How to Make a 80s Style Tee Shirt

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

So you've got an 80s themed party coming up. You've managed to pick up or make some snazzy 80s accessories, and you even found the perfect makeup. Unfortunately, finding 80s shirts is hard because everything is too modern. Luckily, making them at home is easy! For a quick and easy look, cut 1-2 inches from each shoulder seam and connect the snip below the collar to widen the neckline. Cut the bottom hem off to make it a crop top and snip off the shirt sleeves for a totally radical 80s-styled t-shirt.

Best Way to Cut a T-Shirt 80s Style

Snip 1-2 inches from each shoulder seam and connect the snips with a curved line, just below the collar, to widen the neckline. Then, cut the bottom hem off of the shirt is as short as you want. For an even more 80s look, cut a fringe into the bottom hem and cut off the sleeves completely.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Cutting a T-Shirt

PDF download Download Article
  1. Bright, neon colors were very popular in the 80s, but you can use a neutral color as well, such as black, white, or grey. You will be cutting this shirt up, so make sure it's one you don't mind permanently altering. A blank shirt would work best, but you can use a decorated one too.
  2. Begin by making a snip 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) from each shoulder seam. Connect the snips with a curved line, just below the collar. This will give you an off-the-shoulder look. [1]
    • You can cut through both layers of fabric at the same time for something quick and easy.
    • For a more professional finish, cut the front neckline lower than the back.
    Advertisement
  3. You don't have to do this, but it's a great way to turn your shirt from a t-shirt to a tank top. Cut the sleeves off following the seam on the shirt body, not the sleeve. You can make the arm holes bigger by cutting a littler further down past the armpit.
  4. You can cut as much of the hem off as you want. For a high-low look, cut the front hem higher than the bottom one. [2]
  5. It needs to go about a quarter of the way up the shirt. The tassels need to be ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) wide. [3] Try to cut through both layers of fabric. This way, you can be sure that the fringes are even on both sides of the shirt. You'll also save some time.
    • If you made a high-low hem, cut the fringes separately. Make sure that they are the same length (however many inches/centimeters long you choose) on both sides of the shirt.
  6. Twist the tassel into a tube, then thread it through a plastic bead, such as a pony bead. You can add as many beads as you want; 1 to 3 would be ideal. Knot the tassel below the bead. [4]
    • You can also use a large yarn needle to thread the beads onto the tassels.
    • Alternate the colors and the number of beads on the tassels.
  7. You can leave the shirt as is, or you can decorate it further. If the shirt is blank, consider adding an iron-on transfer. You can also paint the shirt instead using fabric paint.
    8. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Creating a Printed T-Shirt

PDF download Download Article
  1. Transfer paper prints are usually translucent, so the shirt's color will show through. For best results, use a white shirt. If you must have a colored shirt, be aware that the image may not be as bright. You can also use transfer paper meant for dark shirts, but it will have a white background. You will have to trim around the image, or the white will show up. [5]
    • Baggy t-shirts were very popular in the 80s. If you want something more modern that is simply vintage inspired , you can use a fitted shirt instead.
    • If you want something that looks vintage, consider using an old shirt. The more faded, the better.
  2. Logos from 1980s cartoons work the best. Look for something that is larger than your hand, and has the title of the show as well as some of the characters. Make sure that you get the right generation, however; many of the original cartoons got reboots. For example, the new My Little Ponies look very different from the original ones. This will defeat the whole vintage look.
    • Some of the most popular ones were: Thundercats, Mighty Mouse, and Rainbow Brite. [6] Care Bears, My Little Pony, and Popples were also popular.
    • You can also use other popular films and shows, such as: Back to the Future, Dark Crystal, Ghostbusters, Labyrinth, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, etc.
    • You can also use logos from bands and other things that were popular in the 80s, such as MTV or the Cabbage Patch dolls.
  3. Copy the image from your web browser, then paste into an image editing program. Use the mirror or flip option to reverse the image. If your image has words on it, they will be backwards.
    • If the image is too big, you can shrink it. If the image is too small, you can try to enlarge it, but be aware that you may loose some quality.
    • If you are using dark transfer paper, you typically don't have to reverse the image. [7]
  4. Craft stores and fabric stores sell many different types of transfer paper, so make sure that you get the right kind for your shirt. If you have a white shirt, you can use any type of transfer paper. If you have a colored shirt, you will need to get one designed for colored shirts.
    • Remember to print on the coated side of the transfer paper. [8]
    • Some transfer papers are made specifically for certain types of printers, so double-check before buying it. It needs to match your printer.
  5. Some types of transfer paper, like the kind used for dark shirts, have a white background. If you don't trim this background off, it will show up on the finished product. Use a small pair of scissors to carefully trim around the image. [9]
  6. Make sure that the image is centered. The top of the image should reach just past the armhole. If you are using dark transfer paper, you will typically have to place it image-side-up; double-check the instructions. [10]
  7. Different types of image transfer papers have different requirements, so read the directions carefully.
  8. The image should be transferred onto the shirt. Don't worry if it doesn't look perfect. This will help give it a vintage feel.
    9. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Painting a T-Shirt

