3 Easy Ways to Lengthen a Shirt or Top (T-Shirt)

Is your shirt just a little too short? I’ve got three simple and creative ways to give those tops some extra length—and a second chance in your wardrobe!

I love wearing soft, comfy cotton t-shirts, but I’ve noticed that over time (and after lots of washing), they tend to shrink up. Suddenly they’re hitting right at the top of my pants—and that’s not the look I’m going for. While cropped styles work for some, I prefer a bit more coverage.

So instead of tossing those too-short shirts, try one of these easy DIY fixes:

• Add length using the hem from another shirt
• Sew on a wide lace trim
• Use a ribbed knit fabric for a stylish and stretchy finish

You can watch our full how-to video using the link below, or keep reading to learn how to lengthen your shirt with these fun and functional techniques!

WHAT YOU NEED:

• A shirt that is too short
• Another shirt that coordinates, wide lace trim or ribbed knit fabric
• Sewing Machine
• Scissors or Rotary Cutter & Ruler
• Basic Sewing Supplies like thread, ruler, pins, iron & ironing board

IDEA 1: Use an old shirt

For this method, find an old shirt that you no longer wear, but that coordinates well with the one you want to lengthen. You’ll cut off the hem from the old shirt and attach it to the bottom of the shorter one to give it some extra length and a fun, layered look.

STEP 1: Measure the Length to add

The first step is to determine the length you need to add to the shirt.  I have a new shirt that I purchased this year.  Since this shirt is a nice length, I'll use it to figure out how much to add.

Lay the shorter shirt on top of the longer shirt, aligning the shoulder seams.  Measure the difference in length.  My shirt is 3 1/2" longer than the shorter shirt.

If you don't have a longer shirt, put it on and measure from the hem to determine how much to add.

Step 2: Cut off the Old Shirt Hem

Lay the shirt you will be using to lengthen flat on the table.  Match up the hem across the bottom of the shirt. We will cut off the amount needed from the bottom of the shirt. 

I will be adding 3 1/2" to the bottom of the shirt and overlapping 1/2" to attach it to the shirt hem.  So, I will cut off 4" from the old shirt, measuring from the hem. To calculate the amount to cut off, add 1/2" to the measurement in step 1. 

Measure from the shirt hem the amount you need to add. For me, it's 4". 

If you don't have a rotary cutter, rulers, and a mat, use a ruler to measure and mark a cutting line.  Then cut with sharp scissors.

You will end up with a tube of fabric.

This will be added to the bottom of the shirt.

Step 3: Pin the tube to the shirt hem

In the photos, I have the shirt turned inside out.  I recommend having the shirt RIGHT side out and pinning it on the outside of the shirt.  This will make it easier to sew and remove the pins.

With the shirt right side out, place the tube (also right side out) under the hem of the shirt.  Overlap and align the top edge of the tube with the original hemline on the shirt.

Match the side seams of the shirt with the side seams on the tube.

Pin the tube to the shirt hem.

Step 3: Sew along the old shirt hem

At the sewing machine, thread your machine with thread matching the t-shirt. When sewing a stretchy knit, use a knit stitch, overlock, or a zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine.

I used a straight stitch, as shown in the video tutorial. I should have used a knit or zig-zag stitch. So far, it's okay because the shirt hem doesn't get stretched as much.

Sew the tube to the shirt by stitching along the existing hemline.  The bottom hem of the shirt will be loose, giving it a layered look.  You can optionally sew a line of stitching along the bottom of the hem.

If your tube is slightly smaller than the shirt hem, stretch the shirt slightly while stitching the new hem.

IDEA 1: Finished!

That's it!  Since knits don't fray, the edge should wear nicely when washed.

And now my shirt is longer and more comfortable to wear.

Idea 2: Add Wide Lace Trim to extend the hem

Step 1: Measure the Shirt Hem

For this idea, find lace trim that is wide enough to extend the shirt.  Measure the length around the bottom of the shirt and add about 6".  Cut the lace to this length.

Step 2: Finish the lace short ends

Hem the short edges of the lace by turning it under 1/4" twice and ironing. Stitch along the inner folded edge to finish.

Step 3: Pin Lace along the Shirt Hem

Place the lace along the bottom edge of the t-shirt, overlapping to the top of the shirt hem.

Start with the end of the lace about 2" past the shirt side seam (extending towards the back of the shirt).  Pin the lace all the way around.

At the side where you began pinning, overlap the lace by a couple of inches. The lace on the back of the shirt should be underneath. The overlap will keep the lace from gaping open at the side seam.

Step 4: Sew the lace to the shirt hem

At the sewing machine, thread the machine with thread color matching the shirt. Stitch along the existing shirt hem to attach the lace to the shirt.  If the lace is not stretchy, you can use a straight stitch. Otherwise, use a knit, overlock, or zig-zag stitch.

IDEA 2: Finished!

This completes the 2nd idea for extending a shirt using wide lace trim.

The decorative lace trim matches nicely with this shirt.

Idea 3: Add a Ribbed Knit Extension to the shirt

For this last idea, you will need some ribbed knit fabric.  I have some leftover ribbed knit from another project.

Step 1: Prepare the Ribbed Knit

I will be adding about 2 1/2" to the shirt.  The ribbed knit will be folded in half and will overlap under the shirt by 1/2".  (2 1/2 + 1/2) * 2 = 6"

Cut 6" strips from the fabric since it will be folded in half lengthwise before sewing it onto the shirt.

I cut two strips since I didn't have a full width of fabric.  The two strips were sewn together end-to-end to make one long strip.  The seam was pressed open and then pressed in half.

Measure the length around the bottom of the shirt and add one inch. Cut the prepared ribbed knit strip to that length.  Then, sew the ends together with a 1/2" seam allowance, press the seam open, and refold the strip in half.

The tube is ready to be added to the shirt hem.

Step 3: Pin the tube to the shirt hem

Align the raw edges of the tube along the top of the shirt hem.

Pin all the way around.

Step 4: Sew around the shirt hem

Thread the sewing machine with thread matching the shirt color. Use a knit stitch, overlock, or a zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine.

Sew the tube to the shirt by stitching along the existing hemline.  The bottom hem of the shirt will be loose, giving it a layered look.  You can also sew a line of stitching along the bottom of the hem.

If your tube is slightly smaller than the shirt hem, stretch the shirt slightly while stitching the new hem.

IDEA 3: Finished!

That completes the third idea for lengthening a t-shirt.  Below are photos of the finished shirt.

Other Mending Tutorials you may be interested in are:

• How to Alter Pants that are Too Big - A quick and easy way to make pants fit!
• How to Shorten Dress Pants - Fix those pants that are too long!
• How to Lengthen Pants - Pants a little too short? Try this idea.
• How to Patch a Hole in Jeans or Pants
• Replace an Elastic Waistband - Worn out waistband? Replace it easily!
• Darn Holes in Pants