3 Ways to Customize Your Cut-Offs This Summer

Is there anything more blissful than jumping out of bed on a sunny summer morning and throwing on a perfectly worn-in pair of cut-offs?

The short answer is a resounding “No.” Ideal in their simplicity and versatility, cut-off shorts can be dressed up or down, and — if you make them yourself — are easily customized to suit your personal style. Today we’re showing you three different cuts you can make to breathe new life into a tired pair of jeans, whether they’re old favorites you just can’t bear to part with or a vintage pair of dad jeans you picked up at the thrift store.

Cut Off DIY

Scalloped Hem

Cut Off DIY

What you need:

Old jeans

Scissors

White chalk

Small circular cup or jar

Fray stop (optional)

Cut Off DIY

To create a scalloped hem, first try on the jeans and use the chalk to mark the desired length in the front and the back. You’ll want the inner seam to be slightly longer than the outer seam, and the back to be slightly longer than the front.

Once you’ve determined how short you want them, remove the jeans and lay them on a flat surface. On the front of the pants where you marked the inseam length, draw a slightly angled line from the inner seam up to the outer seam. This line will be the guide for your scalloped edge.

Cut Off DIY

Starting in the front, use the chalked line as a guide and trace halfway around the cup, lining the scallops up as you go. Once you’ve created a line of scallops on the front of the jeans, cut them out. Repeat in the back. To prevent the scalloped edge from fraying, use the Fray Stop along the inside edge of the hem.

Cut Off DIY

Boyfriend Bermudas

Cut Off DIY

What you need:

Old jeans (100% cotton works best for this – no stretch)

Scissors

White chalk

X-Acto knife

Cut Off DIY

As in the tutorial above, first try on the jeans to determine the desired length. Mark with the chalk. We kept this pair longer for a more relaxed look.

Cut Off DIY

Remove the jeans, lay them on a flat surface, and draw a slightly angled line up from the inseam to the outer seam. Remember that you’ll want the back hem to be slightly longer than the front.

Use the scissors to cut along the line. Once you’ve made the cut, try on the shorts to make sure you like the length. The best part about cut-offs is that you can always make them shorter, so if you’re unsure, always cut long and trim them down afterwards.

Cut Off DIY

Once you’ve cut the jeans to the length you want, use the X-Acto knife and this tutorial to destroy them. If the bottom of the legs feel too tight, you can cut a notch at the outer seam of each leg. The more you wash and wear this pair, the better they’ll look, so wear ’em often!

Cut Off DIY

Dolphin Hem

Cut Off DIY

What you need:

Old jeans

Scissors

White chalk

Cut Off DIY

Determine the length by first putting the jeans on. Because you’ll be creating a dolphin hem, which comes up higher on the sides, use the chalk to create an upside down V on the outer seam of each leg where you’ll be making your cuts. Remove the jeans, and on a flat surface, cut along the chalked line, curving slightly downward from the marked V. Try on the shorts to make sure both legs are even and make adjustments as needed.

Cut Off DIY

Cut Off DIY

Which way would you customize your cutoffs? Let us know in the comments!

More DIY projects from the BLDG 25 Blog.

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9 years ago

Oooh, the scalloped edge idea is my favorite. I might try to “destroy” some thrifted jeans this fall too for a grunge look. Thanks!

http://lamentinglizzie.blogspot.com

9 years ago

there are endless ways to custamize your jeans! how about appications, lace, studs, dye….so many options :)

lettersandbeads.blogspot.de

Hypnotica Vintage
9 years ago

I’m not into anything more custom than the perfect fit on my cut offs… but the suggestion about making the back hem longer than the front is genius! So obvious, but I haven’t been doing it. thank you!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/HypnoticaVintage

9 years ago

I love the first pair, it just has that little girly touch to it witch made me love them it is a bit different but still not do daring! xx Tilsie (Tilsie.blogspot.se)

9 years ago

i love the scalloped pair!

http://www.amoderngypsy.blogspot.com

Sara
9 years ago

Using the chalk is such a great idea! Whenever I make a pair of cutoffs I use mens levis! The pockets are a lot longer in them so they hang out and give off a boyfriend style short.

http://www.outfitoffender.com

9 years ago

Love denim cut offs!
I have a DIY on my blog where I mend a pair of old jeans doing a freehand weave with differend kinds of wool. Comes handy if you (like me) over did the whole tearing part ^_^
Follow the link if you are interested.
http://walkaboutnorge.wordpress.com/2014/03/23/gear-getting-ready-for-spring/

Kate
9 years ago

Be warned–use no stretch jeans for the scalloped edge shorts. Otherwise the ends will curl up. I know from experience!

9 years ago

ILOOVVEE THESE! <3 im definately trying them! ill post how they turn out!

9 years ago

Great ideas! ;)

9 years ago

Love all of them! I’ll try the first one!

http://justsem.wordpress.com/

9 years ago

I definitely love the scalloped edge. It looks so cute and fashionable paired with your favorite old jeans! You definitely don’t need to buy new jeans to be fashionable, you could use your favorite ones to customize your outfit.

Ashton
9 years ago

Love these!! I especially love the boyfriend cut offs!

Jenny
8 years ago

Dolphin Hem looks hot, I will make custom shorts with this cut. Lovely post.
https://www.orderyourgarments.com/