Shirts to Layering Collars

One of my favorite fashion styles is the look of a collar popping out from a sweater or sweatshirt. I always read about layering and how it is such a great way to not only stay warm, but also to create many different outfits. My attempts at layering always fail though. They make me feel bulky, uncomfortable, and I can’t seem to get things to look as effortless and put together as the pictures show. Over the years I have purchased different button-up shirts in the hopes that I could learn to perfect layering, but found my layering skills have never developed. So as the shirts lay there unused, I thought that there had to be an easier way! And what I came up with was these layering collars. With some research, I found out that they are often called “dickies.” After chatting with my mom, she told me how her brothers used to own turtleneck dickies back in the 70s. 

So after some consideration (and a bit of nervousness about cutting my shirts) here is how I made my layering collars.

1. Take your collared shirts and prepare them by completing buttoning them up and laying them out on a flat surface.

2. Next, place the shirt on a flat surface, and spread the sleeves out. With a scissor, cut off the bottom part. To do this, I cut straight across about midway down the top (or a little under the bust.) Then I cut off each sleeve by starting at the bottom and cutting right past where the sleeve begins.

3. After cutting, I folded all four of the sides up about an inch. I ironed the folds and then used pins to hold in place. Finally I sewed all the way across each side to secure.

Finished shirt.

Close up of stitch.

Here are three other shirts I used.

For the most part, this is a really simple way to change up a look or use a shirt that has been stuck in the back of your closet. You could also search a thrift store (or ask a relative if they have any unwanted ones) to find a collared shirt if you don’t already have one. What’s nice is a shirt of any size should work, since it is only the top part of the shirt that is needed. 

Even if you do not have a sewing machine, I think hand stitching or using a fabric tape would also work to secure the ends well enough (but be careful when washing.) 

My completed collection of shirts!