How I turned my too-tight denim jacket into a denim vest

in

How many of you have a way-too-tight-in-the-sleeves (think sausage arms) denim jacket hanging in your closet? One that you save for occasions when you know you won't have to say, lift up your arms? Here's a picture of me, trying like heck to s-t-r-e-t-c-h out my (relatively new) too-tight denim jacket to MAKE. IT. WORK. But no matter how many awkward praying-mantis type stretches I did, the jacket was STILL too tight.

 
 

Since it was destined for donation, I decided to do a little experiment.

I donned a pair of really dull paper scissors (not recommended), cut as close to the sleeve hem as I could, and CUT OFF THE DARN SLEEVES!

No sewing machine. No stitching. Not even a pair of fancy fabric scissors. I just used what I had, and went for it. And I'm totally digging the results.

 
 

The denim vest works particularly well on my triangle body shape (torso narrower than my hips and thighs), because it adds oodles of volume to my upper half, creating the illusion of overall body balance!

(NOTE - I am not seeking to recreate a "perfect body". I am seeking balance. The same kind of balance I'm seeking when I arrange decorative pillows on my couch.)

If you're in the market for a denim vest, here are your options:

  • buy a fancy one at J.Crew (HERE) for $70

  • cut the sleeves off a denim jacket that you already own for FREE

  • or buy a denim jacket at the thrift store for a few bucks and then cut the sleeves off

Happy Upcycling!

xo Stasia