One of the easiest ways to modify an oversized t-shirt is to tie the ends into a knot at the waist. Fun, there are a variety of different ways to tie and position the knot. If you're tired of wearing oversized shirts, you can tie them in various styles to make them look different. Shirts can be turned into helmet-style tops, dresses, and even skirts! Once you know how to do it, the range of style options to try is truly endless!
Step
Method 1 of 2: Tying Shirts
Step 1. Wear a loose t-shirt
The bigger and looser your shirt is, the more fabric it can tie. This will make it easier for you to make the knot.
Step 2. Tie like a bun for a classic look
Use your index and thumb to make an O pattern. Then tuck the hem of the shirt into it until it feels tight around the waist. Secure the fabric with your thumbs, then cover the ends with your index and middle fingers to form a circle. Pull the end through the loop, then pull to tighten it.
Tuck the end of the knot into the knot so it's not visible, if you like
Step 3. Make a bunny ear knot if you want the shirt ties to not look piled up
Hold the two halves of the shirt by the ends with each hand holding one edge of the shirt. Cross the ties from left to right, then pull them up through the gaps below – just like tying shoelaces. Pull the two fabrics that come up to tighten the knot.
Step 4. Use an elastic band or hair tie for a wrinkled t-shirt look
Make an O shape using your thumb and forefinger. Tuck your hands into the shirt, then pull some of the fabric into the O until it fits. Tighten your fingers around it, just under your hand. Remove the cloth you're holding when you're done.
- The knotted fabric should be on the inside of the shirt. This will partially bend the fabric from the front of the shirt.
- The tighter you tie it, the higher the hem of your shirt will be. Don't let the end of the knot show!
Step 5. Play with the knot positions
Instead of making a knot in the front, try to make a knot in the back. You can even position it on the side for a unique look. You can also show or hide your tummy by lifting the hem of the shirt and tightening the knots.
Method 2 of 2: Tie a Button-down Shirt
Step 1. Wear a regular short-sleeved shirt, but tie the bottom to make a knot
Wear a button-down short-sleeved shirt, but don't fasten the buttons just yet. Take the two bottom ends of the shirt, then tie it in a double knot around the waist – tighten as much as you like. Button the shirt at the top. Alternatively, you can leave a button or two open to show the cleavage.
Step 2. Tie the long sleeve shirt around the body to turn it into a tube top top
Position a long-sleeved shirt on your back, just below your armpits. Button the front until it feels tight. Wrap the sleeves around the front of the body, then tie it so that it looks like a bow tie under the chest. You can let the collar stick out at the back or tuck it in.
Tuck the shirt into a skirt or trousers to complete the look
Step 3. Tie the sleeves behind the neck to turn it into a halter top t-shirt
Wrap a long-sleeved shirt around your chest, just below your armpits. Button the shirt until it feels right. Pull the sleeves of the shirt to the front of the shoulders and behind the neck. Tie until the knot is tight. You can leave the collar sticking out or tuck it inside your shirt, so you don't see it.
- Raise the knot, then position the knot on your left or right shoulder. Tie the sleeves of the shirt like a half bow tie for a cooler look.
- The “half bow tie” shape is a shape that can be obtained by wrapping the left sleeve of the shirt to the right to form a circle, then pulling the left sleeve of the shirt halfway through the circle.
Step 4. Wear a loose, oversized shirt to turn it into a dress
Wrap a long-sleeved shirt with a large button around your chest, just below your armpits. Button the shirt until it feels snug, then twist so that the buttons are at the back, while the collar is at the front. Pull both sleeves forward, just below the chest or above the stomach, then tie the section into a double knot.
- Let the collar out. This will make it look even cooler!
- You can use a regular button-down shirt, but your shirt will turn out to be a mini dress because it's too short.
Step 5. Tie and button a long sleeve shirt around the waist to turn it into a skirt
Wrap a buttoned long sleeve shirt around the waist, then button it. Wrap your sleeves around your waist and tie them into a knot, then form a half bow tie. Tuck the collar into the shirt when you're done.
Step 6. Keep the shirt buttons open for a cooler look
Place a long-sleeved shirt around the waist, then tie it in a double knot at the front. Make sure the shirt matches the outfit you're wearing.
- Leave the buttons open. This will give the shirt a cooler look.
- If it's cold, you can untie the knot and wear it as usual!
Tips
- If you are small, men's t-shirts can be the perfect choice. The t-shirt is larger, looser, and has more ties to the fabric.
- You can tie the shirt as high or as low as you like.
- The looser the t-shirt, the easier the methods above will be to apply. This method may not work on tight-fitting shirts or button-down shirts.
Warning
- Don't leave the hem of the shirt tied for more than a day or the material will stretch.
- Undo the knots on the shirt before washing if you don't want the shirt to be damaged or stretched.
- Modify your t-shirt with paint and stencils for a unique touch!
