Uploaded August 2024 | Updated September 2026, 5 days ago
Ever passed through your local thrift store and seen the rows and rows of men's shirts?
Maybe like me, you've admired the beautiful stripes and fine prints and wondered, “what could I do with that fabric?”
I recently made a Maiden Lane dress out of 4 men's shirts and I love it!
I thought I'd share my tips for upcycling men's shirts here, in case you ever get inspired to pick up a few men's shirts, too:
♡ Fabric Type
Look for 100% cotton and avoid the “wrinkle free” type of shirts which often have elastin or polyester and don't breath or press quite as well.
♡ Prints
Opt for one “family” of prints. For example, if you do stripes, do ALL stripes. I had 3 stripes and one gingham and the gingham didn't quite fit with the others as well as a stripe would have.
♡ Darts Beware
Found a fabric, I mean shirt, that you like? Double check the waistline to see if it has darts! Unless you can work your pattern pieces around them, they won't be ideal for cutting your work.
♡ Buttons!
I now won't need to buy any buttons for future men's shirts I make. If you happen to find a luxury brand shirt, you'll get reaallly good buttons! I found an Etro shirt with some beauties I'll use later.
♡ Get Creative with what you have
I used the button placket of one of the shirts down the center front of my Front Bodice for an added menswear look. Think about the sleeve plackets, too!
♡ Pattern Choice
Choose a sewing pattern that has smaller pieces so you can fit them within the fabric of the shirts. For example, my Maiden Lane dress has a bodice and skirts that are seamed at the waist, making it perfect for this type of project ;-)
Save 25% on the Maiden Lane PDF pattern through saturday! Link in bio to shop
Ever passed through your local thrift store and seen the rows and rows of men's shirts?
Maybe like me, you've admired the beautiful stripes and fine prints and wondered, “what could I do with that fabric?”
I recently made a Maiden Lane dress out of 4 men's shirts and I love it!
I thought I'd share my tips for upcycling men's shirts here, in case you ever get inspired to pick up a few men's shirts, too:
♡ Fabric Type
Look for 100% cotton and avoid the “wrinkle free” type of shirts which often have elastin or polyester and don't breath or press quite as well.
♡ Prints
Opt for one “family” of prints. For example, if you do stripes, do ALL stripes. I had 3 stripes and one gingham and the gingham didn't quite fit with the others as well as a stripe would have.
♡ Darts Beware
Found a fabric, I mean shirt, that you like? Double check the waistline to see if it has darts! Unless you can work your pattern pieces around them, they won't be ideal for cutting your work.
♡ Buttons!
I now won't need to buy any buttons for future men's shirts I make. If you happen to find a luxury brand shirt, you'll get reaallly good buttons! I found an Etro shirt with some beauties I'll use later.
♡ Get Creative with what you have
I used the button placket of one of the shirts down the center front of my Front Bodice for an added menswear look. Think about the sleeve plackets, too!
♡ Pattern Choice
Choose a sewing pattern that has smaller pieces so you can fit them within the fabric of the shirts. For example, my Maiden Lane dress has a bodice and skirts that are seamed at the waist, making it perfect for this type of project ;-)
Save 25% on the Maiden Lane PDF pattern through saturday! Link in bio to shop
