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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UFL chapter.

 

Between high school and college, my closet is overflowing with club T-shirts. And even though in the back of my mind, I know I won’t wear half of them, I still can’t resist a free shirt. For some variety at the gym, instead of just cutting off the top for an 80s look, I’ve been wanting to try this the do-it-yourself tank top:

Whenever I cut T-shirts, I usually end up regretting my decision. Hopefully, I don’t waste another great pajama shirt.

Start by cutting off the collar, sleeves, and bottom seam. Careful not to cut too much at first; usually, less is more. Do not throw away your scraps just yet. You will need them for the back of the shirt.

This step can be a little tricky. You’ll want there to be a V-cutout in the back of the shirt so it doesn’t get too bunchy when you tie the back together for that rope effect. Fold the shirt in half, and cut diagonally from under the armhole to the top of the shoulder.

This is what the back of your shirt should look like that this point. My sleeves are a little wider, but it’s better to trim little by little than hack away and have nothing left.

Remember those scraps I told you to save? Use the bottom you cut off to wrap around the shirt. Surprisingly, this took me more than one try. When you are tying the extra parts from one armhole to the other, be sure not to start at the very bottom — it will make the shirt fit really tight across your bust.

Fold the shirt in half, and cut diagonally across the bottom from one end to the other. Make sure you are cutting the front shorter than the back though!

Ta-Da! The final product! What do you think?

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Rating:
4/5 pins.

Why it’s not a 5? This shirt won’t turn out perfect your first try. I definitely had to trim away at it before I got a fit that wasn’t too bulky or unflattering. This is perfect for all those UF T-shirts taking over your closet, especially when gameday weekends come around in the Fall. But for the gym, I’m not so sure. With the rope in the back, any floor work would be really uncomfortable. However, this is a pin worth posting.

What do you say ladies? Pin it or Pass?

Cara oversees Her Campus Media's community department and serves as strategic lead for the expansion, development and management of all HCM communities, including the Her Campus Chapter Network, InfluenceHer Collective, College Fashionista, Spoon University, Campus Trendsetters, alumni and high school. She works closely with company leadership to develop new community-related sales offerings and the Integrated Marketing team to support all community-focused client marketing programs from end to end. Cara has experience working with high-profile talent, such as Jessica Alba, Andrew Yang, Amber Tamblyn, Aja Naomi King, Troian Bellisario, Jessica Marie Garcia, Nico Tortorella, Nastia Liukin, Rebecca Minkoff, Cecile Richards and Samantha Power, as well as brands like Coca-Cola, L'Oréal Paris, The New York Times, HBO, Uber, H&M and more. Having been a part of the HC family since 2011, Cara served as Campus Correspondent of the HC chapter at the University of Florida where she studied journalism, women’s studies and leadership. A New Yorker turned Floridian, Cara has a Friends quote for any situation. You can usually find her with her friends and family at the beach, a concert or live sports event or binge-watching Grey's Anatomy or Sons of Anarchy. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @thecararose.