutorial below for a quick and fun project that you can be proud of. Here’s how to cut jeans to shorts.
Difficulty Level: Easy to medium
What You’ll Need: Denim, chalk, scissors, pins, measuring tape
How To:
- Try on your jeans and mark with chalk where you want your shorts to stop. This will guide you when you make your cuts.
- Take off your jeans and lay them on a flat surface. Then, reference your chalk marks and cut along the lines you drew, taking care to make sharp, clean cuts.
- You can leave them cut a little longer and add a cuff or a hem with a sewing machine, or just run them through the wash to rough up the edges and let them fray for a more casual style.
Pro Tip: Once you’ve made your cuts, you can always remove more fabric, but you can’t add any back. We recommend making conservative cuts until your shorts are the desired length.
We hope you like your new cutoff shorts! Be sure to tag us with pictures of your finished denim using #myAriat. If you need other ideas for denim or are looking for another pair of jeans now that you’ve converted your denim to shorts, browse our full collection online.
