Ever been melting through a summer alleyway gig or hustling from coffee shop to co-working space and thought, “I wish my tee looked cooler and felt breezier”? You’re not alone. As a men’s fashion blogger who loves practical style, I’ve turned old tees into statement pieces that solve the heat, boredom, and fit problems faster than a new-store splurge. If you’re curious about diy shirt cutouts that actually look intentional and wearable, read on — this guide covers ideas, techniques, outfit pairings, and care tips that keep you looking sharp and feeling comfortable.
Why DIY Shirt Cutouts Work for Modern Men’s Fashion
Cutouts are a subtle way to add edge without yelling for attention. They update basics, improve ventilation on hot days, and let you personalize your wardrobe with low cost and minimal tools. From streetwear-ready side slits to refined shoulder openings, a few well-placed cuts can transform a crew neck or oversized tee into something fashion-forward and functional.
Where to Place Cutouts — Styles That Actually Work
Not all cutouts are created equal. Placement and size determine whether the result looks deliberate or like a laundry accident. Consider these popular options:
- Shoulder slits — Subtle and masculine; great for layering under jackets.
- Side vents — Add movement and are ideal for tapered joggers or slim chinos.
- Underarm/armhole tweaks — Useful for breathability during workouts or hot days.
- Back strips — Fashion-forward for festival outfits, pair with a denim jacket for contrast.
- Small chest openings — Minimalist and works with necklaces or layered tees.
How to Make DIY Shirt Cutouts (Step-by-Step)
Keep it simple. You don’t need a sewing machine — just a cheap thrift tee, a marker, and sharp fabric scissors. Here’s my go-to method for clean results:
Materials
- Old or thrifted T-shirt (cotton or cotton blends are easiest)
- Fabric scissors or sharp household scissors
- Chalk or washable marker
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Optional: Seam ripper for precise openings
Steps
- Try the shirt on and pin where you want the cutout to sit. Use a mirror to check symmetry.
- Take the shirt off and lay it flat. Mark the outline with chalk or a marker — start small, you can always enlarge.
- Cut slowly along the line. For distressed edge looks, pull the fabric slightly to make frays, or trim cleanly for a polished finish.
- If you want reinforced edges, fold a narrow hem and hand-stitch or use fabric glue. For raw-edge streetwear, leave it as-is and wash a couple of times to settle the look.
- Test fit and tweak — adjust size or add small side slits if needed.
Styling Tips: How to Wear DIY Shirt Cutouts
Once you’ve created your custom piece, styling it right makes all the difference. Here are outfit combos that work for casual, smart-casual, and night-out looks:
Casual Everyday
- Cutout tee (shoulder or side slit) + tapered joggers + low-top sneakers.
- Add a baseball cap and a simple chain for a clean streetwear vibe.
Smart-Casual
- Subtle chest or shoulder cutouts layered under an unbuttoned lightweight overshirt or overshirt jacket + slim chinos + Chelsea boots.
- Choose neutral colors and keep cutouts modest for a refined look.
Festival / Night Out
- Back strip or larger shoulder cutouts + distressed denim shorts or slim black jeans + leather jacket (for after dark).
- Texture plays well here — pair with suede or metallic accessories.
Fabric, Fit, and Practical Advice
Not every tee is a good candidate for alteration. Here are my real-world pointers based on testing dozens of shirts:
- Choose jersey knit or 100% cotton for easy cutting and natural fraying; avoid slippery polyester blends unless you plan to hem.
- Athletic tees with moisture-wicking fabric are great for functional cutouts in workout gear but require clean finishing to avoid runs.
- If your shirt is boxy, cutouts near the hem or sides add shape. For slim-fit tees, smaller, strategically placed cuts maintain silhouette.
- Always practice on a thrifted or old tee first — mistakes are learning steps.
Care Tips to Keep Your Cutouts Looking Sharp
Washing and drying will affect raw edges and stretched holes. To preserve your new piece:
- Wash cold and inside out to reduce fraying and color fade.
- Air dry or tumble dry on low; high heat can distort cutouts and shrink the shirt.
- If you want a polished look, hand-stitch the edges or use fabric interfacing before cutting.
DIY Shirt Cutouts: Design Ideas to Try This Weekend
Experiment with these easy ideas to find your style signature:
- Micro-cuts across the neckline for a lived-in vibe.
- Asymmetric shoulder opening for off-duty elegance.
- Vertical back slit exposing a tank layer for layered outfits.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the best shirt to use for diy shirt cutouts?
Opt for 100% cotton or cotton blends with some structure. Thicker tees hold shape better for larger cutouts; lightweight jerseys are great for small, subtle cuts. Avoid delicate fabrics like silk unless you’re comfortable hemming.
2. How do I make cutouts look intentional and not sloppy?
Plan with chalk, cut conservatively, and use symmetrical placement. Clean finishes help — small hems or reinforced stitching around larger openings make the design look tailored and deliberate.
3. Can I still layer with shirts that have cutouts?
Absolutely. Layering is one of the strengths of cutout shirts. Use contrasting colors beneath openings, or add a long-sleeve tee under shoulder cuts for a modern, dimensional look.
Conclusion — Try a Cutout, Share Your Look
DIY shirt cutouts are one of the easiest ways to refresh your wardrobe without breaking the bank. Start small on an old tee, test placements, and build a rotation of personalized pieces that express your taste. If you’re ready to experiment, grab a thrift find this weekend and make your first cut — then tag your photos or drop them in the comments to inspire others. For more foundational advice, check out my guides on style basics and seasonal ideas in the summer wardrobe section. Want step-by-step projects and gear? See my DIY guides for tools and templates.
Go ahead — make your next favorite tee. Try a diy shirt cutouts project and let it become the upgrade your everyday outfits have been waiting for.
