The 2023 style is all about sustainability and self-expression. Trendsetters are moving away from fast fashion and towards thrifting, upcycling and clothing customisation to express their  style. The term “slow fashion” speaks to making environmentally conscious clothing choices, and giving old pieces a new lease on life with your individual twist.

If you’re looking to jump on the DIY clothing and textile art trend, the easiest way to start is by customising our very own DIY denim jacket! Become your own fashion designer when you follow PNA’s step-by-step tutorial for a denim makeover and wear your art on your sleeve for all to see.

Custom denim inspiration

When it comes to what you can add to your denim jacket, the possibilities are endless! If you’re a first-time custom fashionista, we recommend doing your first denim paint on the back panel of a jacket, as it’s a large, flat piece of fabric that’s much less finicky to work on than smaller, more interestingly shaped panels.

Thankfully, we don’t have to look much further than our incredible PNA fans for customisation inspiration! Using our products, PNA shoppers have turned drab denim into dazzling statement pieces that catch eyes and turn heads, no matter the event. We’ve gathered a few of our favourite jean jacket customisations here to spark your creative process for when you make your wearable art! If you appreciate these crafters, be sure to give them a follow, and make sure you tag us in a snapshot (@pna_colouryourworld on Instagram) when you jazz up your denim!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @sandilekhoza_artist

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Thobani Lungelo (@thobani_creative)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Neighborhood art dealer???? (@justice_mofokeng_za)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by mk24 artStudio (@mk24artstudio)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by fadakreativzart (@fadakreativzart_)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cloe Berry (@cloeberryv)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by RAPTURE CUSTOMS (@rapturecustoms)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cloe Berry (@cloeberryv)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cloe Berry (@cloeberryv)

Here’s how to do your jean jacket transformation:

Now that you’re creatively inspired, we’ve broken down the steps you’ll need to follow and the products you’ll need to grab from your nearest PNA (which you can find using our nifty store locator). Go as big or as small, and as simple or detailed as you want!

The whole point of this project is that it’s all about your taste and making something that you enjoy specifically. If you’re doing this craft with kids, make sure they’re supervised and know to ask you for help. Fabric painting can get messy, and hot irons present a burn hazard.

What you’ll need: 

• A denim jacket or vest of your choice. You can usually find these cheaply at thrift stores or hospice shops!
• Dala Fabric Stiffener, to keep your taught perfect for painting.
• Fabric paint, as paints not suitable for fabric, will crack and peel in the wash.
• Fabric liners, to do the detail in your chosen design.
• Paint brushes or sponges.
• Dala Waterproofing Medium, so your custom artwork stays protected.
• An iron.

Instructions:

1. 1. Lay the denim jacket on a flat surface, with the back facing up.
   2. Place a plastic sheet or cardboard inside the jacket to prevent the paint from bleeding through to the other side.
   3. Apply a thin layer of Dala Fabric Stiffener to the panel you want to paint, and allow it to dry thoroughly.
   4. Choose the paint colours you want to use and pour them into small dishes or onto a palette. You can grab one like this at your nearest PNA.
   5. Use paint brushes or sponges to apply the paint to the jacket. You can use stencils or freehand your design.
   6. Once your bottom layer has dried, go in and do detail work with your Dala Fabric Liners for a crisp, clean finish.
   7. Once you have finished painting, allow it to dry for 20 minutes, then place the jacket on an ironing board and cover the painted area with a towel or cloth.
   8. Using a hot iron, press down firmly on the towel or cloth for about a minute to set the paint.
   9. Once the paint is dried, apply a thin layer of Dala Waterproofing Medium to protect your magnificent artwork.
   10. Let the jacket dry completely, then enjoy your snazzy new DIY denim threads! You’re an upcycling machine!

You’ve made your own denim art! 

Your jean jacket makeover is complete and we bet it’s looking incredible. If you find yourself growing tired of your design, you can always paint over it later, so these supplies can be used over and over again every time your trusty jacket needs a trendy seasonal refresh.

At PNA, we believe every aspect of our lives can be customised, and we find as much joy in the process of creating as we do in laying our hands on the final product. Once you’ve mastered the art of denim jacket makeovers, you can take these skills over to other items in your wardrobe, and revitalise your style in the most YOUnique way imaginable! Happy crafting, PNA family!