DIY shorts made from old jeans for men. How to make ripped shorts? Options for shorts from regular straight women's jeans

Even fairly worn denim items can be refreshed and given new life. All you have to do is learn how to properly cut jeans to fit shorts.

How to choose a model

First, decide which model you want to get in the end; it depends not only on taste, but also on the model of trousers from which you will make shorts.

Knowing how to cut jeans, you can easily make your own shorts.

What can be made from jeans?

  • Capri. Tube or tight models are suitable for them. Calf length. Can be worn with sandals or heeled shoes.
  • Bermuda. Knee length. You can make it from loose jeans, in which case you should choose the top according to your figure. Tight-fitting Bermuda shorts also look stylish, especially if they are complemented with a loose top.
  • Classic style shorts. The length above the knee is on average 10 cm. It can be less or more. You can make it from products with holes. Heavily worn jeans will also come in handy.
  • Short shorts. The starting option is skinny jeans. Can be worn on the beach with a bikini or in the city with a loose top.

You will need a little patience and imagination, and your exclusive item will be ready.

How to cut jeans to fit shorts

How to style cut-off jeans

Now we need to give the shorts a creative look. Nail scissors or an awl will help with this. They need to process the edges of the cut legs, carefully pulling out the white threads. It's white, not blue. In conclusion, you should wash the newly made item in the machine, choosing the hardest mode. The threads will fluff up and scuffs will appear on the shorts.

You can make the product without fringe. To do this, you need to fold the edge of the fabric and hem it. Those who like folds can fold the fabric again after stitching this way. This model will look more strict.

Iron the edge to secure the edge.

Have a good and sunny day, my dear readers! It would seem that there is nothing easier than cutting off jeans and turning them into shorts. But when you pick up scissors and pant legs, you think and don’t know how to approach them so as not to spoil them and create a beautiful new piece of clothing. Today I propose to understand in detail how to make shorts from jeans with your own hands, how to decorate or design them so that the result pleases you.

Options for shorts from regular straight women's jeans

Any old jeans can be turned into fashionable ones. Straight-leg, high-waist jeans are especially good for this. It is quite possible to make shorts of any model and length from them, from seductive minis to capris. This is done very simply:

Advice. If you decide to make shorts with a lapel, you will need to add a few centimeters to the intended length for the lapel. Usually the lapel is made double and is added on average 2 times by 3 or 3.5 cm.

Fold the edge over twice and secure with stitches along the inside and outside side seams to secure it.


If you need ripped shorts, use nail scissors to make slits in the places where the holes are planned. Then release the horizontal threads along the edges and pull out the neatly cut vertical threads. You can simply fluff the edge of the shorts or holes by taking out a few of the outermost horizontal threads.

Advice. Regular scuffs on pant legs can be done with coarse sandpaper or a cheese grater.

Here are some tricks to help you get started:

  1. If you are making very short shorts, be careful with the pockets. They should be turned outward or folded up before you begin to cut the length of the pant leg.
  2. To make it more convenient to work, cut the length of the trouser legs in half, and then measure and carefully cut off the planned length.
  3. First cut off one leg, then measure along it and cut the second one so that the shorts are symmetrical.

This is how you can quickly and easily turn old, boring trousers into a stylish wardrobe item with your own hands. Below I will talk about how to decorate a new thing.

How to make shorts from skinny jeans with your own hands

Skinny jeans work best with very short mini shorts. You need to cut your pants short, preferably trying them on yourself. Pay attention to the front and back pockets. Their inner part can stick out from below, this is now fashionable. For such models, high-waisted pants are good, but low-waisted ones will also work for very daring extreme women. After all, such shorts are more like panties. This model is best worn on vacation to the beach, for example.

We give a second life to men's jeans

Women's or men's shorts can be made from men's denim shorts. For men, it is better to focus on a length just above the knee, to the knee, or just below. To do this, you just need to cut the legs to the desired length. If you are planning a turn, then do not forget to add 9 centimeters for it.


It is not recommended to make women's shorts from men's jeans, because the cut of the trousers is always tailored to the gender of their owner. However, today the so-called boyfriend jeans are in fashion. Therefore, today's fashion opens up a lot of opportunities for girls in terms of the style of denim shorts. For men's jeans, make shorts mid-length or knee-length.

