Back in the ’90s wearing men’s button down shirts with cut off jean shorts and over a bikini as a cover up was what we lived in during the summer. If we were heading to the beach or just hanging out in a backyard pool swimming and tanning all afternoon after school, we’d inevitably be wearing an old man’s button down in the interim {and of course, after as our hair and suits dried… oh the days of very little responsibility are so far behind us}.
As with all things ’90s, this trend is back in style for summer, but also an easy classic, and I thought I’d add a fun DIY spin to it to make it a little more unique AND breezy. Sometimes long sleeves are a bit too hot and this really opens it up for a nice breeze to pass through. I was looking for a white shirt, but all I could find in my husband’s closet {that he wasn’t wearing anymore} was this minty one, which worked out better for the DIY tutorial anyway, and perfect for a hint of a bohemian feel.
Here’s What You’ll Need…
* Oversized men’s button down shirt
* Scissors
* Matching Needle/Thread
* Flip your shirt over so the back is facing up. Find the seam just below the yoke of the shirt and cut along it or just below it, making sure to keep the seam completely intact so you don’t have to refinish it.
* Fold the raw side you just cut over twice inward {and iron it if you have the patience} to keep it in place OR…
* Pin it down all the way to the other side making sure you’ve folded it into the inside of the shirt.
* Run a hem stitch from end to end {or you can use a machine to sew it or serge it if you prefer}
* My opening was a bit larger/longer than I wanted {it gaped open and showed my arms too much} so I simply put a few stitches about an inch in on each side to make it a bit smaller. This is optional, of course.
NOTE: You can see a bit of the stitching through onto the right side {though it looks more puckered in the photos than in reality} but if you iron it {I did not because I’m lazy} this will create a smoother/crisper visual line. But it’s a swimwear coverup, so it also doesn’t need to be perfect.
NOTE: You can also do this to a fitted shirt and wear it as casual business-wear, but if so, I’d suggest working a bit harder at making it look crisp!
And… Voila!
And here’s the front… {still looks like a man’s shirt}
Have Fun in the Sun!
* Find all my DIYs here
