20+ DIY upcycled denim jacket ideas for ways to refashion a jean jacket!
Denim jackets are a classic fashion item but seem to always be plentiful at the thrift stores! Many of them are pretty plain, serving as a blank palette to add your own style. I have a few jean jacket refashions in the works at my house and thought I’d work on a master list of inspiration, with my own tutorials to be added in the future! Go thrifting, hunt down your own ‘before’ and host a denim jacket makeover party with friends!
Check out these posts while you’re here:
- How to redesign old jeans – 15 denim refashion ideas
- What to do with old jeans – 45+ upcycle sewing tutorials
- 20+ ways to refashion clothes that are too small
- 10 refashioning tips for successful sewing
Let me know in the comments if I’ve missed any ideas for how you’ve seen jean jackets upcycled into a brand new style!
Pin this list of 20+ DIY upcycled denim jacket ideas with this link or collage image – please click through to individual websites to repin single photos!
DIY upcycled denim jacket ideas
A lovely blend of different sewing techniques in this denim makeover.
This is a large scale hand embroidery project, with flowers refreshing the entire back panel!
This has an entirely new look, I like the inventiveness with this deconstructed refashion.
I think it would be really fun to choose the right mix of patches with this simple but striking makeover idea.
You can use fabric that matches your style and add new accent pieces to a jean jacket.
Distressed denim is not my style, but I like how this turned out and it is creative!
Normally mixed wildly different substrates doesn't work, but these airy sleeves look really lovely!
This style is super popular on social media, here's how to do it!
Steps for how to add a patchwork back to any denim jacket.
Two different ideas here - mixing in leather and adding studs.
Iron-on vinyl is a really accessible way to refashion things, and here is a denim jacket idea.
Not pictured:
- This is a cool way to upcycle an afghan while refashioning a jean jacket.
- Use a vintage needlepoint to refashion the back of a jean jacket!
- Hand embroidery is always a fun way to refashion, as seen on this sashiko embroidery refashion.
- This jean jacket refashion has a whole new silhouette, with frayed edges and layers.
- Consider adding some fringe to a jean jacket.
- Mix an old puffer vest for an extra warm jean jacket refashion.
- This is a cozy refashion, mixing together a sweater and jean jacket.
- I like the mix of flannel, sweatshirt, and jean jacket in this denim jacket refashion.
- A beautiful quilted back panel refashion.
- Weave fabric strips to make a new back.
- Also, consider adding gems, grommets, pearls, or studs!