7 Cute Ways to Cut a Shirt on the Sides That Instantly Upgrade Your Outfit

Cute ways to cut a shirt on the sides are easy DIY fashion techniques that transform a basic oversized tee into a trendy, customized top using side slits, knots, braids, and tie details. If your closet feels a little boring lately, this trick changes everything without spending a single dollar.

Honestly, oversized T-shirts deserve way more attention. One pair of scissors can turn an old concert tee or plain cotton shirt into something that looks straight off Pinterest. Plus, DIY fashion searches continue to trend every summer because people want easy, affordable outfit upgrades instead of buying new clothes every week.

The best part? These cute ways to cut a shirt on the sides work for festivals, beach days, gym outfits, coffee runs, and even casual date nights. Your old shirt suddenly becomes the main character. We love a budget-friendly glow-up.

1. The Classic Side Knot Girl Look

The key to this look is creating two side slits and tying them into soft knots that sit right above your hips.

This style never fails because it adds shape instantly. Grab an oversized graphic T-shirt, cut a 5-inch slit on both sides, and tie each side into a loose knot. Suddenly, your giant sleep shirt becomes intentional fashion.

Pair it with high-waisted denim shorts or a white tennis skirt for that effortless cool-girl vibe. Keep the knots slightly uneven. FYI, perfection ruins the charm here.

Add accessories like:

• Gold hoop earrings
• White sneakers
• A mini shoulder bag

You’ll love how comfortable this feels while still looking put together. IMO, this is the easiest beginner-friendly option because it’s almost impossible to mess up. ✨

2. The Braided Side Detail That Looks Expensive

The key to this look is cutting several small horizontal strips and weaving them into a braid.

This one makes people stop and ask, “Wait… where did you buy that?” Plot twist: your scissors did all the work. Cut four or five strips along each side seam and braid them downward.

Choose an oversized solid black cotton T-shirt because the braid stands out beautifully. Pair it with faux leather leggings for a slightly edgy vibe.

Here’s a little styling hack: pull the braid loose after weaving. Tight braids can look stiff, while looser braids create movement. You’ll get a designer-inspired look without the terrifying designer price tag. Your wallet deserves this win. 😌

3. The Double Tie Crop Top Moment

The key to this look is creating two side ties that cinch the waist and turn a basic tee into a cropped silhouette.

This style screams summer. Cut long side slits from the hem upward, leaving enough fabric to tie bows on each side. Suddenly, your oversized shirt transforms into a flirty crop top.

Wear it with light wash mom jeans or linen shorts. The contrast between the fitted waist and relaxed bottoms looks incredibly balanced.

Keep the bows soft instead of tight. Loose bows create a more effortless shape and feel less restrictive throughout the day. This outfit works for brunch, shopping trips, and spontaneous ice cream runs because life always needs room for dessert.

4. The Peekaboo Lattice Side Cut

The key to this look is creating a crisscross lattice effect that shows a subtle hint of skin.

This style feels sporty but elevated. Cut evenly spaced slits down both sides, then weave the strips over and under each other. The result looks intricate but only takes about ten minutes.

Use a white oversized T-shirt paired with black biker shorts and chunky sneakers. The monochrome combination makes the lattice detail pop beautifully.

Here’s my favorite trick: wear a colorful sports bra underneath. A tiny peek of lavender or baby blue instantly makes the outfit look intentional. You’ll feel cool, comfortable, and slightly mysterious in the best possible way. ✨

5. The Beachy Fringe Side Vibe

The key to this look is cutting long vertical fringe pieces that move naturally as you walk.

This outfit belongs at every beach vacation. Long fringe instantly adds energy to an otherwise plain shirt.

Grab a vintage band tee and cut several thin strips along both sides. Pair it with distressed denim shorts and flat sandals for a relaxed coastal look.

Don’t cut the fringe too short. Longer pieces create more movement and photograph beautifully in windy weather. Honestly, this outfit was made for vacation photos. Even if you’re only walking to the grocery store, your shirt doesn’t need to know that.

6. The Ruched Side Streetwear Look

The key to this look is adding adjustable ruching that lets you customize the fit.

This one looks surprisingly elevated for something that takes less than fifteen minutes. Cut two small openings on each side and thread a ribbon through them. Pull the ribbon tight to create gathered ruching.

Wear your ruched shirt with cargo pants and platform sneakers. The fitted top balances out the relaxed bottoms perfectly.

Try using satin ribbon instead of cotton string. The subtle shine adds a fashion-editor feel instantly. You’ll love how versatile this style becomes because you can loosen or tighten the ruching depending on your mood.

7. The Butterfly Side Tie Aesthetic

The key to this look is cutting multiple small ties and turning them into delicate bow details.

If Pinterest and Y2K trends had a baby, this would be it. Cut three or four evenly spaced strips on each side and tie them into tiny bows all the way down.

Pair a baby pink oversized T-shirt with a white pleated skirt for an ultra-feminine outfit. The little bows create visual interest without overwhelming the entire look.

Here’s a pro tip: leave tiny gaps between each bow so the shirt still flows naturally. According to recent fashion trend reports, Y2K-inspired details remain one of the most searched aesthetics this season, and tiny bows keep showing up everywhere.

This outfit feels playful without trying too hard. Plus, everyone secretly loves a cute detail that makes people look twice. 🎀

FAQ

What shirts work best for cute ways to cut a shirt on the sides?

Oversized cotton T-shirts work best because they provide enough fabric for knots, braids, and tie details. Avoid very fitted shirts because they can become too tight after cutting.

How do you cut a shirt on the sides without ruining it?

Start with small cuts and gradually make them larger. Always use sharp fabric scissors and lay the shirt flat before making any changes.

Why are side-cut shirts so popular right now?

People love affordable DIY fashion. Side-cut shirts offer an easy way to customize old clothing while creating trendy, social-media-worthy outfits without buying something new.

The Bottom Line

Cute ways to cut a shirt on the sides prove that you don’t need a shopping spree to refresh your wardrobe. Sometimes all it takes is an old oversized tee, a pair of scissors, and five minutes of creativity.

Whether you love braided details, tiny bows, beachy fringe, or sporty lattice designs, each style adds personality to pieces you already own. That’s the beauty of DIY fashion. It feels unique because nobody else will make it exactly the same way.

So next time you stare at a boring shirt hiding in the back of your closet, don’t donate it immediately. Give it a tiny makeover instead. Your future self will thank you, and your outfit photos might get a lot more compliments too.

🛍️ Shop the Look — cute ways to cut a shirt on the sides

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✨ For more inspiration, check out Vogue — our go-to sources for the latest trends.