Prachi is a fashion designer and lifestyle blogger who likes to travel.

Shackets Are the New Trend

As we relish each and every moment of summer, elusive signs point to the fact that layering season is nearby.

Undoubtedly, a wardrobe upgrade is a must, especially for winter! Having said that, a new wardrobe essential for winters has already made its way into our closet and our hearts — the shacket!

Wait, What Is a Shacket?

The term "shacket" has been in Vogue recently, but no need to over-intellectualize.

Shackets are fundamentally; the combination of a shirt and a jacket. Shackets are a hybrid fashion piece characterized by their oversized look and fit.

They are super easy to layer with and can be worn with any outfit for that preeminent look. They are usually a kind of button-down men’s overshirt with long sleeves and warm lining. It is usually a little bit longer and heavier than a regular shirt, with pockets mainly on the outside. With various fabric blends available such as wool, denim, plaid, checked patterns, neutral solids, bold neon, and even leather, they are one of those clothing pieces that you can get in various styles.

With their increasing acceptance globally, designers are implementing many ways to style this hybrid fashion item for the upcoming autumn/winter season. They are becoming the latest trend bubbling up everywhere.

Why Wear a Shacket?

There is perhaps no other outfit than shacket that better summarizes the idea of staying comfortable during the transition between seasons. It is presently our favorite summer-to-fall outerwear piece; (my sincere apologies to the denim jacket)!

Shackets are heavier than your regular shirt but more sheer and thin than your usual winter coat; therefore, it is appropriate to wear them with an overcoat or turtleneck.

The prevalent thick wool and leather blends make them perfect for rough falls or extreme winters. Whereas a nylon and cotton blend shacket is an ideal pick for the rainy season. In the summers, try a linen shacket with a midi dress.

The lightweight fabric construction is just flawless for warm days and a contemporary twist to the classic attire. Similarly, adding the layer of an overshirt jacket over a tank top will elevate your style instantly.

All these factors make shackets an all-season fashion item. Moreover, you can wear anything under a shacket, from a blazer to a t-shirt. From playful motifs and pops of color to soft and muted pastels, they add an ultimate dash of glamour to any ensemble.

If you want to experiment with something edgy and exciting yet remain professional, shackets are your go-to outfit.

Are there different Types Of Shackets?

Yes!

Women’s shackets come in all shapes and sizes. From light and overlapped to lined and textured, there is always one available for every occasion.

Plaid Shackets

If you are looking for a more minimalist look this season, plaid shackets are your thing.

You can find plaid patterns in an assortment of designs and patterns. From old-style tartans and classic checks to attractive tattersall- plaid shackets will add an autumnal aesthetic to your outfit.

Choose details like sherpa-lined Corduroy collars and raw-edge hems for that superfluous edge, or for that chic style, pick a classic checker and wear it with a dress.

Oversized Shackets

When talking about shackets, getting boxy and big fits is a top priority. An oversized shacket that easily layers over sweaters.

Search for long, loose fleece shackets that drape effortlessly over dresses and surging silhouettes. Extra style points for loose shackets as they add a perfect dimension to those tight-fitted silhouettes.

No matter your style mantra, with a considerable fit, a shacket is the fall layering essential.

Flannel Shackets

Flannel shackets are the perfect solution for all your unplanned layering needs. Embrace your comfiest soft pastel flannel shacket on a rainy day for that lazy and cozy vibes.

It's easy enough to wear them together with your most casual outfits; however, flannel shackets also can be dressed up with high-waisted shorts, a loose t-shirt, and ankle-length boots.

How to Style a Shacket

Still wondering how to wear a shacket?

Well, you can wear a shacket with practically anything and everything. With the variation in hues, textures, prints, and silhouettes, you have a plethora of style options with a shacket.

Here are a few options:

• Wear your shacket with a cute plaid skirt, and your favourite sneakers. I love how the shacket offers that kind of androcentric vibe to any cute girl outfit.
• If you didn’t know yet: flare pants are ‘back in the game.’ Pair them with a neutral-toned shacket to finish the look
• Team up your shacket with a pair of ripped jeans for that casual, off-duty vibe!
• And last but not the least, this one is my fav! Wear your favorite shacket over a t-shirt dress. An all-time classic!
• From powerful prints, color pops to soft neutrals; this season include an array of shackets in your closet to level up your style quotient.

Are you all set to ace the skill of layering with a shacket?

© 2021 Prachi Srivastava

Comments

Prachi Srivastava (author) from India on September 14, 2021:

Indeed...It is!

Umesh Chandra Bhatt from Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, India on September 14, 2021:

Interesting trend.

Katy has an open-minded but practical approach to style. She shares all the details about making fashion work for you.

Bodysuits are a versatile trend. But getting started can be confusing. How do you style a bodysuit? Wear them in these outfits:

• High-waisted jeans
• Full or A-line skirts
• In a layered outfit
• Without a bra under thicker tops like sweaters

Learn more about these outfit ideas below!

Where to Buy Bodysuits?

Before you can start experimenting with outfits, you need a quality bodysuit that fits you.

Basic Bodysuits

If you're new to bodysuits it's best to find a few that are simple. Avoid the crazy ones for now and find some that are simple tees or tanks.

These Scoop Neck Bodysuits are staples in my closet. I normally don't recommend Amazon clothes but these are mostly cotton, not see-through, and the classic cut is easy to style. The best part is you can return them if you get the wrong size or you don't like the color.

Tall Bodysuits

If you have a long torso, big boobs and/or are over 5'8", you will probably find that regular suits aren't comfortable. Try some that come in tall sizes. These will give your torso more room and feel more comfortable.

Wearing Bodysuits With Pants

To wear them with pants, choose a pair with a mid or high rise. It's possible to pair a bodysuit with low rise pants, but make sure the thigh cut on the suit isn't too high.

With High-Waisted Jeans

As the high rise jeans trend hit hard again, thankfully, so did the bodysuit! High waists and bodysuits go together so easily. They get rid of the excess fabric when tucking in a top. So high-waisted jeans or pants with a bodysuit create an easy silhouette you can build an outfit on.

Stand-Alone Top

Suits can stand alone as a top. To do this, choose a quality bodysuit with a neckline you like. Then throw on any pair of jeans. Keep in mind that tight suits with skinny jeans create a tight silhouette. That might not work for your style or workplace. You can balance out the tightness of the top with boot cut or flare pants.

Add Layers

Adding layers over a bodysuit can really transform it. You can cover up a sheer top or add warmth. Layers on top can also add bulk to balance out skinny jeans.

Start with a simple suit. Add jackets, scarves, or cardigans for cooler days. A necklace or light scarf will work for spring and summer. A blazer or sharp jacket can make some bodysuits work-appropriate.

With Full or A-Line Skirts

Styling full skirts can be tricky. Full skirts need to be balanced with a smaller, higher waist. This leaves women with two options: either find a crop top or sweater that hits the skirt's waist perfectly or a top that is tucked in. Pairing bodysuits with full skirts is a no-brainer. Looking to balance a full skirt with a tighter top that won't come untucked? That's a bodysuit!

