Glam Up Your Shorts, Not Just Your Skin

Written by: Riana King

March 25, 2020

Reading time: 5 min

Table of Contents

Pick your tattoos Set up your design Trimming Tattoos Apply the Temporary Tattoos OOPS! Fixing Mistakes Removal

A temporary pop of shimmer and glam to your springtime wardrobe is made easy with Metallic Temporary Tattoos! With easy application and removal, using temporary tattoos to decorate your shorts or any fabric is a fun project for kids and adults alike.

Pick your tattoos

Metallic temporary tattoos make for a great, short term, decorative ornament for denim shorts, as well as many fabrics. TemporaryTattoos.com has a great variety of metallic temporary tattoos to choose from. When preparing to decorate your shorts be sure to order multiples of each design. If there are any issues while decorating, it is good to have extras of each design and plenty of designs to choose from. You never know when inspiration will strike!

Set up your design

Once you have decided on what temporary tattoos you like, take a moment to lay them out on the shorts. If you have chosen a sheet of tattoos with multiple images, you should cut out the different tattoos to make laying them out easier.

Trimming Tattoos

Most temporary tattoos come on a square or rectangle shaped paper backing. In order to see a better layout of your chosen temporary tattoo, trimming the paper around the image can help. When trimming around the temporary tattoo, leave a small border as some adhesive may be wider than the image. Be sure to place the temporary tattoo image side down (with the plastic sheet still attached) to layout the design. Now you are ready to apply.

Apply the Temporary Tattoos

The number one rule when applying a temporary tattoo to a fabric is to keep the fabric as dry as possible. Using a spray bottle and paper towel will help regulate the amount of water being used to apply the temporary tattoo. When applying a thin temporary tattoo, like the one used on the seam of the shorts, try to spray the paper towel with just enough water to cover the width of the temporary tattoo so not to get the denim wet. A little water will go a long way.

Remove the plastic sheet and place the temporary tattoo face down on the denim where it is being applied. Try not to apply pressure until the temporary tattoo is in the desired spot. The temporary tattoos are sticky and can be damaged if pressure is applied, then moved. Spray the paper towel with enough water to dampen the towel. Blot the paper backing of the temporary tattoo until the back is wet throughout. Slowly peel a corner of the paper to see if the tattoo has adhered. If the corner is attached to the fabric, slowly peel back the rest of the tattoo backing until it is fully removed. Continue this process until all of the temporary tattoos are in place.

OOPS! Fixing Mistakes

If the denim is too wet or there are issues applying the temporary tattoo, don’t worry, they are TEMPORARY! This is why you order multiples. To remove a temporary tattoo, grab a small hand towel, add a small amount of water and rub that temporary tattoo until it is removed. Once the tattoo is removed, the denim will be wet. Wait until the denim dries before attempting to reapply.

Removal

To remove the temporary tattoos from the shorts soak the garment in warm water for 3 minutes. Using your fingers, find the edge of the tattoo and slowly peel off. Once most of the tattoo is removed follow your washing machine instructions for a normal cycle. After washing the garment, check the bottom of the washer’s drum to remove any transfer residue.

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Riana King

Web Marketing Manager at TemporaryTattoos.com, where she leads digital strategy to enhance brand visibility. Riana combines creative content with data-driven techniques. Her skills in design, social media marketing, and customer engagement have played a key role in establishing TemporaryTattoos.com as an industry leader.

How can temporary tattoos be used to glam up your shorts?

Temporary tattoos can be applied to fabric, like denim or cotton, to add a trendy and unique touch to your shorts. They create fun, temporary designs without the commitment of permanent fabric alterations.

Are temporary tattoos safe to use on clothing?

Yes, temporary tattoos can safely be applied to most types of clothing, especially cotton and denim. They can be an exciting way to experiment with designs on your outfits for festivals, beach days, or casual looks.

How do I apply temporary tattoos to my shorts?

The process is similar to applying tattoos on the skin. Place the tattoo face down on the fabric, press a damp cloth over it for 30 seconds, and slowly peel off the backing. Allow it to air dry before wearing.

How long will temporary tattoos last on shorts?

The longevity of temporary tattoos on fabric depends on the material and washing conditions. They can last a few days or until the next wash. To preserve them, avoid washing the area where the tattoo is applied.

Can I wash my shorts with temporary tattoos on them?

It's recommended to hand-wash the shorts or avoid washing the tattooed area to prolong its life. Machine washing may cause the tattoo to fade or peel off faster.

What types of designs work best for clothing tattoos?

Bold and intricate designs like flowers, mandalas, or geometric patterns work well for clothing tattoos. These eye-catching designs can add a playful or edgy touch to your shorts, depending on your style.

Can I customize temporary tattoos for my shorts?

Yes, many online retailers like temporarytattoos.com allow you to design custom tattoos. You can create unique designs to match your personal style or even customize tattoos to match a specific outfit or event.

Will temporary tattoos damage my shorts?

No, temporary tattoos are gentle on fabric and won’t cause damage. Since they’re temporary, they can be easily removed, allowing you to update your clothing without permanent alterations.

How do I remove temporary tattoos from fabric?

Temporary tattoos can be removed from fabric by washing the shorts with warm water and soap. Gentle scrubbing with a soft cloth may help lift the tattoo from the fabric without damaging it.

What occasions are perfect for adding temporary tattoos to shorts?

Temporary tattoos are perfect for festivals, summer vacations, parties, or beach outings. They add a fun, temporary design element to your shorts, making your outfit stand out for the occasion without any long-term commitment.