What You Need to Cut Jeans Into Shorts
A pair of jeans you want to cut into shorts
Chalk
A ruler
Fabric scissors (not kitchen or craft scissors)
Sandpaper
Sarah Balch
Step 1: Take Measurements
First, slip on your jeans and use chalk to mark your desired length. Pro Tip: it's easiest to make the mark along the inseam.
Take off your jeans and lay them on a flat surface.
For the most flattering hemline, make a second mark at a one- or two-inch diagonal on the other side of the leg.
Connect the two marks on each side with the chalk. Use your ruler for help.
To ensure both legs are symmetrical, measure the length from the inseam and from the waistline, helping you pinpoint where you should mark on the opposite leg.
Sarah Balch
Step 2: Start Cutting
Cut along the chalked, angled line with fabric scissors.
Sarah Balch
Step 3: Time to Distress
Tease out loose denim fibers with your finger.
Sarah Balch
Step 4: Use the Sandpaper
Brush your sandpaper along to edge to further fray your hem.
Sarah Balch
Step 5: Wear Them
Now, you're left with the length you wanted and a go-to piece for plenty of summer outfits — not to mention some bragging rights when people ask where you got your shorts from.
Sarah Balch