Choose bodysuits in basic, solid colors to make it easy to wear printed skirts. The same rules apply as with jeans. Suits can be used as stand-alone tops, or you can layer over them.

Bodysuits for Fall and Winter

Sure they work as easy tops, but how do you incorporate this trend into your wardrobe in cold months?

Layer Under Warmer Tops

Bodysuits provide a secure base layer. Layering in cold weather or cool offices results in bulky fabrics that come untucked. A bodysuit won't come untucked and keeps your outfit looking polished. You can also find them in thicker fabrics and long-sleeved options, especially as temperatures drop.

Wear With Tights

How do you wear a bodysuit with tights? You can pull the tights or leggings on over the bottom of the suit. Or the leggings can go on first with the suit snapped over them. Which method is more comfortable will depend on the fit of each item, so go ahead and play around with it.

But How Do You Wear Them?

Still nervous to wear a bodysuit because of certain, ahem, logistics? Find the answers here.

What to Wear Underneath?

What do women usually wear under bodysuits? For most bodysuits, your normal bra and panties will work fine. Some suits are thick enough that you can get away with no bra, especially if you're layering over it. Cheaper, sheer suits might need a tank or cami underneath.

How to Put on a Bodysuit

Most fashion bodysuits will have snaps at the bottom. With these, putting them on is easy: pull it over your head like a shirt and snap the bottom underneath you.

Some don't have snaps, especially if they're made for dancers. These are a bit trickier. Step into it from the neck and pull it up to your hips. Put your arms through the holes and pull it over your shoulder. Yes, you'll have to reverse the entire thing to use the bathroom.

© 2018 Katy Medium

An eager DIYer and crafter, Donna enjoys sharing fun and creative tutorials with others so they can learn from her successes and mistakes.

Ombré bleaching of clothing (sometimes called "bleach dyeing") is a popular fashion trend where the color on a garment gradually fades from top to bottom or from bottom to top. This effect is created by using bleach to alter the color dyes in the fabric. These clothing items can retail for hundreds of dollars, but this technique is easy to do yourself using household supplies.

This fashion trend might not appeal to everyone, but the results can be quite pretty. Please keep in mind: When bleaching an item of colored clothing, you really have no idea how the colors might change. You can take a black shirt and put it in bleach, thinking that it will turn to a lighter gray. However, you may find that the black color of the original shirt was actually a deep color of purple, and, after bleaching, you now have a lavender shirt. So for this look and technique, you just have to keep an open mind and love the results of the bleaching, however it turns out.

Materials for Ombré Bleaching a Shirt

• A colored shirt—This can be any type of shirt. You may want to use a couple of old shirts first as test runs before trying this technique on any clothing that you truly treasure.
• One or two large, clean buckets—You can do this technique with one bucket, but it is easier with two so that you don't have to run to change the water.
• Water
• About a 1/2 gallon of bleach
• Some distilled white vinegar
• Plastic gloves, like you would use for household cleaning
• Safety goggles to protect your eyes (I didn't use these, but I should have.)
• Some old towels
• A binder clip or hanging clothespin
• Some newspaper to cover your work area

Preparing Your Work Space for Bleaching

• I would suggest you work outside for good ventilation, since you are handling bleach.
• A well-lit area with a tabletop that you can use is best.
• Cover your work area with newspaper in case your bleach drips or spills.
• I would also suggest wearing old clothes and/or an apron while you work to protect your clothing.
• Be sure to always wear your safety goggles and gloves when handling the bleach, the bleach mixture, or your wet piece of clothing.

How to Ombré Bleach a Shirt

1. Make sure your item of clothing is freshly clean and dry. You can use any type of shirt; however, a heavier shirt (like flannel or denim) will probably take longer to change color.

2. Decide where you want to start your ombré bleaching on your shirt. I put my shirt on and decided that I wanted the color change to start between my second and third buttons from the top of my shirt. You can also bleach your shirt from the bottom to the top by putting your shirt in the bleach mixture upside-down.

Also decide whether you want to bleach your shirt's sleeves along with your shirt, or leave them as is.

3. Then, if you are bleaching your shirt from the top down, put your shirt on a well-fitting hanger and button it (if applicable).

4. Put on your gloves and goggles and keep them on throughout the bleaching process. Then, in a clean bucket, make a generous mixture (enough to cover the area of your shirt you want to bleach) of 2/3 warm water and 1/3 bleach. You don't really need to measure this mixture. You can just approximate it.

If you have another bucket available, fill this with cold water.

5. With your shirt on its hanger, submerge your shirt in the bleach mixture to the point where you want to begin your color change (if you do not want to bleach your sleeves, leave them outside your bucket throughout the bleaching). The bleach will seep up a little on your shirt, so keep that in mind when placing your item in the bleach.

You can use a binder clip or clothespin to hold your shirt and hanger in the mixture if necessary.

6. The bleach will start working immediately, so stay with your item and watch for the color change. This is why it is important to work in a well-lit space. I wanted to have a very gradual color change on my shirt, with the ombré effect going through many steps. However, I didn't see how much bleaching was taking place, so I only was able to get three color changes on my shirt.

7. Once you see the initial color change on your shirt that you want, pull your shirt out a few inches from the bleach mixture. Leave the remainder of your shirt in the mixture to continue a further color change. This will create multiple steps in your ombré effect.

8. Continue to pull your shirt out of the bleach mixture at even intervals to get the effect you want. I pulled my sleeves out of the mixture before my last bleaching so they would be slightly different in color than the bottom of my shirt.

9. Once your ombré bleaching is complete, submerge your shirt in a bucket of cold water for about 10 minutes. Be careful of dripping your bleach mixture as you move your item. Swish your shirt around in the water to rinse it.

10. While your shirt is in the cold water, dispose of your bleach mixture in a safe manner. Rinse your bucket and use it to make a mixture of 2/3 cold water to 1/3 distilled white vinegar. Again, these measurements can be approximate.

11. After 10 minutes in the cold water, move your shirt to the distilled vinegar mixture. Leave it to soak for about 10 minutes. The vinegar will stop the action of the bleach on your clothing.

12. After the vinegar soak, wrap your clothing item in an old towel. Wash it in your washer using cold water and a little bit of detergent. Then dry per the instructions on the clothing label.

I was surprised but pleased with the color changes in my shirt with ombré bleaching. It's a little hard to tell in the photos, but the bottom of my shirt is paler than the upper bleached area.

I particularly like how this shirt looks under a sweater for the colder months, with the unbleached section showing at the collar and the bleached bottom hanging out under my sweater.

Again, this look might not be for everyone, but you may want to give it a try. You might like it!

Questions & Answers

Question: If I put the fabric in the bleach mixture slower, will it change the finished appearance of my garment?

Answer: Yes, I think if you slowly introduce your fabric to the bleach mixture, it will have a more graduated fade than my sample.

Question: Can I reuse the bleach to ombré shirt or do I need fresh bleach for each shirt?

