How to save this tee?

MsMary

Here I am with a dorky smile, wearing a crew-neck tee that I love but looks just awful on me. Crew necks are not my friends. The neck makes my chest look ginormous and the sleeves aren't doing me any favors, either. I would love to somehow alter this shirt and a few other beloved crew neck tees so I could get some use out of them.

Any ideas? Take the scissors to them and... do what? Take them to the tailor and have her... do what?

Anyone? Bueller?

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15 years ago

General

13 replies

Latest reply was from Louise

bj1111

Veteran

depending on how casual you intend to wear this shirt, i would cut a wider crew neck, see if you can put in a running stitch at the waist to narrow it a bit, slap a jacket over it and wear with jeans, tdf shoes and giant eye catching throat choking jewelry.

or you could just reserve this shirt (and others) for gear. some on the board think words across chests are best reserved for the 12 and under set.

15 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

I have to say I'm confused as to why you want to save this shirt? yardwork? the gym?

I personally loath crew neck t-shirts and when forced to wear one (like when volunteering for an event or such) I promply cut a v-neck and cut the sleeves off. For the neck, cut just above the seam to keep some structure to it. A touch of fray check where you've exposed any open seams will keep it in check.

15 years ago

MNsara

Veteran

One of the MOTG looks involves a graphic tee under a jacket. You could definitely try that for a fall look with denim or pleather or boyfriend jacket.

Otherwise, I'm of the mindset that crew neck t-shirts are gear-ish.

15 years ago

Barbara

Veteran

I'm not a fan of any tee with printing across my chest! I wouldn't even wear it around the house or yard. Sorry, but I agree with MNsara, too gear-ish.

Your smile isn't THAT dorky! LOL.

15 years ago

Elly

Veteran

I get why you like the shirt. At the same time, it is mega unflattering. Unless you are handy with a sewing machine or are going to wear it mostly hidden (try it under a blazer and see if that makes up for the lack of structure) I don't think it is appropriate to just cut it and wear it in public. I think as-is it is fine to wear to the gym, maybe even with a snip in the neck to keep it from looking like it is choking you--- at least there people get to see your wit.

15 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

If you really like the saying, then cut the shirt up and make a tote bag from it.

15 years ago

Kim

Veteran

Make a reusable tote bag (no sewing involved) using duct tape and a stapler! (Oh the things you can find on Youtube...LOL)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6yDxK68OZc

15 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

LOVE that tote bag idea!!!

15 years ago

Anonymous

Love the bag idea too. I was given a bag from a t-shirt, no-sew and w/o the duct tape and bottom of the tee fringed, then knotted (tie front and back fringe pieces together).
The sleeves were cut off leaving the seam so that it looks like a tank. The handles are the sleeve/neck openings and you put stuff in it through the open neck.
MaryK, I cut off sleeves and neck of tees at the seam (leaving seam to finish) and wear them to the gym. I find even short sleeves too warm. Even then I cover them with a jacket if stopping to do an errand.

15 years ago

Desmo April

(website)

Veteran

There are tons of reconstruction tutorials on the web.

I'd change the neckline; cut off the sleeves--resetting and shortening them, and curve the side seams.

If I'm redoing a mens style crew-neck it has to be HUGE on me for it to work. A lot of my knit tops have been modified in some way though. Very often if something fits through the hips the chest is too baggy so I tighten it up and voila a much better fitting top.

15 years ago

MsMary

Veteran

Okay, I took Joy's suggestion and cut off the neck and sleeves but kept the seams. The result still isn't fab, but it's good enough for the gym and I don't feel like I'm choking. I wore it to the gym today and nobody fainted from the sheer horror of it, anyway! Thanks for the suggestions, ladies!

Now off to take the scissors to the identical tee that says "plays well with others."

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15 years ago

Lyrebirdgully

Active Member

Hi MaryK,
Men's T-shirts are indeed a nightmare. I totally stopped buying T-shirts when I realized how awful they looked on me. I have swapped over to wearing casual fashion tops to the gym and for housework etc. Thank heavens for ruched sleeves and prints!

I'm not in favour of reconstruction for this t-shirt because:
Black is a demanding colour next to your face when you a have a delicate natural colouring; it can make your complexion look hectic if you don't have the time - or the occasion - to power up the jewellery and makeup. See in this photo how the black is reflecting patches of grey onto your neck and arms? for comparison, the turquoise colour you are wearing in 2 of your other recent posts is a terrific choice for you.

I also doubt that reworking the neckline and sleeves would be enough to make this T-shirt flattering; there is still the problem of the lower half of this garment and how it falls at the waist and hips. Taking in the sides may not necessarily solve the problem. You would probably need a fitting with the tailor to decide on this point.

I get how much you would adore wearing the slogan - especially at the gym! I would love to have this saying in my life too. How about getting the slogan cut out and sewn onto:
The back of your gym sweater/hoody?
Down one outer side seam of your loose yoga pants/track pants (kind of like a stripe? hmm, why don't I have this on MY gym pants?)
a cloth gym bag? or get the whole T-shirt made into a drawstring gym bag, ?
Sew the slogan down one edge of your gym/beach towel? (I wish some-one would make me one of these!)
Or, what about this? http://www.readymade.com/proje.....ee_pillows. I think the funky cushion look would be very cool for outdoor furniture, as travel cushions for the car, and for picnics. And the black wouldn't show the dirt.

Hope you have great fun reinventing your T-shirt!
.

15 years ago

Louise

Veteran

I think t's no matter whether they are men's or womens will never look great on their own. However pop another layer over the top and they look fab. I have a men's small Harley Davidson t and a ladies twilight one. Both look totally naff on their own but I always wear either a vest or jacket over them and I think they look great. Here's one of Angie's posts about it x http://youlookfab.com/2009/02/.....graphic-t/

15 years ago

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