A cutout is the boldest change you can make to a plain top with a pair of scissors, and also the easiest to get wrong. One well-placed opening at the shoulder or upper back makes an old tee look designed; three random holes make it look moth-eaten. The twenty outfits below take tees, tanks, sweatshirts and blouses you probably already own and pair each one with bottoms that keep the shape calm: high-rise jeans, long skirts, tailored trousers or relaxed shorts. In my experience the rest of the outfit should stay simple so the opening is the only experiment, which is the main idea behind wearing cutout tops day to day. A layer underneath is always an option when you want the detail without the skin.
Templates, Pins and a Test Shirt
Every cutout here is permanent, so I plan each one on paper before the scissors come out. It takes ten minutes and saves the shirt.
- Draw the shape on paper, fold it in half and cut it out. A folded template is the only reliable way to get hearts, ovals and keyholes symmetrical.
- Put the top on and pin the template where you think it belongs. Then sit, reach forward and lift your arms, because knit shifts more than you expect.
- Trace around it with chalk, take the top off, and cut a shape smaller than the line. You can always trim more after another try-on.
- For anything paired, like side or shoulder openings, fold the garment so the two spots stack, and cut both at once.
Some places are risky on any top. Cuts that cross a seam weaken it, cuts right at the underarm tear where you move most, and cuts across the bust stretch and gape. If you've never done this before, practice on a tee you don't care about. Seeing how the knit rolls and stretches on a spare shirt teaches more than any description.
1. Black DIY Cutout T-Shirt With Straight-Leg Jeans
An oversized black tee is a forgiving first canvas because black hides a slightly uneven cut. Chalk a small shape at the collarbone, shoulder or upper back, and cut it smaller than you want; a knit opening grows once it's worn and stretched. Medium-wash straight-leg jeans and a front tuck give the shirt a waist without hiding the detail. White leather sneakers, silver hoops and a compact crossbody are all it needs. If the hole feels more exposed than you planned, a fitted black or contrast tank underneath turns it into a peek of color instead. One dark color top to bottom keeps an experimental neckline from looking busy.
2. White DIY Side-Cutout Tank With Wide-Leg Trousers
Side cutouts on a white cotton tank look clean only if they match, so fold the tank in half lengthwise and cut both openings at once through the double layer. Keep them small and near the waist, then finish the edges with a narrow hem or hand stitching. White cotton shows every wobble in a cut line, which is why I'd do this one second, not first. High-rise wide-leg trousers in beige, taupe or black should meet the bottom of the tank, so the openings sit just above the waistband. Low block-heel sandals, a structured shoulder bag and small gold earrings suit it. Carry a light linen shirt for when you'd rather cover up.
3. Backless DIY Cutout Tee With Denim Shorts
An upper-back opening is the most dramatic cut on this list and the one most likely to slide off the shoulders if the tee is very loose. That's why ties across the gap matter: two or three fabric strips stitched at each side hold the shape and stop the neckline drifting backward. Keep the front plain. Relaxed high-rise denim shorts, longer for more coverage or cuffed for a classic finish, let the back do the talking. Canvas sneakers, a woven tote and stud earrings are enough. A fitted cropped tank underneath adds color and solves the bra problem in one go. Wear your hair up, or the detail disappears.
4. DIY Shoulder-Cutout Sweatshirt With Cargo Pants
Sweatshirt fleece is thick and barely curls, so shoulder ovals hold their shape better here than on a thin tee. Cut them on the top of each shoulder, but keep at least an inch of fabric either side of the shoulder seam, because that seam carries the weight of the sleeve. Gray, washed navy or muted green sit well against relaxed cargo pants. A slightly cropped hem or gentle front tuck gives the outfit a waist. Chunky sneakers, a nylon crossbody and a baseball cap keep it casual. For cold mornings, a fitted long-sleeve crewneck underneath in a contrasting shade shows through the openings and keeps you warm.
5. Lace-Up DIY Cutout Top With Maxi Skirt
Lacing only works if the eyelets or loops can take the pull. Cut a narrow opening down the center back, finish both edges, and add reinforced loops for soft cotton cord or matching ribbon; I stitch a strip of interfacing or doubled fabric behind them so they don't tear out of thin jersey. Lace it loosely, since tight lacing drags the fabric into ripples. A high-rise maxi skirt in a solid or quiet print keeps the attention on the back. Flat leather sandals, a small woven bag and delicate earrings finish it. An elastic or adjustable waistband makes the skirt easier to wear through a long day.
6. DIY Keyhole Top With Satin Midi Skirt
A keyhole is the subtlest cutout here and a good one to try if you're nervous. Use a fitted crewneck tee in a stable knit, since thin slubby cotton won't hold a clean teardrop shape. Finish the opening with a small facing or narrow binding, and add a tiny button and loop or fabric tie at the neck for security. A high-waisted satin midi skirt in olive, bronze, navy or soft rose makes the tee look dressier straight away. Pointed flats or low slingbacks, a structured clutch and one fine necklace sitting just above the opening are plenty. A light cardigan or relaxed blazer takes it to dinner or a creative office.
