Making your own cutoff shorts from a pair of jeans gives you complete control over the length, fit through the hip, and how aggressively the hem frays. The key is starting with the right denim - not every pair of jeans cuts and distresses equally. These five picks are the best jeans to buy specifically for the purpose of cutting into great shorts.
| Product | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Levi’s 501 Original Jeans | Classic iconic selvedge DIY cutoffs | Straight leg, selvedge available |
| Wrangler 13MWZ Cowboy Cut Jeans | Heavy denim that distresses beautifully | 13 oz heavy denim, sturdy weave |
| Uniqlo Selvedge Slim Straight Jeans | Affordable selvedge for clean DIY fray | True selvedge, accessible price |
| A.P.C. New Standard Raw Denim | Premium raw denim with unique fade | 12.5 oz Japanese raw selvedge |
| Nudie Jeans Grim Tim Organic | Sustainable raw denim that frays naturally | Organic cotton, slim fit |
1. Levi’s 501 Original Jeans
The Levi’s 501 is the most iconic denim in history and it is the benchmark for DIY cutoffs for a simple reason: the straight leg and slightly relaxed thigh provide exactly the right silhouette when cut above the knee. The classic 501 uses a medium-weight denim that frays cleanly and consistently, and the selvedge versions - available in select washes - take distressing particularly well. Used or thrifted 501s are even better for cutoffs than new ones, as the pre-worn fiber structure opens up faster after cutting.
Pros: Iconic silhouette, widely available including thrift stores, fray cleanly and consistently, multiple wash options
Cons: Standard 501 is not selvedge denim, stretch 501s should be avoided for cutting, quality varies by production run and wash
2. Wrangler 13MWZ Cowboy Cut Jeans
The Wrangler 13MWZ is a workwear classic made from heavy 13-ounce denim that distresses more dramatically than most fashion denim. The weight and tight weave mean the hem develops thick, rope-like fray threads rather than fine whispy ones, creating a more rugged cut-off aesthetic. The straight leg and mid-rise fit produce a classic silhouette when cut, and the price makes 13MWZ jeans one of the best-value options in this list for buyers who want maximum denim weight at minimum cost.
Pros: Heavy 13 oz denim, dramatic distressing character, affordable, durable selvedge-adjacent construction
Cons: More utilitarian styling than fashion denim brands, slim availability in some regions, rigid until broken in
3. Uniqlo Selvedge Slim Straight Jeans
Uniqlo’s selvedge jeans are one of the best-kept secrets in affordable denim. Made in partnership with a Japanese mill using true selvedge construction, they offer the tight weave and controlled fraying behavior of premium raw denim at a fraction of the cost. The slim straight fit cuts into a proportionate short silhouette, and the raw indigo finish develops visible fading at the thigh, knee, and cut edge over time. For buyers who want a genuine selvedge DIY cutoff experience without spending overcurrent pricing on the base jeans, Uniqlo is the smart choice.
Pros: True selvedge construction at low price, develops attractive fades when cut, slim straight fit works well for shorts
Cons: Lighter denim weight than premium brands, limited colorways (typically one raw indigo option), sell out quickly
4. A.P.C. New Standard Raw Denim
A.P.C.’s New Standard is the definitive premium raw denim jean for buyers who want a finished cut-off that develops a genuinely unique, personal fade pattern over months of wear. The 12.5-ounce Japanese selvedge denim is dense and stiff when new, but after a few washes and the first cutting, the indigo begins releasing in high-contrast patterns that reflect exactly how you wear and move in them. The slim, clean silhouette cuts into a sharp, modern short that looks intentional rather than improvised.
Pros: Premium Japanese selvedge, unique high-contrast fade development, clean slim silhouette, long-lasting denim quality
Cons: Expensive as a base for cutting, stiff initially and requires break-in period, best for buyers who appreciate the process
5. Nudie Jeans Grim Tim Organic
Nudie Jeans sources organic cotton and uses traditional selvedge construction, making their Grim Tim model the best option for sustainability-conscious buyers who still want high-quality raw denim for cutting. The slim tapered fit produces a clean short silhouette that works well in both casual and smart-casual contexts, and the organic cotton fray develops a softer, slightly more natural texture compared to conventional denim. Nudie also offers a free repair service for their jeans, which translates to confidence in the denim’s quality before you make the first cut.
Pros: Organic selvedge construction, slim modern silhouette, soft natural fray development, brand integrity and repair program
Cons: Premium price, slim fit may not suit all body types, organic cotton fray is softer and less dramatic than conventional raw denim
What to Look For
Denim weight is the single most important variable for DIY cutoffs: heavier denim (12 oz and above) produces more substantial, attractive fray threads. Selvedge construction means the denim is woven on a shuttle loom at a narrower width, creating a tighter weave that fays in a controlled way without unraveling across the whole leg. Leg silhouette matters too - straight and slim straight legs produce cleaner shorts proportions than bootcut or tapered legs. Avoid elastane blends entirely; they curl and look cheap at the cut edge.
Final Thoughts
The Levi’s 501 remains the most reliable and accessible choice for DIY cutoff jeans - buy them new or find them at a thrift store. Buyers who want premium raw denim fades should choose between A.P.C. New Standard and Nudie Grim Tim depending on whether conventional or organic selvedge appeals more. For the best heavy denim distressing at the lowest price, the Wrangler 13MWZ is unbeatable. Cut confidently, wash twice, and let the denim do the work.
Frequently asked questions
What type of jeans are best for cutting into DIY shorts?+
Raw or selvedge denim is ideal for DIY cutoffs because the tighter weave frays in a controlled, attractive way rather than unraveling wildly. Look for jeans in the 12 to 14 oz range with a straight or slim straight leg so the thigh silhouette looks intentional when cut. Avoid stretch denim with elastane - it curls at the cut edge and resists clean fraying, making the finished hem look cheap regardless of technique.
How do I cut jeans into shorts without ruining them?+
Mark your desired length while wearing the jeans, adding at least half an inch below the mark for fraying allowance. Cut with sharp fabric scissors in a single clean pass rather than sawing through the fabric. After cutting, wash the jeans twice to encourage natural fraying along the hem. You can also pull individual threads from the cut edge to create longer, more controlled frays. Use sandpaper or a cheese grater on the hem and thigh for added distressing.
Do raw denim DIY cutoffs need to be hemmed?+
No - part of the appeal of raw denim cutoffs is the natural frayed hem that develops after cutting and washing. If you want a cleaner look with some intentional fraying, cut straight and wash twice without any additional finishing. If you want a very clean hem, you can run a straight stitch on a sewing machine one inch above the cut edge to anchor the fray at a controlled length. Never use an iron-on hem tape on raw denim - it prevents natural fraying and looks stiff.