Answer: Yes, I would use fresh bleach for each garment. I would also wash out your container between projects. You don't want the dye from your previous garment to transfer to another shirt.

© 2016 Donna Herron

Comments

Donna Herron (author) from USA on December 16, 2018:

Great! There's nothing more exciting than wearing something you've made yourself. Enjoy!

Angel on December 11, 2018:

I love it. I added an metallic appliqué on back that’s says “be happy”. Can’t wait to wear!

Donna Herron (author) from USA on December 11, 2018:

Sounds beautiful! I hope you like it!!

Angel on December 10, 2018:

So I dip bleached mine and it went three tone with blue on top, reddish center and burgundy at end. Very curious but cool

Donna Herron (author) from USA on December 08, 2016:

Thanks, Heidi! I accidentally on purpose bleached this shirt a little more than I wanted to and in some places that I didn't intend. But that's part of loving the finished product, even if it's not the result you expected. I actually love the soft pink that the color of this shirt turned to at the bottom. Thanks so much for your comments and share. I appreciate it!

Heidi Thorne from Chicago Area on December 07, 2016:

I never even knew this was a thing! Thanks for the education. It looks very cool. Would be a good way to repurpose on purpose some items that may have "creatively" (also known as "accidentally") received some bleaching effects from being in the wrong place at the wrong time in the laundry room. :) Sharing!

Donna Herron (author) from USA on December 07, 2016:

Hi Sally - Thanks so much! This is a technique that can definitely grow on you. When I first bleached this shirt, I thought I had ruined it. But when it was washed, dried, and pressed I really loved the look. Now it's one of my favorite shirts. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I appreciate it!

Sally Gulbrandsen from Norfolk on December 06, 2016:

Interesting! You taught me something new Donna. Great to see you looking cheerful and happy in your Ombré dyed shirt. Nice one!

I love to dye my hair all colors of the rainbow. I love all things vintage, and I enjoy creating art, taking photos, and doing it myself.

Materials

Before you start this, you'll need to gather a few things. Luckily, this is a pretty simple DIY project.

• T-shirt. Pay attention to the material of your T-shirt, as it may fray. Try to stick to cotton, polyester, or microsuede.
• Scissors
• Possibly a safety pin or two

Step 1: Cut Strips

Before you even think about weaving, you need to cut some strips.

• Make parallel cuts about an inch apart from each other down the side of the shirt.
• I suggest making horizontal cuts for optimal fabric-curling ability. Diagonal and vertical cuts tend to lay flat and act weird.
• You can make the cuts all the same width or vary the widths (as pictured below).
• Once you've cut your desired amount of strips, stretch them out so the fabric starts to curl. This will make the edges look more uniform and clean.

Step 2: Choose a Weaving Pattern

The awesome thing about weaving is that it looks like it's really complicated and takes an immense amount of talent. The reality is that any old bum with two fingers could do it. Once you learn the pattern, whatever pattern you choose, you just keep repeating it with every strip.

Ladder Weaving

Ladder weaving is probably the most common type of weaving, and it's really quite easy to do. Although it is easy, if I tried to explain it in words it would be too confusing. I've created the illustration above to detail the basic ladder weaving pattern.

Chain Weaving

This next method is strikingly similar to ladder weaving, but with one added step.

• When you get to part 3 of the ladder weaving infographic, twist the bottom of the "blue" strip to create a loop.
• Then, when you get to part 4, pull the "red" strip through the loop of the "blue" strip. Then, repeat!

In case that was ridiculously confusing, check out my killer Paint skills in the illustration above.

Step 3: Tie It

You've got to secure the last strip so that your hard work doesn't unravel before your eyes. In order to do this, cut the last loop/strip in half, and then tie each end to the strip above. Double knots are your friends!

If you don't want to cut the strip, you could also just safety pin it down, or tie the last two strips together with a ribbon.

Optional: Combine Weaving Methods

If you want to jazz up your T-shirt even more, try combining weaving methods! Cut your strips extra wide, and use the ladder weaving method. Then, you can come back through and use the chain weaving method. It'll end up looking like the one in the video below.

Even the most complex-looking woven T-shirts are quite simple to make. Just by combining two styles of weaving, or even repeating one style, you can end up with some awesome designs. The example below utilizes only ladder weaving, repeated four times.

So, grab some T-shirts, get creative, and start weaving! It really is that simple—cut, stretch, weave, and secure!

More Fashion DIYs

I'm frequently cutting up and remaking my clothes. If you're into the same sort of thing, check out some of my other DIY articles:

1. Spider Web Cut Shirt
2. How to Take in a T-Shirt
3. How to Stud Clothing

I enjoy giving advice on how to make great DIY fashion from old items in your wardrobe.

Off-the-shoulder tops are perfect for anyone. They're comfortable, relaxed, and you can wear it for any occasion, whether you are going to the mall, grocery shopping, or just hanging out with friends.

The best thing about DIY outfits is that you can create something unique without having to use a sewing machine. I have never used one, and I love creating new DIY clothes using old shirts and pants.

I found the following DIY while I was surfing the web, and it is very easy to do! You can simply cut the shirt and throw it on, or fold the end over and sew it together with a machine or by hand. I added my own little twist to it by threading elastic through the top to make it more form-fitting and a little classier.

What You Need

1. An old T-shirt. Crewneck T-shirts are usually the best to use. You can also use V-necks for a different look.
2. Scissors.
3. Elastic band. Use white for lighter-colored shirts and black for dark shirts.
4. A piece of chalk. You can use any color chalk, however white is best, even if you're using it on a white shirt. If you use a darker color, you run the risk of smearing the chalk and ruining your shirt.
5. Pins.
6. Matching color thread and a needle.
7. Safety pin.

You can buy any of this stuff at your local JoAnn Fabrics, Pat Catan's, or Hobby Lobby. You may even be able to find something at Target or Walmart for a lower price.

Step 1

• Take your shirt and lay it flat on a table.
• Take your chalk and trace a line from the center of the neckline to about 1" or so above the top of the seam of the shoulder.
• Repeat this step on the other shoulder.

Step 2

• Take your scissors and cut along the line.
• Some people say you should cut the front side first, and then use the front as an outline to cut the back. I do find this method to be easier, but if you are used to sewing and cutting, and you feel comfortable cutting both sides at once, then go for it.
• Try to be as steady as possible. You don't want your line to be uneven, crooked, or messy.

Step 3

• Turn your T-shirt inside out.
• Take your pin and make a 1" hem around your new neckline. You may need more than one pin. I would use at least three to keep it in place.
• After you have pinned your soon-to-be new seam, stitch all around the hem using your hands or a machine.
• Make sure you leave an opening at the ends so you can thread the elastic through.

Step 4

• Don't cut the elastic to the appropriate length because you don't want to come up too short or too long.
• Simply take the loose end of the elastic and insert it into the gap that you left open.
• Thread the elastic through to the other end.

Step 5

• Try on the T-shirt to measure the length of elastic you'll need.
• Once you figure out the right fit, snip off the excess elastic and sew the two ends of the elastic together.
• Then, sew the gaps of the hem.
• Once you have done this, turn your top right side out.

