https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-for-old-denim-jacket Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 04:09:10 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-for-old-denim-jacket#post-2315929 Fri, 31 Mar 2023 10:32:53 +0000 lyn67 2315929@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cut the sleeves much above the elbow seam, you can always&nbsp; adjust this to&nbsp; your fave&nbsp; length for a short sleeve! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-for-old-denim-jacket#post-2315574 Wed, 29 Mar 2023 01:31:22 +0000 Laurel 2315574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The jacket is marvelous, in both versions---I've always really liked the denim jackets with sweatshirt sleeves---is that an option you might explore with a tailor? &nbsp; And, I feel certain that a tailor could reduce that bulk by opening the seam completely and then overlapping the seam, possibly covering the seam with bias tape to soften the texture.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-for-old-denim-jacket#post-2315494 Tue, 28 Mar 2023 12:57:46 +0000 Janet 2315494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Jessi and Robin! The short-sleeved option is interesting, but makes me nervous -- that *almost-to-the-elbow* length of short sleeve can look matronly on my body type. I guess it's something about the sleeve line cutting across my short but busty torso. Folks here may have noticed that you never see me in that length of sleeve!&nbsp;</p> <p>Murph, that's great that you were inspired for a DIY that made your jacket more wearable! Yay to bossing our clothes around. </p> <p></p> <p>cjh, those are really cute and creative solutions! Alas, I do not have those skills (I can sew but haven't in years). It's not quite my style either, but really fun to see.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-for-old-denim-jacket#post-2315492 Tue, 28 Mar 2023 12:49:54 +0000 RobinF 2315492@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like it with the dark seam, actually I like it better than the original seam. I also had the same idea as Jessi, that you cut it off and make it short sleeved. Leave the edge raw since the hem is also a raw edge. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-for-old-denim-jacket#post-2315355 Mon, 27 Mar 2023 16:46:52 +0000 Murph11 2315355@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just here to say after I saw your deconstructed Trucker years ago, I DIY'd mine by removing the collar, cuffs and waistband (no seam at the elbow). I rarely wore it as-is, but taking off the heavy bits makes it lighter and more wearable for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-for-old-denim-jacket#post-2315315 Mon, 27 Mar 2023 11:26:55 +0000 Tanya 2315315@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is a great fitting jacket, and I quite like your solution of the dark edge.&nbsp; I hope it is comfy enough to wear now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-for-old-denim-jacket#post-2315251 Sun, 26 Mar 2023 13:00:22 +0000 cjh 2315251@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I might take advantage of the discomfort to give it a total remake, such as patchwork or hybridizing. Examples:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://rentrayage.com/products/bonnie-brae-denim-jacket?variant=42810344865954&amp;currency=USD&amp;utm_medium=product_sync&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_content=sag_organic&amp;utm_campaign=sag_organic&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMInf2OzNL5_QIV4wznCh2eOQFYEAQYEiABEgLBhPD_BwE"><a href="https://rentrayage.com/products/bonnie-brae-denim-jacket?variant=42810344865954&#038;currency=USD&#038;amp" rel="nofollow">https://rentrayage.com/product.....D&#038;amp</a>;</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.forever21.com/us/20004753800103.html?source=shoppingads&amp;glCountry=US&amp;glCurrency=USD&amp;utm_source=shoppingads&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=freeshopping&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMInf2OzNL5_QIV4wznCh2eOQFYEAQYByABEgKAHPD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds">https://www.forever21.com/us/2.....lCurrency=</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://jfybrand.com/products/washed-denim-jacket?variant=42490092912880">https://jfybrand.com/products/.....0092912880</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-for-old-denim-jacket#post-2315249 Sun, 26 Mar 2023 12:18:03 +0000 jussie 2315249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So cool with the deconstructed seam :). It’s a good thing because imho that jacket suits you very well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-for-old-denim-jacket#post-2315243 Sun, 26 Mar 2023 10:19:24 +0000 Bijou 2315243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The dark edge seam looks good! