DEUS: 088/19273—94 REX-13: 972-1823901/123 As my first project of the summer, I decided to make a pair of shorts for myself. I initially wanted to make some jorts but knew that would be too simple, so the quest for unique details began. Here’s the moodboard.
My first thought was to ensure the shorts were upcycled. Since this wasn’t a conceptual garment, I wanted to challenge myself with upcycling. I had an old, beat-up pair of Levi’s, but they weren’t useful because the crotch had fallen apart at the seam. So, I needed another pair of jeans for the main body, with the old pair serving as a secondary material.
One day, while browsing SSENSE, I stumbled upon double waistband jeans by Vetements. This sparked an idea, and I decided to start experimenting. I was fortunate to find a good pair of thick Levi’s at the thrift store, giving me all the materials I needed.
The initial idea was to do something different and create a double jean effect, making the jeans appear to glitch through each other. However, after testing this concept, I didn’t like how they fit. Although I could have adjusted the fit, the design was too loud for a daily uniform, especially for work. Nevertheless, I settled on the double waistband idea.
The first task was attaching the secondary waistband. I analyzed the Vetements jeans on SSENSE and found out that it was actually very easy to replicate. After cutting the secondary jeans, I unseamed the waistband of the main jeans. Once both waistbands were attached, the look was exactly what I wanted.
Next, I needed to fix the fit. The thrifted jeans were tapered from the knee, so I added widening panels to the inseam and side seams to achieve the straight/baggy fit I wanted.
Overall, I consider this first summer project a success. I’m pleased with the final look and the lessons I learned. I’m tempted to make another pair following my original idea of attaching two pants below the hip level, but for now, I’ll put that idea on hold to make a drawstring bag.
Here’s the order of assembly:
1. Cut the secondary jeans.
2. Unseam the main jeans at the waistband.
3. Attach the secondary jeans to the main jeans.
4. Overlock and top stitch.
5. Add a buttonhole on the main jeans.
6. Unseam the crotch.
7. Attach the gusset.
8. Unseam the side seams.
9. Attach widening panels.
10. Attach the combo pocket.
11. Hem the shorts.