Here Is a No-Sew Version

I enjoy fashion and looking trendy on a budget. I also create art, take photos, and save money by doing things myself.

I work at a radio station, and with this job comes many concerts during the summer. I want to look exciting at concerts, especially if I get to meet a band. It's fun to stand out! This DIY fringe top is one of my favorite concert shirts, and it's fairly simple to make, too.

Materials

• Two tank tops: I used the same-ish color of two different tank tops. Ideally, you'd buy two of the same tank.
• Scissors
• Beads
• Sewing machine/safety pins: You can sew by hand if you'd like, though I imagine it'd be pretty time-consuming. Or, you can not sew at all! I had originally planned on sewing mine but ended up safety pinning instead. That way, I can wear the fringe over another tank if I want.

Step 1: Cut Off the Hem

Take the shirt that you'll be using as fringe and cut off the bottom hem. Make sure it's not jagged!

Step 2: Cut the Fringe

Now you're going to start cutting the fringe. I suggest cutting 3/4 inch wide strips. It's time consuming, but worth it! Cut the strips all the way around the shirt, up to the hem at the top.

Step 3: Stretch It Out

Stretch out each strip by pulling on it. This will cause the edges to curl, and your fringe won't look so awkward. Be careful not to pull too hard. I nearly ripped off a fringe strip because apparently I don't know my own strength (it's like Hercules').

At this point, your shirt should look like the photo below. As you can see, the bottom is uneven, and it looks kind of plain. We'll remedy these things next!

Step 4: Finishing Touches

So this is the part where you add beads, if you have them. I don't have beads, so instead I just knotted the strips of fringe in a "V" pattern. This helps the strips to not be all over each other.

I only knotted the front strips individually. The back I gathered and tied together with an extra strip of fabric.

Once I had finished knotting the front, I cut the bottom into a "V" shape as well.

Finished Product

More DIYs

To finish it off, you can either sew or safety pin the fringe tank to the normal tank. I just left mine separate so I could switch the bottom tank top out!

If you're interested in more fashion DIYs, check out some of my other stuff!

• Spider Web Cut Shirt
• 10 DIY Ways to Make a Cut Shirt

I love to dye my hair all colors of the rainbow. I love all things vintage, and I enjoy creating art, taking photos, and doing it myself.

Crop tops are adorable, and if you're trying to be stylish, they're in for the summer! Create your own to add a fun and retro flare to your wardrobe.

I recently competed in a pin-up contest and found myself lacking in retro-style clothing. While I didn't wear one of these crop tops, now I know what to do for the next one. They are so easy to create, and I can make use of old tank tops that I rarely wear.

Materials

This one is pretty straightforward, and you don't need that many things! It's no-sew, unless you'd rather sew than safety pin.

• Tank top
• Scissors
• Safety pins

Step 1: Cut Down the Front

Lay your shirt flat on the ground, with the front facing up. Take your scissors and cut straight down the middle, using smooth lines!

Step 2: Cut Off the Back

Turn your shirt over so the back is facing up, and cut off a big rectangle from the bottom. Make sure you trim neatly up the sides, and straight across the back about halfway up.

Step 3: Fastening

There are several ways to do this. Once you've put your shirt on, wrap the long bits in the front around your midsection. Now, you can do one of these things:

• tie the strips in the back, if they're long enough
• fasten them together with safety pins
• sew the ends of either strip together

I opted for safety pins, so the shirt is easier to take off.

Now, you'll notice that the front is probably slightly floppy. You can cut the floppy bits off, or just tuck them back, like I did.

More DIYs

It's really that easy! I made two new crop tops with this method. Check out pictures below. Also, if you're looking for more ways to spice up your wardrobe, check out my other DIYs!

1. 10 DIY Ways to Make a Cut Shirt
2. Bleached Stencil T-shirt

Comments

Lisa from Central USA on July 11, 2014:

That is absolutely adorable and you have the shape for it I don't unfortunately

I enjoy fashion and looking trendy on a budget. I also create art, take photos, and save money by doing things myself.

I don't really like t-shirts. They either don't fit right or they're too plain. Tank tops, however, I love! Something about not having baggy sleeves is appealing to me. And wouldn't you know it, turning a t-shirt into a tank is pretty easy. This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to transform your tees into their more awesome sibling.

Materials

• T-shirt
• Marker: Since my shirt is black, I used a silver sharpie to outline where I would cut
• Scissors
• Sewing machine (optional): You don't need a sewing machine, you can just cut up your shirt and leave it as is. But if you want to take in the sides a bit and hem, a sewing machine is a must.

Step 1: Outline Where You Will Cut the T-Shirt

You're going to outline the front neckline and the tank top straps first! When you're outlining, you'll want to make sure you keep the straps of the tank top close to where the original neckline of the shirt was. If you cut them too wide, they won't even fit on your shoulders . . . personal experience.

1. Turn your shirt inside out and lay it so the front is facing upwards. Outline where you are going to cut.
2. Make the straps about an inch wide, or a little wider if you plan to hem them. The neckline I outlined was about 2 inches lower than the original neck for the shirt.
3. Now, flip the shirt over and focus on the back! I made mine like a racerback, to avoid losing the logo that was printed there. I drew the back neckline just outside of the original hem, and had the back straps curve in a little.

Once you make sure that the front and back outlines match up at the shoulders and armpits, you're ready to cut!

Step 2: Cut Sleeves and Neckline

This is the easiest part! just cut along the outlines you made. Be careful to cut smooth lines, and try to keep everything symmetrical.

Step 3: Sew Sides and Neckline (Optional)

So, you can stop after cutting if you want. I prefer the look of the hemmed neckline, and my shirt was also a little baggy, so I opted to sew it up. I took in the sides a bit, outlining in silver sharpie as before. I used a stretch stitch, which is zig-zagged, and sewed up both sides.

After that, I hemmed the neckline of the shirt with white thread. To do this, simply fold the edge over about a centimeter. You can use an iron or a straightener to flatten the fabric into place. Then, with the shirt inside out, sew around the neck hole. Cut off the excess thread or string and you're done! I didn't want to sew the armholes, so I just stretched those out a bit and called it a day.

Modeling the Finished Tank Top

Comments

Carrie on June 19, 2017:

I've looked everywhere and u are the most informative. So ciye. Ty so much!

I enjoy fashion and looking trendy on a budget. I also create art, take photos, and save money by doing things myself.

I have SO many t-shirts that are just a tad too big. Mainly, they come from concerts, events at school, clubs, and so on. Most shirts from these events are in men's sizes, and a men's small doesn't cut it for me. So when I find myself with oversized shirts, they usually end up being used as sleep-shirts, or I don't wear them at all.

I also have a radio show that I sell shirts for. I make the shirts myself, and knowing how to take them in a size really helps: if someone orders a large and I only have XL shirts, I can take one in pretty quickly and still make the sale.

Sometimes, I find a really awesome t-shirt for someone else! Then I look at the tag, and it's a size too big. If they don't have the right size, it either means you don't get the shirt, or you deal with it being baggy.

