Photo: Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
Since the 1980s, reconstructed T-shirts have been popping up in high-fashion collections and boutiques worldwide. But if you're not interested in shelling out a month's salary for a cut-up T-shirt, why not make your own? Grab a T-shirt and a pair of scissors and you can have a one-of-a-kind design that flatters your figure and looks fun and funky.
Oversized Tank
Use an oversized shirt to create this tank, which can double as a swim coverup at the beach. Lay the shirt flat and mark about 1 inch in from each of the sleeve seams. From these marks, cut downward toward the edge of the shirt, ending about 6 inches from the base of the sleeve. Mark your preferred collar depth and begin cutting about 1/2 inch from the neckline. Cut to the center of the collar, then cut from the neckline on the other side to finish the collar.
Racerback Top
This simple shirt re-do is a sexy spin on a racerback tank top. Lay a fitted T-shirt flat and cut off the sleeves along the inside of the seam. Starting from where the neckband and shoulder seam meet, measure in 2 inches and mark a line ending at the bottom of the armhole on the front and back of the shirt. From each armhole, cut along the mark and around the base of the neckband until you meet the corresponding mark on the back of the shirt. Cut along that line until you reach the end of the armhole.
Backless Halter Top
With all that moshing, rock shows can get a little steamy. Stay cool at your next show in a backless halter. Turn a fitted T-shirt inside out and lay flat. Cut off the sleeves from just inside the seams and a 1-inch strip across the bottom. Set this aside to use as a drawstring neck tie. From the base of each armhole, cut in a slight diagonal line up to the shoulder -- about 3 inches away from the neck on each side. Then cut across the top in a straight line through both layers. Flip the shirt around to the back and, from the bottom of one armhole to the other, cut an arc across just the back of the shirt. The depth is up to your personal taste. Turn the shirt back around and flip the straight part of the shirt down 1 1/2 inches. Pin it down and stitch along, creating the drawstring tube. Thread the drawstring through, turn the shirt inside out and try it on.
The Rollover
Ahoy, matey! Sail the high seas with this remixed boatneck top. To start, turn a T-shirt inside out and lay it on a flat surface. Cut an 8-inch loop from the bottom of the shirt. From the new edge, measure up 12 inches and cut across again. Snip down the side of this loop and spread out your rectangular material. Measure across the long edge of the rectangle, marking your bust measurement and trimming the excess fabric vertically. Fold the rectangle lengthwise again, right sides together, and sew up the side. Turn the new tube right side out and lay it flat. Center the 12-inch tube above the 8-inch tube, then pin and sew the edges together in the front and back. Roll the 8-inch tube down to expose the right side.
