Distressed denim has been a trend for several years now and the shredded sensation shows no signs of stopping for this spring and summer. And while it may seem early, why not get a jump on getting ready for shorts weather? Instead of purchasing ripped, holey clothing for unreasonable prices, why not invest a little time and do it yourself?
In my instructions I hadn’t washed my shorts, so the frayed edges haven’t become as fluffy as they will be once I wash them. The whole process took me about two and a half hours to complete, but a large portion of that was spent watching TV and fraying the edges.
Supplies:
- “Mom jeans”
- Scissors
- Sharpie
- Metal kitchen tongs
- Tweezers
- Tape measure
Steps
Step 1: Go to a thrift store and pick out a pair of “mom jeans.” “Mom jeans” are defined as loose-fitting, high-waist, slightly tapered jeans. Finding a good pair of “mom jeans” is key, because they are loose around the thigh. Skinny jeans will not work for this DIY exercise.
Step 2: Find a pair of shorts that you already own and like the length of. Measure the inseam. Remember it or write it down; mine is 8 cm.
Step 3: Measure 8 cm on the inseam of your “mom jeans” and make your first mark. Make your second mark 3 cm down the leg of the pant from the first mark.
Step 4: Make a third mark parallel to the first mark on the outside leg of the pant.
Step 5: Now draw a line from the second mark on the inseam to the third mark you made on the outside leg of the pant.
Step 6: Cut along the line. Try the pants on again: if you like the length, skip ahead to step 9.
Step 7: If you find the length too long, fold the pants up to where you would like the hem to be. Remember to leave two centimetres of extra material, because when the edges are frayed they will get shorter.
Step 8: Carefully take the shorts off and cut to your folds. Don’t worry if the front looks shorter than the back, it has to be to accommodate the butt.
Step 9: When you are happy with the first pant leg, cut the other one the same.
Step 10: Fray the edges with a pair of metal tongs.
Step 11: To make frayed holes in the shorts, pinch the fabric vertically and cut a line horizontally. You might be able to see the threads more clearly if you turn the shorts inside out. Cut another line about one centimeter away from the first. Repeat until you think the hole will be big enough.
Step 12: Since you want the white frayed strings to appear in the hole, take a pair of tweezers and pull out the vertical blue threads. This will take quite a while, but you can easily queue up a TV show and watch it while you fray.