You have a pair of old jeans that you love, but they're worn out at the knees or just feel dated. You don't want to throw them away, but you never wear them.

Yes, you can absolutely cut jeans to make shorts¹. It's an easy and popular DIY project that breathes new life into old denim, giving you a custom pair of shorts for summer.

Transforming old garments is at the heart of denim culture². I've seen countless trends come and go, but the cut-off short is timeless.

Designers like Dean I work with often include "upcycled³" or vintage-inspired pieces in their collections, and the cut-off is a staple.

It's about taking something with history—a pair of jeans you've already broken in—and giving it a new purpose.

The trick isn't just cutting them; it's about doing it with a plan so they look intentionally stylish, not like a mistake. I'll walk you through how to do it right.

How do you cut jeans to make shorts?

You're ready to turn your old jeans into shorts. You have the scissors, but you're worried about making a mistake. Where do you even start?

First, try the jeans on and mark your desired length with chalk. Then, take them off, lay them flat, and add an extra 1-2 inches for a buffer before making a straight, careful cut.

The most critical part of this project happens before you even pick up the scissors. It's all about the preparation.

Step 1: Find Your Perfect Length

Put on the jeans. It's also a good idea to wear the shoes you'll most likely pair with the shorts. Look in a full-length mirror and decide exactly where you want the shorts to end.

Use a fabric marker⁴ or a piece of chalk to make a small mark. A common mistake is to mark the line straight across your leg while standing.

It's better to mark the inseam slightly higher than the outer seam, creating a subtle upward curve. This is more flattering and follows the natural shape of your leg.

Step 2: Mark Your Cut Line

Take the jeans off and lay them on a flat surface. Now, measure 1-2 inches below the mark you just made. This extra length is your safety net.

It gives you room for fraying and allows you to create a cuff if you decide you want one later. Use a ruler to draw a clean, straight line across the leg.

Step 3: Cut Carefully

Fold the jeans in half lengthwise, making sure the side seams and pockets are perfectly aligned. This ensures your cut will be even on both legs.

Use very sharp fabric scissors to cut through both layers of fabric along the line you drew. A clean, confident cut is key.

Can I just cut my jeans to create shorts?

You've made the cut, and now you have a pair of shorts with a clean edge. You're wondering if you're done, or if there's another step you're missing.

Yes, you can just cut them for a simple raw-edge look. However, you can also add a cuff for a neater style or distress the edges for a more intentionally worn-in vibe.

Just cutting them is a perfectly valid style choice, but you have options to customize the finish. The finish you choose really defines the character of the shorts.

In the factory, the finish is a critical part of the design process, and the same is true for a DIY project. Each style sends a different message.

Style	The Look	Best For
Raw Edge	Casual, effortless, and a little bit edgy.	A quick and easy update for a relaxed summer style.
Cuffed	Polished, neat, and more structured.	A cleaner look that prevents excessive fraying.
Distressed	Worn-in, vintage, and trendy.	Creating a unique pair with lots of personality.

A simple raw edge will fray naturally over time in the wash. For a cuffed look, simply fold the bottom edge up once or twice and secure it with a few stitches or an iron-on adhesive.

For a distressed look, you can use tools like sandpaper or tweezers⁵ to create targeted fraying and texture.

What are jeans cut into shorts called?

You've made your awesome new shorts. When someone asks you about them, you want to know what to call them. Is there an official name for them?

Jeans that have been cut into shorts are most commonly called "cut-offs." You will also frequently hear the term "jorts," which is a simple combination of the words "jeans" and "shorts."

The term "cut-offs" has been around for decades and is universally understood. It perfectly describes the process: you literally cut the legs off.

It brings to mind a classic, rebellious, rock-and-roll vibe. "Jorts" is a more modern, informal term that has become very popular in recent years.

While both terms are correct, their usage can sometimes depend on the style. "Cut-offs" might be used for shorter, more frayed styles, while "jorts" can sometimes refer to longer, knee-length versions.

Other style names can also apply based on the fit. For example, very short, frayed cut-offs are often called "Daisy Dukes," a reference to a character from an old TV show. In the end, what you call them is less important than how you wear them.

How do you fray jeans⁶ cut into shorts?

You've cut your shorts, but the edge is too clean. You want that soft, fluffy, perfectly frayed look you see on shorts in stores, and you want to create it yourself.

The easiest way to fray cut-off shorts is to wash and dry them a few times. For a more intense or immediate fray, you can use sandpaper⁷, a stiff brush, or tweezers.

Getting the perfect fray is an art, but it's an easy one to master. The denim's weave is your best friend here.

It's made of vertical (warp) and horizontal (weft) threads. Fraying is just the process of removing the loose horizontal threads at the cut.

• The Natural Method: Simply toss your new shorts in the washing machine and then the dryer. The agitation will naturally loosen the weft threads, creating a soft, even fray. Repeat this process a few times to get more texture.
• The Manual Method: If you want more control, you can speed things up. Take a block of sandpaper or a stiff wire brush and rub it vigorously along the cut edge. This will break up the fibers quickly.
• The Precise Method: For that stringy, high-fashion look, grab a pair of tweezers. You can selectively pull out the horizontal blue threads, leaving only the vertical white threads behind. This is more time-consuming but gives you the most dramatic results.

Conclusion

Cutting your old jeans into shorts is a fantastic way to upcycle your wardrobe. It is a simple, creative project that allows you to design a custom pair that is uniquely yours.

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