How to Make and Accessorize a Dazzling Mardi Gras Jacket for Your Costume

The History of Mardi Gras Jackets

Mardi Gras is one of the biggest celebrations in the world, bringing together millions of people for parades, parties, and good times. At the heart of any Mardi Gras celebration are the colorful, creative costumes and outfits that attendees wear. One of the most iconic pieces of any Mardi Gras wardrobe is the Mardi Gras jacket.

Mardi Gras jackets have a long and storied history tied to the evolution of the Mardi Gras holiday itself. Their beginnings can be traced back to Medieval Europe, when people would wear special costumes and hold lavish masquerade balls leading up to Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. These early celebrations were the precursor to modern Mardi Gras festivities.

When Mardi Gras was brought to Louisiana by French colonists in the late 17th century, they also brought their tradition of ornate costumes and masks. Early Mardi Gras jackets were often made of velvet or silk, embroidered with gold and silver threads and embellished with glass beads. The styles mimicked the opulent fashions of Versailles and the French aristocracy.

As Mardi Gras evolved in Louisiana, so too did the costumes. In the late 19th century, many krewes formed - these were private social clubs who organized parades and balls for Mardi Gras. Krewe members wore themed costumes honoring the krewe's symbols and motifs. This is when more standardized Mardi Gras jacket styles started to emerge.

Common Features of Mardi Gras Jackets

Today, most Mardi Gras jackets share some key features that make them immediately recognizable.

• Bright, bold colors - The vibrant purple, green, and gold colors used on Mardi Gras jackets represent justice, faith, and power.
• Sequins, beads, and appliques - Modern Mardi Gras jackets are covered in sequins and metallic beads, often in floral or geometric designs.
• Elaborate trim - Jackets typically have decorative trims, ruffles, feathers, and other embellishments.
• Crested designs - Family crests, krewe logos, and other symbols appear on jackets.
• Zip, snap, or hook closures - Closures make it easy to take jackets on and off with costumes.

Styles of Mardi Gras Jackets

While they share some main features, Mardi Gras jackets come in many styles for men, women, and children. Here are some of the most popular options:

• Bolero jackets - Short, open front jackets that stop above the waist. Great for pairing with dresses.
• Capelet jackets - Jackets with short capes attached, some with full length capes.
• Tailcoat jackets - Long men's formal jackets with split tails in back.
• Military jackets - Styled like dress military jackets with embroidery, soutache trim, epaulettes.
• Reversible sequin jackets - Change colors by flipping sequins from one side to the other.

Where to Buy Mardi Gras Jackets

For those wanting to buy a Mardi Gras jacket instead of making their own, there are a few great options:

• Local Mardi Gras and costume shops in Louisiana or cities with big celebrations.
• Online retailers like Mardi Gras Outlet, New Orleans Mask, and Discount Mugs.
• Etsy shops for handmade, vintage, and customizable jackets.
• Amazon and large online retailers for mass-produced styles.

Prices can range anywhere from $30 to $300+ depending on materials, intricacy of beading and embroidery, and whether it's a unique handmade piece.

How to Make Your Own Mardi Gras Jacket

Making a DIY Mardi Gras jacket is a fun craft project and a great way to create a one-of-a-kind piece. Follow these steps to make your own fabulous Mardi Gras jacket at home:

Supplies Needed

• Plain jacket or blazer with zip or snap closures
• Fabric paint, sequins, beads, trim
• Hot glue gun & glue sticks
• Fabric glue
• Sewing supplies - needles, thread, scissors, pins
• Embroidery floss & hoops (optional)

Instructions

1. Start with a basic jacket in a color like white, black, or purple. Try thrift stores for cheap options. Make sure it's machine washable.

2. Decide on a Mardi Gras theme or design motifs. Consider krewe symbols, Louisiana imagery like fleur de lis and streetcars, masks, crowns, or beads.

3. Use fabric paint to draw and fill in large design elements. Let dry fully before moving onto other steps.

4. Sew sequins, metallic trim, and appliques in flourishing patterns using a zigzag stitch. Use fabric glue for smaller embellishments.

5. Glue or sew beads, rhinestones, feathers, ruffles and other 3D details. Focus on lapels, cuffs, shoulders, and back.

6. If desired, use embroidery floss and hoops to stitch Mardi Gras lettering, zigzags, flowers or fleur de lis.

7. Steam or iron on low heat when finished to set adhesives and seal threads.

Tips for the Perfect Mardi Gras Jacket

• Choose a simple jacket with few seam lines or flaps to easily customize.
• Draw designs in washable fabric paint before adding embellishments.
• Read sequin, bead, and applique packaging for washing instructions.
• Glue rhinestones, studs, and gems in place using E6000 or similar for durability.
• Use hot glue for large sequins, braids, ribbons, feathers and lightweight trim.
• Hand or machine sew beads, sequins, and appliques using a sturdy thread.
• Add personal touches like initials, names, dates, or krewe logos.

Accessorizing Your Mardi Gras Jacket

The jacket is just one part of your Mardi Gras outfit. Here are some ideas for accessorizing to complete the look:

Masks

An elaborate, beaded, feathered, or sequined mask brings a touch of mystery and intrigue. Opt for full face masks or simple eye masks on sticks.

Headpieces

Tiaras, crowns, and jester hats add height and dramatic flair. Look for styles embellished with sequins, beads, feathers and flowers.

Jewelry

Layer on beads, bead necklaces and earrings. Gold, purple, green and white are perfect Mardi Gras jewelry hues.

Gloves

Opera length gloves add elegance. Look for beaded and embroidered styles or add embellishments to plain satin gloves.

Shoes

Go bright and bold with jelly shoes, sequined flats, or colorful heels. Sneakers decorated with beads and paint are also festive.

Props

Fans, scepters, parasols and walking sticks make fabulous costume accessories. Decorate them with sequins, paint and faux jewels.

Rock Your Mardi Gras Jacket

However you choose to craft or customize it, a Mardi Gras jacket is the key to any great Fat Tuesday costume. With so many ways to make it your own, you're sure to have fun dreaming up designs. So grab your supplies, turn up some zydeco music, and let the creativity flow. Before you know it, you'll be dancing down Bourbon Street in your flashy, one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras jacket!

FAQs

What are the traditional Mardi Gras colors and what do they symbolize?

The traditional Mardi Gras colors are purple, green, and gold. Purple symbolizes justice, green symbolizes faith, and gold symbolizes power.

What types of embellishments are commonly used to decorate Mardi Gras jackets?

Common embellishments include sequins, beads, metallic trim, rhinestones, embroidery, appliques, feathers, and lace. Paint and fabric glue are also used.

What kind of closures work best for Mardi Gras jackets?

Zippers, snap closures, and hook-and-eye closures allow you to easily take jackets on and off over costumes. Avoid jackets with complicated button closures.

Should I hand sew or machine sew embellishments onto my Mardi Gras jacket?

You can hand or machine sew most embellishments. Use a sturdy thread and zigzag stitch. Hand sewing allows more control for detailed placement.

What type of jacket works best as a base for a DIY Mardi Gras jacket?

A simple solid colored jacket or blazer works best. Avoid jackets with prints, patterns, or heavy seam lines and detailing.