DIY: Patched Denim Shirt

It seems that every time I enter a Zara store I see more and more patches. They’re so fun and whimsical, yet nothing I’d ever spend more than $$ on–plus, this is like the easiest DIY ever. I know I am always saying my DIYs are the easiest ever, but I guess that should read I will only will complete an easy DIY as this one is. Basically, collect some patches; I found my collection at a night market in Thailand. While this might seem extravagant there are plenty of sites, especially on Etsy, that have a wide collection of patches to choose from. (I’ll include the links at the end of this post.) If you live in Hong Kong, we have our own sets of local markets as well that have booths with patches. The other item I already had in my closet. I was rarely wearing this oversized, bleached out denim shirt, but already since I’ve added these quirky colors to the shirt, I’ve worn it a ton more!

1. Gather your supplies.

All you need are some patches and a denim shirt. Alternatively you could add patches to a pair of jeans or a bomber jacket. Heck, even your favorite kitchen apron or daily backpack might appreciate a little color.

2. Place and pin the patches on the item.

I took time placing the patches on my shirt trying to get the placement just right. I knew I wanted the blue and yellow Thai number 9 right on my right lapel. I also knew I wanted the eye on the right sleeve. I ended up have all the numbers on one side somehow and the black and white patches are grouped together. Try the item on with the patches in place to make sure you like how it is.

3. Bring the shirt to a tailor!

Granted I have a sewing machine (and even made my first item!), but sewing on patches can be tricky. Once I placed them with a pin, I took my shirt to my tailor. I am so glad she did. They were meticulously attached–looking inside out that horse on my left lapel looks like a horse! I would have done a hack job sewing them on, so I went to an expert for this. I don’t think it’s cheating!

After the Patch Trend Too?

Try it….

• If you want to try out this easy DIY I found some places online that sell patches:
• This Etsy shop, For the Love of Patch, sells in packs–which is a good option. Also, on Etsy, Your Patch Store, has a plethora of fun patches.
• The Grindstore, a UK online store, has 16 pages worth of patches. From Australia there’s Iron On Patches–the more you buy the cheaper they get, and international shipping is just $3.
• And finally, the ultimate source for patches comes from the Patch Club–anything is possible from this site!

Or just buy it….

• Can’t be bothered to make this DIY? No problem! There are tons of options out there:
• From Zara, they’ve got the bomber version, the overall version, or a sweatshirt to choose from.
• From Forever 21, there’s the less expensive options with a slightly patched sweatshirt or the fully (fruity) patched one and also a pair of boyfriend jeans.
• For designer versions, Shopbop has this hot red tee and Luisa Via Roma has a pair of designer patched jeans–both with price tags to match!
• Last in my search for patched items is this sweet $24 jean jacket from new-to-me online store, Chic Nova. (With a tagline saying “Love Chic, Be Nova,” I’ll be back!

More Visual Inspo

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One last call…

If you want me to make you something patched, it’d be my pleasure. Send me a mail at ann krembs @ krembdelakremb . com!

*This post has been linked up to my good friend Sheela’s link up and my fellow FAb 40s friend Dawn Lucy’s Fashion Should be Fun. It has also been linked up to Jess’ Turning Heads. It has also been linked to my fellow Fab 40s friend Dawn Lucy’s Fun Fashion Friday Link up.