I seem to be collecting tees a the same rate as collectible magnets from travel destinations. I really can’t seem to stop–especially now that my style is taking on a more casual state with the increase wear of tennies each day. Regardless, there is something I often do to the tee shirts I collect: I hack them. Not every tee has that perfect J. Crew fit. Often times my tees are from markets and the fit needs some adjust. The process is easy–fold them at the seams neatly and cut away with some very sharp scissors.
Basic Hack
In order to cut somewhat evenly, I always fold the tee matching up the seams. In this way, when I cut the sleeves off, they should be even. Also, when I cut off the hem, there won’t be any sliding to one side since again the tee is folded in half. (Unless of course I’m going for an uneven look–now there’s a thought for my next tee hack!)
I fell in love with Ruby this summer. When I recently saw this tee in a night market while travelling in Thailand, I HAD to get it for myself!
Off the Shoulder Hack
Off the shoulder tops are the rage right now. They’re effortlessly sexy and the simplest of tee shirt hacks to make. I basically put the shirt on, and looked in a mirror to judge where the off-the-shoulder should start. Then I took off the tee and measured about an 1 1/2 down from the sleeve and shoulder hem. I folded my tee in half, matched the seams, and began to cut until I reached just below the tee collar. To finish off the tee shirt hack, I chopped off the sleeve hems as well.
I’m a Pisces with a very similar and always hidden tattoo (gasp!) of my fishies. When I saw this tee, it was one of those must haves just ‘cuz.
Muscle Tee Hack
We all have favorite tee shirts that become so old the arm pits yellow. Well, I shouldn’t speak for everyone, but I’m taking a guess that I’m not the only one experiencing this problem. To top it off, my favorite white tee had a hole in the armpit to boot. Since I wasn’t ready to toss this one or use it as a rag, I turned the tee into a muscle tank. Again, I lined up the sleeve hems. Then, I went about three inches below the armpit hem and cut straight up to the shoulder seam. Presto! My favorite white tee turned into a muscle tee.
Do you do anything to customize your tee shirts? I’d love to know as I’m always looking for new and different tee shirt hacks. Do share!
So much fun!
I love a bit of DIY…. this really suits your “too cool for school” style.
XXX
Samantha
http://www.fakefabulous.com
Awww, thanks Samantha. You always give me the best compliment. Too cool for school eh? That’s freakin’ awesome! A x
Easy DIY – I have some tees but don’t wear them enough to want to trim it. Love it!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Would love for you to stop by & join TBT Fashion link up.
Do you think you’ll give it a try Alice? I have so many tees that sometimes I think when I chop them up a bit it helps give each one a different unique style. A x
You are such a clever little minx. Very well done.
Greetje
Thank you Greetje! 😀 Annie
Thanks for the pdf. But this challenge is still a bit too difficult for me.
Oh gosh. It is? How can I make it more simple? I was thinking I chose a lot of things we all seem to have. Would it have helped if I made another page where I show how to mix them all? Thanks for downloading Greetje. Not many takers as of yet, but I’m real happy you are one of them! A x
No you just have hit a number of items I do not wear like jeans skirts. Remember I am much older than you are (haha). And my styling skills are only just starting to blossom. I will get there. In the end.
I have a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle tee that I got for the sake of my crazy TMNT-obsessed children, but I hate the fit! I have been meaning to hack it because traditional crew neck tees look horrendous on me. I just haven’t been able to figure exactly how I want to hack it. Now, I’m thinking your off-the-shoulder hack will be perfect! Thanks for the inspiration!
Shelbee