DIY Lace Shorts

A few weeks ago, our friend Katie showed up wearing the cutest lace trimmed shorts. We were impressed to discover that not only did she DIY them, she made them using boxer shorts! We immediately raced to Target for white boxer shorts and the fabric store for a variety of pretty white lace trims. Honestly, this DIY is so simple and perfect for summer!

You’ll need:

  • men’s or boy’sΒ white boxer shorts
  • 2 yards of lace trim
  • a pair of scissors
  • pins
  • a sewing machine or needle and thread

Pin the lace trim along the inside hem of the shorts, starting at the seam of the inner leg. If the trim has a decorative top edge, it can be stitched to the outside of the boxer. Trim away any excess. Sew or hand stitch the lace to the boxers. Sewing over the original hem gives it a nice and clean look.

And you’re done! Can you believe it’s that easy? The possibilities are endless – you can try using silk boxers orΒ black lace on black boxers!

Wear them as is or layered under skirts. Have fun!

(top image from Tumblr, rest of images by Honestly…WTF)

Leave a Comment

113 Comments

  1. Nomadic D wrote:

    I don’t know if I’d wear them as is, but the idea of layering them under skirts is just genius! Like a funny modern take on bloomers! I love this.

    http://nomadic-d.blogspot.com/

    6.28.11
    Reply
  2. I am soooo going to do this!!

    Copper Etiquette Shop Dresses

    6.28.11
    Reply
  3. Mazzi Mi wrote:

    Stunning, and oh so simple! Will deff be trying this one out. I like the idea of layering the lace over silk boxers particularly.

    xxxx Mazzi

    http://www.MazziMadeMe.com

    6.28.11
    Reply
  4. erin wrote:

    I agree with Nomadic. That would be so darling.

    6.28.11
    Reply
  5. Alexandra wrote:

    How fantastic!! I just DIYed a pair of black lace shorts myself a few weeks ago. I am not brave enough to wear them outside, but I absolutely love them! I made the shorts by tracing a pattern from a pair of running shorts that fit me well. Even from scratch, they hardly took any time to make!

    I absolutely love your white version, and I will definitely be making them soon!

    xxx

    6.28.11
    Reply
  6. How sweet. I need to get my hands on some pretty lace like in the first image

    Bright Green Laces

    6.28.11
    Reply
  7. arlie wrote:

    aw, these are adorable!

    6.28.11
    Reply
  8. Katarzyna wrote:
    6.28.11
    Reply
  9. Liz Q wrote:

    OMG, this is AWESOME! Can’t wait to get started!

    http://justquachit.com

    6.28.11
    Reply
  10. Nikki wrote:

    This is so great! I never would have thought to sew some pretty lace on to boxer shorts. I definitely need to do this. Great DIY post!

    http://www.cositabella.com

    6.28.11
    Reply
  11. such a cool idea! once again an amazing DIY, thank you! p.s. you know the lace inset free people jeans? those are begging for DIY and I tried but not too successful – maybe you can help!

    http://www.dragonnfruit.com

    6.28.11
    Reply
  12. Lianne wrote:

    They look pretty and comfortable. Perfect for lounging around the house/garden during a heatwave.

    6.28.11
    Reply
  13. Jessie wrote:

    oooh this is a good one. i am all about this for the summer. they come out so fantastic too!
    thanks for sharing this.
    xx, http://wordbyjessie.com/

    6.28.11
    Reply
  14. LucΓ­a wrote:

    Two bad I don’t have a sewing machine πŸ™

    6.28.11
    Reply
  15. Aww, this is such a sweet idea! β™₯

    6.28.11
    Reply
  16. I’ve been contemplating wearing boxers as shorts ever since seeing Jean Paul Gautier’s recent look (which you can see here on my tumblr. I like the idea of adding lace or other details to make it look a little less like pajamas.

    6.28.11
    Reply
  17. awesome DIY ladies!!

    6.28.11
    Reply
  18. Niecey wrote:

    When the whole boxer short thing was a rage in the 1980s, they were paired with tank tops and keds. My ballet teacher hated it so much she said it looked like girls were dressing in our grandfathers’ underwear.

