How to Cut Jeans Into Shorts In 5 Easy Steps

If you've been searching for the perfect pair of denim shorts but can't find one that's quite your style, perhaps it's time to head to your closet. You likely already own jeans that you're willing to part with, which can easily be DIY'd into cut-offs. All you have to do is learn how to cut jeans into denim shorts.

Figuring out how to cut jeans into shorts isn't exactly hard, but at the same time, it's not as easy as it looks. Without considering certain things, such as exact measurements and which angles to cut at, you might end up with lopsided legs. Or you might find yourself in an endless cycle of trimming, eventually leaving you with something slightly shorter than you originally planned.

To prevent these wardrobe mishaps, we put together a step-by-step guide on how to cut jeans into shorts. Not only is this a more sustainable and affordable option than buying brand-new ones, but you'll also likely get great use out of these jean shorts for years to come.

Ahead, we'll take you through five steps for cutting your jeans into shorts.

Gather Materials

• A pair of jeans you want to cut into shorts
• Fabric scissors (not kitchen or craft scissors)
• Sandpaper
• Chalk
• A ruler
  

Note that you can use a permanent marker or a pen if you think chalk will be harder to spot. That said, we recommend chalk because it's easier to remove. Also, in case you're wondering, you'll use the sandpaper to fray your hem (more on that later).

Take Measurements

• First, slip on your jeans and use chalk to mark your desired length. Pro tip: It's easiest to make the mark along the inseam.
  
• Take off your jeans and lay them on a flat surface.
• For the most flattering hemline, make a second mark at a one- or two-inch diagonal on the other side of the leg.
• Connect the two marks on each side with the chalk. Use your ruler to help keep the line straight.
• To ensure both legs are symmetrical, measure the length from the inseam and from the waistline, helping you pinpoint where you should mark on the opposite leg. Needless to say, you need to do this before you cut.

Start Cutting

Cut along the chalked, angled line with fabric scissors. As you can see in this photo, it helps to bring the extra fabric along with you so that it doesn't get caught in the scissors as you glide across the denim.

Distress Ends

Tease out loose denim fibers with your finger. You shouldn't use too much pressure as the threads will come out with gentle tugs. Plus, pulling too hard will lead the threads to come out of the denim entirely and you only want it to show a bit.

Fray With Sandpaper

A hallmark of jean shorts is the distressed look at the bottom of the denim. To achieve this look in the jeans you turned into shorts, brush your sandpaper along the edge to further fray your hem.

Wear Them

Now, you're left with the length you wanted and a go-to piece for plenty of summer outfits—not to mention some bragging rights when people ask where you got your shorts from.

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