Well, to take a shirt in a size is actually pretty easy—it's a useful skill, and it results in a lot of these shirts actually being worn more.

Tools

To take in a shirt, you'll need a sewing machine (unless you're a master seamstress), thread, scissors, a washable marker, your oversized shirt, and a shirt that is the proper size.

Make sure your scissors are extra sharp! If you plan on working with fabric more often, I suggest getting a pair of scissors just for fabrics—you don't want to dull it on other things.

As for the thread you use, try to get the color as close to that of your shirt as possible. Sometimes though, it looks really cool to use different colored thread—like, red thread on a black shirt.

You'll also need two shirts—say you're trying to make a medium shirt from a large. Grab one of your medium shirts and use it as a pattern for the large one.

You also need a washable marker to mark where you need to sew.

Step 1: Marking the Size Difference

Take your larger shirt and lay it inside-out, flat on the ground. Then, lay your smaller shirt on top of it. Line the necklines of the shirts up.

Using the smaller shirt as a pattern, take your marker and lightly make a dashed line from the bottom of the sleeves to the armpit seam, and then vertically down the side of the shirt. Do this on both the right and the left sides, making sure they're even.

The biggest difference in sizes is in the width of the shirt—it will still look normal if you leave it at the same length. For this shirt, I also left the length of the sleeves the same —it didn't look much different after the alterations.

Now, get your sewing machine out!

Step 2: Sewing

Follow your sewing machine's instructions for spinning the lower thread. Once your machine is all threaded, set your stitch! I always use a stretch stitch on t-shirts—it looks like a lightning bolt.

When you're ready to sew, you can start at either the sleeve or the bottom hem of the shirt. Make sure it's inside out! Wherever you start, make sure you sew towards the seam first.

Sew in straight lines. Once you reach the armpit seam, that's when you change direction. Don't do it before or after, or it'll look funny!

I usually start an inch away from the end of the sleeve—and then once I get to the end, I leave the needle where it is and switch directions. I'll sew to the armpit seam, turn 90 degrees and then keep sewing down. I'll sew down the shirt until I reach the bottom seam, and then sew back up an inch. This keeps you from having to tie knots and stuff. It's confusing to explain, but here's a picture to help.

Step 3: Cut Off the Excess

Once you're done sewing, cut the ends of the string off so they're not hanging out. Also, trim off the excess fabric from the sleeves and sides of the shirt.

Don't leave it on, or it'll make you look frumpy! Cut about a centimeter away from the seam you just sewed.

You're Done!

That's all there is to it. Your shirt should fit wonderfully now, so you can wear it in public without looking like a bum! If you're looking for other jazzy things to do, you can cut it all up again, or add a design. I've got a few t-shirt tutorials out there, so play around!

Don't let an oversized t-shirt hold you back!

© 2014 Alex Rose

Comments

twohanded on April 16, 2016:

I take in T shirts all the time for my lesbian friends, they buy butch men's T shirts and they want to wear them looking normal for them.....

Alex Rose (author) from Virginia on January 12, 2014:

Comes in handy for me with concert t-shirts. They're usually sold out of the right size, so I have to get a giant one! I've made XL shirts into smalls before!!

Claudia Mitchell on January 12, 2014:

I don't usually have this problem, I like big oversized tshirts, but I love this idea. Sometimes I'll see a tshirt on sale for some ridiculous price, but it's too big and this is the perfect solution!

I enjoy fashion and looking trendy on a budget. I also create art, take photos, and save money by doing things myself.

Ten Ways to Cut a Shirt

1. No Sleeves

This is probably the simplest way to add some personality to a t-shirt. All you do is—you guessed it—cut off the sleeves! I find this works pretty well for band tees.

There are several different styles you can do with this. You could easily just cut the sleeves off around the seams, or make the armholes larger by cutting further down on the shirt. This will look pretty nice with a bandeau top or a bedazzled bra underneath.

2. Bare Sides

This is a fun one, and it's also one of the easier techniques. Act like you're cutting off the sleeves, but just keep on cutting till you've reached the bottom of the shirt! Then, you can put it on and tie the bottom corners so they fit your hips.You can throw this on over a bikini or bandeau, or wear a tank underneath.

3. Stripe Cuts

Here's where it starts to get a little more exciting. With a pencil, draw lightly on the shirt where you want to make the cuts—they can be vertical, horizontal, diagonal, whatever you choose. Cut the shirt in smooth, clean lines. You don't want a jagged edge!

Once you've cut all you want, stretch it out. This helps to make the edge look cleaner, and it causes the places where you've cut to roll in a little. You can leave the cuts stretched out how they are, or weave them for a little more pizzazz.

4. Weaving--Ladder Style

This is easier to show than tell about.

Basically, you cut a bunch of strips in the shirt. Pull the second strip under the first, and loop it over the top. Then, you pull the third one under the second and through the loop. Here's a pictorial, and a short video so you can get the gist of weaving!

5. Twist Weaving

You can do different variations with the weaving. To make a shirt like this one, between steps 3 and 4 of weaving in the pictorial above, just twist the strip of fabric to create a loop. Then, when you pull the next strip through, you'll put it through the loop.

Once you've done that, twist that strip to create another loop. Continue until you reach the last strip, and either tie it down or secure it with a stud. It's all patterns!

6. Fringe

Putting fringe at the bottom of a shirt is a really simple way to make it stand out. All you have to do is go around the bottom of the shirt and cut 1-inch strips of fabric as far up as you want. After that, pull them to stretch them out. Presto!

7. Triangle Sides

To do this, cut the side of the shirt vertically—from the bottom of the shirt to the bottom of the sleeve. Lay the shirt flat, as if you were going to fold it, and make sure that the front and back evenly overlap.

From here, simply cut triangles out of the side of the shirt, running from the bottom of the sleeve down (see photo above). Discard the cutouts, and stretch out the triangle shapes. Tie the corners of each triangle on the front to the corresponding triangle on the back, joining the pairs of triangle cutouts to make diamonds.

8. Tied Sides

This can be used to make a big shirt smaller, or to just spice up a normal shirt. Do the same steps as you would for the triangle-sides shirt above, but cut out rectangular pieces of fabric, instead of triangular ones, leaving strips. Then, you just tie the strips together.

You can cut as many strips as you want—they can run all the way down the side of the shirt, or you can just put one strip at the top and one at the bottom.

9. Picture Cut-Outs

Once, I cut up the back of one of my shirts to be a skull. It's basically the same idea as before, make clean cuts and then stretch them out.

For the skull shirt, I just kind of free-handed the outline. I outlined the areas to cut using dots, rather than lines, and cut out the shapes. Make sure that the fabric between your cutout shapes is thick enough that it won't rip when you stretch the cuts out. Keeping this in mind, it took a while to get all of the teeth cut out, but you see the result above.

I saw a photo of a cutout shirt in the shape of an eagle, and was dazzled, though I haven't tried it yet.

