DIY Sleeveless Trench Coat

We’d been dying to DIY a sleeveless trench coat the moment they were spotted here and there last fall. But then came a seemingly endless winter and our hopes of slashing sleeves were stashed away for months. Now that spring has sprung, we are beyond exited to finally thin out our layers . . . rain or shine! With an inexpensive trench coat and a seam ripper, making a sleeveless trench coat is a cinch. Honestly.

You’ll need:
– a trench coat (we used a $35 Norma Kamali x Walmart trench)
– a seam ripper
– a sewing machine.

Start by pulling one of the sleeves away from the attached shoulder to reveal the stitching. Gently rip the seam using the seam ripper. After the sleeve is removed, do the same with the lining. Remove the other sleeve using the same steps. (Click images to enlarge)

Use the original inseam as a guide and fold the jacket and the lining inwards. Pin it. Sew a straight stitch all the way around with a 1/4″ inseam. If you don’t have a sewing machine, you can always take it to your tailor or try hemming it by hand.

Using very low heat, gently iron the hem flat. And you’re done!

Getting rid of unecessary and confining sleeves is easy peasy, right? Happy Spring! xx

(top image via Style.com, rest of images by Honestly…WTF; Norma Kamali trench provided by Beso.com)

Leave a Comment

38 Comments

  1. Awesome DIY, love this post, thanks for sharing!

    xoxo
    http://fashionagony.blogspot.com/

    4.5.11
    Reply
  2. Jessie wrote:

    this is pretty fabulous. i just bought a regular trench coat, but it’s consignment moschino therefore i don’t think i’ll be doing a DIY on it. but this is a great one!

    http://wordbyjessie.com

    4.5.11
    Reply
  3. MG wrote:

    Oh, this is awesome! All I need to track down is a sewing machine….

    4.5.11
    Reply
  4. january wrote:

    lovely idea!! just need to find an inexpensive trench!

    january, x
    jessicajanuary.com

    4.5.11
    Reply
  5. india wrote:

    Very nice post!

    si tu veux découvrir mon blog sur la vie d’ une mannequin a Paris, clique sur le lien:

    http://www.indiasinsights.com

    4.5.11
    Reply
  6. Cha wrote:

    loove it! Working on a couple DIYs too right now..

    Love
    Cha

    ChaneCiaga.blogspot.com

    4.5.11
    Reply
  7. Another wonderful DIY. Looks great!

    http://www.fashionablecollections.blogspot.com

    4.5.11
    Reply
  8. Anna wrote:

    cool look, different I guess although I wouldn’t see myself in it, faux fur vests are more me…
    Anna
    http://www.ThisIsAYes.com

    4.5.11
    Reply
  9. Love this idea. I might just have to go hunt for an affordable trench to try this on.

    4.5.11
    Reply
  10. Deja wrote:

    Love it! I don’t want to cut up the trench I have now though but I may buy another to do this! Thanks for sharing! xoxo

    4.5.11
    Reply
    • lauren wrote:

      Ladies, We found you a cheap ($35) and nice Norma Kamali trench to cut right into…get your trench HERE

      4.5.11
  11. Anne Sophie wrote:

    Did the exact same thing by hand last summer, with an old trench that had a damaged cuff and that I couldn’t imagine throwing away. Love the result. Hunting for a cheap trench coat in thrift shops would be a good option too.
    Love your blog, go on like that !

    4.5.11
    Reply
  12. Brittany wrote:

    Wow, I don’t know what I love more, a $35 trench, or such an easy DIY! xo

    http://tryitonmegirl.blogspot.com/

    4.5.11
    Reply
  13. Nicole wrote:

    oh gosh, LOVE this! can’t believe i never thought of it…
    i fell in love with this piece recently: http://www.polyvore.com/202_belted_camus/thing?id=30164895
    and now realize it’s pretty close to an awesome-colored sleeveless trench! goodwills across the city, here i come!!

    4.5.11
    Reply
  14. Kaila wrote:

    OMG!!! I WANT TO MAKE ONE!!!

    I have been lusting for a sleeveless trench coat!! LOVE them!!

    It would also be cool to replace the sleeves with leather or a patterned sleeve as well!!

    xo
    http://cestclassique.blogspot.com/

    4.5.11
    Reply
  15. chloe wrote:

    definitely going to do this!! thank you!! love your blog!
    xoxo

    http://www.leatherlaceblog.com/

    4.5.11
    Reply
  16. Carolyn wrote:

    wow you did such a good job, love how it turned out!

    4.5.11
    Reply
  17. Suzy wrote:

    very chic

    4.6.11
    Reply
  18. Barracuda wrote:

    That looks awesome! I think I also have to try it! Keep up the good work!

    Love,
    Barracuda

    4.6.11
    Reply
  19. AzaharaJS wrote:

    hello, I love your blog, it’s very inspiring
    I did the same a few weeks ago who was not wearing a trench coat,
    can see it here, http://azaharajs.blogspot.com/2011/04/vest-trench.html

    kisses
    AzaharaJS

    4.24.11
    Reply
  20. Stylocrat wrote:

    Another superb idea! I love that trend.

    9.8.11
    Reply