How to Upcycle a Shirt With Statement Sleeves

I usually avoid fashion trends because they fall out of favor way too fast, but I made an exception for the current statement sleeve trend. If done right, a beautiful shirt with statement sleeves can have timeless appeal.

Here’s a quick and dirty overview of my statement sleeve refashion.


Step 1: Cut sleeves of blouse


This Banana Republic shirt only cost me $3 at the thrift store. I chopped off about two thirds of the sleeves. I wasn’t feeling collar so I chopped that off too.


Step 2: Cut skirt for statement sleeves


I used the lower half of a Forever 21 circle skirt for the statements sleeves. I knew the high contrast of the black and white pattern would make the statement sleeves pop. I’m a lazy sewer, so I reused the finished hem of the skirt to save time.


Step 3: Sew sides of statement sleeves


I cut the top of the statement sleeves the same size as the blouse sleeves and sewed the sides. The circle skirt I used had a natural flare to it, so I didn’t feel the need to gather the statement sleeves. If you are using a rectangular piece of fabric for your statement sleeves, I recommend cutting it twice the size of your sleeve opening and gathering it for a poufy look.


Step 4: Attach statement sleeves to shirt


With right sides together, sew your statement sleeves to your shirt.


This upcycled statement sleeve shirt only took me 1 hour to make. It’s an easy project with dramatic results. One small detail can completely transform a garment.


If you’re new to refashioning, this is a great project for beginners. Using thirft store finds kept the cost of this project down to $6.


With a little bit of effort, you can be fashionable and sustainably responsible on a very small budget.


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