DIY Punk Denim Vest

The punk look is easily achieved by altering a denim vest.

Punk fashion is a style that grew out of punk rock. The word "punk" is usually associated with blaring music, anarchy, riotous parties and bizarre fashions. One of the iconic articles of clothing often worn by punks is a leather or denim vest. Leather is a difficult material to work with, but if you want to make your own punk vest in denim, it isn't very hard to do. All you need are some patches, pins and studs.

Things You'll Need

• Denim vest
• Patches
• Pins
• Thread
• Needle
• Studs
• Punch tool

Instructions

1. Lay out your denim vest and examine it. You should figure out where you want to sew your patches (larger patches should be on the back), where you want your pins and buttons (they're best placed on the front, along the collar or worn in a style similar to military medals) and where you're going to put the studs (if you choose to use them).

2. Pin your patches into place. Try the vest on and see whether or not the patches are where you want them. Then sew them into place with black thread. If the black thread shows up, that's fine. It adds to the homemade, do-it-yourself punk look.

3. Punch holes in your jacket for your studs. Pre-made studs and spikes that screw apart can be purchased at hobby stores. Once you punch the hole, unscrew the stud, push the bottom through and then screw the top on. The screw should hold the denim material in place. Studs work best along the collar or hem of a vest, though they can also be put along the shoulders like epaulets.

4. Attach your pins. If you only have a few pins, put them on the pockets, but if you have a lot of pins, consider wearing them on the left breast like military medals. Punk often has a pseudo-military-surplus look, so don't be afraid to imitate that.

References

• Instructables: The Punk Vest