10. Combinations!

You can really combine any of these techniques. A picture on the back with weaving on the front, cut sleeves with fringe on the bottom, horizontal stripes with weaving (like the ribcage shirt in #3 above)—the sky is the limit!

More DIY Fashion Tutorials

Try painting your own canvas shoes, taking in a t-shirt, or even printing your own t-shirts from home!

If you're up for some advanced t-shirt cutting, take a stab at this spiderweb cut shirt.

Oh, and here's my first DIY beauty articled describing how to make lipstick out of crayons. It's possible.

Comments

Ian Barron from Indiana on November 23, 2018:

Band tees and stuff like this look best with plain distressing too. Something like a few holes around the side and shoulder, a cut below the neck, and a few slashes around the hem give a really cool punk/grunge aesthetic while keeping the aesthetic of the tee mostly intact.

I have a degree in ancient history and a passion for reading, cooking, DIY projects, tea, science fiction, and a myriad of other subjects.

I hate new T-shirts.

I guess I should qualify that statement. I love brand new soft, flexible cotton/polyester mix T-shirts, and I love new thin, soft cotton T-shirts with that delicious comfy vintage feel. Who doesn't?

But I hate, hate, hate the feel of a brand new thick, scratchy cotton t-shirt (like the Hanes Beefy-T style shirts). That type of T-shirt is completely uncomfortable and unflattering, especially to the female body. I want a T that will mold to my curves and move with me, not one that will bunch and wrinkle in weird places and make me look like a big round log. Ugh!

So, normally I only buy shirts in styles I find comfortable and attractive. But once in a while, I want to support a smaller band or artist with limited merchandise options. This past weekend, for example, I went to see my artist friend at the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival. She gave me a T-shirt with some of her drawings to help advertise her art booth. The shirt is super cute and I love it. But it's one of the dreaded thick, scratchy cotton T's.

Since I don't want to wait a few years or have to wash it 200+ times to get that comfy worn T-shirt feeling, I decided to see if the internet had any solutions. A quick Google search turned up some DIY shirt-softening methods from various forums and message boards. The two most common methods I found are the vinegar method and the saltwater method. But nobody offered any conclusive proof that they work or posted photos of their softened shirts.

So, I decided to try for myself. Here's my experience with both methods, including my assessment of their usefulness (at the end).

Softening a New T-Shirt with Vinegar

Materials:

• Clear vinegar (don't use apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, etc.—they'll stain your shirts)
• Baking soda
• Measuring spoons and cups

Instructions:

1. Add one tablespoon baking soda to a bowl or large measuring cup.
2. Pour in one cup of clear vinegar. Do it very slowly or it will fizz and bubble everywhere and make a mess. I did it in my old laundry sink just to be safe.
3. Wait for the mixture to settle down and stop fizzing, then give it a good stir to make sure the baking soda is completely mixed in.
4. When there are no more bubbles or foam, pour your baking soda/vinegar mix into the washing machine with your T-shirt and run it through a normal wash and dry cycle.

Results

The shirt wasn't damaged, and my washing machine wasn't damaged (which is good to know), so trying this method out doesn't hurt anything.

But I couldn't tell any difference in the shirt's texture or softness. It felt just as scratchy against my skin and wasn't more pliable or flexible.

However, I did notice that the shirt smelled fresh and clean. Although the vinegar mixture didn't do anything to soften my shirt, it seems to have cleaned it perfectly. So, maybe vinegar and baking soda could work as a cheap alternative to laundry soap-- but it's pretty ineffective as a softener.

Softening a New T-Shirt with Saltwater

Materials:

• One large pot with lid
• One cup of salt
• Wooden spoon or similar utensil
• Enough water to fill the pot
• Range or stovetop
• Strainer or colander

Instructions:

1. Fill a large pot with water. Leave a little room to submerge your T-shirt.
2. Add one cup of salt and stir it in.
3. Place the pot on your stovetop or range and bring it to a rolling boil.
4. Once the water is boiling, wet your T-shirt. Just run it under the sink until it's fully saturated. This step is important because a dry T-shirt will just float on top of the water. It'll be much harder to submerge if you haven't wet it first.
5. Turn your burner to low heat so that the water is no longer boiling.
6. Place your wet T-shirt in the pot of salt water.
7. Use a wooden spoon or another utensil to poke out the air bubbles and make sure the shirt is under the water.
8. Put the lid on your pot and leave it to sit on low heat (with the shirt inside) for 30 to 45 minutes.
9. After the 30-45 minutes have passed, turn off the burner and pour the contents of the pot (T-shirt and saltwater) into a strainer or colander.
10. Once the shirt has cooled enough to touch, rinse it thoroughly to remove the excess salt residue.
11. Run the shirt through a normal wash and dry cycle.

Results:

The salt method also did not cause any damage to the shirt or the washing machine, so this experiment is also totally safe to try.

I noticed that the collar of my shirt was much softer and more flexible, which is awesome because I hate when shirts feel like they're choking me.

The fabric, in general, feels softer, but only slightly. The shirt is not noticeably more pliable or flexible, as far as I can tell. It feels about the same.

Perhaps soaking the shirt longer or repeating this process several times would produce better results.

Conclusion

The vinegar method did not soften my T-shirt or make it more flexible at all, as far as I could tell.

The salt method softened and loosened the collar of my shirt and made the fabric slightly softer to the touch, but it did not make the shirt more flexible.

After trying both the saltwater and vinegar method of softening shirts, I have concluded that neither will truly make a brand new thick, stiff T-shirt feel like a comfy worn vintage one. The salt method helps a little bit, but after this experiment, I've come to believe that time and multiple washes are the only way to achieve a truly soft, flexible feel for your new T-shirts.

I was rather disappointed by my results, but at least now I know!

Questions & Answers

Question: Will the salt water affect the graphics on my t-shirt?

Answer: No, I didn't notice any damage whatsoever to the design from trying this method.

Comments

None on January 18, 2020:

Just stop being a vag and wear it to break it in. I usually just wear mine all of the time when around the house and then sleep in it. Takes a bit but it works.

Lisa on August 28, 2019:

I don't know where you found these methods, but it takes days for either the vinegar or the salt method to actually work. The one I used had both salt and vinegar and you put it in a bucket and soak your tshirt in it for 2-3 days and then wash normally. It should be soft at that point!

LJS on June 13, 2019:

No surprise that vinegar + baking soda had no effect.

High school chemistry: Vinegar is acid, baking soda is base. Mix them together and you create a soaking solution of..... water. With a little bit of some kind of salt. I have gotten some softening results with just vinegar.

anon on September 04, 2018:

I accidentally went left my shirts brining for a full week. I meant to do it for 3-5 days, but I away for Labor Day Weekend (2018) and forgot them. I fully expecting brining not to work, after reading it was a dud/hoax. to my surprise, when I returned and washed them, it had made the heaviest cotten Gildean concert shirt, a 10-year-old lacrosse t-shirt, and a one-year-old (already pretty soft) shirt softer. (the third one was amazing). I washed them 3 times to get the brine off, and dried them in a drier because they also stretched a TON and I was stunned. it worked great! it really does work.