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-for-old-denim-jacket#post-2315239 Sun, 26 Mar 2023 06:01:27 +0000 Jessikams 2315239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You could cut it off right above the seam? So you’d end up with a jacket with short sleeves. I have a leather jacket with short sleeves and it’s pretty useful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-for-old-denim-jacket#post-2315176 Sat, 25 Mar 2023 19:33:43 +0000 Indigoprint 2315176@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh I like that too. Very cool detail!<br /> I was going to suggest an elbow patch on the inside, maybe a 2 piece one on either side to even out the bulk .<br /> I also kind of like the TIBI idea ...may allow you to maximize the wearing of this very cool jacket. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-for-old-denim-jacket#post-2315168 Sat, 25 Mar 2023 18:51:32 +0000 Vildy 2315168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I *love* that dark edge - and the satisfied smile on your face as well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-for-old-denim-jacket#post-2315165 Sat, 25 Mar 2023 18:48:10 +0000 Janet 2315165@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Indigoprint, that’s a good question, and based on what I just discovered, I think it’s a combination.</p> <p>But here is what I’ve done so far. It has helped! I took the seam ripper to the stitching on the outside of the seam, which has helped *lessen* that bulk of the seam. I’m trying it on again over a thin long-sleeve tee (still the Heattech shirt) and it feels notably better. I’m going to try wearing it like this next time I reach for it, and see if this makes it more wearable. I’m sitting here right now with my elbows bent, typing this on my phone, and it feels better now than it did before, so I’m hopeful I may not have to do any further surgery! Here’s what it looks like now — I actually like the dark edge showing where the seam is. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-for-old-denim-jacket#post-2315160 Sat, 25 Mar 2023 18:14:23 +0000 Indigoprint 2315160@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Is it the bulk of the seam that is uncomfortable or the raw edges of the seam against your skinthat cause discomfort? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-for-old-denim-jacket#post-2315155 Sat, 25 Mar 2023 17:26:42 +0000 Janet 2315155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is really helping — thanks, everyone! </p> <p>I do want to find a way to make it work. I’m not really ready to let it go. I like the fit and style very much, it’s just the darn inside of the sleeve! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-for-old-denim-jacket#post-2315151 Sat, 25 Mar 2023 17:07:16 +0000 Suz 2315151@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The sewists here have great ideas. But also, what <b>April </b>said.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-for-old-denim-jacket#post-2315150 Sat, 25 Mar 2023 17:06:16 +0000 Star (Lise) 2315150@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That jacket does really suit you so I would try and fix the seam problem.&nbsp; &nbsp;As for making a cut off, I did do it with a Levis jacket.&nbsp; I took it to a tailor who removed the sleeves and hemmed it and the shape was awful.&nbsp; What used to be a slim fit jacket (that was too tight for me) suddenly looked like a biker vest in the worst possible way.&nbsp; The shoulders were huge.&nbsp; Then a friend of mine who is quite handy with a pair of scissors cut into it and it is fine.&nbsp; I kept the edges raw.&nbsp; I have worn it a quite a lot but I would not do it again.&nbsp; Sometimes what seems like a simple hack just does not work out as envisaged.&nbsp; I read that you changed your mind about hacking because it has no collar just relaying my experience.&nbsp; I really like the shape of the jacket on you but can understand the discomfort making it not wearable.&nbsp; Yes, why not try and cut the seam.&nbsp; What can you lose?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-for-old-denim-jacket#post-2315148 Sat, 25 Mar 2023 17:04:07 +0000 Vildy 2315148@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know, I thought of that, too.&nbsp; You just cut out the offending rigid seam and raw edges seem to go with the piece.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-for-old-denim-jacket#post-2315143 Sat, 25 Mar 2023 16:41:48 +0000 Janet 2315143@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I even thought about just opening up part of the elbow seam, a la the Tibi open elbow sweatshirt. But it’s a pretty substantial heavy duty seam in there, hence the discomfort. I kinda like the idea of that but I wonder how the raw edges would play out. Here’s a pic of the inside of the elbow. