Picture this: You're cleaning out your closet and you come across that stack of you would to wear but they just don't fit quite right. (In case you couldn't tell, this was me recently.) You might say you'll take them to a tailor and get them properly hemmed or taken in, but when is that really going to happen? In an effort to wear more of your cool band tees, , or graphic tops, this is your sign to finally pick up that pair of scissors and just have at it! There's nothing too bad that can happen, and the best-case scenario is that you'll actually get use out of your old T-shirts while sharpening your DIY skills.
To test my cutting abilities, I started with some secondhand shirts, and now I'm confident enough to start cutting up my actual clothes. But, I will say, the results turned out so cute that I've now added them into my rotation. Plus, cut-up graphic tees just give that nonchalant look.
Wear 'em with or to complete your . I tested out five different styles: a V-neck cut, a one-shoulder cut, a cropped cut, a sleeveless cut, and an overall distressed cut for some variety, but you can also go for it with the scissors to create any other styles that speak to you. If your top is slightly long, you can always , but sometimes you just wanna go all in and start chopping fabric off.
I feel that. I also feel ya if you're here to just be inspired and you rather wear your tee as is (or shop new ones). If that's the case, check out these and with all the rave reviews.
Also, here are the (something we'll all need no matter what category we fall in). Okay, now onto the very simple items you'll need to begin your DIY project. What you'll need: Keep scrolling for five different ways to cut your T-shirt.
..or to make fun of my very mediocre abilities, it’s okay.
The V-Neck Cut Apparently, this is the way the ~cool~ kids do a V-neck now. For this style, you’ll leave the trim on the collar and start making your cuts underneath so it gives that choker effect. You can always opt to make the cuts wider or deeper depending on how low you want to go.
The Cropped Cut This is a classic and such an easy fix for pretty much any T-shirt you need to shorten, either by a little or a LOT. You can make it as cropped as you want! The One-Shoulder Cut A simple cut that gives any shirt more edge with an asymmetrical look. If you want it to be even, just repeat the steps on the other side for a cold-shoulder style.
It’s really that simple. The Sleeveless Cut The same method as the cropped cut but sans sleeves. (Pretty self-explanatory, but you never know.
) You can also wear a cute bralette underneath if the sleeveless area dips down a little lower on each side. The Overall Distressed Cut With Cap Sleeves Okay, so there’s kind of a lot going on with this one (and maybe it’s not my best work, whatever), but you get the gist—and you can probably do it better yourself. Capped sleeves are easy to create with simple diagonal lines, and then you can get creative and start making cuts at the neckline, sides, and/or the bottom for an extra holey look.
I'm Cosmopolitan's Associate Fashion Editor and write about any and all trends, major celeb fashion moments, and why wide-leg jeans are basically the best. I originally moved to New York City to audition for RENT, only to find out that the play closed 10 years ago..