PDF download Download Article
  1. Baggy shirts were all the rage in the 80s. A white shirt will show colors the best, but you can use a colored one as well. Make sure that the shirt is blank, without any colors or patterns on it.
  2. The cardboard needs to be the same size as the shirt. It will prevent the paint from getting onto the back of the shirt. [11]
  3. Start by making a large rectangle on your shirt with painter's tape. Lay down more strips of tape at different angles and lengths to create a geometric pattern. Smooth down the edges of the tape against the shirt.
    • Cut the tape in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces and borders.
    • For a simpler design, create large squares over the shirt. Make some tilted at different angles.
  4. This is only necessary if you will be splattering the paint on. If you will be painting it on, you can skip this step.
  5. Try to use a few different colors, the brighter, the better.
  6. You can apply the paint as a solid color, or you can splatter it on instead. Use a new foam brush for each color; if you are using a bristle brush, simply rinse it.
    • Use a sponge brush to pounce the paint onto the shirt. Don't drag it, or you might get paint under the tape. [12]
    • Use a stiff-bristled brush to splatter the paint onto your design. [13]
  7. If you wait until the paint dries, you will risk peeling the paint away too. Be careful not to smudge the wet paint. [14]
  8. Every so often, run your hand inside the shirt to separate it from the cardboard. If you don't do this, the shirt may stick to the cardboard.
  9. This is a great idea for shirts painted a solid color, but you can do this for splatter painted shirts too. Use black or a contrasting color to draw free-hand designs onto your shirt. Try using round or organic shapes, such as spirals, squiggles, or suns to make them stand out. [15]
    • If you painted your shirt a solid color with a foam brush, consider splattering paint over it with a stiff bristle brush.
  10. Puff paint usually needs to dry overnight. Once it's dry, pull the cardboard out of the shirt. Your shirt is now ready to wear!
    11. Advertisement

Common Questions: Wearing Off-the-Shoulder Tops

How do off-shoulder tops stay in place?

Open a safety pin and attach it to one end of an elastic hair tie. Hook the safety pin to the inside of your shirt at the front of your armpit. Then, take the other safety pin and pin it to the back of your shirt, behind your armpit, to hold it in place. Do the same thing on the other side of the shirt. [17]

When were off-the-shoulder tops trendy?

Off-the-shoulder tops have been in and out of fashion since the 1800s. In modern times, they made a big splash in the 1960s, and again in the 1980s. The trend has never really gone out of style since then. [18]

Are off-the-shoulder tops trendy right now?