Decorating shorts

I would also like to focus on shorts with lace. This is at the same time a feminine, elegant and stylish option that can be obtained from old denim trousers by simple manipulations with them. Make short shorts as described above and decorate the legs along the edges with thin lace, stitching it by machine or carefully sewing it by hand. In addition, you can decorate the back pocket with lace by cutting it out over the entire area of ​​the old denim pocket and sewing it in its place.


On the sides you can sew lace from large flowers or motifs, starting from the bottom of the trouser leg and right up to the waistband along the side seam.

You can trim the front pockets with thin, light lace, sewing it lightly into the gather. Any lace stripes in selected places on the shorts will look stylish and relevant.

Other decor options may be:

  1. All kinds of stripes, chevrons, appliqués.
  2. Embroidery with threads or ribbons.
  3. Rivets, rhinestones, sequins.


A very interesting option for creating stylish shorts is to decorate the front part with details cut from reversible fabric with sequins. You need to cut the front part right along the shorts and carefully sew it over the jeans.

Advice. The piping and floral cotton waistband make denim shorts a stylish summer item.

This is what I managed to find or come up with for you, but there are a lot of options for design and imagination. Come up with something yourself or combine several proposed options and you will get unique designer shorts.

I hope that you will find something useful for yourself among all the tips and secrets for needlework in our article on how to make shorts from jeans with your own hands, presented on my page. I suggest you subscribe to my updates and keep abreast of all the interesting finds and women's secrets on needlework and home economics. Share the link to the blog on social networks. I say goodbye to you until new interesting meetings!

Denim shorts are a trend this season, but this does not mean that they will go out of fashion next year. Some pieces, like cropped jeans, remain stylish at all times.

In many boutiques, such items of clothing are unreasonably expensive, often more expensive than the denim trousers themselves. But you can get such a fashionable item almost for free by making it yourself and with your own hands from old jeans, which, most likely, are in every woman’s wardrobe. And it’s a shame to throw them away, since they haven’t worn out yet, and it’s no longer fashionable to wear such models.

Which jeans to choose for shorts?

Not every base is suitable for short pants. Pants that are too baggy and loose will result in the same shorts. It is unlikely that you will feel comfortable in them.

Too tight will result in an overly narrow product. Just imagine that the bodice and trousers tightly fit your body, and in the places where they end, your legs will look somewhat swollen and puffy. It was as if your body had been squeezed out of your clothes by an incomprehensible mass.

Stretch jeans are also not the best option for converting them into women's shorts. The fabric contains plastic threads and elastic bands, which, when cut, tend to twist and pull the entire fabric along with it. If you don’t want to suffer with constantly curling trouser legs, then avoid stretch jeans.

The best option for making fashionable shorts from old jeans can only be 100% denim trousers with straight, slightly tight legs. By the way, khaki pants can also be turned into shorts, the main thing is that they also consist of cotton, which can be checked by the label.

What should be the length of denim shorts?

Before determining the length of a future wardrobe item, you need to tidy up the old one. Most likely, the jeans that you chose to have the cutting operation performed on them have been lying around for a long time (at best, washed) without use. Therefore, in order for them to settle slightly and the shorts obtained from them not to be shorter than the selected size, it is necessary to wash the trousers in any available way and dry them thoroughly.

Only then can you begin to determine the length of the new product. And it can be completely different. From old jeans you can get:

  • Capri. To do this, you need to put on old jeans and determine where your mid-calf is and leave a mark on the product at this place. Capri pants look original with both sandals and heels. Therefore, if you do not want any drastic changes, slightly shortening the legs is just the thing for you. For this solution, the best option may be tube jeans or even well-fitting denim trousers.
  • Bermuda. Their length is up to or above the knee by a couple of centimeters. This is a completely stylish and comfortable solution for every day. Both loose-fitting denim trousers and slightly tight ones are suitable for them.
  • A classic of the genre – medium-length shorts. That is, those short pants that are about 8 - 12 cm above the knee are made shorter only by the most daring, and longer - they turn out to be something similar to Bermuda shorts. Even heavily worn jeans are suitable for this option - it will even look more impressive - with scuffs and holes on the knee of the legs.
  • Short shorts. As mentioned above, this is for the bravest with beautifully contoured legs. Nowadays there are many lovely creatures who wear shorts that are too short. Such that the burlap pockets are visible from under the legs. The question immediately arises: why are pockets needed if you can’t even put a handkerchief in them? So when choosing the length of denim shorts, pay attention to such little things.

