I love the look of a western customized denim jacket. It is easily one of the most flattering and versatile pieces in a casual wardrobe. It doesn’t have to be expensive but it does need to fit your body type. I believe the key to that is the length.
If you have a great waistline, then a shorter jacket can be appropriate. Wearing the shorter jacket with a loose fitting top or dress can be quite flattering.
The most universally flattering jean jacket ends just below the waist approximately 3-4 inches.
I am especially appreciative of the jean jackets with 3% spandex. You don’t end up with a stiff and restrictive jacket. Women used to wear these jackets way too big to be flattering because you couldn’t move in them otherwise.
But I’m not one to leave well enough alone. I have “cowgirlized” many jean jackets. I have added calf-hide, rhinestones, graphics and embroidery. Why have plain when you can make a statement?
My latest creation features a serape stripe print on the back panel and on the front yokes. I machine stitch the fabric into place after pre-shrinking. Cutting the fabric to fit can sometimes be tricky. I cut a piece a little bigger than the area, fold the edges under and steam press. Then trim excess fabric, leaving about 1/2 inch folded under. Sew the piece in place with a zig-zag stitch.
Then I decided to add an embroidered applique. Because that’s what customized is about. You can find these on many sites, but I can no longer find anything similar in local stores nearby. My fabric stores are disappearing. So sad.
These appliques came in pairs on e-bay for 1.89. There are many options on amazon.com as well. Real embroidery would have cost a fortune.
I like to use Sobo glue to attach the appliques.
This glue dries clear and is flexible. I used it often when doing beadwork on wedding gowns and veils. I don’t change products that work well unless I am forced to do so. Joann’s fabric carries a good selection of these types of fabric glue. I like to weight it down until it dries completely with my handy dandy snowman brick that my daughter painted in grammar school. I use wax paper in between to protect the applique and brick.
The glue would be enough, but I like to, if possible, use a narrow zig-zag stitch around the perimeter of the applique. That way you don’t experience any loose little points.
When I showed the jacket to my daughter after this step, she said, “I think it could use some decorative stiching around the edges of the pockets. It had been awhile since I had done any embroidery stitches. I went on you tube and found this simple video on creating a blanket stitch. I stitched around the pocket flaps on the front. But I made the mistake of asking hubby what he thought. ( He has a good eye and does give honest and good advice. He said, “you need more of that stitching to balance it out.” Wow. Ok then.
And I think the overall look turned out great.
Cost:
$40 jacket
$10 fabric (with plenty left over for another)
$2 for 2 appliques(they came in pairs)
$52 total
However, I would use my shopping super powers and start with a jacket discounted or on sale.
Happy Creating!