23 Men’s Button Up Shirt Refashion and Upcycle Tutorials
With all the extra men’s button up shirts that can be found at thrift stores, sew them into something else with one of these men’s shirt refashion tutorials!
I love refashioning men’s button up shirts. It’s definitely at the top of my list of favorite items to refashion. There’s plenty of fabric, and the woven fabric is always easy to work with. I love reusing the button placket in a unique way!
To show you what you can do with a men’s shirt. I found lots of great tutorials, so you can try one with a men’s shirt you have laying around.
What is Refashioning?
Refashioning is to fashion clothing again or differently. I usually use this to describe when I’m sewing clothing to fit different or to look different, but the majority of the item stays the same.
What is Upcycling?
Upcycling is to reuse material to create something better than the original. I usually use this to describe when I’m sewing adult clothing into clothing for children or I’m sewing clothing into an accessory or house item.
Why reuse a men’s button up shirt?
A men’s button up shirt is made from great fabric like cotton shirting or cotton flannel. This is a comfortable fabric to wear and an easy fabric to sew.
There’s lots of great details to reuse like the front button placket, the front pocket, and the curved shirt hem. There’s also a lot of fabric in one shirt so it works for most projects.
Do you love to refashion? Check out these lists of refashion ideas! There’s something for everyone!
Men's Button Up Shirt Refashions
Use a button up shirt to make something new and fun. These refashion tutorials are for women and children, so you'll find something for everyone!
Button Up Shirt Refashion for Women
With this shirt to dress refashion you can turn a women’s or men’s button up shirt into a fun and easy dress. This refashion is simple and doesn’t require any fitting!
I came up with a really cute summer wrap shirt with this shirt refashion tutorial so you can sew your own!
Learn how to shorten sleeves of a button up shirt to get the right fit. This is a simple alteration to make your sleeves the right length.
Learn how to make an upcycled plastic bag holder to keep bags organized! This beginner sewing project only uses a men’s shirt sleeve!
I fell in love with this edged button up shirt I saw online somewhere. I realized it was a super simple refashion that could easily be done to any button up shirt.
With this men’s shirt to dress refashion remake three men’s button up shirts into one women’s dress. Use either matching or coordinating shirts for a fun look.
Use this sewing tutorial to refashion a men’s shirt to a dress. Most of the details are already done making this the easiest dress to sew!
Turn a button up shirt into a cute top by replacing the front with pretty knit fabric!
Turn a men's button down shirt into a lovely top. The button placket is switched to the back and it's even dyed!
How pretty is this gingham top? I love it, and it all started with a simple button up shirt!
By switching the collar you can make a sweet button up flannel shirt. I love the plaid in constrast with the peter pan collar.
Button Up Shirt Refashion for Kids
Learn how to make a men’s shirt into a skirt. This upcycling project is quick and easy, and you keep the curved hem and button front!
Make a DIY Elsa Frozen 2 Jacket that goes over her dress that she wears to travel to the Enchanted Forest. Upcycle a button up shirt to reuse some of the details.
I have really, really loved making boy clothing. I was inspired to make an easy button front shirt romper with a free 6 mos sewing pattern!
Upcycle a men’s button up shirt into a romper, a dress, or a shirt with this PDF sewing pattern in toddler and baby sizes. Choose between a collar and a bias binding neckline.
Learn how to make a DIY lab coat for kids from a men’s shirt. This is a great upcycle project to make a simple Halloween costume!
Peasant dresses are very easy to make especially when upcycled from a button up shirt. Both men’s and women’s button up shirts can be used as long as there is enough fabric and a button placket.
Make the dress that Anna wears in Frozen 2 to travel to the Enchanced forest. This dress uses two button up shirts for the perfect combo!
One shirt or one pair of pants has tons of fabric. Did you know you can make two pair of pants from one button up shirt?
Learn how to upcycle a button up shirt into a baby girl romper by reusing the parts of the shirt. The buttons and bubble leg are fun details!
Make a cute dress from a button down shirt. I love the cute yellow belt in the middle!
Make a men's button up shirt smaller that's perfect for kids!
Make a super fun and super cute tote bag with a button up shirt and tie! It's just like daddy!
If you make something using this pattern, I’d love to see! Please share it on social media with the hashtag #heatherhandmade and tag me!
Oooh loving the peplum top!
Just pinned! Will definitely need to try this. Remaking stuff is my favorite type of sewing. Thanks!