Altering a mens shirt to be a smaller size or to fit a woman 

Here's an important observation I discovered during this shirt reduction process. This video shows a reduction of a very large shirt to only a somewhat large shirt. If you want to achieve a more fitted look though, you'll need to balance your shoulder and sleeve reduction against the torso reduction. It's very easy to create a torso that's too narrow when building your cut lines off the shoulder alone. I recommend, as a double check, to measure from the torso up to the shoulder. You might notice that the shoulder cut may need to be less dramatic than you planned. Also, men's shirts often have gussets in back that expand irregularly, causing errors in measurement. To minimize this, pin a piece of similarly-sized cloth to the squared up and flattened shirt back. That will lock the gussets down and help you make accurate measurements and cuts of the torso fabric. Thanks so much for the video!

You are what I’ve been looking for For a long time You are everything I wanted in fittings 1.very short and to the point 2.didnt blab on and on about stuff that didn’t pertain 3.you fast forwarded the boring parts 4. You reminded us to do the important stuff ( zigzag the seam to prevent raveling) 5.showed the final result Thank you a million times

This was the most comprehensive video I've have seen on altering a large shirt.. Kudos to you.. Thank you for sharing 👍🙌🙌

I followed your instructions & one of my oversized shirt (2x) with the coolest fabric & print turned out PERFECT. I don't have a sewing machine so I always look for the best video where handsewing is feasible. From a 2x down to a LG was no problem at all & I'm so proud of myself & very thankful to you for the time & hard work you put into making such very helpful videos. I actually started on the project a few days after seeing it , completed the shirt about 2 days later. I'm sorry I didn't comment sooner but today I remembered to do it. God bless you & all of your wonderful family.

Great tutorial! I'm getting back into sewing after a few years and this tutorial gave me the little boost of confidence I needed to alter a funky thrifted 80s floral top to have a more modern fit! You broke the steps down in a very manageable way, and went slow enough that I could follow along. Thank you!!

FINALLY! Thank you so much for making this video. For years I couldn’t for the life of me figure out how to alter shoulders and sleeves. Thanks to your easy steps and user friendly words, I can finally complete the rest of my projects!

Finally! Someone who speaks my "language", no fancy sewing terms. I just need to adjust my already constructed items from second-hand stores- thank you,

Stumbled across your video. Now I’m hooked. Thank you for taking the mystery out of sizing down a shirt. Can’t wait to check out your other projects!

Awesome. This is my first time to make my son's shirt the right size with your instructions. Thanks for being kind and share your habilities.

This carefully executed demo precisely answers my question regarding making a large shirt smaller. Mine is a Ladies size 2x shirt, bought at a second hand store, for a great price. I loved the ease for the shoulder re-fit with a smaller cut down sleeve. GREAT!!!

Very very helpful. I too like to up cycle fabric from Thrift store finds. Now that I am retired I am working on sewing skills. You were very very clear and explained everything. Already have a men’s shirt to start with.

I've watched loads of tutorials on how to resize a shirt and your method is by far the easiest. Love it.

Thank you! I have sewn for years and did not figure out how to deal with the pits. Now it makes sense . Love this video

Thank you so much for this video. I just started sewing to keep me busy during quarantine but I always get in trouble when it comes to sleeves because I wanted my sleeves to be a little shorter and tighter. Never knew it could be this easy. Thanks again. 😊

I am amazed at how easy you make things look. I don't think I would even know where to start . love your videos .

I've been binge watching your refashioning and sewing videos. You've taught me so much! I have more confidence to try new things and to look at large or outdated clothing differently. Thank you!

Thank you SO MUCH for this video. I live part time in Ghana, West Africa and I have 9 traditional shirts that I love, but I just lost 30 pounds and everything fits like a tent now. I'm pretty good with a sewing machine and taking in the sides is pretty easy, but I was trying to figure out what to do with the sleeves and in what order relative to the sides. This totally makes sense! I sort of slapped myself on the forehead after you showed us what to do! DOH!!!

Fabulous! One best demos that I have seen. Love how you keep repeating the steps that you are using. I will be following you!! Great job..

That turned out really nice. Once again you've helped me out with a little problem I was having. Now I know how I want to fix the shoulders on my XXL men's shirt. Thanks Amy!!

WOW! this is perfect. Thank you for showing how step by step easy it is. NOW I can refashion a shirt that my dh cannot wear but is in really good shape and has a logo embroidered on it. yay for saving clothing.

