Making cut off shorts is easy! Here is how to make Wrangle Cut Off Shorts for summer for under $15!
Summertime and Shorts = The perfect pair!
Shorts, they are a true summer staple. Your trusty pal through the sweltering summer months who are with you through thick and thin. There are many kinds of shorts, running shorts, chinos, biker shorts… the list goes on. My favorite shorts you ask? The good ole’ American staple, cut off Wranglers! Here is how to make Wrangler Cut Off Shorts for Summer!
This post contains affiliate links that I earn a small commission from at no cost to you. Please read my disclaimer notice here.
How to choose your jeans for your cut off shorts:
The brand of denim doesn’t matter so much. My favorite, however, are Wrangler Rustlers from Walmart. You can find these babies in the men’s section at Walmart for around $12 in many different colors. In this instance, I bought the darkest wash I could find. You could also use old jeans you have laying around the house (hint: stalk your husband’s closet for an old pair he doesn’t wear anymore), or check out a local thrift store!
As far as sizing goes, I bought a few sizes up so they would have a nice relaxed fit. Typically, I wear a size 26 or a size 2 depending on the brand. The Rustler Wranglers are sized in men’s sizing with the first number being the the waist size and the second number being the inseam length. The second number doesn’t really matter in this instance since we will be cutting off the legs. Because I wanted a relaxed fit, I went with a size 30/32.
Before purchasing your jeans, be sure to try them on! You will want to make sure that they fit comfortably and that the legs are not too tight. When trying them on, I make sure that I like the way they fit in the back and that the legs in the thigh area are not too tight. It is ok in this situation if the waist band gaps a little as we will want these to be a bit baggy.
What supplies do I need to make my own Wrangler Cut Off Shorts?
The supply list for this project is simple! You will need a pair of denim shorts (preferably without stretch), a pair of fabric scissors, spray bleach (I used Clorox), a straight edge, and a rotary cutter. Here it is in list form for easy reading:
- Denim Shorts
- Fabric Scissors
- Rotary Cutter
- Cutting Mat (or surface you don’t mind messing up)
- A Straight Edge (such as a ruler)
- Spray Bleach (I use Clorox)
How to make your own Wrangler Cut Off Shorts
Step 1: The first step in this process is cutting the jeans into shorts. I remove all of the tags and fold the jeans in half long ways. I measure down 4″ on the inseam and make a mark (I used a straight pin to mark, but you could use a marker). On the out-seam, I measured down 12″ from the bottom of the waistband. The line should be at a diagonal for a better fit when you put the shorts on. Feel free to play with these measurements to make the shorts longer or shorter, but remember, you can always cut off more later, you can’t add what you cut off back on!
Step 2: Distressing! This is the fun part, in my opinion. Using a pair of sharp fabric scissors, simply cut anywhere you would like distressing to show when your shorts are finished. I like to cut mine near the pockets, being careful not to cut through the pocket. I also like to place little slits in the waistband, fly, and back pockets. Using your rotary cutter, make vertical 1/2″ slits all the way across the hem of the shorts so the edge will fray nicely after washing.
Step 3: Bleaching! This step is optional, but I think it helps to make the shorts look more vintage and fun! Take your shorts outside and place them in the grass or on gravel and spray the heck out of them with your bleach spray! You will want these to be pretty saturated. I make sure to spray both sides well and leave them to process outside for 30-40 minutes.
Step 4: Wash your shorts. Once your bleach has had time to process, take your shorts inside and give them a good wash in your washing machine with regular detergent. Be sure you wash your shorts by themselves the first round so they don’t discolor any of your other laundry. After drying, you should start to see your distressing come to life! The more you wash and dry your shorts, the more your distressing will really shine through!
What are other ways to personalize my Wrangler Cut Off Shorts?
There are many more ways to personalize your new shorts to make them uniquely your own!
- Try cuffing the hems by tacking them on the out-seam with some embroidery floss
- Add patches. You could add iron on patches or even fabric patches to the pocket bags to show through your distressing!
- Add embroidery to the back pockets or waistband. Check out this pdf from RiverBirchThreads on Etsy:
- Go crazy with the bleach! Try bleaching in spots or letting your bleach process for a longer amount of time for a cool effect. You could even try a shibori technique with the bleach!
What do I do with my new Wrangler Cut Off Shorts?
Go on an adventure! The best thing about these shorts is that they cost under $15 and you don’t have to worry about messing them up! I love to wear mine to the pool, running errands, and most of all, to the coast with my husband! Now, get to it! Go enjoy SUMMER in your new shorts!
Shop this post!
Looking for more creative content?
Check out more of my posts here!
Pin for Later!
So cute! I just did this with a ton of my daughter’s pants she had either grown out of or had holes in the knees. A couple little snips and bam! new shorts!
Thank you! It’s such a fun way to give old clothes new life!