How to cut old jeans to shorts at home?


In order to cut off old trousers, strange as it may sound, you need to put them on. And then, using a regular or special tailor's chalk, mark the approximate line of the circumcision site. Next, after removing the jeans, use a more precise and thick line to specify the cut location. What should you consider?

  • If you want to get denim shorts with fringe, then keep in mind that with it, the product becomes shorter over time. Therefore, you need to add a couple of centimeters from the established line down so that the final length of the resulting product matches your desire.
  • If you plan to make shorts from jeans without fringe, then the cutting line should be moved down one centimeter.
  • If you want to get a standard sewing hem at the cut site, then you should lower the cutting line by 7 centimeters.

Have you decided on the cutting line? Place the pants on a completely flat surface. A table is considered the best option, since it is at the right height for work; it is convenient and comfortable not only to eat, but also to perform any work on cutting fabrics. If you are not the happy owner of a large table that can accommodate in its area the entire subject of further cutting, you can also use the floor.

Now take a ruler and use the same chalk to draw an absolutely straight line; it is unlikely that it turned out to be a straight line by hand. Repeat this manipulation with the other pant leg. The result should be a V shape with an obtuse angle. If this angle is brought closer to acute, the result is shorts that greatly and disproportionately expose the thigh portion of your legs.

The next step for you should be to cut the legs along the line. Please note that for this operation you need good scissors, not dull and not “chewing” the material, but obedient and sharp, otherwise you will ruin all the work done and will not receive satisfaction from the result.

But don’t panic if suddenly you don’t get a perfectly smooth and straight cutting line. It's okay, small errors can be easily corrected by fringe and hem.

Cut off? Now it's time to try on your work! So how is it? Are you satisfied with what you got? Do you think it's a little long? But if you plan to roll up your panties, they will become much shorter, keep this in mind.

The hem can be made on a sewing machine or hemmed by hand. Fold the edge, it is best to use an iron to get a curved edge along the entire circumference of the leg and feel free to sew it on a machine.

Fringe is the easiest to get, since you don’t need to do anything yourself. Just wash your denim shorts in the washing machine as normal. If the resulting fringe is not enough for you, wash it again.

You can add exclusivity to a new piece of clothing by doing some embroidery on it, decorating it with a lace ribbon, sewing beads in a special pattern, or painting some fashionable pattern with acrylic paints.

Denim shorts have not lost their relevance for many years. In order to always keep up with fashion trends, while saving as much as possible on your budget, you can make your own jeans shorts. These shorts will become the highlight of your wardrobe and will not go unnoticed. And you, in turn, will receive a stylish and unique item. How to make shorts out of trousers - you will find many interesting ideas in this article.

Giving a second life to old jeans

To make new shorts from old jeans, you will need:

  • Sewing scissors;
  • Set of needles;
  • Threads in color;
  • Sewing machine;
  • Chalk or tailor's marker;
  • Accessories and decorations with which you will decorate the future product.

Important! The best option would be shorts made of stretch denim, since thanks to the properties of this material, the future product will fit perfectly on the butt and hips.

Determining the correct length

It is very important to decide and measure the length correctly before cutting your jeans. It's best to take measurements on yourself. When choosing the length of a future product, you should take into account not only your desires, but also the shape of the jeans and their tightness to the body. Denim shorts, depending on the length, can be divided into:

  • Classic;
  • Bermuda;
  • Capri;
  • Ultrashort.

Additional measurements

After you have decided on the length of the future product, you should add 2-3 centimeters to this parameter to finish the edges. For a double edge, you will need at least 5 centimeters extra to process the edge.

