DIY: Transform Vintage Levi’s into High Waisted Denim Shorts
Jean shorts are downright expensive...and if you’re anything like me, you have to replace your entire collection of denim shorts on a yearly basis. Fortunately, with a little creativity, a pair of scissors and a stop at your local Goodwill, you won’t have to spend your savings on a new summer wardrobe yearly.
For this how-to article, I picked up a pair of men’s size 34 Levi shorts at my local Goodwill for $4! I typically wear a size 4-6 in women’s shorts depending on the brand, but with a great belt the shorts can be made to suit all of your denim needs. I definitely recommend going a bit looser in regard to the fit, because I don’t like my shorts skin tight.
The first step to making these wide leg men’s shorts into a total fashion statement is to try them on and mark how short you desire your shorts to be. Then, take the shorts off and cut about an inch or so below that mark on a downward diagonal toward the crotch of the pants. Do this on both sides.
The next step includes using scissors and dragging them all the way across the shorts with light pressure, being careful not to make a complete incision. Following this motion you can begin to pull out the tiny white threads that will create a fringed, distressed look for the bottom of the shorts.
Next, use this same process on the back of the shorts and anywhere that you’d like a little distress on the jeans. For me I like to do a few small slits on the front pocket areas, along with a few on the back pockets.
There is one last step before you are ready to hit the beach in your vintage beauties, which is putting your denim into the dryer for 10 to 15 minutes. This process allows the frays to thicken up a bit and give the distress a fuller and more finished appearance.
And it’s as simple as that. Four dollars and a lot of denim fuzz later you are ready to sport a vintage pair of distressed Levi’s!