Upcycling jeans: the Waisted Talent denim corset

How we make Waisted Talent: the studio reel

Our studio reel shows how we turn old jeans into Waisted Talent: unpicking seams, joining denim panels and setting rivets. Other scenes show us cutting the lining and sewing in the care label. The finished corset appears from the front and back at the end.

Play reel

Old jeans become an Upcycled Original

For Waisted Talent, we took apart an existing pair of jeans and made a corset from the denim. Upcycling keeps the fabric intact; cutting and sewing it differently gives it a new shape. The trouser panels became a cropped top that sits close to the body.

We kept the original patch pocket with its decorative stitching. Alongside the cream leather “Upcycled Original” label, it makes the fabric’s origins visible in the finished design. The wash, pocket and available denim panels are unique to this piece.

Panel seams, rivets and lining

The reel shows us unpicking the jeans and joining the denim panels in a new arrangement. Double rows of stitching emphasise the joins between the panels. On the finished top, the corset seams define the torso and trace its fitted silhouette.

We use a press to set rivets at the upper corners of the pocket. The lining is cut from the pattern pieces and sewn together, and the care label is stitched in. The inside is as much a part of the making process as the visible denim panels.

A light front, an open back and a CS zip

We bleached the front lighter while leaving the side panels darker. This colour placement draws attention to the centre and emphasises the new cut. A silver two-way zip sits at the front: the upper pull has a cast CS logo, while the lower pull bears embossed CS initials.

Draped straps lead from the deep V-neck to a halter collar that fastens at the nape, leaving the back open. Two press-stud positions allow a closer or looser fit around the neck. Together with the cropped, fitted shape, these details define how the corset sits.

Order Waisted Talent in size S

We handmade this one-off corset in Germany in size S. You can order the finished piece on the Waisted Talent product page , where you will find all views, the current price and availability.

Use the size chart and sizing advice on the product page. Compare the listed measurements with your own, keeping the fitted cut in mind. The two neck settings adjust the fastening, but do not replace a different clothing size.

If you need another size, you can enquire about a one-off in the same style. We will discuss the fabric and finish with you. With a different pair of jeans as the starting point, the wash, pocket and denim panels may vary.

How to care for your denim corset

Waisted Talent can be machine washed at 30°C. Turn the corset inside out and wash with similar colours, as denim may transfer colour. Do not bleach or tumble dry the finished piece.

Iron on a low setting. The care instructions do not allow dry cleaning. These instructions apply to Waisted Talent with its fastenings and details.