The BannerDIY: Add some flare to your flannel
Next to the chunky sweaters and the blanket scarves, the winter essential flannel sits nestled in the closet, waiting for a day filled with warm cider and pumpkin pie. Amid the basic connotations associated with this plaid perfection, try standing out amongst the Starbucks filled hands of peers by personalizing the piece to a more distressed, artistic, and grunge-worthy garment. So head out to a thrift shop, pick up a cool, oversized button-down in your favorite plaid hue, and get ready to bleach like a Kardashian head of hair has never seen before.
Hit up your local second-hand store to grab an oversized flannel that will be perfect for a serious relationship with your fave leggings. Don’t be afraid to pursue the men’s section. The odd looks from the bearded forty-somethings will be totally worth it.
Be sure the shirt is buttoned all the way up, then tie the rubber band firmly around the bottom half of the flannel. Stick the sleeves in the bonded section, too. You’ll appreciate the added arm candy.
Slide on the rubber gloves and grab the bleach–it’s time to channel some grade school science experiment vibes. Carefully pour the bleach into the bucket of water, keeping the ratio at about 3:1 water to bleach (I know, I know I said grade school and here I am throwing trig at y’all) Definitely feel free to add more of our magic liquid if your shirt is on the darker side. Fortunately, unlike math, there’s no right or wrong way to execute this DIY.
Submerge the bottom half of the flannel into the bleach-water using the rubber band as a guideline. Because every pattern and hue is unique, you can keep the shirt in the bucket anywhere from thirty minutes to three hours. Just keep an eye on it as it spends it’s luxurious bleach bath soaking up that vintage touch.
Sit back, relax, and watch the sunset, after you rinse it out, and put your soggy, new creation in the washer. He still may not get along well with others, so opt for a quick wash with just the flannel alone to be sure all of the bleach is out. Pop it in the dryer, and at the sound of the ever-startling beep, you’ve got yourself an autumn staple that everyone will be falling for.
