Are Shoulder Pads Really Back? Try This Fun Shoulder Pad T-Shirt Hack

Today, we’re going to take on a trend for spring and summer by learning how to sew a shoulder pad t-shirt. This homemade shoulder pad DIY transforms a regular t-shirt into a trendy structured top.
I wear my shoulder pad t-shirt tucked into jeans for a casual look or with a pantsuit for workwear. Let’s get started!
Tools and materials:
- Sewing yarn
- Shoulder pads
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- T-shirt
- Pins
- Needle
1. Measure and cut the t-shirt sleeve
First, lay your t-shirt out flat. I’m using a t-shirt that is a size bigger than I would usually wear, which will make the shoulder pads more obvious.
Position your shoulder pad on the t-shirt. Then, measure 13-14cm (5.12-5.51 inches) along the top of the sleeve and 6-7cm (2.36-2.76inches) under the sleeve. Cut off the end of the sleeve.
2. Check the fit of the shoulder pads
Insert the shoulder pad to check that it fits nicely.
3. Hem the edges
Fold the sleeves in twice and hem the edges. You can do this either by hand-stitching or using a sewing machine.
4. Sew the shoulder pad into the sleeve
Insert the shoulder pad into the t-shirt, with the curved side at the neckline end and the flat side at the sleeve end. Pin in place, then hand-stitch the shoulder pad onto the t-shirt by sewing right into the t-shirt sleeve seam.
Secure the end of the stitching underneath.
Your shoulder pad t-shirt should look something like this.
5. Hide the edges
However, you might have some messy edges at the under part of the sleeve. Fold the edges in, pin them, then sew them down.
Repeat the whole process for the second sleeve.
DIY shoulder pad t-shirt tutorial
Here’s the finished result. I hope you enjoyed this DIY shoulder pad t-shirt tutorial.
I love how adding shoulder pads to a regular shirt really defines my shoulders, lifts my frame, and creates an hourglass silhouette. If you can’t get shoulder pads, bra pads can create the same effect too!
Let me know in the comments if you like this look and whether you’ll try this easy shoulder pad hack on one of your own t-shirts.
Enjoyed the project?
Suggested materials:
- Sewing yarn
- Shoulder pads
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- T-shirt
- Pins
- Needle
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Comments
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They look good on you! I have seen the same
t-shirt for over. $50. Not everyone can wear it
as nice. Just like not everyone can wear what’s
fashionable. Good job!
Great job. Great look. Very elegant.