How to Revamp Old or Thrifted Clothing

How to Revamp Old or Thrifted Clothing

By: Delaney Connor

There are several ways you can update your old, outdated clothing. Below are a few ways you can fix up the items in your closet, including non-sewing and sewing options.

Non-Sewing:

If you have jeans that don't have the shape you're looking for at the bottom or maybe you're just looking to switch things up, here is an easy non-sewing fix to make your old jeans into new shorts.

While your jeans are on your body, mark with a marker how short you want them to be. Take them off, and with a pair of scissors, cut straight across where you marked.

At this point you can either leave it or distress them. An easy way to distress jean is to make cuts where you want it to fray. When you're happy with where you've placed your cuts, all you have to do to finish the look is wash and dry your shorts. During the washing and drying process your jeans will fray, and look more like what you would buy in a store.

These are two examples of what I achieved doing this process.

Sewing:

For a simple sewing fix, put on a long dress and decide how short you want it to be. Add an inch of length to where you want the dress to sit, and mark it on the dress. Take the dress off and cut straight across where you marked. Fold the hem of the dress under twice, so that the raw edge is hidden, and sew all the way around along the edge of the folded area.

I achieved the little black dress of my dreams with this method.

If you have a pair of shorts that don't fit well, here's a quick fix. Put the shorts inside-out and try them on. Pull the fabric together (preferably in a place that won't look as noticeable, such as the back seam) and pin it in place. Take the shorts back off and sew along where you placed the pins.You might have to try them on a few times to get them to fit how you want, but it's worth it. If the legs are too long you can either cut them shorter, or fold them.

I hope you found these tips to be helpful enough to go out and try them on some of your old or thrifted clothing!