For the longest time I have been hunting for a pair of jean shorts that aren't too low rise, aren't too short and aren't in perfect condition - a.k.a vintage Levi 501's, cropped and cut into the dream shorts I long for. So yesterday, I finally took it upon myself to do a little DIY to my new H&M boyfriend shorts that I purchased not too long ago. I pondered the thought of just buying a pair of Levi's but then I couldn't fathom the thought of cutting them up with the off chance that they don't turn out exactly how I want them. So this seemed like a much easier way of doing it, and to my surprise they actually turned out pretty well (If I do say so myself...).
DISTRESS YOUR SHORTS:
1) find a cheap pair of shorts that you don't mind giving a little TLC (especially for your first try) Like mine from H&M for only $29.95...
2) Grab a pair of scissors, a small sharp kitchen knife, and sand paper
3) Start off by unrolling the cuffs of the shorts, and use your scissors to cut along the hem, removing the stitching and straight edged cut of the shorts - for a more frayed look
4) take your small knife and run it along the frayed edges to add a more distressed look
5) Once you are done cutting the bottom of your shorts, it's time to wear them in a little near the pockets - take your small knife and sand paper and run them along the pockets to give them a much more worn look
6) To create distressed holes on your shorts, use your small knife and begin to rub back and forth along the desired area on your shorts, after a while you should begin to see fraying pieces appear
7) for the final finish - toss your shorts into the washing machine and dryer, this will bring out the frayed edges and make the holes look a little more natural
8) If you want your shorts to look even grungier - toss a small amount of bleach in during their first wash
9) Voila! You now have a pair of distressed jean shorts, without the fear of cutting up your new Levi's ;)
good luck & enjoy !!
DISTRESS YOUR SHORTS:
1) find a cheap pair of shorts that you don't mind giving a little TLC (especially for your first try) Like mine from H&M for only $29.95...
 | ||
| mine are a darker wash, but these are very similar |
3) Start off by unrolling the cuffs of the shorts, and use your scissors to cut along the hem, removing the stitching and straight edged cut of the shorts - for a more frayed look
4) take your small knife and run it along the frayed edges to add a more distressed look
5) Once you are done cutting the bottom of your shorts, it's time to wear them in a little near the pockets - take your small knife and sand paper and run them along the pockets to give them a much more worn look
6) To create distressed holes on your shorts, use your small knife and begin to rub back and forth along the desired area on your shorts, after a while you should begin to see fraying pieces appear
7) for the final finish - toss your shorts into the washing machine and dryer, this will bring out the frayed edges and make the holes look a little more natural
8) If you want your shorts to look even grungier - toss a small amount of bleach in during their first wash
9) Voila! You now have a pair of distressed jean shorts, without the fear of cutting up your new Levi's ;)
good luck & enjoy !!
You should do a video!! These shorts look great! If you do, let me know at Twentysomethingtransue@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for doing this; I have always wondered how to do this because they look so cool. I just did my first pair :) wish there was a way I could take a picture and share. but anyways; thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteAnother way you could do it is turn the shorts or jeans inside-out cut 2 straight lines about an inch across and pull out the white strings with the tip of a thumb tack. but dont break the strings or it wont turn out right
ReplyDeleteCheck out my DIY for bleach dyed denim shorts! This tutorial would make for cute bleach dyed denim!!
ReplyDeletehttp://nicolecase.blogspot.com/
You can also use a cheese grater/ hand/ micro grater instead of the knife/ sandpaper.
ReplyDelete29.95 are cheap shorts!?!
ReplyDeleteI had this exact thought! O_o Go to Goodwill, get (sometimes brand name!) shorts for under $5!
DeleteThinking the same exact thing! But great idea^ i love going to goodwill i got a juicy sweatshirt there for $6!
DeleteGlad I wasn't the only one that thought that was crazy... if I was going to spend $30 bucks on something I certainly wouldn't cut it up like this. I would get it the way I want it haha!
Deletethis is great love it!!
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I was thinking the same thing as the person above, 29.95 are not cheap shorts! Especially to come home and chop them up (so to speak) ! They look great, but I'd stick with using old jeans.
ReplyDeleteGo to Goodwill! Cheap shorts there are actually cheap- $2, and they're good brands like Banana Republic and Wet Seal!
DeleteI just did my own DIY shorts out of jeans. Just an old pair. (no cost!) I used a razor blade for the rips it's much easier and faster.. Just don't press too hard or it will just make a straight cut. I also dip dyed them with bleach. They're so cute!
ReplyDeleteThere's also a quicker & easier way to create distressed holes in our jeans. Just lay your jeans on the edge of a hard surface, & rub with a nail file or sand paper. It works great!
ReplyDeleteYou could also go to your local thrift store or consignment shop to purchase some (cheaper than $29.95) Or you could even buy a pair of jeans there to cut off to your desired length, then distress them.
ReplyDeletemake a video and email me if you do please shrlby21@aol.com !
ReplyDeleteI tried this with some old jeans that I never wore anymore. I didn't have great expectations but thought it was better to try and get some new shorts than throw them away. Well I'm thrilled to report that I now have two of my favorite shorts. They turned out great!!
ReplyDeleteThe shorts turned out great! I just found your blog, and fell inlove with it! I hope you take time to visit my blog too :)
ReplyDeletehttp://funandoblivious.blogspot.com/
I am from the 80's and me and my friends always made our own shorts. My high school daughter didn't believe me so I made her some. She thought they were UGLY! She needed a pair of Grungy shorts to wear to her school car wash so I insisted she wear the ones I made her. When she walked up, EVERYONE asked where she bought them. They were shocked to hear I made them and they asked me to make some out of their old shorts too.
ReplyDeleteThat's so cool!! What did u do? My daughter sounds like she'd like that too. I'm from 80's jean shorts cutoff days too!!:-)
DeleteI was also wondering...how did you do it?
DeleteGet your jeans from Salvation Army thrift, about 2-7 dollars even for designer brands, it's the luck of the draw, good luck!
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How do you get the long white fringe on the bottoms?
ReplyDeleteThe fringe will come from washing and wearing!
ReplyDeleteHow do you stay so thin????
ReplyDeleteThis is just way too much work.
ReplyDeleteBetter way:
find a cheapo pair of JEANS from Goodwill.
Cut the legs off to the desired length.
Cut some slits in the remaining shorts.
Wash, dry, boom.
Some of mine:
http://instagram.com/p/JH4EjRqcp_/
http://instagram.com/p/MeFERgqcqy/
these are the worst directions on the planet. what the hell?
ReplyDeleteNot so easy directions, but it sounds like everyone has the same idea. Be from the jean short cut-off days, buy some cheap shorts at a "thrift" store, and make your own with scissors, bleach, nail file, cheese grater, etc. Great ideas and directions commenters. :)
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ReplyDelete-Danielle
http://www.blissfulanddomestic.com/2013/05/10-summer-tutorials-feature-friday-link.html
30$ for jean shorts?!?! Just use an old pair of jeans or get some at the thrift store. I personally have more luck at the Salvation Army store by us...more name brand stuff that I am looking for...but either way, I would NEVER pay more than 5$ for them!!
ReplyDelete