Got a pair with blown-out knees but a perfect fit up top? Don't bin them. Turn them into shorts. It's one of the easiest ways to give old denim a second life.
Choose your length
Measure the inside leg from the crotch seam to where you want the shorts to finish:
- 2–3 inches: classic short cut-offs
- 5–7 inches: mid-thigh, the most versatile
- 9–11 inches: knee-length, or "jorts"
Not sure how? See how to measure your inside leg.
How to cut them yourself
- Mark long. Add at least an inch for fraying or a folded hem. You can always go shorter.
- Try them on and mark with chalk while standing.
- Cut one leg, then fold the jeans in half and use it as a template for the other.
- Angle slightly: a touch longer at the inside leg than the outside usually looks better than a dead-straight line.
- Wash and dry to start the fray.
Raw or folded hem?
Raw, frayed hem: relaxed and very summer. It frays a bit more with each wash, which is part of the charm. A line of stitching an inch above the cut stops it fraying too far.
Clean folded hem: neat, shop-bought look, and it won't fray. A tailor can do this for you, or you can order it by post. Repair My Denim's jeans-to-shorts alteration offers both finishes.
Why home cut-offs go wrong
Denim legs twist slightly, so a cut that looks straight on the table can sit crooked when worn. That's why marking while you're wearing them matters.