DIY Ombre Shorts

In honor of the warming weather, last week I showed you how to create cute tie-dye shorts out of the jeans you have just gathering dust in your closet. I recognize that tie-dye isn't for everyone, so this week I decided to show you how to create a pair of ombre shorts, which are just as colorful, but a bit less "out there". All you will need is a rectangular bucket, gloves, an old pair of colored jeans, and bleach.

Step One: If you are starting with jean pants, cut them to your desired length. Be careful not to cut too short, because we are going to fray them later, which can decrease their length by about half an inch. To get a straight cut, mark where to cut with a ruler and a washable marker or eyeliner pencil. When you are done cutting, rub a pumice stone (the thing you rub against the soles of your feet to get rid of dead skin), against the cut edges to give them a "distressed" look. You can also use a cheese grater or sand paper. I find that ombre looks too formal on shorts that are cut perfectly. 

Additional Step: If you started with regular colored jeans, use a fabric dye teinture to dye the denim the color you want to be the darkest part of your ombre. Stay away from light colors, unless you want the bottom of your shorts to be white. For instance, if you dyed your shorts a light blue, it would fade into white. But if your shorts were dyed dark blue, it would fade into light blue. Either way works, but I prefer to always have color. Dye your shorts using the instructions on the packet of dye teinture. Once your shorts have soaked in the dye mixture, move onto the next step. If you want to wash and dry the jeans first, you can, but it won't make a difference in the product.

Step Two: Wearing the gloves, fill the bucket 1/4 of the way up with bleach. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO WEAR GLOVES WHEN HANDLING BLEACH. If you used dye teinture without gloves, your hands will just be stained for a couple of days. Bleach can irritate or burn your skin, so wear gloves at all times and if skin does come in contact with bleach make sure to wash it off immediately and thoroughly. Make sure you take the bucket outside in a well-ventilated area so you don't inhale the fumes.

Step Three: Let your jeans soak in warm water. Tape your shorts to the side of the bucket so that the bottom 1/2 in. to in. is in the bleach. 

Step Four: Every pair of jeans is different. Some will take 2 minutes to bleach, some will take 2 days. It also depends on how high you want the bleach to go up the shorts. Keep an eye on them. Mine took around 2 hours until I was satisfied. 

Step Four: Once it is bleached to your approval, take your shorts out of the bucket and run it under cold water. Throw them in the washer and dryer by themselves (you don't want to ombre any of your other clothes!). 

 I was really content with how my shorts turned out. I'm even considering doing the same thing with other colors. Because I already had all of the materials I needed, the project didn't cost me any money, compared to the $30-$100 dollars you can spend on shorts in any store at the mall.