How to Revive Worn Clothes, Shoes

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Have the waistband removed from pants that cinch at the waist or that are too short.

To improve the break across your feet, or to detaper pant legs, have a one-inch slit made at the bottoms of the inseams.

Shorten skirts to hit at or around the knee; it's a more classic length.

A good cobbler can work miracles. But check the cost of resoling — a new pair of shoes might be cheaper.

Have heels cut down if they're uncomfortably high.

Rain-damaged shoes can be dyed back to their original color.

Have sleeves removed or made three-quarter length for a more modern cut.

Add darts to taper a boxy top or a vintage shirt with a great print.

If there's a hole in a favorite sweater, save it by having it rewoven.

Defuzz a pilly garment with a fabric shaver. Try the Brookstone fabric shaver, $15; call 800-846-3000 for store locations, www.brookstone.com.

Written by Amanda Hinnant

August 2001

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