If you've been thrifting for a minute you know the stores and bins are usually chock full of large men's button-up shirts. While there's all kinds of fun pieces you can make from them, these high waisted girl boxers are my new fave.
The shirt-weight fabric is ideal for these boxers, lightweight yet structured and they break in really nicely (if not already).
Why men's button-up shirts?
Here's the thing about men's button-up shirts at the thrift store:
- They're usually cheap (Savers > Goodwill IMO)
- They're made from great fabric (poplin, chambray, oxford cloth, sometimes even silk blends)
- They are very large, which means there is a lot of fabric
- They're slow movers
A men's XL or XXL has enough material for a full pair of girl boxers with fabric to spare. Even better if it's longsleeve!
The construction details can add some cool design elements to your shorts too. The existing placket adds a graphic stripe down the front of one leg. Chest pockets can become back patch pockets.
They go with more than you think
Comfy for lounging around the house or being part of a sleep set, or dress them up and call it an outfit.
How I like to style boxers:
- With an oversized vintage tee and chunky sandals
- With a blazer, loafers, and funky shades
- With a cropped button-up knotted at the waist for a set look
- Paired with my go-to knee high boots and moto jacket
The fit is relaxed without being sloppy. You look like you made an effort without actually making that much effort.
Any time I can turn essentially sweats into a fit is a win.
A Summer Project That Takes One Afternoon
Not one weekend. Not one very ambitious week. One afternoon. 2.5 hours to be exact.
These shorts come together fast. I've made 5 pairs so far...
Actually Easy to Sew
No complicated fitting. No "why is this not lying flat" moment. No zipper.
Just a clean, simple construction that results in a finished pair of shorts that looks like you bought them.
If you've never sewn bottoms before, this is the right place to start.
Once you make one pair, you will start looking at every men's shirt at every thrift store like it's potential shorts.
That striped Oxford? Shorts.
That floral camp shirt? Shorts.
That shirt that is honestly kind of ugly but in a great way? Especially shorts.
It's a problem. A very cute, very wearable problem.
