Turning Old Sports Clothes into Totally Rad Threads


Athletes, listen up! Do you have a closet full of old jerseys, sweatpants, and tees that you just can’t seem to part with? Well, dust them off, because you’re sitting on a goldmine of fashion potential! Unlike other clothes, sporty stuff has a way of holding onto memories and making you feel good. But that doesn’t mean it has to stay stuck in the past. With a little creativity, you can transform those old favorites into totally awesome, one-of-a-kind pieces that show off your style. Plus, you’ll be helping the environment by giving your clothes a new life instead of throwing them away. Score!

Pro gear or your own school jerseys? Either one works!

Here’s the coolest part: you don’t need to be a sewing pro to pull this off.  There are tons of easy ways to take your old sportswear from “benchwarmer” to “fashion star.”

Dye Another Day:

Feeling a little bored with the color of your old sportswear? No problem! Grab some fabric dye and give it a whole new vibe. You can go for a classic dip-dye effect, where the color gets darker towards the bottom, or pick a totally different color to create a bright and bold look. This is a super easy way to make an old outfit feel brand new again.

Getting ready for senior night and planning to honor your teammates? Check out this post about Volleyball Seniors

Layering Like a Champion:

Ever heard of layering? It’s basically like building your outfit in stages. Here’s how it works: take that old varsity jacket you love and pair it with some crisp jeans and a Ohio State shirt. This unexpected mix makes your jacket the star of the show, turning a vintage piece into something totally modern.

Graphic Tees Get a Glow-Up:

Feeling artistic? Time to unleash your inner designer! Grab some fabric paints or iron-on transfers and personalize those old sports tees. You can add a funny saying, your favorite sports team’s logo, or even a cool design you drew yourself. This is a killer way to express yourself and show the world what you’re all about.

Accessorize Like a Pro:

The right accessories can take any outfit from “meh” to “amazing.” Let’s say you want to rock your school spirit. Rep those team colors by pairing your Purdue gear with some classic sneakers. You can even spice things up with colorful laces or custom insoles. Don’t forget a hat or headband to complete the look!

Sew Cool Transformations:

Got some basic sewing skills? You can totally transform your clothes! Feeling a little too warm in those long sweatpants? Cut them into comfy bike shorts that are perfect for summer. Or, maybe you want to update your sweatshirt? Try adding some cool mesh panels to make it more breathable and give it a bit of an edge.

Patchwork Power:

Patchworking is basically like creating a one-of-a-kind quilt, but for clothes! You can take pieces of your favorite old t-shirts, jerseys, or anything else you have lying around and sew them together to make a totally unique top, skirt, or even a pair of shorts. This is a fantastic way to give your clothes a new lease on life and cover up any rips or tears. Plus, you can add some extra flair with sequins, buttons, or whatever else catches your eye.

The Final Whistle:

Those old sports clothes you thought were destined for the donation bin? Think again! With a little creativity and these helpful tips, you can turn them into totally awesome pieces that reflect your unique style. So dig out those sweatpants, grab some scissors and fabric paint, and get ready to unleash your inner fashion designer! Remember, the coolest clothes are the ones that tell your story, so have fun and experiment!

Jeff Lacroix

Jeff Lacroix is a lifelong volleyball player and in his late 40's, still enjoys mixing it up on the courts.

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