    Not a real fan of the trend anyway, that was more than enough for me.

    But this, I like. The lace at least makes it undeniably feminine, and the pairing with a skirt or a long top is adorable.

    Nice job, young’uns!

    6.28.11
    Reply
  19. Such a cute DIY. I’ve been obsessing over lace shorts. I don’t have the patience to make my own though. =)

    Celebrity Style and Fashion – Need it? Want it? Crave it?

    6.28.11
    Reply
  20. lesley wrote:

    fabulous diy! i actually did this with a pair of cutoffs last year and they are darling!

    xoxo,
    lesley

    6.28.11
    Reply
  21. what an inspiration and the thing is! i don’t have to buy mechanical lace, i can make my own lace. so this will be my next lace project

    6.28.11
    Reply
  22. francesca wrote:

    this is an amazing DIY! thanks πŸ™‚
    xo
    francesca
    http://www.frankvinyl.com

    6.28.11
    Reply
  23. Too cute, such a simple little fix! I love the idea of them peeking out like bloomers too.

    http://fashionindie.com/

    6.28.11
    Reply
  24. Katharina wrote:

    very nice blog
    and i also like this DIY….very inspiring!!!

    http://addicted-to-all.blogspot.com

    6.28.11
    Reply
  25. Fashion Slate wrote:

    lovin the lace shorts and the blog, following πŸ™‚

    follow mine!
    fashion-slate.com/

    6.28.11
    Reply
  26. Nelle wrote:

    want the same !good job
    kisses

    6.28.11
    Reply
  27. Adorable! Love this DIY.

    Fashionable Collections

    6.28.11
    Reply
  28. Hannah wrote:

    Cute lace shorts DIY!

    http://heytherekid.blogspot.com

    6.28.11
    Reply
  29. yv wrote:

    love this diy!

    6.28.11
    Reply
  30. Ambyr wrote:

    This is too cute! I can’t imagine wearing men’s boxers as my full pair of bottoms, but with the lace, I’m loving it.

    xoxo
    http://www.thewrittenrunway.com

    6.28.11
    Reply
  31. Kristina wrote:

    this is such a good idea and probably super comfortable.

    Kristina
    http://spottedappeal.blogspot.com/

    6.28.11
    Reply
  32. Alyssa wrote:

    When I first saw the photo of the boxer shorts and lace laid out separate, I was a little doubtful that it would work… but the finished result is simply adorable! Interesting post and ty for sharing ♥

    http://www.etsy.com/shop/rebelbellevintage

    6.28.11
    Reply
  33. winnie wrote:

    genius!! thank you! I love all your DIYs

    winniereally.blogspot.com

    6.28.11
    Reply
  34. Eve and Olivia wrote:

    So simple yet effective. Really gorgeous shorts! Will try this in our spare time πŸ™‚

    http://chiensatirique.blogspot.com

    6.28.11
    Reply
  35. cece wrote:

    I’ve been looking for a pair of lace shorts and I came across this post! thanks!

    6.29.11
    Reply
  36. Plami wrote:

    Great idea! I’ll definitely try :))))

    XoXo
    Plami

    http://fashion-thrill.blogspot.com/

    6.29.11
    Reply
  37. Iky wrote:

    So neat! Love it, you guys should check out I spy DIY post on a lace skirt, also very cute

    6.29.11
    Reply
  38. carolina wrote:

    Ohh love this post! Shorts are awesome. I will do the same thing with mine πŸ™‚

    xo

    Carolina

    6.29.11
    Reply
  39. Noelle wrote:

    this is such a cool idea! it seems really simple to make, i love it.
    http://www.the-red-runway.blogspot.com

    6.29.11
    Reply
  40. Elenita wrote:
    6.29.11
    Reply
  41. Swan wrote:

    Love this! I am definitely going to give this a try to wear under some of my shorter skirts and dresses. Thank you for posting this!