7. One-Shoulder DIY Cutout Tee With Linen Pants
One-shoulder tees fall off the bare side if the neckline is cut too wide, so cut less than you think and try it on after each pass. A narrow strap or band stitched along the open edge keeps it anchored on the remaining shoulder. High-rise linen pants in cream, sand, chocolate or muted green balance the lopsided neckline, and linen breathes in heat. Flat slides, a soft tote and medium hoops suit it. Bra choice decides this one: a strapless, or a convertible bra with the strap moved to the covered side. If you'd rather skip that, a fitted wide-strap tank in the same color underneath works just as well.
8. Slashed-Sleeve DIY Cutout Top With Black Jeans
Slashed sleeves change a long-sleeve top without exposing the torso, which makes this the most office-friendly idea on the list. Make short horizontal cuts along the outer arm, evenly spaced, then pull each gently so the knit edge rolls under. Stay at least two inches clear of the shoulder seam and cuff, where stress is highest. Black straight-leg jeans keep the outline narrow so the sleeves stay the focus. Ankle boots, a simple belt and a structured mini bag finish it. Charcoal, burgundy or deep blue gives quiet contrast with the denim. Choose jeans without heavy rips, or the sleeves start to look worn out rather than deliberate.
9. Heart-Cutout DIY Top With Pleated Midi Skirt
Cut a small heart-shaped opening from a paper template folded in half, so both lobes come out the same. Place it on the upper back or just below the collarbone; on the stomach or chest the knit stretches as you move and the heart distorts. Finish the edge with a tight zigzag in matching thread or a narrow binding. A high-rise pleated midi skirt keeps the overall shape balanced. White sneakers make it casual, and ballet flats make it slightly dressier. Keep prints and jewelry quiet because the heart is already the point. It's playful without being childish, which is why it suits a wide age range.
10. Front-Twist DIY Cutout Top With Flared Jeans
A front twist makes an opening by moving fabric rather than removing it, so very little is cut. Slit the lower front of an oversized tee up the center into two panels, cross them once, then twist or knot them securely at the waist and put a few stitches through the knot so it can't slip. High-rise flared jeans leave only a small gap of skin, or a tank underneath if you prefer. Platform sandals or pointed ankle boots suit the long denim line. A leather shoulder bag, hoops and a slim belt finish it. Let the flares just skim your shoes; once they pool, the outfit looks dragged down.
11. DIY Halter Cutout Top With Tailored Shorts
Reshaping a tee into a halter means cutting away the sleeves and upper back, so most of the security comes from the neck ties. Make those ties wide enough that they don't cut into the back of your neck, and leave plenty of coverage across the front. A fitted tank underneath is worth trying before you commit. High-waisted tailored shorts in black, camel, navy or white sharpen it more than denim would. Flat sandals, a structured mini bag, sunglasses and small gold hoops suit it, and a thin belt ties the accessories together. I'd hold back if you need real bust support; a cut-up tee can't give it.
12. Asymmetrical DIY Cutout Top With Parachute Pants
For a modern streetwear outfit, one asymmetric opening on a fitted long-sleeve shirt is plenty. A single cut at one side of the waist or one shoulder reads as a design choice; two uneven cuts usually read as a mistake. Loose parachute pants in charcoal, olive, stone or black give volume underneath the close top. Chunky sneakers, a compact crossbody and sporty sunglasses suit it. Crop or tuck the shirt so the waist shows. A contrast tank under the opening adds depth without more skin. Close-fitting shirts gape at a cutout when you twist, so check it by turning side to side in the mirror.
13. DIY Cutout Graphic Tee With Denim Maxi Skirt
With a graphic tee, the print decides where you can cut. Keep every opening clear of the design, along the neckline, the sleeves or the upper back, because screen-printed ink cracks and peels at a cut edge. A row of small holes looks better than one big one on a tee with a lot already going on. A high-rise denim maxi skirt with a walking slit balances the edgier top and makes a long column. Retro sneakers, a practical shoulder bag and stacked bracelets suit it. Tuck the front or crop it near the waistband. If the skirt is already distressed, leave the tee's cuts small.
14. DIY Cutout Crop Top With Matching Pants
Dressing a cutout crop in one color is my favorite way to make a homemade piece look planned. Add small side openings to a boxy tee, connect them with fabric ties, and crop the hem so it meets the waistband of matching or near-matching pants. Black, cream, rust, cobalt and chocolate all hold up as a single block. Wide-leg or straight pants both work, depending on the shape you like. Heeled sandals or clean sneakers set the level of dress. A contrasting bag and sculptural earrings keep a one-color outfit from going flat. The high waistband handles coverage, and the repeated color lengthens your line.
15. DIY Long-Sleeve Cutout Top With Faux Leather Pants
A long-sleeve knit with one small cutout at the chest, shoulder or back is an easy evening top. Choose a knit with enough stretch to sit smoothly, and if the opening starts curling after a wear or two, stitch a narrow binding around it. High-rise faux leather pants in a straight or relaxed cut are a strong pairing, and they're also why I'd keep everything else smooth: the faux leather and the cutout already give you texture and detail. Pointed ankle boots, a top-handle bag and polished metal earrings finish it. Faux leather traps heat, so this is a cool-evening outfit. A tonal tank under the cutout softens it.
