How to Cut a Denim Shirt

Save the pockets, cutting the neckline above them to preserve the look.

A full coverage, long sleeve, high-necked denim shirt can be overwhelming. If you aren't in costume or at a rodeo, it can be unfashionable. Cutting a denim shirt can make all the difference, changing it into a wardrobe must-have. Create a low-necked, sleeveless top that will be great paired with a white poplin skirt or a pair of linen pants. After cutting, wash the shirt to encourage fraying and add to the chic look.

Things You'll Need

• Denim shirt
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Lay the clean, pressed denim shirt on a table or other flat surface.

2. Use the scissors to make a snip at the inner edge of the left armhole at the shoulder.

3. Cut around the inside of the armhole seam, around both the front then the back armhole, cutting off both the sleeve and the seam.

4. Cut the right sleeve off, as described above.

5. Use the scissors to make a snip at the left shoulder, 1 1/2-inches from the cut edge of the new armhole.

6. Make a snip on the left side of the placket (the center opening where the buttons are), 3 inches below the top of the placket. If there is a button exactly at 3 inches down, cut the snip at 2 5/8-inches.

7. Cut a curved line from your snip at the armhole to your snip on the placket. The curved line should be a quarter circle.

8. Repeat Steps 7 and 8 with the right side of the shirt, cutting another quarter circle, and creating a half-circle neckline.

9. Cut the back neckline identical to the front. The neckline from the front and back should meet at the shoulder seam. You will be cutting off the collar completely by lowering the neckline.

10. Wash and dry the shirt to encourage fraying of the newly cut seams.