Do you have an old pair of jeans sitting unused in a storage box somewhere? Perhaps you’re the type who can’t resist store sales and now have loads of old jeans piling up in your closet? Well, it’s time to start digging them out! With the latest trends being all about distressed and deconstructed looks, even your destroyed jeans can become hip again.
Jeans are typically made of durable and versatile denim fabric. Style trends may change through the years, but denim itself never really goes out fashion. Because of denim’s timeless quality, sometimes all you have to do is make a few updates to a pair of worn jeans to give it a trendy, brand-new look.
From simple cuts to fancy embellishments, here are 12 cool and crafty ways to transform your old jeans into fashion statements.
1. Slash and cut for a ripped look.
Distressed denim is oh-so-popular right now. Celebrities, models, and fashion icons have been spotted wearing slashed, ripped, and deconstructed outfits both on the runway and in the streets. Instead of buying a new pair off the rack, why not retrieve those old ones from the closet and give them the destroyed jeans treatment? A brand new pair of distressed denim jeans also costs more than a plain one, so you’re sure to get some savings if you simply repurpose an old pair.
Check out a full tutorial here.
2. Transform loose jeans into skinny ones.
If you have a stash of jeans from years past, chances are they’re flared, straight, boot cut, or baggy jeans. Take them out of hibernation and convert them into uber-sexy skinnies. Doing it yourself is pretty easy, but if you don’t have the time or don’t trust yourself with needle and thread, you can also go to a tailor or alteration shop to get it done.
You can watch a DIY tutorial video here.
3. Get creative with fabric paint.
One way to instantly elevate a plain old outfit is to add designs using fabric paint. Grab some at a crafting supplies store and unleash your imagination. Paint some easy patterns on the bottom of your jeans or go all out and turn it into a total work of art. Your jeans are guaranteed to go from closet sitter to street style phenomenon.
4. Have fun with fabric markers.
Do you think painting is too messy? Try fabric markers instead. This gives you more control over what designs you can draw on your jeans, so you can add intricate details and fancy shapes as much as you want. Make sure to get fabric markers that don’t fade during washing. You should be able to find good ones by asking at your local craft store or searching for recommendations online.
5. Decorate with sparkly or colored rhinestones.
One sure way to add sass to an outfit is to embellish it. Rhinestones are easy decorations that you can stick on practically anything to transform it from drab to stylish. Use fabric glue to apply the rhinestones on bottom cuffs, pockets, or around the outside seams. Here’s a fun way to embellish: trace those distressed patches on your destroyed jeans with colored rhinestones!
6. Add fun patches as embellishments.
Invigorate a boring pair of jeans with cute and whimsical patches. You can repurpose scrap fabrics to create your own patches or pick up some ready-made ones at a craft or clothing store. What’s great about embellishing with patches is that you can use them to cover up those holes in awkward places and still look trendy!
7. Create patterns with bleach.
Who knew bleach could be so fashionable? Thanks to the crafty individuals who shared their bleach-styling discoveries, you now have a quick-and-easy technique for giving those shabby jeans a trendy makeover. Create an ombre look by bleaching the bottom part of your jeans, or use the tie-dye method to make abstract flowering effects. You can also use a bleach pen to write words—such as short slogans or statements (a current trend!)—and draw patterns or polka dots all over the length of the jeans.
For more bleaching tips, see this tutorial.
8. Convert jeans into sexy cutoffs.
Making shorts out of worn denims is a great way to add some sexy outfits in your wardrobe. Shorts are also perfect for days at the beach during the summer months. And who says you can’t wear your upcycled shorts during the cold seasons? Wear it over leggings or tights, throw on an oversized sweater, and voila! You’re perfectly on-trend!
9. Sew on some lace for a fresh vibe.
Your worn jeans (or shorts) will look and feel new with just a bit of lace as add-ons. This is great for when you have some scrap lace lying around, so nothing gets wasted. You can sew (or glue, if you’re not into sewing) the lace onto the jeans on the pocket area or the hem, for example. Don’t hesitate to find more crafty ways to get that lace on!
10. Create a cute skirt out of them.
This is an easy method that allows you to salvage the still-wearable parts of your jeans. If only the lower portions are frayed or destroyed, cut them off and use the parts above the knee to make a skirt. You can do a simple cutoff skirt without the frills, or get crafty by adding a pleated hem made from the strips of extra fabric. You can also get creative by restyling with patches and embellishments.
11. Make a handy bag.
Don’t just limit yourself to clothing—you can make entirely new things from those old jeans too, you know? Here’s an upcycled denim bag with cute patches to inspire you!
12. Craft some trendy purses.
You also don’t have to stick to denim fabrics. If you have some old womens pants in wool, cotton, or other fabrics, you can repurpose all of them into hip bags and purses for any occasion you can think of. Check out this cozy little purse made of combined fabrics to get an idea of what else you can create.
To get you inspired even more, here are a few bonus ideas on how to reuse your worn jeans.
• Use them as upholstery cover.
• Create denim lampshades.
• Make an embroidered quilt.
• Craft some fabric accessories.
• Make a plush toy.
• Create a stunning bodice dress (the ultimate upcycle!).
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