A person is cutting a pair of jean

How to Make Pants Into Shorts: A Fun, Easy DIY for Your Old Jeans

Summer is here, and it’s time to give those old pants in your closet a fresh new life! Got some outdated pants you don’t wear anymore? Why not turn them into stylish shorts instead! Today we’ll share how to turn women’s pants and men’s pants into super cool shorts—all from the comfort of your home.

Pick the right pants and get your tools ready

First, pick a pair of pants that you don’t wear anymore. Whether they’re jeans, sweatpants or casual pants, they’re perfect for a transformation. Next, get your scissors, measuring tape, ruler, needle and thread, and pins ready.

Measuring and Marking

Put on your pants and stand up straight, and determine the length you want your shorts to be. You can choose a length slightly above the knee, or maybe a little shorter. Leave some extra room at the bottom for the edges. Use a measuring tape to mark the pants to make sure both legs are the same length.

Cutting the pants

Once you’re all set, it’s time to cut! Carefully cut along the marked lines with your scissors. If you’re not super confident in your cutting skills, take it slow and trim a little at a time. Afterward, try on the pants again to double-check the length.

Trim the edges

If you like a natural worn-in look, you can choose to leave them untrimmed and just wear them. But if you prefer a neater look, fold the edges of the pant legs, sew a line, or use some hot-melt tape to keep them secure. This will prevent the edges from fraying and keep the shorts looking sharp.

Need a quick refresher on basic sewing? Check out our easy guide on how to sew a hole in pants—super handy if you’re new to sewing or just need a little boost!

Small details to enhance your style

Add some personal touches to make your shorts stand out! You could sew on some lace, do some embroidery, or add fabric patches. You’ll have a unique pair of shorts!

Finish the look

Finally, try on your new shorts! Pair them with a simple T-shirt and throw on some sneakers or sandals. Your summer style is all set! It’s simple, fun, budget-friendly, and a great way to show off your creativity.

And if you’ve got a dress that’s a bit too long for summer? No worries—we’ve got you covered. Check out our quick tutorial on how to shorten a dress and give your wardrobe an extra glow-up!

In just a few simple steps, you can turn your old pants into fresh new shorts. Don’t forget, every step is full of endless possibilities, so go ahead and give it a try!

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