    Swan
    http://www.inwonderland.org

    6.29.11
    Reply
  42. Kristen wrote:

    really inspiring

    6.29.11
    Reply
  43. Syd wrote:

    Yes. As a starving artist, this is so the perfect type of project for me when Goodwill hasn’t got my size in ANYTHING…which is frequently.
    Thanks a ton.
    – s

    6.29.11
    Reply
  44. Lee wrote:

    OMG. This is the perfect summer project. Thanks so much for the oh-so-easy DIY!

    xoxo
    http://www.closetrevealed.blogspot.com

    6.30.11
    Reply
  45. Ashleigh wrote:

    Super sweet!

    6.30.11
    Reply
  46. Roxanne wrote:

    Wow, these are amazing! I think I might try making another pair with colored lace (:

    6.30.11
    Reply
  47. I will be trying this, love it!!!

    7.1.11
    Reply
  48. Maria wrote:

    OMG, these are super cute! I’m excited to take time out to do this. Depending on how I look in them I’ll decide to wear them as is or under a skirt. I’m so flipping excited!!!!!!!!

    7.1.11
    Reply
  49. Great idea, maybe I will do with my trousers!!!

    http://stylestrendshoes.blogspot.com/

    7.3.11
    Reply
  50. blindpassionforfashion wrote:

    Amazing πŸ™‚

    7.3.11
    Reply
  51. Lexi wrote:

    LOVE THESE!
    i will definetly add this to my summer list of DIY’s <3

    http://www.alwayssprout.blogspot.com

    7.3.11
    Reply
  52. Stephanie wrote:

    Looks awesome! I did something very similar to my denim shorts, would love for you to check them out πŸ™‚

    x,
    Stephanie

    http://www.thefashforward.blogspot.com

    7.3.11
    Reply
  53. Tamela wrote:

    I’m in heaven. Been looking for these for ages! THANKS!!

    7.5.11
    Reply
  54. Marissa wrote:

    how lovely… these would make sweet bridesmaids gifts!

    7.5.11
    Reply
  55. Marrilee wrote:

    LOVE this! This would be so cute with a tank for sleepware for those not brave enough to wear it outside. I’m going to do this in all sorts of colors. Hoping to find a heart print boxer!

    7.6.11
    Reply
  56. Taru wrote:

    beautiful

    xoxo

    T from THE WORLD TOUR
    A couple of lovers sailing around the world.
    http://sailingaroundtheglobe.blogspot.com

    7.7.11
    Reply
  57. zweiteiler wrote:

    I great DIY! I love lace-pieces! gonna try it in few days! thanks for sharing!

    crystal

    7.9.11
    Reply
  58. Marrilee wrote:

    I could not find white boxers this weekend for love nor money! Did find some sweet tartan plaid…but no white to be found. πŸ™

    7.10.11
    Reply
  59. Solita wrote:

    I can’t believe I never thought of this. It’s fucking awesome! I am going to Target right now. That’s for this!

    7.12.11
    Reply
  60. Samantha wrote:

    Why not try it with a pair of ladies sleep shorts, the comfy jersey shorts at Target? I like this a lot but what I don’t like about boxers is the man hole hehehe

    7.18.11
    Reply
  61. Adorably awesome. Love!

    7.29.11
    Reply
  62. Amanda wrote:

    So cute!! I made mine too, but with a pair of denim shorts, if you wanna take a look:
    http://somethingfashion.blogspot.com/2011/08/diy-tutorial-lace-shorts.html

    Nice blog and ideas!
    Amanda

    8.20.11
    Reply
  63. Karen Gass wrote:

    These are absolutely adorable – going on the list and knocking a few things off the top of the list! thanks for sharing them!

    8.27.11
    Reply
  64. love,,love ,, lace item is so attractive ,maybe i can find the simple shorts to make one,,hehe..

    http://www.coniefoxdress.com wholesale formal dresses,,

    11.9.11
    Reply
  65. Anna wrote:

    I’m with Nomadic-D. I don’t know if I’ll wear it as it is. Maybe add more lace to the actual boxer shorts?

