Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries
Serving Greater Cincinnati

Try These 3 Summer Fashion DIY Projects with Goodwill Finds

With everyone spending more time at home, it’s officially the summer of DIY projects!

If you’re looking for easy crafts to try this summer, why not start with your wardrobe? We’ve gathered three fun and on-trend DIY fashion ideas that are perfect for the warm weather. Best of all, you can make them using upcycled clothing from Goodwill!

two short sleeve t-shirts; one is lime green and the other is black and white striped.

Goodwill t-shirts

#1: T-Shirt to Tank Top Transformation

Whether you’re out on the town or lounging by the pool, a sleeveless top is a must-have for the summer months. If you’re feeling crafty, make your own unique tank top from an oversized t-shirt! Start by getting a plain or graphic tee from Goodwill. You’ll want to look for a larger shirt, so you end up with a loose-fitting tank. Lay the shirt flat on the ground and use fabric scissors to cut off the sleeves on both sides, starting below the armpit area and ending at the top of the shirt. Next, fold the shirt so that the armholes line up and lay flat. Cut the neckline of the shirt, then cut the backside. Clean up any uneven edges with the scissors. For a finishing touch, cut a small slit up the middle of the shirt’s front and tie the two ends of fabric together in a knot. This will give your tank a more fitted-look.

 

#2: Cut-Off Jean Shorts

Denim shorts are another summer staple. Just like full-length jeans, you can wear jean shorts with almost anything! It’s easier than you may think to make your own demin shorts from an old pair of jeans. Start by choosing the jeans you want to cut. Goodwill has tons of jeans in a variety of sizes and styles at affordable prices. Tip: A pair of non-stretch jeans will work better than stretchy ” jeggings.” Don’t be afraid to look in the men’s section!

Jeans from Goodwill

Jeans from Goodwill

Jeans on a rack at Goodwill store

Jeans from Goodwill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once you have your jeans, trim the pant legs at the knee to remove excess material. Then, try on the jeans. Fold one of the leg openings to the length you want for your shorts. Using chalk or a marker, mark along the edge, so you know where to make cuts. Now, take the jeans off and cut slightly below your marked line. Fold the jeans in half to cut the other leg to the same length. Personalize your jean shorts by adding distressed details and rips with scissors, bleaching the denim, or painting a design with acrylic paint or paint markers.  

#3: DIY Belt Bag

Fashionable fanny packs, known as ” belt bags,” have come back into style over the past few years. Belt bags are chic mini-purses that wrap around your lower waist. For 2020, we’re seeing belt bags used as a shoulder bag for a trendy look “” people are wearing the belt across their chests with the bag centered in the front. No matter how you style them, these small bags are great for taking summer essentials like your sunscreen, chapstick, wallet, and keys on the go!

Black Crossbody purse from Ohio Valley Goodwill

Cross-body purse from Ohio Valley Goodwill

Goodwill purses

Purses on Display!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can make your own trendy bag belt by finding a small purse or clutch and matching belt at your local Goodwill store. Attach the purse to the belt by cutting two holes in the back of the purse for the belt to slide through. Use glue to reinforce the holes and prevent the bag from tearing. Add the belt, and you’re all set! Watch the how-to video from Goodwill for a full tutorial.

The best DIY fashion projects start at Goodwill! Shop at Goodwill for gently-used clothing and accessories at affordable prices and let your creativity run wild. Find your nearest Goodwill retail store here.

Graphic with text: Celebrate You!

Celebrate You!

If you shop at Goodwill for your DIY projects, we’d love to see and share your finished work. Tag us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter so we can celebrate you!