20 Men’s Button Up Shirt Refashion and Upcycle Tutorials

heather handmade sewing

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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.

Men's Button Up Shirt Refashion and Upcycle Tutorials

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.

Upcycled Shirt Cuff Pouch

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.

men's shirt to skirt diy sew upcycle

Do you love to refashion? Check out these lists of refashion ideas! There’s something for everyone!

Men’s Button Up Shirt Refashion and Upcycle Tutorials

How to Refashion a Men's Shirt to a Women's Shirt

How to Refashion a Men’s Shirt to a Women’s Shirt

Learn how to refashion a men’s shirt to a women’s shirt by changing some of the details, changing the shape, and adding ruffles.

Upcycled Shirt Cuff Pouch

Upcycled Shirt Cuff Pouch

Learn how to make an upcycled shirt cuff pouch by turning a men’s shirt cuff into a tiny pouch. This fun beginner sewing project is so easy!

Button Up Shirt Refashion Tutorial

With this button up shirt refashion turn a men’s shirt into a fun, summery wrap top. There’s lots of button up shirts to use, and there’s not a lot of sewing involved.

diy dog shirt collar

Handsome DIY Dog Shirt Collar

Learn how to make a DIY dog shirt collar out of a men’s button up shirt. This simple sewing project is only one seam and a cute accessory for any dog.

how to shorten sleeves of a button up shirt

How to Shorten Sleeves of a Button Up Shirt

Everyone has individual measurements which means we all need alterations to make our clothes fit. Shorten the sleeves of a button up shirt for an easy sewing alteration!

upcycled diy plastic bag holder

Upcycled Plastic Bag Holder

Learn how to make an upcycled plastic bag holder to keep bags organized! This beginner sewing project only uses a men’s shirt sleeve!

shirt to dress tutorial

Button Up Shirt to Dress Refashion Tutorial

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!

make men's shirt into baby romper

Turn a Men’s Shirt into a Baby Romper with a Free Sewing Pattern

Learn how to upcycle a men’s shirt into a baby romper with this free 6 mos sewing pattern. This intermediate sewing project is so cute for babies to wear.

upcycle shirt two pants

How to Upcycle One Shirt into Two Pants

Learn how to upcycle one button up shirt into two pairs of kid pants. One pair of pants is from the sleeves and one is from the body. One shirt or one pair of pants has tons of fabric.

diy men shirt dress tutorial

DIY Men’s Shirt to Dress Refashion Tutorial

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.

Button Up Shirt + Knit Fabric Refashion Tutorial

Combine a men’s button up shirt + knit fabric to make the perfect refashioned top! Use different colors and patterns for a unique top!

diy men shirt to skirt

How to Turn a Men’s Shirt to Skirt

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!

diy lab coat kids

DIY Lab Coat for Kids from a Men’s Shirt

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!

diy upcycle shirt dress

How to Upcycle a Shirt into a Dress

Learn how to upcycle a shirt into a dress that is perfect for little girls! Keep the button placket for the perfect summer dress!

men's shirt to dress refashion

Men’s Shirt to a Dress Refashion Tutorial

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! Recently, on of my friends gave me about ten of her husband’s button up shirts that they were done with. I made my refashioned shirt dress 4.5 years ago, and

upcycled mens shirt romper sewing pattern

Upcycled Men’s Shirt Romper, Dress, and Shirt 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.

diy elsa frozen 2 dress costume

DIY Elsa Frozen 2 Jacket Dress: Upcycled

Make a DIY Elsa 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.

diy anna frozen 2 costume

DIY Anna Frozen 2 Dress

Make a DIY Anna Dress out of two men’s button up shirts and some trim. Sew and upcycle the dress that she wears to travel to the Enchanted forest.

Mens dress shirt refashion tutorial

Turn a men’s button down shirt into a lovely top. The button placket is switched to the back and it’s even dyed!

Turn a Men’s Shirt and Tie into a Tote

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 sewing project, I’d love to see! Please share it on social media with the hashtag #heatherhandmade and tag me!

button up shirt refashion
heather sewing

I believe small sewing moments can create great joy. Find your own “right” way to sew. -Heather

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Hi,
I just found you today and love your patterns and upcycles ❣️
Do you have measurements/ guide/pattern for altering a men’s “tuck-in” shirt to an “untucked” version?
Sew very grateful,
Monica

Hi…I didn’t see the apron done with men’s shirts..I luv mine…and everyone would luv to make them…please add to yr great list…

Oooh loving the peplum top!

Just pinned! Will definitely need to try this. Remaking stuff is my favorite type of sewing. Thanks!