What do you think about patching leather jackets?
Patching leather jackets - yes or no way dude?
So there it was, my new leather jacket. Original 1980s heavy biker jacket with silver chrome rivets
as worn by the likes of The Ramones, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Entombed etc.
I had in mind to put a vintage patch on both upper arms and ram four killer studs through them at the corners.
And maybe some more studs on the shoulder epaulettes. Well, that was the plan.
So last weekend the time had come. First I fixed one patch with two-sided tape to the arm in order to find the right position.
You know, sewing through leather is hard and you wouldn't want to do it twice just because you are too lazy to think about the right spot beforehand.
It took some time and adjustment to find the perfect spot and then I got the needle and the thread out of the drawer.
And then... I just couldn't do it. It just didn't feel right to irreversible perforate this old jacket that has survived all these years.
This kept me thinking all evening, should I do it or not. I looked up the jackets here on TShirtslayer, some are patched, some not.
The ones with patches, well, no offence, but none of those really convinced me. Some looked quite alright, but there was none where I would've thought like "wow, this is what I would like mine too look like". Then I had a second thought and googled old pictures of Heavy Metal, Thrash Metal and Death Metal bands.
Many of those people wore leather jackets, but I didn't find a single jacket that was patched. That convinced me in the end not to do it.
Now a few days later I feel really good about it. It was the right decision. If I want patches, I pull my denim battle vest over the leather jacket.
Enough patches then.
So what do you think about this? Ever had a similar decision to make?
cheers,
Tom
Guess this TShirt!
Recent Comments
yes i totally agree about quality of fabrics and prints, for past year i`ve been looking for vintage shirts of my favour- me too and i share same emotions with you
Jazeker, net zoals 2 weken geleden toen we via dm het over deze en de Ulver LS hebben gehad.
I was there. The show of a lifetime. Absolutely amazing.
Cool, probably the rarest RATM item all year.- Ptactig is deze nog beschikbaar?
Wow just crazyyy
lol this band sucks
Yeah man this one is ultra rare I only know of two other people who have it and on of them is ken the old band manager
Awesome!!!! really nice music taste!!
fire bro 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥- thank you! i try to always post the gems here because this website is somewhat the vintage merchandise database/museum.
Where did you buy this? link?
do you still ahve this shirt and is it for sale?- What an insane find this is dude! What good fortune being able to pull this and share with the TSS community.
!!!
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overkill386 on
I never liked patches on leather. I had bought a new leather a while back and had a similar situation, mine though was if I should paint my jacket or not. In the end I left my jacket blank, I think pins and chains are better on em but I still like em simple
Ysidro on
Pins and badges are out of the question, I have some on mine, too. They kind of belong onto any metal or punkt jacket.
bad_american1992 on
keep 'em pure and sacred!
cambotero on
patches in leather vests doesn't look that good as leather jackets. don't do it. maybe studs.
gizter on
this is how i like a leather jacket
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3462/4560728034_2a4c1d160c_b.jpg
but i woulnt do that to a vintage one i think.
Ysidro on
Crust punk jackets full of studs are completely legit I think. Still I would pick a no name vintage jacket or a newer one or maybe a great but very worn out vintage one.
PForx on
I wonder if the bassist has a Shitlickers logo too.
gizter on
same ;)
(i know for sure the new one doesnt)
Kathulex on
Leather jacket work best with few tastefuly and/or well positionated patches. Backpatches not really, either backshapes or painting.
http://tshirtslayer.com/battle-jacket/leather-battle-jacket-completed
This one is one of my favorites on here.
Nater90 on
I am 50 / 50 on it, Certain patches do look amazing on leather jackets, But some just look weird and out of place.
If I had a leather jacket I would probably have an airbrushed design because it looks better.
Ysidro on
A painted jacket is something different. That looks better and you don't make holes.
Nater90 on
Very true
Bolzenwerfer on
I had the same inner struggle a few days ago and so I can totally understand you. I finally decided to patch the sleeves with one patch on the right side and two on the left. After that, I even decided to put a backpatch on. I have it sewn on by a professional. I will get the jacket back on Tuesday, excited how it will look like. Anyways, what I was trying to say is: I can understand your thoughts. Maybe if you`re not sure about it, better leave it as it is... (I am not really convinced yet if it was the right decision)
Ysidro on
I hope your like the result. Post a picture that we can see!
Ysidro on
It always depends on the condition of the jacket I would say. I wouldn't have a problem to patch a worn out old bastard. Maybe I try it one day.
kimo on
I think patched leather vests look better than leather jackets but it's just personal opinion.
I actually prefer leather jackets when they look old and worn, not new and shiny.
Ysidro on
Vests are something different, they are made to be patched just as denim vests I think.
I prefer old leather jackets that are still in great condition. They don't look new anyway.
deadlock on
Yeah, the visual appeal of a leather vest and jacket are two very different things.
Hárbarðr on
I had the same thought when i got mine, so i get what you mean. I think a very small number of patches can work very well, but it requires careful placement.
Greaserjlg on
It looks great if you keep it simple. Shapes and circles work best, squares are enghhh. As far as back patches go, shaped and paintings are the best. Throw some pins on the lapels, a few on the front and sleeves, paint/patch the back and throw some studs on if you wish and bam. Awesome jacket.
Plague on
Ur situation is pretty common. I decided to put a few patches on my leather jacket...just 3 patches though. One on left upper arm, right upper arm, and one on the lower right sleeve It still looks simple, but also stands out and nit like every other leather jacket. Also put some pins on lapels like u mentioned. My jacket was way broken in when i patched it tho. Since ur jacket is brand new, My advice is to wear it plain for a while til u feel like u need a change or something new, then throw some patches on it to renew it and breathe life into it. Good luck!
DevilzForce on
wholeheartedly agreed! patched my jacket when i got bored with it and it was over 5 years old :P
Stathis on
If it is a cheap leather jacket you can try it (personally I dont like painting, patching even using pins and studs on jackets).
If it is a good jacket like a Vanson, Schott, Aero or a Lewis I wouldn't suggest it. Once you get tired of the patches getting it repaired might cost more than your entire patch collection put together.
DevilzForce on
funny you should mention that... i just patched up the entire front of my leather vest (you all seen the back of it,painted)
the only thing is that you needto plan ahead and think about placement...it took me the good part of a year to figure out my layout putting patches on with doublesided tape, making a layout and hanging my vest on a hanger and watching it for a few days... if i like it i continue and eventually sew on.. if not i take it off and try something different layout wise... waiting on 1 more patch now from user Sabbatrinity to finish the other front end.... pics when finished of course ;) other tipis BUY A LEATHER NEEDLE !! i've seen too many fools try and sew thick leather with a regular needle... it's almost impossible to do and you will fuck up your fingers :P
johnsonjames on
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deadlock on
I tend to only like select few back shapes on leather, like the Possession one and generally only one per leather.
Considered putting the Embrace Of Thorns round faux leather one on mine. But figure the faux leather is gonna wear out long before the real leather would. Decided to just stick to pins.
Stronthor on
I've contemplated patching my leather multiple times, but never could bring myself to actually do it. I'll just buy a somewhat decent leather vest at some point and slap a few patches on it, since I do love the look of patched leather when done right.