Anonymous on April 20, 2018:

I used a pumice stone and brushed all over the shirt and sleeves (avoiding the design) then soaked in fabric softener overnight. Washed and dried as usual. Noticable difference!

Wendy on February 10, 2018:

I bought some denim for a skirt and it turned out to be too stiff. I actually soaked it in vinegar and water for about 36 hours. I then washed and dried as normal and it was perfect. I ended up making trousers instead of a skirt and have thoroughly enjoyed wearing them. You just need to soak for longer but keep checking to make sure the fabric doesn't get too thin.

Alisha on August 13, 2017:

Make brine water...(salt and water, lots of salt.) Soak it in this. (I suggest a tote or something with a lid.) Leave for 3-6 days. Throw it in the washer. Comes out much softer. This is how companies make old ventage Tee's. I usally do 4-7 at a time and leave it in it for a week.

lis on August 04, 2017:

it's a few years later now:-) any new suggestions? as for ring spun cotton t-shirts - I only wish that brands would mention those in their product descriptions, especially Hanes, it would practically solve the dilemma !

CC on June 03, 2017:

Hiya! With the vinegar mixture, you're supposed to just put it in the rinse cycle. =] When it's in with the soap, it's washing away and not doing any of that amazing softening.

I like to let it sit once the rinse cycle has turned the water & mixture over a few times for about 5 minutes, then let it finish doing it's thing. I've had great luck so far!

I'm interested in trying the 3 day salt soak, but am too excited to wear the shirts to let them sit for 3 days taunting me... ^.^'

msjvd on January 22, 2017:

I tried this tonight with the salt. (Sorry, I need the gallon of white vinegar to get rust off cast iron.)

I used a little over a cup of table salt and a big pasta pot of water. I put three three t-shirts in and boiled for 45 minutes. I didn't bother to wet them down... just dumped them right in, pushed them down with tongs.

I started the washer with other clothes, waited until it was good and full, dumped most of the salted boiling water in my kitchen sink (because dragging a gallon of boiling water around the corner, through the living room and into the laundry area didn't seem like a great idea) and shut the lid. I put them from washer into dryer and they seemed a little different. When I pulled them out of the dryer is where I saw the big difference: two were 100% cotton, one was 50/50 cotton/polyester. The two cotton are heavy cotton. They were nearly new and now are heading for vintage. The cotton/polyester shirt is where the biggest, better change came. It is an older t-shirt that never broke down. It feels so much softer!

I looked at my previous "old favorite" t-shirt that is now 30+years old. It's falling apart at the shoulders. I have loved that baby, and it, too, is 50/50 cotton/poly. I think the blends are just softer.

Going to wash them a few dozen more times and see if I can wear them all down, but this made a difference.

Christy Kirwan (author) from San Francisco on October 17, 2016:

Sorry to hear that, I know that feeling exactly.

Tracey on October 02, 2016:

White vinegar in a water soak does work. Use a sink or a bucket. Soak overnight. Then wash as usual. This will also set the color, especially for reds.

Shauna on July 03, 2016:

Yeah, so that didn't work.

Shauna on June 16, 2016:

I'm going to attempt to combine the 2 methods and soften my daughter's t-shirt. It's a Gildan heavy cotton t. Great quality but not a great feel especially for a teen with textile hypersensitivity. I put salt, baking soda, and vinegar in a gallon pitcher with boiling water. Planning to soak the shirt for a week. Hoping this will work because she loves this shirt but can't stand to wear it. That's what I get for ordering online.

Christy Kirwan (author) from San Francisco on June 07, 2016:

Thanks for your comment, Dede, I'll have to give this method a try. :)

Dede on June 04, 2016:

Me again! I have a few super ugly, casino, Christmas shirts. I'm thinking of trying the acetone and water method with them. They where headed to the trash. I kept one for painting in and had already brined it.

Dede on June 04, 2016:

I brine mine in a big 5 gallon bucket. I leave just enough salt brine to cover the shirt and pop the lid on it and forget about it for about a week lol maybe 5 days. I put the lid on to prevent a dog from having a drink...don't think that's an important step...like cutting the end off the roast for 3 generations only to find out great grandma had a small roasting pan!!

Dana on May 01, 2016:

I add my brine of 1 quart water (temp not important) and 1/2-1 cup of salt. Let sit for 5 days. If the shirt floats, just weigh it down. I used a rock. Take out and wash it how you normally would. My new shirt felt like a favorite concert tee from the 80's!

Christy Kirwan (author) from San Francisco on April 18, 2016:

Hi Ashlyn,

I hope it works! My concern would be that the vinegar would permanently discolor the shirt, since apple cider vinegar is not clear.

Ashlyn Stiff on April 14, 2016:

I would like to recommend rinsing it after in apple cider vinegar.... that's what I do when I wash my hair. I'm going to try it on a shirt I just tie dyed last night.. :)

Liz B on September 22, 2015:

Ugh, Completely bummed these didn't work for you! Why do people still use heavy cotton for graphic tees??? I've heard rock salt to soften and fade jeans and I saw another that said non-fat dry milk (?). I wonder if that would work...

bk on August 07, 2015:

i have tried the 3 day salt bath, did NOT work...

Samantha on May 29, 2015:

The salt thing does not work. I soaked a shirt for 3 days and it made no difference whatsoever.

Cait on May 08, 2015:

If I can, I cut the collar and sleeves off shirts like these. It doesn't soften the actual shirt, but it gets rid of tight collars and stiff sleeves.

blair on January 07, 2015:

Thanks for actually posting the results!!

Matthew, Tasmania on November 20, 2014:

HA..I spent a while reading through all that hoping for a positive answer . Never mind.!!!;-)

Jane on September 02, 2014:

Some people soak their shirts for up to three days with the salt bath, so maybe time is all you would need.

Susette Horspool from Pasadena CA on August 11, 2014:

I always add a bit of baking soda to my wash water. Always. A little more for whites (it bleaches a little) a little less for coloreds (making sure it doesn't sit on colored clothes i care about until it's diluted). I do it because it softens and freshens my clothes. I don't use dryer sheets. I wash my clothes in a laundromat, and they are often stiffish after washing, if I don't add baking soda. How much? Maybe . . . 1/4 c for whites, and 1/8 c for coloreds.

v on November 30, 2013:

the key is leaving your shirt submerge with lid in the salt water for 3-5 days

marion langley from The Study on June 19, 2013:

Very interesting...sorry you didn't find happier results but glad i'm not the only one out there looking. Great Topic, my husband hates rough shirts and has a closet full of them he doesn't wear...maybe a couple cycles of salt boil and vinegar wash will help just a little.

Christy Kirwan (author) from San Francisco on May 22, 2013:

Thanks, Kjetil! I'll have to try your suggestion. I tried soaking it in a bucket with fabric softener for a week, and it smelled great but still didn't feel any softer, LOL! I'll try with salt.

