How to Take in and Style Up a Pair of Jean Shorts

5 Materials
$5
1 Hour
Easy

If you have a pair of jean shorts that are just too big there is no need to get rid of them! Not only can you take them in to get the perfect fit but you can style them up while you’re at it! Jean shorts are an absolute closet essential! They can be dressed up and down and add so much to any perfect summer look. There’s no need to buy a new pair when you can make the old pair fit like new! Follow my tutorial and learn the ins and outs of how to take in a pair of jean shorts to give them the ultimate fit. Learn how to add a bit of style while you're at it with my easy to follow, step-by-step guide! Get started on getting the perfect fit for your shorts!

Tools and materials:

  • Shorts
  • Pins
  • Button
  • Sewing machine
  • Scissors
How to take in jean shorts at the waist
Try on and pin


To get started on making a pair of shorts fit properly you need to try them on! Pin at the waist where the shorts feel comfortable on you. 

Cut the shorts
Take in the waist


Next, you are going to cut along the zipper until you reach the crotch. 

Pin it


To get these shorts fitting properly, pin along your cut line so that the button sits where you originally pinned when trying on the shorts. 

Sew it down


Hop on over to your sewing machine and sew along the pinned line. In just a few more steps you will have the most amazing pair of shorts that actually fit! 

Seam rip the hem
Remove the hem


Now that your button has been moved over, you can focus on the bottom of the shorts. Start by seam ripping the hem. This will leave a gorgeous two-toned distressed look to your shorts. Not only will these revamped shorts fit perfectly, but they will be super stylish too!  

Press the fabric


Press the ripped hem to get the fabric sitting flat. 

Stitch the rips


To mend any rips that came from opening up the hem, stitch over the rip using your sewing machine. This will add more to the distressed look at the bottom of the shorts. 

How to take in the waist of jean shorts
Add a second button


Time to move back to the waistline! To keep these shorts fitting comfortably, add another button on the inner waistline. Start by hand sewing a button in place.

Sew around the buttonhole


To create the buttonhole, mark where you will need to open the shorts. Cut a small slit at your marking to make the hole. Make sure to sew around the buttonhole so that it doesn’t rip or fray. 

How to take in a pair of jean shorts


These shorts now fit perfectly and are super stylish! Would you add any other details to this pair? Let me know in the comments below! 

Suggested materials:
  • Shorts
  • Pins
  • Button
See all materials

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