![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkECVzEhEcHWQVtrlyY9WQ_jvNk8oAV80dmIX5Dx6dYvpUWHPQx_KLQeQfUMhoQ5EA9aHMHWsQmEXJXWnKWvvFeosrABYOnFmCgiTV_WSNhuX-hDTVj2SwVeR1ie5AOtAmOpBvxH5FbqZh/s400/vest1.jpg) |
Front |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3O1g6Wf0R_yT8kMyB832_0Ny-hs86Kj4VPGeNYv2wwAmmcnyTDo9rrZU5mVL306fVM-jWi9c1OpWpYo6ujW_ehAhfhq9gdBWMLyc9yCwWjy5V_RDnGqvvIsQpSWuyeph14XCIoLr6LzP/s400/vest8.jpg) |
Back |
The latest take on upcycling men's shirts sourced from my favorite thrift store right around the corner. (to see earlier upcycling go to
Repurposed Men's Shirts). I travel a lot and when I do, I always don a trusty travel vest with lots of pockets, some of them hidden. This time I'm traveling to a hot and humid location so I've used two 100% cotton men's shirts, jigsawing them together to make an unlined, lightweight vest. If you want to try a similar upcycle project, start with a basic vest pattern ( I like loose and oversize) and play with your upcycled fabric, piecing it together so you have enough for your pattern sections. Then with any leftover material, go crazy with pockets.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkir0oVnDZZ2uUmPF1PFHtHu8VAWn_rfaTqyuCeUHHZLP9appie-SFxXbW0-MBnOPsF8BiijD6D1rJ1G5Q_03L8tWNmQ1zWozP2NlrIvzNEXE__Sjb4nvZ0-gqBjLT-z0arUR0qPpDOVK/s400/vest2.jpg) |
Front exterior pocket |
The pocket above uses a piece from the front of one of the upcycled shirts, re-using the shirt's pocket to create a double pocket for the vest.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmu_kqLGGBGlhuNhkCmguY9QYHLv8-uCdlG58W9DWNnPRB31V9BTOPU2JRiiBWnbxizhkS2L8iWydA1PkEtaY70v3RqUFhGD3MBp3rR4MXscMdB__TMtLjD4LV40s7sXA32qYR-LgTXxjH/s400/vest3.jpg) |
Front exterior pocket |
A second exterior pocket (originally a section of shirt sleeve), extends from the front of the vest past the side seam towards the back. A dividing seam separates this giant pocket into two more serviceable pockets. There is a final, absolutely mandatory external pocket, sized to fit eyeglasses.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ipEnZPvT-Ys6L2DcSFcvlvkAyMc6sK6EFbKaksWMq4hMtYpGJm729AgZrN3zhnDpCxR19GPTgiPxtC5I0pOU-5_iHB0EroY6amPIv_SSNqtdAHgQ5OsH9Tbjp-WVyOzEemH4T85k56_m/s400/vest9.jpg) |
Three external front pockets |
There are also two hidden internal security pockets.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcA9ErBFQOdHCpbwS9muih-Db4m35nQs_RxKqNccZSrrk2cu8euE56WtRrXNWYYUmrmBqWqae1h1Vyw4mXRr4ymLzG9yAm7NMz_XtUeeoZCaJZAm59Q4RyVWz8whzv2OK-Oi38ORo_vB9/s400/vest6.jpg) |
Security pockets |
The first, more traditionally placed, keeps passport, air tickets, some cash, and ATM card handy. Includes a velcro closure
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFe1j2zS3FMLtwwxZtDJmVnIzC8qzljun4nu6h_hsVL-2xsy01nycX3l8JgVckKUO3xMDWi6FIMvBdfodWs1f2wd2vd9X524Pr40poqvR76C579luWa_Cy6Wk7fVCenVfbKX5WZhnjJD_/s400/vest5.jpg) |
Traditional security pocket |
The second, completely hidden, is invisibly stitched inside the upper back of the vest. This is for credit cards and larger amounts of cash. This pocket also has a velcro closure. The closures are there so that when it's necessary to take the vest off for airport security, stuff in the security pockets doesn't come tumbling out.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG507CF5D8GlVAIxx-T6lWMHksXnoNeC3oo6q3_809EjO9RWhE9HbR5P45ncBWAiYOQu1dKf2ykeIUOVP9N_5sr1LPXMEd1pqflCc-IgEcsXHh-AJe3mlVUu8Sf1ZN5_MWh5sD-0SK_oXh/s400/vest7.jpg) |
Hidden security pocket |
This is the fourth travel vest I've had. I also use them at home to avoid carrying a handbag, and with heavy use they tend to wear out quickly. To see how I cannibalized one travel vest make repairs on another, see
Extreme Mending (Uber Boro).