Transforming Basic Tees: Crafting Oversized T-Shirts With Flair

Oversized T-shirts are a versatile and comfortable piece of clothing that can be styled in many different ways. Whether you're looking for a casual, sporty, or trendy outfit, an oversized T-shirt can be a great base. Here are some tips and tricks to help you style your oversized T-shirt and make a fashion statement:

- Tuck it into denim shorts or jeans for a summery or classic look.

- Turn it into a crop top by tucking it into itself or using a scrunchie or hair tie.

- Wear it as a T-shirt dress and pair it with chunky white sneakers and crew socks.

- Pair it with biker shorts, joggers, or track pants for a comfortable and relaxed outfit.

- Layer it with a long-sleeve shirt or an oversized cardigan or flannel for a preppy vibe.

- Tuck it into sweatpants or tailored pants for a casual-chic look.

- Try an oversized graphic tee with a chic miniskirt and mules, or mix prints by wearing it over printed pants.

- Balance the oversized T-shirt with tight leggings or fitted bottoms like skinny jeans or leggings.

- Accessorize with a belt, especially if you have a lean physique, to give shape to your waistline.

- Try an off-shoulder look to show off your shoulders and collarbone.

- Roll up the sleeves if they're too long, or tie a knot in the front for a makeshift crop top.

Create a racerback tank top

A racerback tank top is a great way to repurpose an old t-shirt. This style of tank top is perfect for layering over bandeau tops and for working out. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create a racerback tank top:

Step 1: Find a t-shirt

Select a t-shirt that is one to two sizes larger than what you normally wear. The t-shirt can be blank or have a design on the front. Do not use a fitted shirt, as the racerback will turn out too small.

Step 2: Cut the sleeves off

Begin cutting one to two inches below the armpit and finish cutting just inside the top shoulder seam. Cut the left sleeve first, then fold the shirt in half lengthwise and use the cut edge as a guide for the right sleeve.

Step 3: Cut the back of the armholes

Turn the shirt over so that the back is facing you. Begin cutting at the back of the shirt at the armpit of your first sleeve. Scoop down half to one inch, then cut in towards the center by about two inches. Finish cutting at the top of the original cut edge. Remember to only cut the back of the shirt, not the front.

Step 4: Cut the collar off

Cut the entire collar off at the stitching. Begin cutting at the left shoulder and work your way around the front of the shirt towards the right. Continue cutting along the back of the collar until you are back where you started.

Step 5: Cut a strip of fabric from the sleeves

Take one of the sleeves you cut off earlier and cut along the seam to create a long rectangle. Cut a rectangle that is approximately one-and-a-half by four inches from the sleeve. Gently tug on the rectangle to make it longer and help the edges curl in.

Step 6: Braid the back of the shirt

Pinch the back of the shirt to create a racerback shape. Slide your fingers through one armhole and your thumb through the other. Close your hand to gather the fabric between the two armholes.

Step 7: Wrap the cut-off collar

Take the end of the cut-off collar strip and place it against your gathered fabric. Make sure it is level with the armpits of your shirt, then begin wrapping it tightly. Secure the end of the collar strip by gluing or sewing it to the inside of the shirt.

Step 8: Try on your shirt

If desired, cut the bottom hem off to complete the cut-off look. For a nicer finish, gently pull along all of your cut edges to make the fabric curl inward and conceal any jaggedness.

Make a knotted shirt

If you want to make a knotted shirt, there are a few different methods you can try. This works best with oversized shirts as you'll have more fabric to work with, but you can also try it with any tee that has a slight stretch to it.

Basic Front Knot

This is probably the most well-known knot, and it transforms your oversized tee into a cute crop top. You can also do a variation of this knot at the back or side of the shirt. Here's how to do it:

• Fold up your T-shirt in the back.
• Gather the leftover fabric in the front.
• Twist the section until it forms a spiral.
• Wrap it around to create a ball shape and pull the end piece through the middle.

Smooth Front Knot

This is the same as the basic front knot, but with an extra step to make the knot look neater.

• Follow the steps for the basic front knot.
• Take the fabric at the end and fold it over the entire knot to smooth it out.

Simple Front Tuck with a Knot

This is a combination of a tuck and a knot, and it's a low-effort way to shorten your T-shirts and give them a casual look.

• Grab your tee at the sides and shorten it in the back.
• Take a section at the front on one side.
• Loosely twist the fabric.
• Tuck the end into your bottoms and adjust until you're happy with the look.

Super-Cropped Front Knot

This knot shows a bit more skin, but you can also wear a longline bralette underneath.

• Fold up the shirt in the back, slightly higher than for the basic front knot.
• Gather the fabric in the front and fold up the sides of the shirt higher.
• Twist the section until it forms a spiral.
• Continue wrapping it around and pull the end piece through. The knot should be on the upper part of your torso.
• (Optional) Fold the entire knot under the hem of your shirt if you want to hide it.

Back Knot

This is very similar to the front knot, but with a few small changes.

• Fold up your T-shirt in the front.
• Grab a section of the shirt's fabric in the back.
• Twist the back section into a spiral.
• Wrap the spiral around itself until you create a ball, then pull the end piece through the hole.

Double Knot

For this style, you'll be creating two knots, one on each side of the shirt.

• Separate the shirt into two.
• Create a knot on each side using the same method as the front knot: twist the section until it forms a spiral, then wrap it around and pull the end piece through.
• (Optional) Use rubber bands to keep your knots in place.

Pretzel Knot

This style works well with different types of shirts, including long-sleeved picks.