Important! If you want the shorts to be very short, then in this case, the back part needs to be made a little longer than the front.

Preparing the pants:

  1. Connect the marks into a straight line.
  2. Adhering to the line you drew, very carefully cut off the trouser leg.
  3. Do the same with the second pant leg.

Important! If the jeans you are going to make shorts from have not yet been worn, then you need to wash and dry them before cutting them. This way they will settle and you can take measurements correctly.

What to do if the shorts are very short?

First you need to stop panicking. Even if you failed and miscalculated the length a little, it can all be fixed. In order to lengthen the shorts with your own hands, you can use the same cut off trouser legs. Just measure the width that you are missing, add a couple of centimeters for finishing and sew on simulating cuffs.

Important! Another option is a wide lace ribbon. All you need to do is sew it on. This way you will solve the problem that has arisen, and the shorts will receive additional decor.

How to style denim shorts

In order to make original shorts from denim trousers, they still need to be decorated. The type of future product depends entirely on your preferences and desired result. You can do it the standard way and just fold the edge. Well, for lovers of the original and stylish, we offer several ideas and methods through which you can create an individual and unique design.

Making a fringed edge

This is the simplest option that anyone can do. In order to get fringe, you need a sewing needle or tweezers. Use them to separate the horizontal threads from the free edge of the jeans. Separate until the fringe is the length you need.

Important! When creating fringe, the threads need to be separated one at a time. Despite the labor-intensive process, the result is a beautiful edge design without various deformations.

We decorate the edge in the form of an ornament

In order to make fashionable shorts with an original pattern from old jeans, you will need to use a template made of thick paper:

  • The finished stencil should be applied to the edge of the trouser legs and outlined on the fabric using a chalk or marker.
  • After the design is transferred to the product, you need to carefully cut the edge based on the intended marks.

Important! You can leave the shorts as is, or you can sew the folded edge using a sewing machine.

Making torn edges

In order to make torn edges of the product, you do not need much effort. After trimming, they already turn out torn. Your task is to refine them using a blade or a utility knife.

Important! For beauty, you can make a few additional cuts.

To create a full worn effect, the cuts can be tousled with your hands or using sandpaper.

How to dye denim shorts?

In addition to how to cut and hem jeans, you can show off your personality by dyeing them a different color. Thanks to bleaches and special paints, you can create a model that will be in a single copy only for you.

White is always in fashion

To turn blue shorts into pale blue or white, you should use bleach. Just dilute it in water (1:1 ratio) and soak them in this solution for several hours. The procedure must be repeated until the desired result is obtained. When finished, wash the product as usual.

Important! To create various decorative blots, you need to splash bleach over the product in a chaotic manner and leave for a while. As a result, you will get original two-color shorts.

This option is suitable for lovers of bright colors. You can buy fabric dyes at any store with sewing accessories. These paints dissolve in water, making them easy to apply to fabric.

Important! Shorts must be bleached before dyeing.

The painting process and the future appearance of the product entirely depends on your desires and imagination. You can paint them completely or apply designs with a brush. After 20 minutes, the finished shorts can be rinsed and dried.

Important! An original solution is to use a stencil. This way you can apply the drawing evenly and accurately.

How can you decorate denim shorts?

When creating shorts from old jeans with your own hands, decor is of great importance, since the final appearance of the product depends on it. Today, the range of various accessories in the form of stickers and stripes, sequins, beads and bugles is simply off the charts. The most important thing is to decide what type of decoration you will use.

For lovers of glitter, sequins, rhinestones and beads are suitable

This decor will add charm to your shorts. You can lay out ornate patterns or simply scatter them in a chaotic manner. These decorations turn shorts into an exclusive, expensive and glamorous item.

Important! Beads and sequins need to be sewn on. Rhinestones are glued using special glue or steam.

For embroidery lovers

Embroidery is a decor that will brighten up any item, especially jeans. Thanks to her, your shorts will gain a unique design, a certain ethnicity and elegance. The location on the product does not matter - everything is at your discretion. Most often, embroidered elements are placed on the back pockets, sides or front.

Important! Embroidery must be applied using special floss threads. First, make a drawing of the future decor on tracing paper, and only then transfer it to the fabric.

