Goodwill Jean Jacket Upcycle DIY
As an avid thrift-store shopper and sustainable fashion blogger, upcycling is my jam. My favorite place to look for great pieces to DIY is the Goodwill of Orange County. I’ve been popping in these stores for years because they’re so affordable and I’ve always found the best finds inside.
I truly believe that one of the best ways to tap into your creative, fashionable soul is to upcycle. Throwing a floral pattern or tasseled trim on a clothing item makes the piece feel more ‘me’. I’ve found that altering your wardrobe to be completely and uniquely you can be a huge confidence boost. Despite being introverted, I love wear bright colors and crazy patterns because fashion is my favorite way to express myself. To manifest that indescribable feeling I tweak clothes from thrift stores with my own added flare.
Last month I lucked out by finding an amazing oversized Goodwill jean jacket. I had been seeking one for the past few months, and held out to purchase the perfect one for a great price. With my creative wheels turning, I decided to upcycle the jacket with my personal touch to make it a new favorite statement piece!
Here’s how to make your own upcycled jean jacket!
Materials You Will Need:
- Jean Jacket
- Fabric
- Scissors
- Nontoxic fabric glue
- Trim
- Decals (optional)
I found this floral pattern from a thrifted dress! I was enamored by the beautiful pattern, but the fabric itself was a little scratchy. As you can see, the dress was also way too big. I decided it was a good fit to be chopped and reborn as the highlight of the DIY.
Instructions
Step 1: Cut pattern out of the fabric. Trim any excess fabric until it is the size you desire.
Step 2: Place the pattern on jacket. Use the trim and decals to place around the piece to get a visual sense of how you want the jacket to look before you start gluing.
Step 3: Glue the large pattern onto the center of the jacket. I like to use nontoxic fabric glue, but you can also secure the patch with a simple stitch. Make sure to pick a fabric glue that dries clear.
Step 4: Glue the trim and other decals around the patch. I decided to glue the trim along the vertical ridges of the jean jacket to give the backing some geometric interest. I really liked the simplicity of the trim and patch, so I left out other decals.
Step 5: Press everything down and lay the jacket on a flat surface. Let dry for 24 hours, and enjoy!
The Final Product
I paired the jacket with my favorite secondhand Levi’s jeans and these sustainable sneakers by Baabuk! I had so much fun upcycling this Goodwill jean jacket. What upcycling craft should I try next?