Remove Sleeves

Check out the step-by-step instructions to learn how to pin your item for the Remove Sleeves alteration.

Applicable items include Shirts, Button Downs, Sweatshirts, and Dresses. Shirt depicted in Pinning Guide for reference.

01

Before You Get Started

For this alteration, you’ll need the two Remove Sleeves safety pins from your Ship Kit.

If you don’t have a Ship Kit yet, head to our Shop page to get started. Once you complete your order, we’ll send your complimentary Ship Kit.

SHOP ALTERATIONS

02

Pinning to Remove Sleeves

Removing the sleeves of your item will turn it into a tank top.

In order to know your ideal width for your tank top straps and the perfect size for your armholes, you will need to mark two lengths: (1) the Top of the Armhole and (2) the Bottom of the Armhole.

03

Determine your tank top strap width and your armhole size.

Choose either Option A or B below to help determine your safety pin placements.

A Put on the item you are altering.

While standing up straight in front of a mirror, fold your item's sleeve up and inward past the sleeve seam to see how different tank top strap widths look. Continue testing until you’re satisfied.

Once you've decided the strap width, hold the spot with your finger, release the folded fabric, and grab one of the Remove Sleeves safety pins from your Ship Kit.

If your sleeves are too tight or you're removing long sleeves, you might not be able to fold them inward to preview your desired strap width. Instead, Option B might be easier—choose your tank top straps and armhole size based on a similar item you own.

B Use an item you own as a guide.

Look through your closet for tank tops you like and pick one you'd like to copy.

Once you've picked your reference item, lay the item you’re altering on a flat surface, then place your reference item on top.

Align the shoulders of both items before deciding on the new top and bottom of your armhole.

04

Mark the top of your desired armhole with one of the Remove Sleeves safety pins.

Place the safety pin along the top of your shoulder, parallel to the sleeve seam somewhere between the sleeve seam and the collar.

The closer you place the safety pin to the collar, the thinner your tank top strap will be. The closer you place the safety pin to the sleeve seam, the wider your tank top strap will be.

You only need to pin one sleeve of your item. We’ll make sure your sleeves are removed evenly.

05

Mark the bottom of your desired armhole with the other Remove Sleeves safety pin.

Place the safety pin along the side seam, parallel to the bottom hem somewhere between the armpit and bottom hem.

The closer you place the safety pin to the armpit, the smaller your armhole will be. The closer you place the safety pin to the bottom hem, the larger your armhole will be.

You only need to pin one sleeve of your item. We’ll make sure your sleeves are removed evenly.

06

Test the Top and Bottom of the Armhole safety pin placements.

After placing both Remove Sleeves safety pins, fold the sleeve inward at each pin to confirm your choices. If it doesn’t fold completely, just make sure the pins are positioned where you want them.

Adjust and repin if needed.

Confirm the pin marking the top of the armhole is parallel to the item's sleeve seam and the pin marking the bottom of the armhole is parallel to the item's bottom hem.

If you purchased additional customizations for this item, refer to the next Pinning Guide. Otherwise, continue with this step.

07

Prepare the pinned item for shipping.

If wearing the item, carefully take it off, ensuring all safety pins stay in place.

Put your item and its Instruction Card into your Ship Kit Return Bag.

After using all Instruction Cards, seal your Ship Kit Return Bag, attach the prepaid shipping label, and drop it off at any USPS location.

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GET INSPIRED

Check out how other people altered their items.