How to Make Denim Cutoff Shorties

Nothing shows off a great pair of legs like shorties. These extra-short shorts can be paired with almost any kind of top, and you can dress them up or down. If you have an old pair of jeans, it is easy to turn them into shorties that reflect your personal style. You can make them as short and distressed-looking as you want, using a few basic tools.

Instructions

1

Find a pair of shorties that matches the length you would like for your new pair. If you do not have a old pair, use a tape measure to determine how many inches from your inseam -- the seam between your legs -- you would like your shorties to be.

2

Lay your old shorties next to the pair of jeans you are shortening.

3

Mark the length you want your shorties to be, using a fabric pen or a washable marker. Most shorties have a distressed, casual look, but if you want them to look more uniform, you can use a ruler to measure and mark the same length all around the old pair of jeans.

4

Cut the old jeans with a razor blade or utility knife. These types of blades create a ragged look, while scissors give a uniform look -- which is not typical of shorties. Pin the pocket flap to the top of the jeans to keep them out of the way while cutting. For style reasons, some shorties show the pockets coming down lower than the shorts length.

5

Fray the bottom edges of the shorties, unless you want to roll them up later, by rubbing sandpaper across the cut edge.

---