DIY American Flag Shorts

Don’t buy American flag shorts at the store – you can make your own with a little fabric paint and a spare hour.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.

Diy american flag shorts

Being patriotic is always in fashion and wearing the symbol of the country you’re proud to call home is always a stylish choice. For those of us in the U.S.A, we have a holiday this week that celebrates our independence.

Today, I’m going to show you how to make your very own American Flag Shorts. Whether you need a last-minute 4th of July outfit or just want to rock an awesome pair of shorts, grab a pair of old jean cutoffs and let’s get started!

You Will Need:

  • Denim Shorts
  • Red & White Fabric Paint
  • Painter’s Tape
  • Paint Brushes
Flag shorts supplies

Step One.

For the first step, you should decide which side of the shorts that you want your stripes to go on. I chose the left leg so that my shorts would mimic the flag, but you could get more abstract or creative with it if you wanted. I made my stripes about an inch apart, but you can make them smaller or larger depending on your preference. Use the painter’s tape to keep the lines straight.

Step one flag shorts

Step Two.

For the second step, use a piece of chalk or a pencil to draw the stars on the other leg. I made my stars pretty medium-sized, but, of course, if you want more stars you can make them smaller.

Flag shorts step two part 1

Next, use the white fabric paint to carefully fill in the stars. This may take a few coats to get the right amount of opaqueness. Remember to let each coat dry before putting on the next.

Step two part 2 flag shorts

Step Three.

Now it’s time to paint on the stripes. Using the white paint, evenly paint where the tape is exposing the denim. Go slowly and take your time to avoid any mistakes.

Flag shorts step three

Once you’re done with the white stripes, peel off the painter’s tape.

Step three flag shorts

Step Four.

Finally, take the red paint and paint in all the spaces between the white paint.  I found this was easiest to do with a flat brush to keep the lines nice and straight.

Flag short step four

Celebrate!

Short diy finished

Once the paint is completely dry, it’s time to go rock your awesome shorts. Have a happy 4th of July!

What do you think?

Do you like this DIY? Will you make your own pair of Flag Shorts? Which Flag would you use? Leave us a comment and let us know!

Leave a Comment