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[Neilp1]

What is everyone typically using for a flak vest? I want to do a modern era mandalorian. My issue with making it is finding a pattern and what material to use. Any help would be great.

[Two_Bears_HF]

I found some quilted fabric at my local fabric store, and then created a pattern from a T-shirt, there's several tutorials for that available online.

[jethroskull]

Etsy has patterns. Materials are stated pretty clearly in the CRL:

"Vest fabric must be thick enough to support armor plates without sagging, creasing, or wrinkling and be constructed from quality fabric. Suggested materials include cotton or cotton twill, nylon, duck cloth, leather/imitation leather, or quilted fabric. Stretch materials may only be used if they are form fitting and reinforced enough to support the armor plates without sagging."

[Medieval Mandalorian]

"Vest fabric must be thick enough to support armor plates without sagging, creasing, or wrinkling and be constructed from ...  leather/imitation leather ...

A 6 to 7 ounce leather would be good, Tandy has a good website and frequent sales on leather. One can pick up half a cow for around $100 in that weight. That would be plenty of leather for a vest along with straps for buckles and the like.  The Saddle Stitch is your freind.

[Tramp Graphics]

There are a lot of options for your flack vest. You can make a "Fett style" vest, Din Djarin style, Bo Katan/Koska Reeves style, or something completely different. Your vest can close up the back, sides, or front. It can be home made, or you can buy one and modify it to your tastes. Some people even use "tactical vests" and "Plate carriers" and modify them to make them "less Earthly". For example, My vest is a front closing "armored" motorcycle vest which didn't require any modifications, as I don't attach my plates directly to it. They're worn over my vest as a cuirass. So you definitely have options.

[Second Son]

A vest is a good project if you are starting out with sewing, and can be as simple or complex a project as you like. Cotton canvas or duck cloth is a go-to for many Mercs making their own - it's sturdy, but breathable, relatively inexpensive and available almost anywhere. I suggest 100% cotton, from an actual fabric store. Resist the urge to cut up a 'canvas' dropcloth from the home improvement store. It is not cotton.
I made mine with a canvas shell, light wool batt and a linen lining all quilted together. Using a well-fitted t-shirt as the base for your pattern would work.
I strongly suggest a side-closure design; they are generally easier to get on and off and you don't have to mess around adjusting your plates as much when you armor up. 

[andy c]

Hi Neilp1

As a foundling and starting out I asked the same question a while ago. If you take a look at my wip there's pics and descriptions that will help answer your question.

https://mandalorianmercs.org/forum/index.php?topic=207429.0

Pictures paint a thousand words.
The 1st few answers back might help you.

I've chosen pleather and a t-shirt pattern but it's not perfect but it's a wip. I need to work on my stitching.
I will  say I am going to make another one but quilted even if its my own stitching to make it so.
I think the quilted adds more detail.
Take a look at some flacks on suits and decide what you want it to look like, steal ideas.
Other people has used biker jackets cut down which look absolutely Brill and don't need a lot of modifications.

Hope this helps
Andy c
Vok'Chi Foundling

[Tramp Graphics]

Another thing to consider if you're going to make your own vest is how it will close and where the closure is located. A lot of Mandos use back closures, I strongly recommend against that. Back closing vests are the hardest to put on and take off, and can't be done solo. They require assistance from another person to close you up in back. It also requires your back plate to be removed in order to access. the closure. That is not ideal if you plan on having your plates permanently attached, If you're going with removable plates, I recommend a front closure. If you want a more "traditional" look with permanently mounted plates, I recommend side closures. Both are easy to get into and out of without assistance.

[Karl Dha'Werda]

As Tramp mentioned it is hard to put on a flak vest on solo troops with a rear closure, but if you are trooping with others it won't be a problem to have someone zip you up in the back.  I've also found for me at least that it helps me stand up straighter and helps make sure your plates are always aligned with another helping you get that zipper with your backplate and/or cape.

We've used several of the old leather jacket methods for a flak vest here in our clan.  It works as a sturdy backing to attach your plates to and utilizes a zipper in the back which is covered by either a cape or a backplate.  It also helps for those of us less skilled with the sewing needle as an affordable option.



Vod in kit at a troop earlier this year using leather jacket base for flak vest.