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You are at:Home - Without Sewing Hacks - How To Shorten A T-shirt Without Sewing? 5 Simple and 3 Alternative Methods
Without Sewing Hacks

How To Shorten A T-shirt Without Sewing? 5 Simple and 3 Alternative Methods

Anna SmithBy Anna SmithDecember 4, 202306 Mins Read
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female tailor measuring male clients shirt
Source: Freepik
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 T-shirts are truly an inescapable part of everyone’s wardrobe. Most timeless, versatile and comfortable clothing for many, It’s no surprise at all that everybody’s closet is just filled with endless amounts of shirts these days.

However, sometimes we have to say goodbye even to our most favorite shirts, either because the fabric has stretched too much or you just can’t seem to find the perfect fit for comfort.

Or, maybe you come across t-shirts that have the perfect design that represent you but it does not offer small sizes for you.

For many it’s not a big deal. They can easily buy the shirt and shorten it by sewing effortlessly, But what about the rest of us?

That’s exactly where this piece comes in. Let me tell you how to achieve without relying on sew in skills even once. I will give some of the standard methods you use and then go over some of alternative methods the people love to get faster results. 

Sounds good? Let’s begin.. 

1. Methods to Shorten a T-Shirt Without Sewing

Now, Without wasting any of your time, let go over the standard, time tasted and most trusted method you can use to shorten a t-shirt you have so we can get the obvious ones out of the way..

Depositphotos 45127915 S
Source: Depositphotos

1.1 Knotting or Tie-Up

First and foremost comes the simple knotting method.

If you are somebody that is looking to lower the size for your shirt simply to give yourself a stylish and trendy vibe, then this method is for you.

In this method you wanna begin by putting it on and decide how short you want it to be. Then, the next thing you ‘re gonna do is gather all the excess fabric at the bottom of the shirt and tie it into a knot or a double knot for a different look. 

1.2 Use a Belt

Then the most straightforward method men can use. 

As you already assumed at this point, in this you wanna wrap the belt around your waist, cinching the t-shirt at the desired length. 

1.3 Safety Pins or Clips

Third most popular method is utilizing safety pins or clips in your clothing.

Prefect for those who prefer a more snug fit and adjustable method, In this simple method, while wearing the shirt, gather the excess fabric at the sides and then you’re gonna secure it with safety pins or clips.

Depositphotos 182169674 S
Source: Depositphotos

1.4 Elastic Band

Then comes the more practical method of using elastic brands. It will help you achieve how to make your t-shirt stay in place and maintain a neat appearance.

First of all you wanna begin by measuring the desired length and cut a piece of ¼ inch elastic band to that measurement. Then Insert the elastic band into the hem of your t-shirt using a safety pin properly. 

Moving on, once it’s in place, you are gonna secure the ends of the elastic band together. 

1.5  Tie-Dye or Bleach Art

Okay on the final method, it is a widely used method, however it is not for everyone. Particularly those who hold some kind of sentimental value with their clothing.

In this method you simply wash your t-shirt with a good amount of bleach or tie dye. Once the fabric is dry, your shortened t-shirt is ready. 

The only issue with this approach is that it is hard to control how much your tshirt will shrink. There is a good chance that it will actually become too small for you. Which as you tell, is even worse than having it at a slightly big size.

So, remember to only do this, if you really need to or you don’t care about that much.

2. How To Shorten A T-shirt Without Sewing – Alternative Approaches 

Alright now covered our basics. Let’s get into the bread and butter of this piece. Here are some of mine most trusted alternative approaches to shorten that you utilize. 

These alternative methods are time tasted and offer further versatility and depending on preference might even suit you better. 

Depositphotos 254266572 S
Source: Depositphotos

2.1 Fringed Hem

First and foremost is the classic method for summery or beach-inspired t-shirts. In this method the main idea is to add a fringed hem that can be a great choice.

 Now, to do this you wanna begin by marking the desired length of the t-shirt, and then make evenly spaced cuts along the hem. Moving on, pull on the strands to create a fringed effect. 

2.2 Cutout Designs

Second is the cutout design method. If you want to give your t-shirt a trendy and edgy look while shortening it, consider creating cutout designs. 

In this method you wanna begin by properly marking the area you want to shorten then carefully begin to cut out shapes. 

Remember you only wanna do this in rudimentary styles such as triangles, squares, or circles as the main aim of these cutouts are not only reduce the length but also add a unique visual element to your t-shirt.

Depositphotos 44648195 S
Source: Depositphotos

2.3 Tie and Tuck

One alternative method to tying a knot method that we discussed earlier is called the “tie and tuck” method. If you are looking for a more neat and temporary adjustment to the shirt’s length, then this might be more suitable for you than the tie method above.

In execution it is similar in nature. In this method you just begin by folding the excess length of the t-shirt up from the bottom together like the earlier one but then you simply secure it with a hair tie or a decorative clip instead. 

Closing Thoughts

All in all, the actual choice of method you should depends on you, the only thing you should do is that style will  reflect your fashion preferences. 

The reasoning behind this is simple since t-shirts are widely available, if somebody who chooses to hold on to one, they must have a reason to alter their style instead of buying a new one. 

Whatever your reasons are, hopefully you found a perfect method for you. Let us know in the comment what works for you and why. 

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