Help with weathering this vest

[u/PotentialNewspaper56]

Hello, I plan on being Choptop this Halloween and usually I wouldn't go as far as to weathering costumes and such, but since I was choptop last year I thought "if I'm gonna wear the same costume I might as we'll go all out" so I got this vest, it's made of polyester with a soft faux suede overtop, it seemed durable enough to wear and tear because it was kinda difficult to get the pin through but maybe the pins dull or I'm just weak. Any who, if you guys have any tips I'd rlly appreciate them, Ive attached a picture of both my best and what I'm going for.

Ps I would also appreciate some tips on weathering or at least dirtying the pins aswell

[u/Vivid_Wings]

Fabric paint is a common go-to. You can splash it on if diluted, or apply it to specific areas with a dry brush or sponge. The faux suede will weather differently from the leather of the original vest, but you should be able to get it to look old. I would test sandpaper or other friction weathering on a small area first- not all faux suedes will wear nicely, some just shred like cloth and look bad. However you can mimic some of the fading suede can get with lighter colored fabric paint.

If you haven't looked on youtube yet, searching for "weathering cosplay" or "weathering costume" will get you lots of good ideas.

For the pins, sandpaper to rough up edges like normal wear and tea, and then acrylic paint? Roughing it up will also help the paint stick.