Good news! We’ve got the easiest way to refresh your old oversized graphic tees – by turning them into DIY cutout t-shirts you can wear everywhere from concerts to date nights. And the best part? This DIY cut t-shirt requires zero sewing skills!
What you’ll need:
- Your fave graphic tee (vintage or new! We recommend oversized or boxy fits)
- Scissors (fabric-specific is preferred but regular will work as long as you don’t mind potentially choppy edges)
- A flat surface to work on (table, countertop, or floor are good)
- Optional: chalk and a ruler (for the perfectionists among us)
- That’s it!
Step-by-Step Tutorial
Step 1: Prep and Deconstruct the Neckline
- Action: First lay the t-shirt flat and then carefully cut away the ribbed collar
- Tip: Cut just outside the seam for a subtle raw edge look, or go deeper to create a slouchy off-the-shoulder style
Step 2: Crop the Bottom Hem
- Action: Cut the bottom hem of the t-shirt off
- Tip: Take off more of the hem if you prefer a cropped graphic tee vibe
Step 3: Prep to Cut the Shirt
- Action: Fold the t-shirt in half vertically (sleeve to sleeve) so the back of the shirt is facing out and entirely flat
- Tip: Taking time to precisely prep the shirt makes sure your cuts are completely symmetrical
Step 4: Cut the Back of the T-Shirt
- Action: Starting an inch or two below the collar you made in step 1, make evenly spaced horizontal cuts starting from the folded spine and moving inward
- Tip: Make the cuts equal length for a ladder look, or make them progressively shorter as you get closer to the bottom of the shirt for a “V” effect
Step 5: Stretch the Shirt Out
- Action: Unfold the shirt and gently but firmly pull it both vertically and horizontally
- Tip: Don’t skip this step! T-shirt fabric naturally rolls inward when stretched, which helps hide any minor cut mishaps and gives it a more clean, finished look
Step 6: Rock Your New DIY T-Shirt!
DIY graphic tees look great with your summer go-tos like low-rise jeans and jorts, so mix and match them to create a look you love.
Show us your DIY t-shirts by tagging @americaneagle #AEJeans for a chance to be featured on our Instagram, ae.com, and more!