Customizing Jackets
I get a lot of requests for jackets or vests that are studded, painted with band logos, and patched up. I'm sorry but I make only basic stuff, and if you want something totally custom you'll have to do it yourself. Here are some ideas and that might help you if you don't know where to start. Pictures are at the bottom of the page.
1. First you'll need a jacket. You can use one that you already have, make one, or buy one. If you are going to make your jacket from scratch, I recommend using a sewing machine because hand sewing takes forever and doesn't usually hold clothes together very well. If you don't have a sewing machine or very much money to spend, you can usually find a denim jacket at a thrift store for under $10. Or if you have a lot of money to spend you can check out one of the online stores that are listed at the bottom of this page. You can also find jackets on eBay. Also, I sell cotton men's bondage jackets for $35, but they aren't always in stock.
1. First you'll need a jacket. You can use one that you already have, make one, or buy one. If you are going to make your jacket from scratch, I recommend using a sewing machine because hand sewing takes forever and doesn't usually hold clothes together very well. If you don't have a sewing machine or very much money to spend, you can usually find a denim jacket at a thrift store for under $10. Or if you have a lot of money to spend you can check out one of the online stores that are listed at the bottom of this page. You can also find jackets on eBay. Also, I sell cotton men's bondage jackets for $35, but they aren't always in stock.
2. Customize it! You can add tons of stuff to a jacket to make it your own.
- Pins/buttons: these fall off easily so put them on the collar or towards the top of the front of your jacket. If you pay more then a dollar for a pin, you are being ripped off.
- Studs: there are many different kinds of studs you can use, and you can usually put them in by hand. Brass based studs are usually better quality than steel based studs, and they will not rust or fall apart. It can be really hard to put studs through leather or thick fabric, so try poking holes through the fabric first. (Another tip: don't buy an special "stud awl" for studs, they are usually made cheaply and the blades will bend easily.)
- Patches: you can make your own patches with fabric paint (I have a DIY guide for it) or buy them. They fray easily so you'll have to sew them on well. You can use a sewing machine to sew on most patches, but if you are going to put any on the sleeves you will have to hand sew them. You can also buy patches from this site. Let me know if you want me to serge the edges before shipping them to you. (Serging cuts off the uneven edge and sews around it to minimize fraying.)
- Other ideas: sew random scraps of cool looking fabric on the collar, sleeves, or anywhere else you want. Paint band logos directly on to the jacket, or paint other designs all over. Sew zippers on your jacket. Add pockets. Use an old t-shirt as a back patch. Be creative, do something that no one else has done!
Where to buy shit for your jacket:
Deranged Designs sells a small selection of patches, back patches, studs, and zippers. You can also find patches, pins, and t-shirts at local shows, usually for cheaper prices then in stores. Support your local scene!
Other options
Jackets (all of these brands have webstores, you'll have to look up the links)
- thrift stores
- eBay
- Angry, Young, and Poor
- Sourpuss Clothing
- Dogpile
- Crustpunks
- Dr. Strange
- Puke N Vomit
- Lip Service
- Angry, Young, and Poor
- eBay
- Crustpunks
- Punkstuff
- Dr. Strange
- Interpunk
- Dirt Cheap Distro
- Punkutopia
- Punk and Pissed
- Puke N Vomit
Zippers, fabric, and fabric paint:
- your local fabric store (for example Jo-Ann)
- crustpunks.com (only fabric, and it's a bit expensive)
- thrift stores: buy a cheap pair of pants or shirt, cut it up and add the fabric to your jacket
- fabric.com
- eBay
If you have any pictures of customized jackets, send them in to annie@derangeddesigns.com!
This pictures were sent in by Ashleigh Yellow Remer.