Thank you so much for this lesson. I have found beautiful blouses in plus sizes. I want the material to make petite size blouses. Good quality material is so expensive and plus sized clothing at thrift shops can be had for next to nothing. This is a wonderful source of material. But if I can avoid the step of taking the entire blouse apart to use a pattern, so much the better. Thank you again.

Thank you SO MUCH for this great tutorial. Now my work shirt fits like a glove. Your step by step instructions help me immensely 👍😘

This is so awesome!! I was at H&M the other day and was awestruck at how nice the men's clothing was, but after trying on some shirts in XS and S, they still didn't fit me right. I was sad since I like the men's design more, but the I thought maybe I could take this as an opportunity to use my sewing machine again. 😂 Thank you!!

Thank you so much this seems really helpful for me and I can't wait to try it! I really like wearing mens' shirts and basically everything about the fit except for the way too broad shoulders and this is the first tutorial I've found that actually tackles that issue

This is so helpful!! I am using this video to size down one of my grandpa's flannel shirts.

Thank you so much. I refer to this video again and again. I've found so many shirts at thrift stores and remade them to fit using this method.

I'm a seamstress by trade. And this is the best video I could find of adjusting the shoulder of a top. The gapping hole in the underarm scared me when you lined it up bc I forgot you said you were going to tighten that as well. I have a few tshirts I may try this on before I try it on my sweater dress. (It's a men's xxl top as well) thanks SO MUCH ❤️❤️❤️👍

I am so glad I found your video! I acquired a grab bag full of men's oversized dress shirts, and have been wanting to rework them so I can wear them. Now I understand how. You explain what you are doing and why. Very easy to follow instructions. Thank you.

This was so helpful!! I’ve been having a hard time finding shirts that fit me because I’m a pretty small guy. The other day I bought a bunch of shirts that I really liked the pattern on, but were a bit big. Maybe now I’ll actually be able to wear them!

Best video on downsizing a mans 👔 very clear instructions. Thank you for the great effort you have put into creating this video tutorial. You’re a ⭐️ star!!

thank you for sharing, i was debating on how i can alter my very large jacket and was unsure how to fix the shoulder part, thank you now i can processed with my project :)

That was amazing! Thank you for being so detailed with each step!

This is exactly what I was looking for to do on a work shirt for my sister very well done I am so thankful for all these useful RU-vid videos you are a very good teacher

I have around 150 men’s vintage Hawaiian shirts which I wear and adore. Most are super oversized, and I want to do this! I will also have to raise the front patch pockets as I don’t like them so low. Thank you for a great tutorial.

You're VERY good at making tutorials, this is great. :)

I really like how detailed you were with explaining how and what you were doing. I look forward to learning more sewing tips from you. I just subscribed

Fantastic. I've got a few shirts I just can't part with needing downsizing; your video is clear & "seamingly" easy to do. TY do

Love! Love! Love this!... Fabulous tutorial. Definitely subscribing. THANK YOU!

That's a brilliant tutorial and exactly what I needed to alter a shirt I have that is too big. Thank you for sharing!

I love this video. I have some fitted shirts that are way too large due to weight loss. All other videos are only taking in a little bit. This one shows the shoulder shortening, side seams narrowing, all the steps. Thanks!!

Thank you for posting the video! Nice long descriptive instruction I can understand.

I LOVE this! I don't have a sewing machine yet but you make it look so approachable.

Thank you so much. I have several 3 XL blouses that were given to me. I was going to get a pattern in my size and use that to cut them down but now I know how to do it without a pattern. Great job!

i'm in awe on how this vid is so on point and straight forward, even a beginner like me understand it quickly! thank you for showing the easier way~

Thank you so much for this video, your instructions were very easy to follow. I took an old shirt from my grandma, made it smaller, removed the sleeves and knotted it at the waist. It's a really cute vintage looking blouse now :)

Awesome and clear tutorial. I am gonna buy cheap XXL at a bargain and give it a go. Thank you so much dear.

Wow, you are a real genius!! I love it. Thank you for this wonderful video.

Love how easy you made it seem! Keep those vids rolling

Thank you Amy. I bought a big shirt but I love the material so I want to size it to fit me and I didn’t know how to take in the armpit. This was very helpful

So funny AJ I know you from painting groups and today I find you sewing!! Thank you. It’s exactly what I needed!!!

Great concise explanation of this process. Makes it easy to understand and follow! thank you!

Thank you so much - I'm new to sewing and found this very easy to follow. Most clothes are too big for me, so now I can buy without worrying about the size and adjust to fit!

Dear Ma'am First time I come across someone who guides me in such a systematic,logical method for a a newbie.keep coming.Enjoyable.tks.++.

Awesome! Thank you so much for this video! I only wish I had found it yesterday lol. Definitely saving this video!