• Grab both sides of your shirt.
• Pull the sides to the front and create a basic knot: cross one end of the shirt over the other, then insert one end into the loop and pull both ends in opposite directions to tighten.
• Tuck the ends into the shirt for a neater look.

Ruffled Side Knot

This is a unique ruffled look that you can recreate with your own T-shirt.

• Take two pieces of the material mid-tummy on both sides.
• Pull those two pieces to the side.
• Create a basic knot: cross one end over the other, insert one end into the loop, then pull both ends in opposite directions to tighten.

Button-Down Shirt Knot

Here's a knot idea specifically for button-down shirts.

• Button your shirt but leave the two bottom ends out.
• Create a basic knot: cross one end over the other, insert one end into the loop, then pull both ends in opposite directions to tighten.

Rubber Band "Knot" and Tuck

If you don't want to attempt a proper knot, you can use a rubber band to fake it.

• Take one side of your shirt and wrap the end with a rubber band.
• Tuck the extended piece underneath your shirt to hide the "knot".

Alter the sleeves

There are several ways to alter the sleeves of an oversized T-shirt. One way is to cut the hem off the sleeves to create a cut-off look, especially if you have already cut the collar or bottom hem. This will make the shirt look more consistent and trendy.

You can also create a cap-sleeve look by cutting the sleeves off at an angle. Cut the sleeves about one to two inches from the top of the shoulder seam, and finish cutting a quarter to one inch from the armpit seam. Fold the shirt in half so the shoulders match, and use the cut sleeve as a guide for the other sleeve.

For a sleeveless look, cut the sleeves off just inside the seam towards the body of the shirt. The fabric will curl inwards when you pull on it, giving a neat finish. If you cut just outside the seam, the fabric will fray a little for an edgier look.

For a trendy look, cut the shirt just inside the shoulder seam and finish cutting a few inches below the armpit. Fold the shirt in half and use the cut edge as a guide for the other side. Pull on the cut edges to curl them in and hide any jaggedness. T-shirt material does not fray, so you don't need to hem it.

Change the collar and hem

There are many ways to change the collar and hem of an oversized T-shirt. Here are some ideas:

Changing the Collar

• Cut the collar off at the seam to complete a cut-off look.
• Create a scoop neck by cutting the front collar lower. First, cut the entire collar off, then fold the front of the shirt in half lengthwise so that the back is still loose. Begin cutting about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) below the collar, and finish cutting at the top edge of the collar.
• Extend the collar towards one shoulder for an off-the-shoulder look. Cut the entire collar off first. Choose a shoulder that you want to expose and cut through both layers of fabric.
• Cut the collar off to make it a scoop neck. Trace around the front collar, adding 2 inches (5.08 cm) on the sides and 1 inch (2.54 cm) to the bottom. Flip the shirt over and trace along the back collar, adding 1 inch (2.54 cm) all around. Cut along the lines and either leave the edges raw or hem them for a neater finish.

Changing the Hem

• Cut the bottom hem off to finish a cut-off look.
• Cut the front of the shirt shorter than the back to create a high-low look. Flatten the shirt so that one of the side seams is visible and you have a fold along the front and back centre of the shirt. Begin cutting along the back folded edge at an upward angle towards the front folded edge.
• Cut the hem shorter along the side seams for a scooped look. Cut the entire bottom hem off first, then fold your shirt in half so that the side seams match up. Begin cutting at the side seam, about 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) from the bottom hem. Cut in a curve towards the folded edge, stopping at the hem.
• Trim the bottom hem at belly-button level for a cropped look.
• Extend a short T-shirt with lace. Cut enough lace to wrap around the hem of your shirt, plus an added 4 inches (10.16 cm). Tuck each piece of lace into the shirt by 0.5 inches (1.27 cm). Pin one piece to the front hem and the other piece to the back hem, overlapping the side edges by 1 inch (2.54 cm). Sew the lace down, following the original stitching on the shirt.

Tuck into denim shorts

Tucked oversized T-shirts are a fun, casual, and trendy look. Here are some tips on how to style an oversized T-shirt with denim shorts:

Choose the Right Denim Shorts

Select a pair of denim shorts that are relaxed-fit or have a looser silhouette. Avoid skintight or very fitted shorts as this can make your upper half appear boxier and throw off your proportions. Opt for a medium or light wash pair of denim shorts, especially if your T-shirt is the same colour as your bottoms. This will help you maintain your shape and avoid looking shapeless.

Tuck and Cinch

When tucking in your oversized T-shirt, start by pulling the fabric to the front and then moving it to the side. Unzip your shorts and push all the fabric down to avoid bunching. Pull up the shorts, zip them up, and add a belt to accentuate your waist and give you more shape. You can pull the T-shirt slightly out so that it spills over a little, creating a cute, laid-back look.

Accessorise

Add some funky accessories to elevate your look. Opt for a cool waistband, mini clutch, or sling bag. For footwear, you can go for sneakers, boots, or even heels for a dressier look. Throw on a pair of chic sunglasses and some statement jewellery, like long chain pendants, drop earrings, or quirky hoops.

Hairstyle

To complete your outfit, try a messy bun, high ponytail, or a loosely-knitted side braid.

Other Styling Tips

If your T-shirt has a graphic, you can play around with how you tuck it in to showcase the design. You can also roll up the sleeves of your T-shirt, especially if they are oversized, to add a fashionable touch.

Now you're ready to rock your oversized T-shirt with style and confidence!

Frequently asked questions