So I got the idea the other day to create my own pair of ripped up bleached jean shorts. I kept seeing a pair from AE that I really loved and got inspired by the pictures on their website. I thought to myself, "Hey I can make those!" and so I did. Below are some pictures of the Bleached Shorties from AE that started it all.
Here are the supplies and steps I took to create my shorts. And of course pics to follow!
You will need:
1. A bottle of bleach or a bleach gel pen
2. An old pair of jeans you can cut down to shorts. Or if you wanna use a standard pair of jean shorts feel free.
3. Brushes of various size if using straight bleach. I used some old cosmetic brushes (make sure you wash them first if they have been used).
4. Scissors
5. A sharp knife or razor blade
6. Paper towels
7. A small glass for the bleach
Okay so on to step one!
If you are cutting down a pair of jeans (mine were an old pair of Gap denim gauchos from about 5 years ago) decide where you want to cut them and what length you want. I find it easiest to fold the jeans longwise so that the inseams are lined up together. Then simply cut across at your desired length. You can save the excess fabric for another project or toss it.
Step 2: Make sure to have a good work area since you will be using bleach. I found it easy to work in my kitchen over my stainless steel sink. Make sure to clean and dry out the sink first.
Step 3: Pour a small amount of bleach into a cup and make sure to get your paper towels and brushes ready.
Step 4: Decide exactly what you want to do to your denim. You can research looks online like I did or just go freehand and have fun. I bleached mine first and then slashed em last.
Step 5: Get ready to start the bleaching process. I placed a layer of paper towels underneath my jeans when I was using bleach in each spot so that it wouldn't bleed through and mess up my design. Using your different size brushes, apply bleach to desired areas - hem, pockets, up the side seams, etc.
Step 6: Let the bleach sit on the denim. I left mine on a good 30 minutes. You can watch the color lifting out of the denim. The longer you leave it on, the whiter your shorts will get.
Step 7: Wash your shorts in a tiny load by themselves with cold or hot water in your washer. I used cold water since that's what I always do.
Step 8: Take wet shorts out and add rips and shreds. I just used a knife and did some light slicing motions on the areas I wanted destroyed. The more pressure you add the bigger the holes. Lighter pressure will give you more of a shredded look. You can do this step before washing the shorts if you like.
Step 9: Wash the shorts one more time with a load of dark clothing. Dry them and enjoy!
Here's the finished project:
So there you have it! A fun way to modify your clothing and get the look of expensive jean shorts without the price tag. And if you are already using an old pair of jeans these will already be broken in for you.
Just a tip: Go to a local thrift store and hunt for a cool pair of old jeans or shorts. This is a great way to get a super bargain and will make your bleach and destroy project a lot of fun and unique!
Here's a great video on YouTube that shows you how to achieve lots of different ways to manipulate your denim!
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