Inserts made of colored fabrics

To make shorts made from denim bright and unusual, you can decorate them with inserts of colored textiles. Scraps of fabric can be scattered randomly in the form of patches, or you can use it to create a decorative finish.

Important! Pay attention to the fabric patches with various prints. They look very bright and extraordinary.

Top most fashionable denim shorts

In order to be on trend, without spending exorbitant amounts of money on purchasing such popular shorts, we bring to your attention how you can create the most popular styles of this season using old jeans.

Chic and shine thanks to sequins

You can decorate a product with sequins in two ways:

  • Decorate individual elements - pockets, lapels, belt or cuffs.
  • You work directly with the entire fabric.

Depending on the method of decorating the product, there are 2 types of sequins - rolled and piece:

  • With the first ones, the situation is simple, since they are sewn on using a sewing machine. These sequins are best used to decorate a large area of ​​denim.
  • As for individual ones, sewing them on is a very labor-intensive and time-consuming process. But you can not only cover it with these sequins, but also create various designs and patterns. This decor will add glamor and luxury to your outfit.

In order for you to have such shorts, you need to do the following:

  1. Cutting the legs of old jeans.
  2. Process the edge.
  3. Create a sketch of the finished product.
  4. Calculate the required number of decorative elements.
  5. Sew on the sequins according to the sketch.

Important! To get even more creative, use accessories of different sizes.

Add tenderness with lace

This decoration technique is very simple and time-consuming. You don't have to be an experienced tailor to make your own shorts with lace. There are a large number of options on how you can create elegant and delicate decor with lace elements.

The most popular are:

  • Bottom edge decor;
  • Addition in the form of a lace strap;
  • Side inserts;
  • Patch on back pockets;
  • Lace decoration of the entire product.

How to decorate shorts with lace?

We bring to your attention an example of how you can make fashionable shorts decorated with lace on the sides.

For this you will need:

  • Old jeans;
  • Lace;
  • Thin threads;
  • Needle.

Operating procedure:

  1. First, prepare your jeans and shorten them to the required length.
  2. The side seams should be opened, but not completely, only to the length you need. This is necessary for sewing on the future insert.
  3. Cut a wedge from the canvas.
  4. From the lace you have chosen, cut out a similar wedge of the appropriate size.
  5. Using pins, a piece of lace is pinned from the outside to the sides of the product.
  6. Sew the lace with neat and invisible stitches or topstitch.

Important! Be sure to try on the shorts before attaching the lace.

“Star” shorts

A very unique way is to apply shapeless blots in a chaotic manner. This composition creates the effect of starry space. This design can be created using whiteness. You simply need to spray the solution with a spray and wait a while

As for paints, you can use “pure” colors or mix them together. They should be applied using a sponge around faded blots. A toothbrush will also work great. To do this, you need to immerse it in a white dye solution, and then, splashing the paint, create numerous small dots.

Artist shorts

This is a very interesting idea. Its essence lies in creating various intricate patterns on denim shorts. In order to decorate a future product in this way, you will need:

  • Fabric paints;
  • Stencils;
  • Brushes;
  • Lace.

This technique is very simple and straightforward:

  1. You need to draw the required design or pattern on a sheet of thick paper or cardboard and cut it out.
  2. Next, apply it to the desired areas on the shorts.
  3. Using a brush and paints, sketch out the cutouts.

Important! An excellent option is to use lace elements. You need to soak the lace in bleach or a whitening solution and apply it to the product for 30-40 minutes. Due to the fading of the fabric, you will get a lace pattern.

The most creative and expensive way is to apply patterns and designs by hand. To do this, you need to make a preliminary sketch, apply it to the product with chalk, and then paint it with colored paints.

Ultra-fashionable “Ombre”

The most popular trend this season is gradient coloring, or ombre. You can make it yourself by turning old and boring jeans into stylish shorts:

  • Once the jeans have been cut to the desired length, you can proceed directly to dyeing.
  • Prepare special acrylic paint for fabric. If it is powdery, then it should be diluted in water.

Important! For the first coloring you need to make a not very concentrated coloring solution.

