Okay, so I’ve been seeing denim shorts everywhere lately, and I decided I needed to revamp my summer wardrobe. I wanted to try a few different styles, so I embarked on a little DIY project. Here’s how it went:
The Hunt for Denim
First, I raided my closet and found a few pairs of old jeans that I never wear anymore. You know, the ones that are either too tight, too loose, or just out of style. I also hit up a local thrift store and scored a couple of pairs for super cheap. It is much better than throwing old denim!

The Chopping Begins
This is where the fun (and a little bit of anxiety) kicked in. I laid out the jeans and started marking where I wanted to cut. I used a ruler and some chalk to make sure the lines were straight. For my first pair, I went for a classic mid-thigh length. I snipped away, trying to follow the lines as closely as possible.
Fraying and Distressing
Once I had the basic shorts shape, I wanted to give them a more worn-in look. I took a pair of scissors and started fraying the edges. I just ran the scissors along the cut hem, pulling out some of the loose threads. For one pair, I even used a cheese grater (yes, a cheese grater!) to create some distressed patches on the thighs. It sounds weird, but it actually worked pretty well!
- Classic Cut-Offs: These were the easiest. Just a simple cut and some fraying.
- High-Waisted Shorts: For these, I used a pair of jeans that were already high-waisted. I cut them a bit shorter than the others and cuffed the hems for a more polished look.
- Distressed Boyfriend Shorts: These were the most fun to make. I used a looser pair of jeans and went crazy with the distressing. Lots of fraying, some rips, and even a few patches.
The Final Result
After a few hours of work, I had three completely new pairs of denim shorts! They’re not perfect, but I love that they’re unique and I made them myself. I also feel a bit proud.I’ve already worn them a bunch of times, and they’re super comfortable. Plus, I saved a ton of money by upcycling old jeans instead of buying new ones.
If you’re looking for a fun and easy DIY project, I definitely recommend giving this a try. Just grab some old jeans, scissors, and get creative!