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-for-old-denim-jacket#post-2315142 Sat, 25 Mar 2023 16:38:15 +0000 April 2315142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you're feeling minimal, let it go.&nbsp;</p> <p>If you're feeling an urge to repurpose, listen to our sewists.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-for-old-denim-jacket#post-2315134 Sat, 25 Mar 2023 16:20:08 +0000 kkards 2315134@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No idea on how to make the denim jacket better, but I love the layered collar look above. &nbsp; It’s a great way to do double denim without the denim feeling overwhelming&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-for-old-denim-jacket#post-2315132 Sat, 25 Mar 2023 16:13:45 +0000 Irina 2315132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Honestly, I would say goodbye to it. It will duplicate the other vest but with the less success and versatility.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-for-old-denim-jacket#post-2315125 Sat, 25 Mar 2023 15:50:43 +0000 Janet 2315125@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh, good idea, Vildy! I see you and Kelly are on the same track, thank you. </p> <p>I’ve been trying on the old vest, and realized that I don’t love it as a stand alone piece over tops, BUT it’s a great layering piece under a jacket or coat, when I don’t want additional sleeve bulk. A collarless vest would not work that well. So the collared vest is staying now that I found new use for it.</p> <p>Not a great pic but you get the idea… </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-for-old-denim-jacket#post-2315121 Sat, 25 Mar 2023 15:42:20 +0000 Vildy 2315121@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I see you need your shoulder seams cut way in on sleeveless things. Looks like easy enough routine fix.&nbsp;</p> <p>For the old denim jacket. Here's what I'd try. Grab a seam ripper and open up most of that horizontal seam so it hangs largely free. Try on again, move, reach and use use your imagination and decide whether an insertion of a piece of knit fabric,&nbsp; color choice yours, might make it more comfortably wearable. </p> <p>ETA if you decide to try out fabric insertion, have the tailor line it with stretchy silky smooth lining so it won't catch on the sleeves of your top.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-for-old-denim-jacket#post-2315120 Sat, 25 Mar 2023 15:40:06 +0000 kellygirl 2315120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I'd try to have the elbow re-patched/repaired before cutting off the sleeves. I really like the jacket on you. If you made it into the vest, would you wear it with jeans or over dresses? Would it get more use as a jacket or a vest?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-for-old-denim-jacket#post-2315119 Sat, 25 Mar 2023 15:19:55 +0000 Janet 2315119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I recently added a new denim jacket to my closet, and have been considering what to do with one of my old ones: this Levis deconstructed trucker jacket in pics 1-3. I love the look of it, but the seam on the arm at the elbow makes it not very comfortable. For years I ignored that when I’d wear it, but I’m now not as inclined to ignore discomfort. </p> <p>There is the possibility of cutting off the arms to make it into a vest. I like that idea. I do have a very old (maybe 12 years +) Levi’s denim vest that is more cropped and has finished seams. When I was thinner I could button it all the way up and wear it almost more like a top. That ain’t happening now. It’s a bit short for that, even if I lost a size or two. </p> <p>The issue with cutting off the sleeves on the jacket is that those shoulder seams hit right at the end of my shoulders, sort of. My shoulders are uneven, and there are certain sleeveless widths that emphasize that discrepancy. Pics probably don’t show this, but I do notice it IRL. I’ve given up more than one sleeveless top because I realized the shoulder width meant that one of my shoulders was sticking out and the other wasn’t. (Yay scoliosis and torsion) I wonder if this jacket-cut-to-vest might do that. I suppose that if it were an issue, I could take it to the tailor, have a little extra cut off, and then a clean edge sewn onto it? If you look at photo #4 of my old vest, the one with the collar, you’ll see a shoulder width cut that seems to work a little better for me. </p> <p>Should I cut the sleeves off? Or is there some other way to mitigate the irritating elbow seam?? I welcome all suggestions! In looking at these pics, I’m not even all that crazy about the old collared vest on me. I’d be willing to let it go, I think. I don’t think I’ve worn it in three years. </p> <p>Please ignore lack of styling, makeup and hair. I’m simply throwing these on over my jeans and a Heattech tee. </p>