Transform Old Tees: Cut Bottom Or Not?

Tank tops are a great way to repurpose old T-shirts and give them a new lease of life. Whether you want to create a basic tank top or a racerback style, there are several ways to cut the bottom of a T-shirt to make a tank top. One method is to cut the sleeves and collar off the T-shirt, then cut down the shoulder seams and, if your shirt has one, cut off the back yoke. This will leave you with a flat piece of fabric to work with. You can then cut armholes and a neckline using another tank top as a template, or cut freehand. Another method is to cut the sleeves off the T-shirt, then cut the bottom hem off and snip it to make a long strand. You can then tie this strand around the back of the shirt to create a racerback style.

Cutting wider straps into thin double straps

Materials:

• A ribbed tank top with wide shoulder straps (at least 1 inch or 2.5 cm wide).
• Sharp scissors.
• A washable marker or pen (optional).
• A ruler or measuring tape (optional).
• A sports bra or racerback tank top to trace (optional).

Instructions:

• Cut a small notch into the shoulder seam, staying within the collar and armhole hems. Do not cut straight across the shoulders, as the shirt will fall apart.
• Cut around the armhole, following the binding or stitching as a guide. Stop cutting when you reach the bottom edge of the collar or just below it. Repeat this step for the back of the tank, keeping in mind that the collar in the back will be higher.
• Cut around the collar in a similar fashion but stop just before it curves. Begin at the top of the collar and finish at the bottom, just before it curves out horizontally. Repeat this step for the back, remembering that the collar will be shallower.
• Cut the strips off at an angle in the front and back of the tank. This will give you two thin straps that are intact at the shoulder.
• Clean up the cut edges with smaller scissors for a neater finish. Cut as close as possible to the fabric wrapped around the edges of the collar and armholes. Repeat this entire process on the other side for even straps.

Additional Tips:

• Choose a tank top with a binding around the armholes and collar rather than hems, as this will make cutting easier.
• If you want to create a racerback style, use a sports bra or racerback tank top as a stencil to trace the desired shape.
• You can also cut the bottom seam off your tank top to make it looser and shorter.
• If you make a mistake, don't worry! These tank tops only get better with time, and the cuts will soften and roll slightly with washing.

Turning a tank top into a wrap top

If you want to turn a tank top into a wrap top, you'll need to start with a tank top made from stretchy material. The longer the tank top, the easier it will be to wrap. Here are the steps to follow:

• Turn the tank top inside out and cut the side seams off halfway up the sides. Don't cut all the way up to the armpits, just slice the seams open about halfway up each side. This will divide the tank top into a front and back panel. If you're worried about the stitching unraveling, you can hand-sew a few stitches over the cut ends.
• Hold the tank top against you and mark where you want it to end. Cut the side seams up to this mark.
• Cut the back panel off where you stopped cutting the side seams. Turn the tank top so the back is facing you and cut the back panel off, starting at one side seam and finishing at the other. You're essentially cutting the tank top in half.
• Cut a vertical slit into the center of the front panel, halfway up the tank top. Unfold the front panel so it sticks out from under the back of the shirt. Find the middle of the hem on the front panel and cut a vertical line straight up to the bottom edge of the back panel.
• Put the shirt on and cross the front ties across your chest, tucking the end of the top tie under the bottom edge of the other tie to hold it in place.
• If you don't want to re-wrap the ties each time you wear the shirt, you can glue them in place with fabric glue. Insert a sewing pin into the front and sides of the tank top, going through both layers of fabric, and place a drop of fabric glue where the pins are. Let the glue dry and remove the pins.

Refashioning a T-shirt into a tank top

If you have a T-shirt that you don't mind cutting up, you can easily turn it into a tank top. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Chop the Sleeves Off

Use the seams as a guide to cut the sleeves off. Don't cut straight down through the sleeves; start by cutting through the shirt material and work your way around the seam. This is because sleeves are actually wider in the front than in the back. You can make the armholes deeper by cutting further into the shirt, but be careful not to cut too much into the front.

Step 2: Cut the Collar Off

Again, use the stitching as a guide to cut the collar off. If you cut across the collar while the shirt is lying down flat, the back of your tank top may end up too deep. Instead, carefully cut around the bottom edge of the collar.