Off-the-shoulder tops are absolutely on trend right now! They seem to be having a particularly big moment in recent years, but they've never truly gone out of style since their big comeback in the1960s. [19]

Video

Tips

  • Bright, neon colors were very popular in the 80s, especially green, pink, orange, and yellow. [16]
    Thanks
    Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
  • You can find blank t-shirts in fabric stores and arts and crafts stores.
    Thanks
    Helpful 1 Not Helpful 2
  • If you are cutting the shirt, consider drawing cutting guidelines using a washable fabric marker.
    Thanks
    Helpful 1 Not Helpful 2
Show More Tips
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Submit
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement

Things You'll Need

Cutting and Tying a Shirt

  • T-shirt
  • Fabric scissors
  • Pony beads (optional)

Creating a Printed T-Shirt

  • T-shirt
  • Iron on transfer paper
  • Computer and printer
  • Scissors
  • Iron

Painting a T-Shirt

  • T-shirt
  • Cardboard
  • Painter's tape
  • Fabric paint
  • Foam brush or stiff bristled brush
  • Puffy paint (optional)


You Might Also Like

How to
Make a T Shirt a Tank Top
How to
Make a T Tunic for a Renaissance Fair
How to
Modify Your T Shirt
How to
Make a Shirt Smaller
2 Ways to Cut a V-Neck into a T-Shirt
9+ Super Cute DIY Ways to Cut a T-Shirt
How to
Stretch a Polyester Shirt
How to
Make a DIY Sleeveless T-Shirt
How to
Make Off the Shoulder Tops
4 Easy Ways to Cut a Large T Shirt So It Looks Better on You
How to
Make a Halter Top
The Best DIY Cutoff T-Shirt
How to
Cut a Shirt
How to
Alter a Shirt
Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hPDy2_b-t0
  2. ↑ https://www.brit.co/fringe-shirts/
  3. ↑ https://www.brit.co/fringe-shirts/
  4. ↑ https://www.brit.co/fringe-shirts/
  5. ↑ http://www.photopaperdirect.com/blog/?p=470
  6. ↑ http://blog.customink.com/2013/04/customink-100-most-iconic-t-shirts-of-all-time/
  7. ↑ http://www.photopaperdirect.com/blog/?p=470
  8. ↑ http://www.photopaperdirect.com/blog/?p=470
  9. ↑ http://www.photopaperdirect.com/blog/?p=470
  1. ↑ http://www.photopaperdirect.com/blog/?p=470
  2. ↑ http://www.happinessishomemade.net/80s-inspired-splatter-painted-shirts/
  3. ↑ http://organized31.com/80s-style-painted-tees/
  4. ↑ http://www.happinessishomemade.net/80s-inspired-splatter-painted-shirts/
  5. ↑ http://www.happinessishomemade.net/80s-inspired-splatter-painted-shirts/
  6. ↑ http://organized31.com/80s-style-painted-tees/
  7. ↑ http://blog.customink.com/2013/04/customink-100-most-iconic-t-shirts-of-all-time/
  8. ↑ https://www.today.com/style/how-make-shoulder-tops-stay-place-t114559
  9. ↑ https://fashionmagazine.com/style/off-the-shoulder-trend/
  10. ↑ https://fashionmagazine.com/style/off-the-shoulder-trend/

About This Article

Article Summary X

If you want to make an 80's style tee shirt, pick out a baggy shirt in a bright color. Then, cut the neckline about 1-2 inches from each shoulder seem to make it wider, and then cut the bottom hem off the shirt to a crop that's comfortable for you. Remember that you can customize this to your taste, so if you like crop tops, you can make it as short as you want. If you want a unique look, cut tiny strips of fabric into the hem to make fringe along the bottom. For tips on printing your own shirt or painting a shirt, read on!

Did this summary help you?
In other languages
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 552,103 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Lisa Cameron

    Apr 10, 2018

    "There were very easy to follow directions and the different 3 types were perfect. Some pics would be great though. ..." more
Share your story

Did this article help you?

Advertisement