I loved this video! Thank you for doing it. I need to make sure dress smaller in the top and hopefully now I can do it!

Thank you so much for sharing this project, this is what I needed to help me with my first project !! Take care!

Just what I needed at the moment :) And I also know that I can apply that method in the future as well! Thank you so much for the video :D

Great video!! Thanks for the terrific instructions, really enjoyed the lesson, keep them coming

I dont even need to downsize a shirt but this tutorial was so cute, and also very helpful omg , i love u mrs. fashiontoppings xoxo

Yes! I have several shirts and one dress that are way too big but I love them, hahahaha. I'll be using your tips and following your video. Thanks for sharing with me!

Thanks for the video, well done. I always put a pin in the right hand sleeve. I think you mixed them up. Thank you, good work.

You saved the day on my most recent cosplay project! Thank you so much for this tutorial! It was easy to follow and you have a really great presence on camera.

You have such a great way of explaining things. Thank you so much.

This is a perfect example and one that I have been looking for a while! Thank you for this video and please not delete it as it is very helpful to use as reference! Please keep uploading more altering videos! :) xxx

Wow, i needed this badly but didn't know where to start from, specially about sleeves hole and how to adjust it. Thank you so much for this helpful video and waiting for more..

Thank you. Due to weight loss I have several shirts that are too big. I can't wait to apply this easy method. 👍🏻

Thank you I can't wait to try this out. There was a certain button up shirt they sold in men's that wasn't in women's and I needed that specific color and style for a costume I needed. I

LOVED it. thanks for making it easy!

I'm glad I found your video. I have 2 over sized shirts to work on.

this is one of Best perfect video you show each criteria and full detail video and nice finishing so much thanks

wow thats awesome! really learned a lot here. i've been looking for a video like this. thanks for sharing. I'd like to see more like this. still learning. lol

Thank you for this, have tried many times but never figured out an easy way... you just gave me that! ;) Thanks! (love the bracelet btw)

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I’m tiny so everything always looks huge on me! I was issued a men’s shirt for my school uniform and this helped me so much! This was easy to understand and such a lifesaver!

This is incredibly helpful! Thank you and bless you for this!

Thank you so very much. This will work as I resize an XL jacket/dress to fit me for a special occasion outfit

I have been searching for a video with this kind of tutorial FOREVER! Thank you soooooo much for the clear, concise instructions! I am so appreciative and inspired!!

Love this!! Exactly what I needed!! Thanks Amy!

Wow, good job! You're definitely teaching me to look beyond my size and taste in garments when I'm at Goodwill. Thanks for another great idea, Amy!

You made it very easy to understand. Thank you!

smart lady! natural teacher! thanks so much!

You did a great job! I think sewing is a lost art. My son wants to be a designer I plan to pay for sewing lessons for Christmas and buy his own machine.

Great video, very helpful and to the point. Thanks!

Hey! Ive been hanging out for anoter of your videos I think this is great thanks for sharing....i reckon ill give this one a go:)

I like the way the shirt fits and those 4 little buttons at the top really make the shirt .. hugs barb

Such a clear cut tutorial! Thank you

Thanks. I also love denim shirts and thanks for an easier way to make them smaller. You have a way that works.

Great job. Just bought a jacket at Goodwill. I love it, but it is gigantic. Hope I can do what you did...

Great video - exactly what I was looking for!! Thank you!!

This is exactly what I needed. Thanks so much!

Just what i wanted, thank you for sharing!

This is so amazing! can't wait to try this with all of my dad's shirts :')

you explained very clearly and it was easy to follow!

Hi Amy I needed this video as well. I just recently bought a black denim shirt and put on the back a really nice T-shirt logo like what you did in one of your previous videos. but I'm not happy with how big it is. thanks to this video I'm going to reconstruct the sleeves and take it in just like you did so thanks so much.

Excellent video ma...I have Alot of 3 x and 4x shirts that are really nice so I didn't donate them Everytime I said I would..my regular size is maybe a 1x(tight fit)...2x (loose fit)... now I can see what to do with them so I can start wearing them again!Nice video again...Thanx!!!

I have always wondered how this could be done, and I think you're very clever! Thanks for sharing!!

Great tutorial! I’m so glad I found this! I need to tailor a men’s Pope costume for a nine-year-old!

So well explained and made it so easy to do... thanks so much...

Excellent demonstration. Thank you so much.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I have been putting of shortening my sleeves because I just could not work out how to do it. Barb NZ

Awesome! This is what I'm looking for; to alter an oversized blouse. Thank you for sharing.