Update Your Wardrobe By Adding Patches

We all have a piece of clothing that we’ve worn into the ground. It may have holey patches, it may have stains, it may even be a couple of sizes too small – but we just can’t let go!

Why? Because clothes hold so many memories.

 

I bet you can picture the dress you wore when you and your significant other first kissed.

Or, the shoes you picked out for your graduation.

What about the shirt you were wearing after you killed the presentation you stayed up all night working on?

Even though we love these pieces, wear and tear may mean it is time to make a change.

But before you decide to donate them or throw them out, try revitalizing them with some of these ideas:

Patch Up Those Holes

Growing up, if something had a hole in it, I was told to immediately throw it away.

Did I listen? …Not always.

But today, clothing with holes is trendy. So why not jump on the bandwagon, and embrace that holey sweater?

If you don’t mind showing a little skin, try adding lace behind the hole. This gives the garment a worn, vintage look while adding a little bit of class.

You could always go full bore and create more holes in the garment.

This gives the item a more purposeful style.

So, if you have a hole on one side of a shirt, mirror that hole on the other side – create an edgy look.

Embroidered patches are another quick and easy way to upcycle a garment. And with so many varieties to choose from, the style choices are endless.

“I’ll Just Leave This Here” Using Patches to Cover Stains

I am one of those people who can’t wear a white shirt while eating spaghetti.

Every year I try a new method of getting stains out of my clothes, but eventually, I just give up and resign myself to living with a stained shirt.

But it doesn’t have to be this way because no matter how big or small the stain is, I can always cover it with an embroidered patch.

Don’t be intimidated by the placement. Say the stain is on the crotch of your favorite jeans.

Perfect!

Slap a patch on there and hold your head high.

If having just one patch on your clothes looks a little strange, why not add more? Putting plenty of patches on one piece of clothing is boho chic – and it has a more purposeful quality to it, as well.

Walk Another Mile In Your Shoes

Shoes are the HARDEST things to get rid of!

You’ve spent all that time breaking them in and they compliment your favorite outfit so well, but now they’re covered in mud or worn almost bare.

Before you throw them away or donate them, why not try bleaching them?

If the shoes are made of a canvas or fabric, try bleaching them and tie-dying them for a fresh, eye-catching look.

Another great idea is to take those old white sneakers and use a Sharpie to draw on designs.

You could go bold with your designs or more classy, like adding a delicate Oxford shoe outline to a canvas sneaker.

Sneakers also look amazing with cute, little, embroidered patches on them. Perfect for covering any fraying areas or tough grass or mud stains.

You can always update your old heels as well. Dip the heel in glue and roll it in your favorite color glitter to make them pop.