How to Customize a Military-Style Button Up Shirt
A basic military-style button up shirt is long-sleeved with a front button placket, and buttons on the front pockets and cuffs. If you know how to sew, iron or paint, you can customize your shirt to make it unique. Break out of the strict military dress code and transform your dull, utilitarian military shirt into a hot, eye-catching fashion statement.
Things You'll Need
- Ribbons
- Buttons
- Sewing needle
- Sewing thread
- Scissors
- Decorative patches
- Iron
- Fabric paint
Instructions
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Attach different styles and colors of military ribbons, patches and buttons from your local army surplus store. Thread a sewing needle with white or colored thread, and sew ribbon around the collar, cuffs and bottom of the shirt. Cut off the buttons that came on the shirt, using scissors, and sew on new buttons in a matching or contrasting color.
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Apply iron-on patches with military insignias and funky designs. Plug an iron into an electrical outlet, and let it heat up. Place the patch in the position you want it on your shirt, making sure the adhesive side faces down. Press the iron onto the patch, and hold it in place for 5 to 10 seconds. Check to see if the patch adhered to the fabric, and if not, press the iron onto the patch for a few more seconds.
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Write the name of your battalion or your army nickname on the back of your military shirt, using fabric paint. Cut off the end of the tube and squeeze out the paint to write or draw on your shirt. If you want to paint a more complicated design, like a skull and crossbones or an American flag, first use a pencil to lightly sketch the design on the fabric of your shirt, then paint over the pencil lines.
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Express your wild, non-conformist side by revising your military shirt completely. Tear off the collar and the sleeves for a macho, muscle-bound look. Cut off the hem around the bottom and cut fringes.
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Tips & Warnings
When sewing, turn the fabric of your shirt over every few minutes, to make sure you don't sew the two sides of the shirt together.
Watch out for your commander when you wear your shirt in public places.
References
- Photo Credit camouflage image by CraterValley Photo from Fotolia.com
