(Re)using Your Old Denim

Senior Designer Wil Ortiz helped us cook up a couple style recipes for repurposing two denim staples you already own. We sat down to talk circularity and walk step by step through turning a relic you rarely wear into something totally new. Keep reading to learn more.

WHEN DID YOU START TAKING AN INTEREST IN CIRCULAR DESIGN?

WO: Coming to Wrangler® has really expanded my horizons. I became involved in denim when the industry was changing—we started exploring laser finishes and foam dye to reduce waste and pollution. So much goes into deciding how we can do better and improve our processes.

HAVE YOU HAD ANY DIY PASSION PROJECTS?

WO: I had some jeans that were too long on me, so I just recently took some scissors to them and cut the hems. Honestly, they look even cooler now. I didn’t wear them for years and now I want to wear them all the time. Upcycling can be so much fun when you’re giving a product new life.

WHAT ARE WE WORKING ON TODAY?

WO: No sewing machine, no complicated measurements, no headaches. Just quick and easy projects with big payoffs that will keep these denim castoffs in your rotation for a long time to come.

INGREDIENTS A.K.A. WHAT YOU’LL NEED

With a little creativity and some basic supplies, you can transform your old jeans or jacket into a wearable work of art. Wil says, “Grab your scissors,” but don’t let that scare you. You might also want to have measuring tape and a writing utensil on hand.

First Up? Your old jeans

WE used the WRANGLER® FIVE STAR RELAXED FIT JEAN
1

Decide on a perfect length and get started, but don’t cut straight across. Make the inseam (the inner leg) longer than the sides of your new shorts.

2

Fold your jeans in half to cut the other leg so they’re the same length and shape, but don’t sweat it if they’re not completely perfect.

3

Toss your cutoffs into the washing machine to give them those frayed edges you want.

Next up? Your old jean jacket

WE used the COWBOY CUT® UNLINED DENIM JACKET
1

Lay your jacket flat. Wil suggests cutting in front of the shoulder seam, leaving a little extra denim (maybe half an inch) so the edges can fray.

2

Cut away! Just resist the urge to close your eyes.

3

Repeat on the other side. Keep those eyes open.

4

Addicted yet? Trim your new vest just above the hem for a cropped look.

5

Optional: cut away the collar to create extra potential for fraying.

BEST OF ALL?

THERE’S NO RIGHT OR WRONG WAY TO DIY.

All it takes is a little time, vision, and confidence to make something uniquely yours and prevent that denim piece from ending up somewhere it doesn’t belong. As Wil kindly reminds us, “It can become whatever you want: simplified or stylized. DIY is the ultimate form of self-expression.”.