On a recent trip to Mexico I was inspired by the playful fringe trims I kept spotting in boutique shops. Fringe isn’t new to my wardrobe, but seeing it styled so freely gave me the idea to update a simple pair of shorts. With warm weather here and a fringe stash left over from a wall-hanging project, I set out to add trim to basic shorts — and it only took about 15 minutes with no sewing required. The result is an easy, summer-ready upgrade that feels fun and wearable.
DIY Fringe Shorts
Total Time: 15 minutes
Supplies
Shorts with a flat inseam or outseam
Fringe trim (at least four feet, depending on shorts)
Scissors
Fabric glue
Directions
1. Lay the shorts flat with the leg seam centered. Measure the length of the seam where you want the fringe and cut four matching pieces of trim.
2. Apply fabric glue along one edge of the seam and press one piece of fringe on each side of the seam on the front. Add a small dot of glue at the ends to secure the trim. Allow to dry according to glue instructions.
3. Flip the shorts and repeat the process on the back seam, gluing the remaining two pieces of fringe and securing the ends. Let dry completely.
4. If any fringe hangs too long or looks uneven, trim the excess for a polished finish.
Photos by Jeff Mindell
That’s it — a simple way to refresh a basic pair of shorts in minutes. I love how the fringe gives movement and personality, and now I’m tempted to try a contrasting color on another pair.