The Ultimate Movie Theater Jacket With 🍿 a Popcorn Holder, 🍫 Snack Pockets & More!

Ever wish you had a jacket designed specifically for the movie theater? One that holds your popcorn, stores all your snacks, and even has a built-in napkin dispenser? Well, that’s exactly what we’re making today!

This DIY movie theater jacket includes:

✅ An adjustable elastic strap to hold your popcorn bucket

✅ Multiple candy pockets to keep your snacks within reach

✅ A clear phone pocket so you can discreetly check notifications

✅ A built-in napkin dispenser on the sleeve

Let’s dive into how to make your own!

Before we start, here’s what you’ll need:

1. A bomber-style jacket (See below for some tips on choosing the right jacket)
2. This is the one I used: https://amzn.to/3XkdkTi
3. And they also have a version with a hood if you prefer: https://amzn.to/3XnoBCx
4. Fabric for pockets (I used a retro-style print that reminded me of old-school movie theaters)
5. Clear vinyl (For the phone pocket. If the vinyl is too thick, you may need to use a thinner material.)
6. Elastic strap (1-inch wide) (For the popcorn bucket holder)
7. Buckle clasp (To secure the popcorn strap)
8. Thread (Matching your jacket color)
9. Sewing machine & basic sewing tools

Not all jackets are ideal for this project. Here’s what to look for:

✅ Lightweight but warm – Comfortable for movie theater A/C

✅ Sleeve zipper pocket – Perfect for a built-in napkin dispenser and these seen difficult to sew yourself

✅ No liner – Makes it easier to sew on new pockets

I went with this bomber jacket that checked all these boxes. There’s also a version with a hood if you prefer that style.

The key feature of this jacket is the adjustable popcorn strap! Here’s how to make it:

1. Cut two pieces of elastic strap (long enough to wrap around a standard popcorn bucket).
2. Thread the straps through the buckle clasp, allowing for adjustability.
3. Sew the straps onto the jacket’s exterior pockets – This way, they can tuck away when not in use.
4. Reinforce the stitching along the seams to ensure durability.

Now, your popcorn bucket stays secure—even if you need to walk around!

For convenient snack storage, I added custom chest pockets. Since I’m no sewing pro, I won’t try to teach you how to do this, but Tock Custom has a great video on sewing breast pockets, so check that out here: https://youtu.be/rtvwpfIvBj0.

But this was the basic premise:

1. Measure and cut fabric pieces (I aimed for 6” x 6” to fit most candy boxes).
2. Sew the edges and attach them to the jacket – I placed mine on the front chest area for easy access.
3. For extra storage, add interior pockets – I sewed mine directly inside the jacket for hidden snack compartments.

Originally, I tried sewing the interior and exterior pockets at the same time so the stitching would line up. That turned out to be tricky, and the inside pocket ended up way too high. So instead, I just sewed straight through the jacket for the interior pocket. You can see the stitching a little, but with color matching thread, it’s not too noticeable. If anyone has a better method, please share in the comments—I’d love to hear it!

Want to check your notifications without pulling out your phone? Here’s how to make a discreet phone pocket:

1. Cut a piece of clear vinyl slightly larger than your phone.
2. Sew the edges onto the jacket’s interior chest area, leaving the top open.
3. Test the touchscreen functionality – If the vinyl is too thick, you may need to use a thinner material.

Now, you can check notifications without anyone noticing! (Not that I condone it, of course!)

Messy popcorn fingers? No problem! The sleeve zipper pocket makes a perfect napkin holder.

1. Fold napkins and stack them inside the zipper pocket
2. Pull from the opening as needed – It works just like a tissue dispenser!

This is one of my favorite features, and it's super easy to implement.

And there you have it—the ultimate movie theater jacket! You're now the envy of the entire movie theater!

✅ Holds your popcorn bucket hands-free

✅ Has dedicated pockets for candy and snacks

✅ Includes a discreet phone pocket

✅ Features a built-in napkin dispenser

Any ideas to make it even better? Let me know in the comments!

Happy movie-watching! 🍿🎬

You can find me at @travisderose on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok for more projects like this!

-Travis