    11.28.11
    Reply
  66. Selkie wrote:

    So cute! I’ll do this myself soon- but it will be more like the first photo, with bands of lace completely covering the shorts.

    11.28.11
    Reply
  67. Dotty wrote:

    Cannot get enough of lace at the moment, it so simply adds beauty to anything.

    11.30.11
    Reply
  68. Monica wrote:

    Love this idea! I’m totally making these for my roommate who is obsessed with wearing men’s boxers as loungewear. I think I’m gonna try to sew the opening shut and maybe replace the button with a cute button. Thanks! (:

    1.1.12
    Reply
  69. allesandra wrote:

    i love it !!! i must have one of this in the summer !!

    http://allesandra24.blogspot.com/

    2.4.12
    Reply
  70. Monika wrote:

    Would anyone know how to wear this as is? What would you wear with it exactly?
    πŸ™‚

    2.6.12
    Reply
  71. Lisa M. wrote:

    I’m currently on a ‘lace’ phase so I LOVE LOVE LOVE the idea of adding a lace trim to something! I actually did this with a pair of cut-off shorts and it looks really, really good!

    2.11.12
    Reply
  72. sage wrote:

    I cannot believe there is a diy for this, I was going to shell out almost 80 bucks for lace shorts at abercrombie but I can just do this myself yay!

    2.21.12
    Reply
  73. wow! amazing! πŸ™‚

    4.16.12
    Reply
  74. Chloe wrote:

    I absolutely love these! They’re so cute and girly!! c:

    4.28.12
    Reply
  75. Jordan wrote:

    Thanks for the great idea! I dyed mine hot pink, with pink lace trim. Check it out: http://zoundsdesign.wordpress.com/2012/05/02/cute-shorts-made-from-mens-boxers/

    5.2.12
    Reply
  76. emilyy wrote:

    this is so cute!!!! i will make them and use them as a pyjama πŸ™‚

    5.8.12
    Reply
  77. Shannon Kathleen wrote:

    These are so cute! Definitely going to wear these out! (I sometimes wear boxer shorts normally out on dares from my friends since they do it, too. It doesn’t bother me.) I’m thinking a graphic t-shirt that I can DIY would look really cute with them.

    5.9.12
    Reply
  78. Hannah wrote:

    Sooooooooo cuteeeeeeee! I love them!

    5.20.12
    Reply
  79. Dorothea wrote:

    Wearing these under my skirt I wouldn’t mind at all if my skirt blew up around my thighs while bicycling into town on a breezy day. πŸ™‚

    6.27.12
    Reply
  80. Elaine wrote:

    SOOOOO DAHM CUTEEEEE! I love them!

    7.13.12
    Reply
  81. RoChelle wrote:

    Hey, I’ve been looking for “bloomers” to wear under maxi and midi skirts! Great idea! I suppose we could dye them many colors, too. Check dye instructions as to which fabrics can be used.

    9.1.12
    Reply
  82. julie wrote:

    I made a pair of diy shorts check them out here

    http://turquoisewildflower.blogspot.com

    9.27.12
    Reply
  83. LB wrote:

    Lace all over is so cute and seems to offer more coverage than just the lace trim on the bottom. They’d look good with dark tights underneath. I’d be afraid that white boxers w/ just the trim would be too sheer to wear out in public….not to mention, way too short to wear solo. Maybe to sleep in or wear around the house on a lazy day. They’d be much cuter than plain nighties.

    1.4.13
    Reply
  84. Lane wrote:

    Are boxer shorts not made the same as they were when I was in high school…with the big ‘ol booty that looks like you left something in it?!? I’m just wondering how you could pull that off and make them cute if they are still made the same way as they were in the ’90s.

    7.11.13
    Reply
  85. Chelsea wrote:

    These are super cute and so simple! I really want to do this with a pair of jean shorts! Thanks for sharing!

    7.11.13
    Reply
  86. Nora wrote:

    I never thought a simple things can be gorgeous. Thanks for the creative idea.

    7.26.15
    Reply