DIY - Chain Detail Jacket

While looking through the September fashion magazines, I couldn't help but notice that tweed jackets with chain detail were popping up in all of them. I've loved tweed and boucle jackets for a long time and the idea of making them more tough and rock n' roll with chains was interesting.

I scanned the magazine pages and found two styles I liked. On the left is a jacket by Temperley London, $995 and center is by Plastic Island for $216. I searched the web and found the jacket on the right at Ann Taylor LOFT for $148.

I happen to own a black boucle jacket with fringe detail. I don't wear it often because it isn't very interesting. I decided to create my own chain detail jacket. Using the jacket I own, a few extra supplies, and some time,I thought I could get the magazine, high style look for much less.

You can do the same, you'll just need a few supplies. If you don't have a jacket, you can find one at a thrift or discount store for a bargain. I purchased mine at a discount store for around $30. Don't worry if sewing isn't your strong suit. You don't need to be a seamstress. If you can sew on a button, you can do this.

Supply List

1. Jacket
2. Needle and thread (matching the jacket)
3. Ruler
4. Chalk pencil, chalk or a sliver of soap for marking (if needed)
5. Chain of your choice
6. Wire cutters or pliers

First you should determine where you'll want to place your chain. Then you'll need to measure your jacket at those points to calculate the amount of chain you'll need. It is sold in inches, usually in prepackaged links from a local craft store. There are lots of chain options. I selected a heavy, chunky style for the look I wanted.

Measure the area where you are placing the first section of chain. I started with the pockets.

Cut the chain based on your measurements, to fit the section. I didn't cut all of my chain before I started sewing, I did it as I went along.

Stitch the chain on, using a looping stitch. You don't need to attach each link. I ran my thread under the fabric and chain, only attaching every third link.


In order to ensure that the chain is even, you may want to measure and mark about every half inch.

Using a jacket I already owned, a few supplies, and some chain I purchased from a local craft store (for $7.50), I have a great "new" jacket. If you don't already own a needle and thread, you can also get that at a craft store. You need a basic sewing needle and all purpose thread to match your jacket.

I now own one of the trend items for fall, a boucle jacket with chain detail. My grand total: $37.50. If I don't count, the jacket I already owned and rarely wore, only $7.50!

Thrify NYC

As part of our trip to New York, my sister and I decided to avoid the big department stores and shop the thrift and vintage store route. It was an adventure and we couldn't lose. Great style at bargain prices!

We both scored some great items. Keep in mind we stayed on the Upper East side. This worked to our advantage because the women of the Upper East side like to donate their barely used, "I'm bored with that", "I've been seen in that" clothing to thrift stores and charities.

The first day, we hit a Goodwill store that I had heard about. It took some digging, as most thrift stores do but my sister found a vintage 1960's Harris Tweed coat, in blue and purple hues for only $19.99!  A new one can cost over $300. I found this vintage, like new, Coach Willis bag.  It is in perfect condition.

My apologies for the picture quality. A better camera is in my future.

Day two we hit some of the charity thrift stores. There are four within a three block stretch on 3rd Avenue. I saw some good items, tons of designer shoes that were too small for me, Burberry trenches that didn't fit, an Armani coat that was priced a bit high, a Marc Jacobs bag that showed too much wear, and a vintage Etienne Aigner purse (not my style) that still had its tags! My sister walked away with a great wool jacket and a cashmere sweater for less than the price of a nice dinner.

On day three we went back to the Goodwill store to look for some vintage t-shirts. We didn't find any that we liked but we both walked away with a great menswear vest. Menswear is still in this fall and I'm excited to incorporate the vest into my rotation.

As we were headed toward the register, my sister spied a silver mesh bag. As she picked it up I said, "That looks like a Whiting & Davis." I have a long love affair with Whiting & Davis, going back to the days when I used to look at the one my mom has owned since the 50's. Luckily, now it's mine. They are known for their metallic mesh evening bags. As luck would have it, I was right!  The bag was not vintage but a current style and in brand new condition! Of course I couldn't leave without it.

My bag looks just like this one. It's currently selling for $120 - $150.  I got it for only $7.99!  Thanks to my sister and the ladies of the Upper East Side! 

We left the city on Sunday with a vintage winter coat, wool jacket, cashmere sweater, a vintage Coach bag, two wool menswear vests, and a Whiting & Davis bag for less than $150. That is the current price of just the Whiting & Davis bag.  Score for the sisters!!