It only took 19 years

When I was 13, I began to dabble into goth. The music, the aesthetic, and my natural curiosity led me to a beautiful, yet mysterious and unfamiliar, genre. When you get into a music scene, you also might be interested in the roots of that scene. That’s where punk comes in. I feel that in order to appreciate goth, punk should also get recognition because that’s where it originates.

I slowly started getting into punk more, even going to local shows. I’ve always admired everyone’s altered vests with their numerous patches, buttons, and metal studs. But it seemed like quite a time commitment, not to mention all that patience it would require to make one of those vests. Besides, I was more of a painter.

So, I dropped the idea.

Recently however, I’ve been dipping my toes a little bit in punk again. It may not be my cup of tea 100 percent, but I still enjoy the enthusiasm and spirit of the community. When I befriended Doug, the frontman of the local Seattle punk band BUGS, it renewed my appreciation of the scene. Doug also has an altered vest, which reignited a desire to make one of my own.

The elusive black denim vest

I went to Goodwill and chose the denim jacket that spoke to me the most. It fits well, and there are lots of pockets. But it wasn’t really the kind I wanted. I still searched for one with notched lapels throughout the city, but those proved to be surprisingly hard to find.

I could still hear the purchased blue denim jacket whisper from my closet, “why don’t you want me? You liked me before. Am I not good enough for you?”

Upon thinking of it more, I decided it really was a good jacket to make a vest from. I would then make the alterations: first, by cutting off the sleeves; then, by dyeing it black. I remembered what a perfect fit it is.

Patch it up

These patches were gifted to me, or bought from indie organizations or artists.

I hand-stitched all of those patches onto my new vest.

I tend to stick to pins and patches that have messages, rather than ones from music bands. Things others might be able to relate to. I no longer have a favorite band, and these little messages seem more effective in conveying me as a person.

Nothing is ever really done evolving

Right now this vest is a work in progress. I still would like to add more, but I only select patches and mementos that speak to my soul, which I feel is the essence of a punk vest.

I can’t tell if anyone’s vest is ever really finished. Some people remove patches or pins to reposition then, or they make way for new ones. Others have a set product. Then others, like me, are still letting their vests evolve especially after getting started. I’ve always felt that something as personal as a punk vest doesn’t have to stop evolving—much like the person who wears it.