Kjetil on May 22, 2013:

Well ive read about one more method which im trying at the moment and that is to just let the shirt submerge i saltwater for three days... Similar to the method you tried, but you need to let the shirt sit in the water for three whole days.

FullOfLoveSites from United States on April 23, 2013:

I'm sorry to hear your disappointment... But now at least we all know too! I guess for now we should stick to the old way of washing and wearing the new t-shirt repeatedly. I hope there are some people who might be kind to post other suggestions tho. Voted up and interesting.

Christy Kirwan (author) from San Francisco on April 22, 2013:

Thanks! I'm currently trying one more method that I hope might help. I'll update this Hub with more information on it when the experiment is done. :)

Mary Craig from New York on April 22, 2013:

And at least now we know too! Thank you for the research...you saved us having to do it. Everbody loves a soft tee shirt!

Voted up, useful, and interesting.

Christy Kirwan (author) from San Francisco on April 21, 2013:

I totally agree! I only get these shirts when there's no alternative.

theweaksend on April 21, 2013:

Interesting methods! I also hate those kind of shirts and usually just avoid buying them. I love ring spun cotton shirts because they're always nice and soft and never thick and scratchy.

From the earliest years when Christian missionaries decided that the traditional Native Hawaiian style of dress wasn't proper, the garment industry in Hawaii grew to be one of the most unique in the world.

For tourists, these now-vintage Hawaiian shirts, also called aloha shirts, became reminders of carefree days on the beach, hula girls dancing around a fire, surfers riding the waves, and beautiful tropical vistas. The preservation of memory is why these shirts became highly collected works of art displaying the flora, fauna, customs, traditions, and history of the islands in a bold and colorful style that has lived on to this day.

The special attention to detail found in a vintage Hawaiian shirt makes owning one a true pleasure. This short guide will help give you confidence in your ability to identify a vintage Hawaiian shirt in a world full of reproductions and new issues. With the simple guidelines below, anybody can learn how to identify a vintage aloha shirt with ease. Comfortable, colorful, and addictive—these shirts demand to be noticed!

Quick Guide: How to ID Vintage Hawaiian Shirts

Fabric and Necktag

• Fabric: The material of the earliest shirts were silk and cotton, but by the mid-1920s, with the introduction of rayon by Dupont, rayon became the material of choice. The earliest rayon (pre-1960s) has a different heft, sheen, and feel compared to the rayon used today. The best thing to do is learn how it feels in your hand. Many people refer to the early rayon as "crepe de chine" because of its heft and hand feel. Once you have felt it a few times, today's shirts feel so inferior.
• Necktag: The necktags on vintage shirts have a distinctive look and are typically sewn in one of two manners: on all four sides into the back of the shirt, or as a "loop" with stitches on two sides. Modern necktags tend to be sewn only at the top with the tag hanging straight down. Also, with practice you will learn to recognize vintage companies, logos, text, and places of manufacture (see below for more information on place of origin and manufacture).

Hem, Collar, and Stitching

• Hem: Simple horizontal straight cut, as the shirt is meant to be worn outside the trousers.
• Collar: Loop-closure style, sometimes referred to as two-way collars. The collars from the 1940s were long and floppy, similar to the style later re-adopted in the '70s. By the 1950s the collar had shrunk slightly. Vintage Hawaiian shirts almost never have any kind of collar stay. The cut is meant to be carefree and unstructured. You will occasionally find collar stays in shirts made in the 1960s and later.
• Stitching: Check the stitching on the arm and side seams. Generally, vintage shirts have two rows of stitching to join the seams.

Buttons and Buttonholes

• Buttons: The earliest and best vintage Hawaiian shirts have buttons made of carved wood, coconut shell, seashell, or metal. Later, plastic buttons came into use. The earliest plastic ones are a simple cat's eye style, some with intricate and distinctive patterns. Again, it is subtle features like buttons that really set a nice vintage men's aloha shirt apart from its modern counterparts.
• Buttonholes: On vintage shirts, buttonholes are generally horizontal.

Pockets

• Number: Can have either one or two pockets.
• Pattern: Vintage shirts have a common feature—the pockets are pattern matched. It costs more money to ensure that the pocket pattern matches the background pattern, so many companies don't bother. A higher-quality shirt will have a perfectly matched pocket. This really makes a shirt look more tailored and professional and is well worth the extra money.

Place of Origin and Manufacturer

Needless to say, the best vintage Hawaiian shirts are made in Hawaii. Look for this information on the necktag. Sometimes it will be more specific and say "made in Honolulu" or some other specific area of Hawaii. There are also many quality and stylish men's aloha shirts that are made in California or Japan. Modern rayon Hawaiian shirts are generally made in Korea, China, or the United States.

Just as learning to spot a vintage necktag is important, so is learning the various manufacturers. Sometimes a tag may appear new to you until you learn to recognize them.

Famous Vintage Makers (Partial List)

• Shaheens
• Kamehameha
• Diamond Head
• Iolani
• Kahala
• Champion (Duke Kahanamoku's label)
• Watumull's
• Royal Hawaiian

Go Out and Hunt!

Finding vintage Hawaiian shirts is well worth the effort. Some collectors will pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars for an authentic and beautiful example.

In terms of where to find good examples, online sites like ebay are an obvious place to start. Of course if you have a trip planned to Hawaii, you'll get to enjoy visiting local shops and talking to their knowledgeable owners. But even if you don't have a Hawaiian vacation on the horizon, it never hurts to check any thrift or consignment shop you come across. Since the aloha shirt has been a popular souvenir for honeymooners, servicemen, and other tourists for many decades, they can often show up in the unlikeliest corners of land-locked America.

For more in-depth information, check out some of the resources listed below. I want to particularly recommend any book by Tommy Steele. His book Hawaiian Shirt: Its Art and History, published in 1984, is sometimes referred to as the bible amongst collectors.

Mahalo for reading!

More Information and Resources

• The History of the Hawaiian Shirt |Innovation | Smithsonian Magazine
  From kitsch to cool, ride the waves of undulating popularity of a tropical fashion statement.
• The Not-So-Chill History of Hawai‘i’s Breeziest Shirt | Atlas Obscura
  The aloha shirt has many possible inventors and a long, fraught cultural history.
• 7 Gentle Ways to Get Rid of That "Thrift Shop" Smell From Vintage Clothing | DenGarden
  Natural tips and tricks to eliminate odor from your vintage clothing that cannot be placed in the wash.

Comments

Scott on October 19, 2019:

Contact Bailey’s on Waikiki beach... 15,000 plus shirts , they’ll get you hooked up .

Trish on March 30, 2019:

Thank you very much for you info, it is very helpful!

Corey from Northfield, MA on April 29, 2015:

I sell vintage clothing on eBay and have been trying to find a good quality Hawaiian shirt for some time with no luck. Your Hub gives me even more information when it comes to finding a quality shirt. Thanks, good stuff! Mahalo.

Jeff on May 20, 2013:

Really helpful, informative and interesting! Good stuff!

Seakay from Florida on June 15, 2010:

This was an interesting presentation! So, they covered their "nakedness" with unique apparel. I LIKE IT!