16. DIY Cutout Tank With Utility Midi Skirt
Ribbed tanks stretch across the body, so a cutout through the ribs widens noticeably once worn. Keep it modest, on one side or across the upper back, and away from the bust and armholes where the knit pulls hardest. A high-rise utility midi skirt with pockets, belt loops or a button front gives the soft tank some structure. Olive, khaki, navy and stone feel practical, while white or black is easier to repeat. Sporty sandals or low sneakers, a crossbody and small earrings suit it. An open cotton shirt over the top still shows part of the cutout and handles sun and cooler afternoons.
17. DIY Cutout Hoodie With Biker Shorts
Hoodies have a lot of structure in the hood, shoulder seams and front pocket, and those are the parts to leave alone. Put the cutout on the upper back or as a few small openings down the sleeves, using a lightweight hoodie, since thick fleece makes chunky, stiff edges. Wear it with high-rise biker shorts and a fitted performance tank in a contrasting color that shows through. Supportive sneakers, crew socks, a belt bag and a cap finish the athleisure look. A hoodie that falls below the hip gives more coverage with short shorts. Stick to one cutout zone, or the hoodie stops being warm.
18. DIY Cutout Blouse With Pencil Skirt
Blouses are woven, so unlike a tee, a cut edge will fray. Finish any new opening at the neckline or shoulder with narrow bias binding or a small facing turned to the inside; raw edges look sloppy on a blouse and keep fraying in the wash. Choose a blouse in stable fabric, not slippery chiffon, which shifts as you cut. A high-waisted midi pencil skirt in black, navy or camel keeps it polished, with low block heels and a structured work bag. For work, keep the opening small and above where your bra straps sit. A collarless jacket adds coverage without bulk.
19. Layered DIY Cutout Top With Column Maxi Dress
Wearing a cutout tee over a sleeveless maxi dress shows off the handmade detail while the dress covers everything underneath. Choose a cropped tee with openings at the shoulder, sleeve or back and layer it over a fitted column dress in a matching or contrasting color. Knot it loosely at the waist, or crop it to end at the dress's natural waistline so the two read as one outfit. Flat sandals, a roomy tote and long earrings suit it. Black over white feels minimal; muted colors that sit next to each other on the color wheel feel softer. It's the easiest route for anyone who likes cutouts but not a bare midriff.
20. Plus-Size DIY Cutout Top With High-Rise Jeans
On a plus-size frame, the right spot for a cutout is wherever you like showing skin: the shoulder, neckline, sleeve or upper back all work. Start with a cotton tee that skims rather than clings, because a tight shirt stretches a cutout open and pulls the edges out of shape. High-rise straight or bootcut jeans that support the waist without pinching balance it. Block-heel sandals or clean sneakers, a medium shoulder bag and bold earrings finish it. A fitted tank in a similar color underneath gives more coverage on days you want it. There's no rule that cutouts must be tiny on a curvier body; stable edges and good placement matter far more than size.
Stay-Stitching Before You Snip
The best edge finish starts before you cut. Sew a line of small stitches just outside your chalk shape, then cut inside it. That stitched line, called stay-stitching, stops a knit from stretching out of shape while you work, and it stops a woven from fraying past the opening.
- Jersey tees and tanks: leave the edge raw and let it roll, or fold it under with a narrow zigzag. A self-binding strip cut across the leftover hem gives the neatest finish.
- Sweatshirt fleece: usually fine raw, since it frays very little and curls only slightly.
- Blouses and other wovens: use bias binding or a facing turned to the inside. A dab of seam sealant on the corners helps where binding won't reach.
- Lace-up and tie openings: back the edges with a strip of interfacing or doubled fabric before adding loops, or the pull will tear them.
Bras, Bandeaus and Back Openings
What goes under a cutout depends on where the opening sits, so decide that before you cut rather than after.
- Upper back: a regular bra band often shows. Move the cut higher than the band line, or plan on a bandeau or a cropped tank underneath.
- Low back or lace-up back: a low-back bra, an adhesive bra or a contrast bralette worn on purpose.
- One shoulder or halter: a strapless or convertible bra.
- Shoulder ovals: check where your straps fall first; a racerback hides them if the holes sit near the edge of the shoulder.
- Keyholes and side cutouts at the waist: usually no change needed, if the keyhole stops above the bra's center.
Small Holes First, Then See How Brave You Feel
Start with a top you already like wearing, because a cutout won't save a shirt that never fit. A shoulder opening, keyhole, lace-up back or twisted waist can make an ordinary piece look new, as long as the rest of the outfit stays steady: straight-leg jeans, tailored trousers, midi skirts or relaxed shorts. Cut small, try it on, and cut again only if you still want more. Finish edges wherever the fabric frays or curls. A layer underneath adds color and coverage without hiding your work. A good DIY top should still stay put, survive the wash and feel comfortable all day.
Related posts:
Leave a Reply