How to Turn Jeans into Shorts: Cut and Hem

Why convert jeans into shorts

Turning an old pair of jeans into shorts extends their life and reduces textile waste. The EPA estimates that textiles generation in 2018 was 17 million tons, with a recycling rate of 14.7 percent. Upcycling a worn or outgrown pair keeps them out of the landfill for another season.

Cotton, the primary fiber in most jeans, can biodegrade after use, according to CottonWorks. But you can delay that end-of-life step by giving the fabric a new purpose. Many jeans have plenty of life in the upper block even when the knees are thin or the cuffs are frayed.

Prepare the jeans before cutting

Start with a pair that fits well in the waist and hips. If you are converting an old pair, wash and dry them first so the fabric settles to its final shape. Denim can shrink slightly in a hot wash, and you do not want to trim after shrinkage has shifted the length.

Lay the jeans flat on a table or floor. Smooth out wrinkles and align the side seams. Check that the legs are stacked evenly, especially if the jeans have a twisted side seam. If one leg is longer due to wear, you will adjust when measuring.

Decide where you want the shorts to hit on your thigh. A classic cutoff ends at mid-thigh, but you can go longer for a bermuda-style or shorter for a high-cut look. Refer to the jeans inseam length guide and the jeans break length guide to understand how length affects the look and comfort.

• Wash and dry the jeans before cutting.
• Press or smooth the fabric to remove wrinkles.
• Align side seams and check for any leg twist.

Measure and mark your cut line

Put the jeans on and pinch the leg at the length you want. Use a chalk or a washable fabric marker to make a small dot on the outside of each leg. Then take them off and lay them flat.

Use a ruler or a straightedge to draw a line across the leg at your mark. For a square cut, draw perpendicular to the inseam and outseam. If you want a slightly angled or cuffed look, adjust the line accordingly. Remember that you will lose some length to a hem or fold, so add 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) if you plan to fold and stitch, or 0.5 inch (1 cm) if you want a raw edge and will not roll.

Measure from the crotch seam or the bottom of the hem as a reference. Write down the target inseam length so you can duplicate it on both legs. The jeans hem types guide explains how different finishes change the final length.

Double-check the line before cutting. Hold the jeans up and step back to confirm both legs are symmetrical. It is easier to cut a little less and shorten later than to fix a cut that removed too much fabric.

Cut the legs evenly

Use sharp fabric scissors or a rotary cutter. Dull blades pull the denim and create uneven edges. Place the jeans flat with both legs together if possible, or cut one leg at a time to avoid misalignment.

Cut along the marked line with smooth, even strokes. Do not try to cut through both layers at once if the denim is thick or if the legs are not stacked perfectly. Cutting one leg at a time lets you match the line precisely.

After cutting, try the shorts on. Check the length in a mirror. If one side is longer, trim the longer side to match. If you want a distressed fringe, you can pull a few horizontal threads with tweezers after you are satisfied with the length.

Finish the hem

A raw edge frays naturally and looks casual, but you can also fold and sew for a clean finish. The hemming and cuffing jeans guide covers these techniques in depth. Below are four common options:

If you want a frayed cutoff, leave the edge as is. Wash the shorts and then pull loose threads after drying to create a fringed look. To prevent excessive fraying, apply a thin line of fabric glue along the edge or do a quick zigzag stitch on a sewing machine.

For a folded hem, turn the fabric under once or twice. A double fold hides the raw edge. Pin and iron the fold, then stitch close to the inner fold. Use a denim needle and heavy-duty thread for durability.

A no-sew alternative uses fusible hem tape or fabric glue. Fold the edge and press, then apply the tape or glue and hold until set. This works fine for occasional wear, but a sewn hem lasts longer through washes.

You can also preserve the original hem of the jeans by cutting a line above the existing hem and then reattaching the hem piece to the newly cut leg. This is trickier but gives a store-bought look. The jeans hem repair guide offers practical advice for stitching and finishing edges.

Care and styling tips

After you finish the shorts, wash them inside out on a gentle cycle to protect the new hem. Avoid high heat in the dryer, which can cause the cut edge to fray unevenly. Air drying preserves the shape and the hem finish.

If you added a fringe, regular washing will naturally enhance it. You can also use a pair of tweezers or a needle to pull wispy threads for a more distressed look. For a clean finish, trim any loose threads after washing.

Shorts made from jeans work with a range of fits. A straight leg converts to a classic wide-open leg, while a slim or skinny fit hugs the thigh and creates a different silhouette. If you are buying new jeans specifically to cut, consider an affordable pair you won't mind cutting, using the budget-friendly picks so you do not worry about sacrificing a premium pair.

The leg opening width matters once the leg is shortened. A bootcut pair will flare at the hem, which can look like a mini bell-bottom. Check the jeans leg opening guide to see how different leg shapes behave when cut short.

What to pick for your use

Questions

How long should I cut my jeans for shorts?

That depends on where you want them to hit. Mid-thigh is a common spot. Cut a couple inches longer if you plan to fold and hem. Try the jeans on and mark while wearing them for the most accurate length.

Can I cut jeans without sewing?

Yes. Leave the edge raw and let it fray, or use fabric glue or fusible hem tape to create a fold. Raw edges will fray with washing, which some people like. For a cleaner look, a simple hand or machine stitch is better.

Will the cut edge fray too much?

It depends on the denim. Loose weaves fray more quickly. To control fraying, apply a thin line of fabric glue or do a zigzag stitch along the edge. Cotton fibers, as noted by CottonWorks, can biodegrade, but that happens over a long time; fraying is just a mechanical issue.

How do I make both legs even?

Measure from the crotch seam or the existing hem to your marked line on both legs. Lay the jeans flat and compare the lines. If they are not even, re-mark and trim the longer one. Cutting one leg at a time allows for adjustments.

Can I use the original hem of the jeans when making shorts?

Yes. Cut the leg above the hem, then attach the hem piece to the newly cut edge. This preserves the original stitching and gives a cleaner finish than a rolled hem. It takes more time and a denim needle, but the hem repair guide explains the technique.

What is the best way to dispose of old jeans if I do not want to cut them?

Consider donating or using a textile recycling program. The EPA reports that textile recycling was 14.7 percent in 2018. Even if a pair is worn, clean fabric can be repurposed. The USDA Agricultural Research Service is part of the federal research community that studies agricultural materials, including cotton, which helps improve fiber circularity.