How to Make Patriotic Shorts

How to Make Patriotic Shorts: The Complete Guide

Why is it Important to Be Patriotic? Reading How to Make Patriotic Shorts: The Complete Guide 10 minutes

Dive into the spirit of your nation by learning how to make patriotic shorts, a perfect blend of national pride and personal style. 

This project is a thrilling endeavor that leads to a custom fit, unique design, and the satisfaction of wearing your patriotism on your sleeve - or rather, your legs. 

Yet, the DIY route demands skill, patience, and time, which might not suit everyone's abilities or schedule. Sometimes, you’re better off shopping for a pair of shorts from a trusted brand instead.

For those who want to express their allegiance without the hassle, Patriot Crew offers a range of high-quality, ready-made patriotic shorts that celebrate your national pride with style and ease. 

Shop now and get yourself the best pair of American-made shorts with a twinge of patriotism. If nothing else, browse our catalog to get some design inspiration!

Should You Make Patriotic Shorts? Pros and Cons of DIY

Before we get into how to make patriotic shorts, let’s set the stage and offer a bit of background information. We want you to set your expectations about what you’re getting into from the start. So, let’s look at the good and bad of making your own shorts.

The Appeal of Making Your Own Patriotic Shorts

Creating your own patriotic shorts comes with the joy of personalization. You have the freedom to select fabrics that speak to your comfort and style while integrating designs that resonate with your national pride. 

Tailoring your shorts ensures a one-of-a-kind garment that fits your body and your vision perfectly. Moreover, the process of making something by hand can be deeply satisfying, offering a tangible connection to the values you hold dear.

Challenges and Considerations Along the Way

However, the DIY approach is not without its challenges. It requires a certain level of sewing skill and an understanding of garment construction. Sourcing quality materials that do justice to the flag or national symbols can be another hurdle. 

Additionally, the time investment to plan, cut, sew, and finish a pair of shorts might be substantial. There's also the risk of errors that could lead to wasted materials and frustration. This is why you may be better off spoiling yourself with high-quality patriotic apparel from a trusted brand…

Why Shopping at Patriot Crew May Make More Sense

For those who are less experienced with a needle and thread or who value time over the DIY experience, Patriot Crew offers a compelling alternative. 

Our shorts are crafted with attention to detail, ensuring that each pair meets a high standard of quality and design. With a variety of styles and sizes, you can find the perfect fit without the guesswork and effort of making them yourself. 

We’ll talk more about this later on, but if you’re committed to seeing this project through, we’ll still guide you through how to make patriotic shorts below!

How to Make Patriotic Shorts: Step-by-Step Guide

No patriotic outfit ideas are complete without a stylish pair of shorts crafted with our great Nation’s pride in mind. It is a fantastic way to express your national pride, especially during national holidays or events. 

So, here's a comprehensive step-by-step guide to help you craft a unique piece of apparel that celebrates your country. First things first - what do you need to make your own shorts?

Gathering Your Materials

Start by selecting the appropriate fabric. Cotton is a comfortable choice and holds colors well, making it ideal for the vibrant hues of patriotic apparel. 

For a more durable option, consider a cotton-polyester blend. You'll need red, white, and blue fabric, or you can opt for a pre-patterned fabric with a patriotic design.

You'll also need the following tools:

  • Sewing machine
  • Thread matching your fabric colors
  • Fabric scissors
  • Pins
  • Measuring tape
  • Fabric chalk or a fabric marker
  • Elastic band (if you're making an elastic waist)
  • Iron and ironing board

Don’t have access to these? As we’ve said a few times, you can save yourself the time and cost of investing in all this right here at Patriot Crew! But, once you have everything on hand, it’s time to get to work preparing the fabric.

Preparing the Fabric

Measure your waist, hips, and desired length to determine how much fabric you'll need. Add a few inches to each measurement for seam allowances and adjustments. 

We recommend that you wash and dry your fabric to pre-shrink it before cutting. Iron the fabric to remove any wrinkles, ensuring a smooth working surface.

Designing Your Patriotic Theme

Decide on the arrangement of colors and symbols. You might choose stripes for the body of the shorts and stars for the pockets, or any other design that resonates with your vision. 

Sketch your design on paper to serve as a blueprint. If you're incorporating symbols like stars or flags, consider their placement carefully to maintain respect for national emblems.

Assembling the Shorts

Cut the fabric according to your measurements and design. Pin the pieces together, inside out, to prepare for sewing. Start with the larger sections, such as the front and back panels. 

Sew these larger pieces together and then focus on the smaller details, like attaching pockets. If you're adding an elastic waist, ensure it's snug but comfortable.

