You have an old pair of jeans that are ripped at the knee or worn out at the ankles. You hate to throw them out because they fit perfectly at the waist, but they're unwearable as pants.

Yes, you can easily turn old jeans¹ into a great pair of shorts. The process is simple: measure your desired length, make a straight cut, and then decide whether you want to sew a clean hem² or let the edge fray for a casual look.

In my 20 years running the DiZNEW denim factory, I’ve learned that a great pair of jeans is worth saving. We often get designs for shorts from people like Dean, and the patterns aren't much different from the top part of a pair of jeans.

It's the fit around the hips and waist that matters most. If your old jeans still have that, then you have the perfect base for your new favorite shorts. I'm going to walk you through the simple steps to give them a new life.

Can jeans really be made into shorts?

You're holding a pair of old jeans, scissors in hand, but you hesitate. You're worried that it's not that simple and you'll end up with a ruined pair of pants and a failed project.

Absolutely. Turning jeans into shorts is one of the easiest and most rewarding clothing DIY projects. As long as the jeans fit you well in the seat and waist, you can successfully turn them into shorts.

This project works so well because you aren't changing the fundamental fit of the garment.

The most complex part of making jeans is getting the top block—the area from the waistband down to the crotch—to fit correctly. Since you're keeping that part, you're guaranteed a comfortable pair of shorts.

The best candidates for this are straight-leg or slim-fit jeans³. Avoid using jeans that are very baggy, as they can look bulky and unflattering when cut into shorts.

The condition of the lower legs doesn't matter at all—in fact, jeans with frayed hems or holes in the knees are the perfect ones to choose for this transformation. It’s a great way to be sustainable and get more use out of the denim you already love.

How do you cut jeans into shorts correctly?

You want to make the cut, but you're not sure where to start. Getting the length right and making the cut straight seems tricky, and you don't want to end up with lopsided shorts.

For a perfect cut, first try the jeans on and mark your ideal length with chalk. Then, lay them flat, measure to ensure the mark is even, and cut about an inch below your mark to allow for fraying or cuffing.

Precision is what separates a professional-looking job from a sloppy one. Here in the factory, everything is about precise measurements. You should do the same at home. The most important rule is: measure twice, cut once. Here’s the foolproof method:

1. Put the jeans on. Stand in front of a mirror and decide on the length. A good starting point for guys' shorts is about two inches above the knee. Make a small mark with tailor's chalk or a pin.

2. Lay them flat. Take the jeans off and lay them on a flat surface. Use a ruler to draw a straight line across the leg at your mark.

3. Ensure they're even. Fold the jeans in half lengthwise, perfectly aligning the waistbands and seams. Your drawn line should be visible. Now, you can cut through both legs at the same time, guaranteeing they will be the exact same length.

4. Add buffer. Always cut about an inch or two lower than you think you need. This gives you extra fabric to create a cuff or to allow for a frayed edge to develop without the shorts becoming too short.

How can you turn jeans into shorts without sewing?

You like the idea of DIY shorts, but you don't own a sewing machine and don't want to sew by hand. You're looking for a simple, no-fuss way to finish the shorts.

You have two great no-sew options: create a casual frayed edge⁴ by simply washing the cut-offs, or make a clean cuffed hem by rolling the fabric up twice and ironing it flat to set the crease.

A no-sew finish is fast, easy, and very stylish. Most of the shorts we make for brands actually have one of these two finishes. Your choice depends on the look you want.

• The Frayed Hem: This is the classic, casual look for cut-off shorts. The weave of denim naturally frays when it's cut. All you need to do is cut your jeans to the desired length and then throw them in the washing machine and dryer. The agitation and heat will start the fraying process perfectly.
• The Cuffed Hem: This style provides a cleaner, more intentional look. After you cut the shorts (remembering to leave about two inches of extra length), simply fold the bottom edge up twice. A one-inch fold, done twice, creates a nice, sturdy cuff. To make it stay in place, press the cuff firmly with a hot iron. The heat will set the folds, and they will hold their shape through many wears. For a more permanent hold, you can add a few dots of fabric glue inside the cuff.

How do you get that perfect frayed look on cutoffs?

You want your shorts to have that cool, naturally distressed fray at the hem, not just a few loose threads. You're aiming for that effortless, worn-in style you see in stores.

To get a great fray, wash and dry the shorts on a high heat setting immediately after cutting them. For an even more distressed look, use tweezers to pull out a few of the white horizontal threads along the cut edge.

Creating authentic-looking distressing is an art form at our factory, but you can easily replicate it at home. The machine wash and dry cycle is your most important tool.

It tumbles the fabric and loosens the weave, starting the process for you. If you want to take it a step further, you can enhance the fray manually.

Denim is made of blue vertical threads (warp) woven with white horizontal threads (weft). The white weft threads are what create that classic frayed look.

After the first wash, lay your shorts flat and use a pair of tweezers or a pin to carefully pull out some of the white threads along the bottom edge. This will release the blue threads and create a thicker, softer, and more authentic-looking fringe.

You can also use a piece of sandpaper or a wire brush to gently rough up the edge for an even more worn-in appearance.

Conclusion

Don't throw away your old jeans. With a simple cut and a no-sew finish, you can easily transform them into a comfortable, stylish pair of shorts that fit you perfectly.

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