Say farewell to long tops and tees. Now is the time to embrace the cropped tee. Looking for an inexpensive and stylish way to get those pretty cropped t-shirts? Well, I’ve got a DIY tutorial right here!
Are your oversized tees collecting dust in your wardrobe? Don't toss them out just yet! With a pair of scissors and a dash of creativity, you can turn those drab shirts into fab cropped tees. In this simple guide, we'll show you how to transform a new or old oversized tee into a trendy and wallet-friendly wardrobe staple.
Materials Needed:
- Oversized cotton t-shirts in a knit fabric (I used men's large white cotton Kirkland t-shirts from Costco).
- A cropped shirt you already like the length of (for reference).
- Measuring tape or ruler.
- Scissors. Fabric scissors work best, but sharp kitchen scissors will do the job too.
- thread and needle (only needed if your T-shirt have two side seams)
What Type of Fabric To Choose?
Choose a knit fabric because when it is cut with scissors, it won’t unravel and there won’t be any hanging threads that pull apart the shirt. The best part of the Kirkland t-shirt from Costco (the ones I used), is that these do not have seams at the sides - the body is made of one tube of knit fabric, which means there’s no need to add reinforcing stitching after you make your cut. If you use a shirt that is made of two flat panels that have two side seams, then I recommend using thread and a needle to reinforce the two side seams after you cut across the stitching, otherwise they will unravel at the sides.
Step 1: Choose Your Shirts
Select an oversized tee that you want to give a new lease on life. I like the look of loose fitting oversized cropped tees so I opted for men's large white cotton Kirkland t-shirts from Costco, a budget-friendly choice with a seamless design.
Step 2: Measure and Mark
Decide how short you want your cropped tee to be. Using a measuring tape or ruler, mark the cutting line on your tee. If you have a cropped shirt you already like, use it as a guide for the ideal length.
Step 3: The Cut
With your scissors in hand, carefully cut along the marked line. Take your time to achieve a straight and even edge. If you're feeling adventurous, you can make small snips along the bottom edge for a trendy, distressed look.
Step 4: Try It On
Slip into your newly cropped tee to check the fit. If you want a more tailored look, consider trimming the sides for a slimmer silhouette. This step ensures your creation matches your unique style and comfort preferences.
Step 5: Wash and Dry (optional at this point)
You might want to wash and dry your newly cut tee before wearing. Washing is generally a good idea for brand new clothing, but it will also help to remove tiny bits of thread that were cut along the seam. I didn’t bother washing it before wearing it. I found that after washing and drying, the bottom edge was able to curl and it looked really pretty. It was definitely a welcome accent that made the tee much more feminine looking.
Step 6: Optional Sleeve Styling
If you're feeling bold, consider cutting the sleeves for a sleeveless or short-sleeved look. Measure and mark the desired sleeve length before making the cut.
You can also fold up the sleeves a couple times to give it a more fitted and custom look.
And that’s it! You’re all done. I’m really happy with the results. The best part? For just $22, I got six shirts in the package, so it costs less than $3.50 each. Fashion on a budget has never looked this good!
Cropping your oversized tees is not just a money-savvy move; it's a fun and stylish way to breathe new life into your wardrobe. With a few simple steps and materials, you can add lots of cropped tees to your wardrobe that won't break the bank.
