This DIY fashion tutorial shows how to transform denim into a pair of wide-leg gaucho pants, also known as denim culottes, and style them three different ways. With their cropped, flowing silhouette and vintage-inspired proportions, denim gauchos offer a comfortable alternative to traditional jeans while creating a statement-making look. The post explores three stylish outfit ideas for wearing DIY denim gaucho pants, from casual everyday looks to more polished combinations, making them a versatile addition to a creative wardrobe.
Originally published July 20, 2015 // Updated September 2026
Gauchos are having a moment—or, shall I say, having a moment again? And to be honest, they’re not exactly the most flattering silhouette on every body, but they do have a fun, ’70s vibe that I just LOVE.
Annnnnd even when you find a moderately flattering pair of these wide-leg cropped pants (also sometimes called culottes or wide-leg cropped denim), they’re not always the easiest to pull off or style. So I thought I’d make a fun, deconstructed pair using some of my vintage Levi’s and style them a few different ways to give you a little inspiration for creating your own denim gaucho look.
So grab your old baggy jeans that you never wear anymore and let’s get to it!
Here’s What You’ll Need…
- Two pairs of Jeans: 1 you like the fit of, but are maybe too short or too baggy overall, and the second pair is striclty for the the denim. It’s also a great way to repurpose old “legs” of jeans you’ve already turned into shorts for summer.
- Scissors
- Seam ripper
- Pen or marker
- Needle/Thread {or sewing machine if you prefer} & dressmaker pins
Steps…
Try on the jeans that will become your goucho pants base and visually decide where you want your jeans to begin widening – usually somewhere in between your hips and your thighs, the area of your leg that narrows for a moment… and mark it with a small dot.
Remove your jeans and lay them flat. Measure from the waist down to your dot and mark the other leg accordingly.
Cut off the hems of your legs with scissors… now grab your seam ripper and open the outer seams on both legs all the way up to your marked dot.
Grab your second pair of jeans and cut the legs off as high up as you need… and make a pair of shorts with the rest.
Since you won’t be using all the fabric to the edges, you can use scissors here to cut the thicker seam entirely off and open up your two new pieces of fabric.
These will become the panels to create your gauchos.
Line up the center seam of both your open leg and the panel fabric and pin in place at the top of the triangle.
Using your arm as a base to sort of hold your panel up and in place, pin your open leg seams to your denim panel working downward without gathering or pinching the material in any way. Your arm will ensure you’re leaving enough material to create a “wide leg” or gaucho effect.
After you pin both panels in, simple stitch your panels in place.
I chose to hand stitch because I always think it’s easier than whipping out the machine and setting it up and blah…blah…blah. But if you prefer a machine or serger, go for it!
I used a quick hem stitch and hid most of the thread on the under side.
Once your panels are in place, try on your pants and decide how long you want them… remove them and trim away the excess along the bottom.
TIP: I cut mine asymmetrical almost, into slight points for a flared effect. I also used my scissors to distress the bottoms to align with the rest of the deconstructed denim look. If you begin with jeans that aren’t ripped up, you can create a nice large ’70s inspired cuff at the bottom for a completely different look that’s just as fab. Hem your cuffs to keep them in place.
Turn your gauchos inside out and cut away the excess panels leaving only the triangle inserts intact.
NOTE: If you want your gauchos WIDER than mine, you can opt to slit your side seams up HIGHER to create a fuller leg AND/OR open your inner leg seams and add panels there as well.
And… Voila!
You are now the proud owner of a trendy pair of denim gauchos that you didn’t have to pay for!
3 Ways To Style Your Denim Gaucho Pants into Fall…
Dressed up Casual
Vintage beaded tank {also seen here} // Camel coat by SMYTHE // Leopard print bag by Lauren Merkin Handbags // Leopard print Nudist sandals by Stuart Weitzman // Sunglasses by Thierry Lasry
Modern 70s’ Chic
Vintage suede jacket // old oversized turtleneck sweater // Vintage Chanel hobo bag // Gucci sunglasses // suede boots by Boutique 9
Long Layers for a Boho Vibe
Marni platforms // Celine Micro Luggage tote // DKNY denim jacket -ancient // trapeze tank by MYNE // Fendi sunglasses // Necklaces from Tiffany’s
Have Fun!
* Find all my DIYs here
