How to Make Your Own Off-the-Shoulder T-Shirt

updated by Caitlin Carey on 5/6/2026

Like the off-the-shoulder tee look? Same.
It’s one of those styles that never really leaves. It feels relaxed, a little undone, and actually flattering without trying too hard. Whether you’re cutting up an old band tee or making product to sell, this is an easy DIY you can knock out at home.

The best part is you’ve got options. Go one-shoulder for that slouchy, asymmetrical vibe, or drop both sides for a wider neckline. Either way, it works on everything from basic tees to heavier tops.

If you’ve got a shirt and a decent pair of scissors, you’re already halfway there.

Easy DIY: How to Make an Off-the-Shoulder Top

Turning a regular tee into an off-the-shoulder top is simple and low-risk. No sewing, no special skills, no stress.

Before we get into it, here’s why this is worth doing:

• It’s quick: You’re measuring, cutting, done.
• It saves old tees: Perfect for shirts you like but don’t wear anymore.
• It actually looks good styled up or down: Throw it on with sweats, or layer it with a blazer and call it intentional.

6 Steps to Cut an Off-the-Shoulder Top (and Not Ruin It)

1. Grab Your Supplies

• T-shirt (crew neck works best)
• Fabric scissors
• Measuring tape
• Chalk or washable marker
• Pins (optional)

2. Fold Your Shirt

Fold it in half so the neckline lines up cleanly. Mark the center of the collar. This keeps things even when you cut.

3. Measure Your Drop

Figure out how far you want the neckline to fall off your shoulder. Measure from the base of your neck to just below your shoulder. That’s your guide.

4. Map It on the Shirt

Lay the shirt flat again. Measure from the shoulder toward the center mark using half your measurement from the last step. Mark it.

5. Cut (Slowly)

Start at the shoulder and cut toward your center mark. Only cut the front layer first. Then fold and match it before cutting the back so things stay even.

If you want a more relaxed look, trim the collar seam and even the sleeve hems while you’re at it.

6. Try It On and Adjust

Put it on. If it slips too far, take a little more off or secure it with a hidden pin. Every shirt fits a little different, so expect minor tweaks.

Want Both Shoulders Out?

Lay the shirt flat and mark about 1.5 to 2 inches down from each shoulder seam. Draw a soft curve connecting the two marks (think a shallow “U” shape). Cut along the line through both layers.

Try it on, adjust if needed, done.

Making More Than One? Work Smarter.

If you’re cutting tees to sell on Etsy, your own site, or anywhere else, this is where you stop treating it like a one-off DIY and start thinking like a small business. The goal is consistency, speed, and not burning yourself out after five shirts.

You don’t need a full production setup, but a few smart adjustments can save you a ton of time and make your finished product look way more polished.

• Batch your steps: Don’t complete one shirt start to finish and then start over. That’s the slowest way to do it. Instead, line up your blanks and mark all of them at once. Then move on to cutting. Same motion, repeated, faster results. This is how you start scaling without making it complicated.
• Create a repeatable setup: Use a large table or counter where you can lay shirts flat without constantly shifting things around. Keep your scissors, measuring tape, and marking tools in the same spot every time. When your setup stays consistent, your cuts do too. That matters when you're selling.
• Make yourself a guide: Once you dial in a neckline you like, use that first shirt as a template. Lay it on top of the next blanks and trace it instead of re-measuring every time. This keeps your sizing consistent across orders and cuts your prep time way down.
• Use tools that won’t fight you: Sharp fabric scissors are non-negotiable. Dull blades will drag, stretch the fabric, and leave uneven edges that look sloppy. If you’re selling, details like that show up immediately to customers.
• Choose better blanks from the start: Not all t-shirts cut the same. Higher-quality blanks hold their shape, drape better off the shoulder, and don’t warp after a few wears or washes. That means fewer complaints, better reviews, and customers who come back.

At a certain point, it’s not just about making a cool shirt. It’s about making the same cool shirt over and over again, quickly and cleanly. That’s what turns a DIY into actual inventory.

Where to Get Tees Worth Cutting

If you’re starting fresh or making inventory, grab quality blanks. It makes the final result look way more intentional.

• Shop men’s & unisex crew neck t-shirts
• Shop women’s classic tees

That’s it. Cut one, see how it fits, and you’ll figure out your preferred style pretty fast.