Applying Decorations 

For painted decorations, use fabric paint and stencils for precision. Apply the paint evenly and allow it to dry completely. If you're sewing on patches or appliqués, position them first with pins and then sew them securely. Be mindful of the fabric's grain to avoid puckering.

Final Touches

Inspect the shorts for any loose threads or uneven seams and correct them. Hem the bottom of the shorts for a clean finish. 

Turn the shorts right side out and iron them for a professional appearance. Use the iron to create sharp creases on the seams if desired, giving the shorts a tailored look. Try them on to ensure they fit comfortably and make any final adjustments. 

Congratulations, you've just created your own pair of patriotic shorts! But if you aren’t sure where to start, here are some patriotic shorts ideas below.

Patriotic Shorts Ideas: Design Inspiration for Bringing Your Shorts to Life

Whether you're attending a Fourth of July barbecue, a memorial event, or just want to show your national pride, there's a patriotic shorts design for you. Here are several themes to inspire your next DIY project.

Classic Americana

Embrace the traditional symbols of your nation with classic Americana. Think of incorporating broad stripes and bright stars against a backdrop of red, white, and blue. 

You can use a star-shaped stamp or stencil to create a pattern of white stars on a blue background. For stripes, alternate between red and white fabric or use fabric paint for a handcrafted touch.

Simple and Subtle

If you prefer a less bold statement, go for a simple and subtle approach. Use a single color for the base of your shorts and add small patriotic accents, like a flag patch on the pocket or a red and white striped waistband. 

This style is perfect for those who want to nod to their national pride without overwhelming their outfit.

Military Tribute

Show your support for the armed forces with a military tribute design. Utilize camouflage fabric in traditional green or go for a navy blue or desert tan to represent different branches of the military. Add patches from the army, navy, air force, or marines to honor those who serve.

Modern Patriot

For a contemporary twist, integrate modern design elements into your patriotic shorts. Use graphic prints or incorporate current fashion trends like distressed fabric or high-waisted cuts. You can also apply modern typography to spell out patriotic phrases or the nation's name.

Historical Significance

Pay homage to your country's history with shorts that reflect significant events or eras. For instance, you might choose a design inspired by the Betsy Ross flag or incorporate dates and quotes from foundational documents or famous speeches. Use historical colors and fonts to give your shorts an authentic vintage feel.


We hope one of these ideas resonates with you. If not, you can find more inspiration in our catalog as we have men's patriotic clothing styles you’re sure to love. All of that said, why not save yourself the time and stress of making your own shorts by shopping with Patriot Crew?

Save Yourself Time and Stress By Shopping Stylish, High-Quality Patriotic Shorts at Patriot Crew!

Experience the ease and comfort of showcasing your patriotism with Patriot Crew's premium collection of fleece shorts. Our brand is synonymous with quality, offering you a seamless blend of style and national pride.

Each pair of shorts is meticulously crafted from an 80% cotton and 20% polyester blend, ensuring breathability and durability. The soft fleece interior promises all-day comfort, while the tagless design eliminates any potential for irritation.

Our shorts feature a practical elastic waistband with a drawcord for a perfect fit, coupled with a back pocket and hand pockets for convenience. 

Designed to run true to size with a relaxed, unisex fit, they cater to all body types, ensuring everyone can express their patriotic spirit. Choose from an array of colors and styles, including versatile camo, robust military green, and classic black.

As one of the best patriotic clothing brands, we don’t just have shorts. You can find all the different garments you need to look and feel your best while wearing your national pride. 

That includes patriotic t-shirts, like our 2nd amendment shirts, anti-corruption shirts, patriotic graphic tees, long sleeve patriotic shirts, political t shirts, and more. We also have patriotic women's tops specifically.

Round out your wardrobe with our other 2nd amendment clothing, such as patriotic beanies, patriotic hoodies, patriotic hats, and more.

Don't let the hassle of DIY dampen your spirit. Embrace the effortless sophistication of Patriot Crew's patriotic shorts and join the ranks of satisfied citizens who wear their hearts on their hems. Shop now and step out in confidence, comfort, and pride!

Closing Thoughts on How to Make Patriotic Shorts

Learning how to make patriotic shorts is an enriching endeavor that allows you to express your individuality and national pride through a hands-on crafting experience. 

It's a chance to play with designs, learn new skills, and wear your accomplishments with pride. However, it requires time, patience, and a certain level of expertise to achieve a professional look. 

For those who value convenience without compromising on style and quality, Patriot Crew offers a diverse range of patriotic shorts that are sure to meet your needs. Explore our collection today and find the perfect pair to celebrate your patriotism with ease and flair.