  • We lower part of the product into a container with paint for 5-8 minutes.
  • Pour the remaining paint into the old solution and lower the shorts again, only for a shorter length than the first time. Due to this, the second line will come out brighter and darker.

Important! To perform the ombre technique using several colors at once, you need to apply the coloring compositions one by one. On the border line, paint should be mixed to soften the transition.

Short ripped shorts

Shorts with scuffs or artificially aged are considered very fashionable today all over the world. In order for such a thing to appear in your wardrobe, you just need to show your imagination and a little effort:

  • The first step to making ripped shorts is to cut off your old jeans.

Important! For this model, it is best to cut denim pants in a V-shape.

  • Next you need to decide on the edge. Most often it is decorated with fringe, since such decor looks very appropriate in this option.
  • When everything is ready, you can start creating scuff marks. They are made using sandpaper or a regular kitchen grater.

Denim shorts are a staple in every girl's wardrobe. They captivate with their convenience and very stylish appearance. In order to have fashionable shorts without spending a fortune, you need to rummage through your closet and find a pair of jeans that you haven't worn in a while. With the help of the above tips and tricks, you can create several trendy models at once. And if you add a little more imagination and creativity, you will get custom-tailored and designed products that are so in demand today.

Glad to meet you! Again the conversation will be about useful alterations from old to new. This time, how to make your own jeans shorts. There are many tricks in this handicraft, which we will tell you about today.

How to transform old into new?

In every housewife's wardrobe, old, worn clothes lie idle. It's time to get down to business and give them new life! Thick seams scare you? Experienced craftswomen shared some tricks that will help cope with this problem.

How to set up a sewing machine


Let's start sewing


And we finish...

  1. To make a belt loop, take pieces of fabric 3.5 cm wide. Iron them 1.3 cm on one side and 1.0 cm on the other. Sew along the front side with thick threads, departing 3 mm from the edge.

To ensure that the reverse side is no different from the branded one, make a “goat” seam. The finished belt loop is 6.5 cm.


Scheme for converting jeans into shorts


Getting fashionable shorts is very easy. First, measure the desired length and draw a cutting line around the entire circumference of the leg with chalk. Measure again and cut. Your dream is for the new thing to have a lapel.


Crafts lessons for beginner seamstresses

Young girls all over the world have fallen in love with ripped shorts. Why don't we create our own masterpieces? A new thing can come from old ones. Measure the required length, cut, and tear off with your hands where there are no seams. Cut at the seams with scissors.

Important! Cutting lines today are made in a V-shape. This way the product looks much more original than when cut in a straight line.


To obtain transverse stripes, just cut the shorts with scissors, then pull out the threads. Don't forget that the holes will get even bigger when washed, so don't overdo it!


To make your shorts even more frayed, rub them with sandpaper.


Ombre shorts

Beautiful pants are obtained by dyeing them in the form of “ombre”. This technique has gained real popularity. Dyeing process:

  • Dilute dry acrylic paints for fabric with water strictly according to the instructions.
  • There are two methods of gradient painting: paint of one color or two colors.
  • Dilute a small amount of dye so that the color is not saturated.
  • Place most of the product in a container with liquid and hold for 5 minutes.
  • Take out the shorts and dilute the remaining paint in the same water.
  • In a darker liquid, lower the product again and hold for 5 minutes. In this case, you need to lower it to a shorter length than the first time. The second part of the product should be darker.


How to decorate a new thing

Wearing simple shorts is no longer interesting. They need to be decorated! How to decorate a new wardrobe item? Here you can give free rein to your creative desires.


Things look beautiful if they are decorated with appliques, sequins, or beads.


Shorts with lace look feminine.


Women's shorts with lace can be made in a few minutes:

  • cut off the edges on both sides,
  • sew in lace.

Lace can be sewn onto the pockets or along the entire line of the legs, it all depends on your imagination.


What if you try to cut not in a straight line, but in a zigzag? Nothing complicated! Take a cap from a plastic bottle, trace it, cut it, and process it using an overlocker.


No one has ever seen such a new thing!



Dear friends, when going on vacation, do not rush to the store for new clothes. You know how to make your own jeans shorts!