How to Make Clothes Look Vintage

Major American retailers make millions of dollar each year offering lines of "new" clothing, like t-shirts and jeans, that are "distressed" for a vintage look. Garments that look worn, lend an air of comfort and ease, which is why they're so popular.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Use medium grit (80 to 120) sandpaper to distress fabrics. Lay the item on a flat work surface. Slide a cutting board behind the area to be distressed.

2. Sand along the front of a color cotton t-shirt where the collar meets the body of the shirt. Use the sand paper to scuff over the area of the breast pocket and along the waistline where a belt buckle rubs the fabric.

3. Wash and dry new jeans before distressing them. Use the sandpaper across the seat of the jean, along the edge of the front pockets and at the knees. Use varying pressure with the sandpaper to wear some areas thinner than others.

4. Take a single-edged razor blade and make a shallow cut just below the area of the knee of the jeans. Put the jeans on and squat down to tear through the cuts. Wash the jeans to fray the tears.

5. Scuff up the collar and cuffs of long-sleeved shirts. Sand each of the buttons a little bit to give them an aged look.

6. Add shoulder pads to a thrift shop sport coat to give it a retro look. Cuff the sleeves back over themselves twice to show off a silk lining. Replace the button with large, four-hole buttons or, for women, shank buttons with filigree trim.

Tips & Warnings

• Chlorine bleach fades color but also weakens fibers.