Step 3: Customise the Neckline

Now, you can enhance the neckline by cutting it into a V-neck or a scoop neck. You can even trim the back collar to match the front. To ensure both sides are identical, fold the shirt in half lengthwise so that the shoulders match up, then cut.

Step 4: Cut the Bottom Seam (Optional)

If you want a looser fit and a shorter tank top, you can cut off the bottom seam. This step is optional, so if you like the length of your tank top as it is, you can skip this step.

Step 5: Tug on the Cut Edges

T-shirt material doesn't fray, so you don't need to hem it. However, to make the edges look neater, gently tug on all the cut edges to make them curl inwards.

Step 6: Add a Fringe (Optional)

If you want to add a fringe to the bottom of your tank top, cut a 1/2-inch wide fringe into the bottom of the shirt. You can make the vertical slits about 1/2 inch apart, and cut through both layers of fabric if the material is thin enough. If you're worried about the fringe being too high, try the shirt on first and mark where you want the fringe to start.

Step 7: Cut the Side Seams (Optional)

If you've added a fringe, cut the side seams to separate the front fringe from the back. Turn the shirt inside out and cut the seams all the way up to where the fringe starts. Then, turn the shirt right-side out again.

Step 8: Add Pony Beads to the Fringe (Optional)

To decorate your fringe, you can add pony beads to the tassels. You can add 1, 2, 3, or 4 beads to each tassel, and you can choose to do every tassel or every other tassel. Tie a knot at the end of each beaded tassel to secure the beads.

Step 9: Final Adjustments

Now, you can make any final adjustments to your tank top. You can bedazzle it, cut off the bottom cuff, or even add a braided detail to the back. Get creative and have fun with it!

Racerback tank tops are different from regular tank tops

Another way to make a racerback tank top is to cut wider straps into thin double straps. First, cut a notch into the shoulder seam of a ribbed tank top with wide straps, being careful not to cut past the hems on the armhole or collar. Then, cut around the armhole, stopping just below the collar level, and repeat on the back of the tank. Cut around the collar in a similar fashion, stopping before it curves. Finally, cut the strips of loose fabric at an angle, clean up the cut edges with small scissors, and repeat on the other side.

Racerback tank tops are perfect for hitting the gym or styling with a cardigan or jacket for a casual weekend look. They offer a greater range of motion in the arms, better ventilation, and can show off cute sports bra designs while keeping you covered.

Racerback shirts are perfect for layering

• Comfort and Breathability: Racerback shirts are designed with a wide, open back, which allows for better airflow and keeps you cool during hot summers or intense workouts. This makes them perfect as a base layer, providing comfort and breathability.
• Range of Motion: The racerback style provides a greater range of motion for your arms, making it ideal for gym workouts or any physical activity. The lack of restrictive sleeves gives you freedom of movement, ensuring that your clothing doesn't hold you back during exercise or sports.
• Fashionable Layering: Racerback shirts come in various styles, from casual to athletic wear. You can find them in different colours, patterns, and designs, making them perfect for layering with other garments. For example, you can layer a bright, patterned racerback shirt over a plain sports bra, adding a pop of colour to your gym outfit.
• Versatility: Racerback shirts can be worn in multiple ways. You can wear them as-is for a casual, relaxed look. Alternatively, you can layer them under jackets, cardigans, or blazers for a more polished and put-together outfit. The thin straps of a racerback shirt make it an ideal layering piece without adding bulk under your outerwear.
• Show Off Other Garments: Racerback shirts are perfect for showing off cute sports bras or bralettes with interesting strap designs. The open back showcases these garments while still providing coverage, making it a stylish choice for layering.
• Loose Fit: Many racerback shirts have a loose fit around the torso, which not only provides comfort but also makes them ideal for layering. They won't cling tightly to your body, allowing you to move freely and providing a relaxed silhouette.

Racerback shirts are a versatile addition to your wardrobe, offering both style and functionality. Whether you're hitting the gym or heading out for a casual day, layering with racerback shirts will keep you comfortable, cool, and on-trend.

Frequently asked questions