At Truly Sopel, fashion is never just about looking good—it’s about stories, sustainability, and a bit of cheeky fun. One of our most beloved collections, the Cotton Shirt Rework range, celebrates turning forgotten or well-worn shirts into unique, frilly pairs of knickers you won’t find anywhere else. Over 20 years of creativity and love have gone into this range, and today, we’re pulling back the curtain with some of your most common questions answered.
What inspired you to start reworking cotton shirts into knickers?
It all started with a love of cotton gingham and the thrill of making fashion on a shoestring. Back in 2002, I was a young fashionista wanting to design, make, and sell clothes—but with a tight budget, I turned to what I could find: tablecloths, men’s shirts, and old school uniforms. I began sourcing fabric in small amounts from charity shops and flea markets around North London, and quickly realised how much potential there was in these unwanted garments.
My very first collection featured dresses, coats, and matching knickers, all patchworked from different colours of gingham—each piece totally unique, full of character, and sustainably made long before it was a trend. The knickers were always especially popular. They turned heads and sparked conversations wherever they went—and still do today.
What began as a fun way to use up fabric offcuts quickly became one of my most recognisable designs. The popularity just kept growing, and now, over 20 years later, I’m still making shirts into knickers—with just as much joy and a bit more frill.
How does the rework process actually work?
There are two ways to get your hands on a pair of Cotton Shirt Rework knickers.
1. Pre-made, in-store collection:
I work closely with local charity shops here in Somerset, where I have my boutique and studio. They give me a heads-up when fresh shirts come in, and I handpick my favourites to transform. I make new pairs every week, so there’s always something fresh and frilly hanging on the rails—ready to wear and totally unique.
2. Send your own shirt in:
If you’ve got a shirt that means something to you—or one that’s simply seen better days—you can post it to me or bring it into the shop, and I’ll turn it into a custom pair of knickers in your chosen size (I make sizes XS–XL). Each shirt makes one pair.
Whether it’s pre-made or a custom commission, the process is the same: I deconstruct the shirt and use only the best bits for cutting and sewing. If there’s a pocket, I unpick and reposition it on the back of the knickers. The original shirt’s button placket is reimagined as a feature, complete with a button, and even the shirtmaker’s label gets a second life—stitched into your new underwear.
The result? A frilly, feminine reinvention of something once quite masculine—a fun twist on traditional tailoring and gendered garments. I love the idea of contrast, and encourage you to keep and wear the cut-up remains of your shirt too—style it open or oversized over your new knickers for a cheeky, conceptual look. It’s fashion with a wink: bold, clever, and a little bit rebellious.
Make time for send-in shirts is currently 2 weeks, and the shirt must be 100% cotton. Any brand is welcome, and don’t worry if it’s worn or a little tatty—that just adds to the charm. I’ll work with the parts that still shine.
What kind of shirts work best?
The best shirts for this range are classic men’s work shirts—100% cotton, with traditional stripes or checks. They’re often quite corporate in feel, and I love that contrast when they’re transformed into frilly, feminine knickers. Blue is always a favourite and tends to be the most popular, but any colour works. Long sleeves or short—it doesn’t matter. What matters most is the shirt’s character.
These kinds of shirts are also a brilliant counterpoint to my usual Truly Knickers, which are often made in pretty florals and trimmed with big bows. There’s something so satisfying about flipping the script: taking something masculine and businesslike, and turning it into playful, wearable lingerie. It’s part cheeky, part conceptual—and always unique.
It’s always a bonus if the shirt has a pocket—because the reworked knickers will feature it proudly on the back. If the shirt doesn’t have a pocket, I’ll still make a feature of the rear with a creative cut. I try to keep as many of the original shirt details as possible—plackets, buttons, labels—so you can still see the story of the shirt in the final design.
This range is available both online and in-store, so wherever you are, you can find your perfect, one-of-a-kind pair.
Is each pair really one-of-a-kind?
Absolutely—every single pair is truly one of a kind. No two knickers are ever the same.
I cut each pair from different parts of the shirt, which means the stripes or checks might run in unexpected directions, adding to the charm. Sometimes I’ll mix panels for contrast, or place the pattern in a way that brings out the best features of the fabric. If the shirt has a pocket, I unpick and re-sew it onto the back of the knickers as a playful detail. If there’s no pocket, I’ll add a ruched back seam with a button—sometimes sewn on with a contrasting thread for an extra little pop.
You choose your size when sending in a shirt, and for pre-made pairs hanging on the rail, each one has its own personality. I make decisions as I sew—responding to the fabric, the details, and what feels right for that shirt. It’s an intuitive, creative process, and that’s what makes each pair so special.
What do customers say when they receive their reworked knickers?
The reactions are always a joy! Whether it’s someone who’s picked up a pre-made pair from the boutique or sent in a shirt for a bespoke commission, people love how thoughtful and unexpected the finished knickers are. There’s often a real sense of surprise—especially when they see familiar details like a shirt pocket or a button reimagined in such a playful, pretty way.
Some people bring in an old shirt as a secret gift for their partner—especially around Valentine’s Day or Christmas. It’s become something of a tradition! Turning a forgotten work shirt into a frilly pair of Truly Knickers is romantic, cheeky, and unforgettable.
Equally, I love when women raid their partner’s wardrobes and surprise them with their own shirt—now cheekily worn by them instead. There’s something really powerful and playful about that transformation. It’s a reworking of the garment and the relationship dynamic in the most fabulous way.
For those sending in a shirt with sentimental value, the results can be emotional too. I’ve had customers tell me they’ve laughed, cried, and danced around in them. It’s such a fun way to give something worn-out or meaningful a whole new life.
Some even keep and wear the leftover shirt parts—layering it over the knickers for an arty, conceptual look. It becomes more than just underwear; it’s a keepsake, a conversation piece, or a mini fashion statement—sometimes all three at once.
What’s next for the Cotton Shirt Rework range?
Two exciting things are coming:
Firstly is a return to one of my original ideas—with a fresh, creative relaunch. I’m bringing back my patchwork knickers range, now reimagined and refined after some time away from the collection. Made entirely from the leftover shirt pieces after creating the classic reworked pairs, these knickers make use of every last scrap—resulting in even less waste and even more playful, one-of-a-kind designs.
Each pair features a mix of colours and patterns—no two alike—and you can choose from curated colourways like blues or pinks, or leave it up to me to create a one-of-a-kind combination just for you. These multi-patterned knickers celebrate creativity and sustainability, turning remnants into something bold, bright, and full of charm.
I’m especially excited about this relaunch because it brings the story full circle—from the original gingham patchworks of my debut collection back in 2002, right through to these new, colourful creations made from real shirt remnants. Having been available in-store in the past, the patchwork knickers are now officially relaunched online—making them more accessible than ever. It’s truly the best of both worlds: unique style with a sustainable heart.
& secondly:
September 2025 – The Beginning of Truly’s Shirt to Knickers Workshops
September 2025 marks the beginning of Truly’s Shirt to Knickers workshops — where you can bring along your own cotton shirt and transform it into a playful pair of knickers. Guided step by step by Truly, you’ll discover how to give old fabric a new story, creating something fun, personal, and full of character to wear.
✨ Read more here to find out how you can sign up and start making your own knickers.
All workshops take place in Truly’s shop and studio in Frome. We’re so excited to get started and can’t wait to share photos of your one-of-a-kind creations!
Thank you for being part of the Truly Sopel journey—where every piece has a story, and every stitch counts. If you’ve got an old shirt lying around, why not send it in and see what magic can happen? Fashion that’s fun, thoughtful, and totally you awaits.
Find out more and shop the range here or pop in store soon.
