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There’s nothing wrong with retiring a pair of jeans… unless they’ve still got plenty of life left in them. Whether they no longer fit quite right, have worn knees or you simply don't reach for them anymore, turning old jeans into shorts is one of the easiest ways to give your denim a second life. The best part? You only need a handful of tools, a few minutes, and you've got yourself a brand-new summer staple.
What You’ll Need
- A pair of jeans
- Fabric scissors
- Fabric chalk
- Ruler
- Measuring tape
- Sandpaper
Step 1: Find Your Perfect Length of Your New Shorts
Before making any cuts, try your jeans on and decide where you'd like your shorts to finish.
Everyone has a different preference – whether you love a longer Bermuda style or a classic mid-thigh short – so take a moment to find the length that feels right for you.
Once you've decided, make a mental note (or measure) where you'd like the hem to sit.
Step 2: Mark Your Cutting Lines
Using your fabric chalk, mark your chosen length on the outer seam of each leg.
Next, mark the inner seam around 1–2 inches lower than your first mark.
This slight angle helps create a much more natural fit once the shorts are worn, rather than leaving them sitting straight across the leg.
Using your ruler, connect the two marks with a smooth diagonal line.
Step 3: Make the First Cut
Using sharp fabric scissors, carefully cut along the chalk line you've just created.
Take your time here — it's much easier to remove more fabric later than it is to put it back!
Step 4: Match the Second Leg
To make sure both legs are the same length, fold your jeans in half so the cut leg lines up with the uncut one.
Use the first leg as a guide and trace the same shape onto the second leg before cutting.
This simple trick helps keep both sides even and symmetrical.
Step 5: Create a Distressed Finish
Now it's time to give your shorts that lived-in look.
Using a piece of sandpaper, gently rub along the freshly cut edges. This softens the denim fibres and creates a subtle frayed finish that will continue to develop naturally after a few washes.
If you prefer a cleaner finish, you can always fold the hem up instead, but a raw edge gives your shorts that effortless summer feel.
And you’re done! You've turned your jeans into shorts.
Just like that, you've transformed an old pair of jeans into a brand-new wardrobe staple.
Sometimes extending the life of your clothes doesn't require complicated repairs – it can be as simple as adapting them to suit the season. By reworking what you already own, you're reducing waste, saving money and getting more wear out of pieces that might otherwise have been forgotten.
Every garment kept in use for longer is one less item heading towards landfill, and that's exactly what circular fashion is all about.
Want to see the transformation in action? Head over to our YouTube channel for the full step-by-step tutorial.
And when your denim really has reached the end of its wearable life, don't throw it away. Send it to us through one of our Takeback schemes and we'll make sure it's repaired, repurposed, recycled or re-loved – never sent to landfill.
Got questions about repairs or upcycling? Drop us an email at hello@reskinned.clothing, we're always happy to help.