Custom patches have traveled many miles away from the mere gravitational modification for decoration value. Today, they are powerful brand emblems patches, which act as mini-billboards for your identity. From augmenting your sleek coat patch to ensuring that you are seen in the dark by using reflective clothing patches, it is important to choose the correct type of clothing patch for the impact you want to make. Whether decorating a jacket, customizing uniforms or making a range of merchandise, understanding the different types of patches available will help you to make the decision that is as aesthetically pleasing as it is indeed usable. Let’s discuss the best kinds of patches for each popular type every brand, organization, and collectors need to familiarize themselves with.
1.Patchwork embroidered Patches the Timeless Classic
Embroidered patches are the classic type of patch – the type of patch that most people think of when they just think of a patch. They are made by stitching heavy weight and thick threads onto a fabric backing giving them a raised, distinctive and textured feel.
Why they’re popular: They provide a great balance of quality, durability and price. They give a traditional, upscale appearance good for everything from a sports team’s jersey to corporate wear.
Best for: Those designs where the need is for a classic look, and there is not much to the detail work. They are the be-go-to of the majority of jacket patches and club emblems patches.
Backing Options: They are often made to patch sew on but you can easily find versions of them where all the patches are iron on. NO, but this type in most cases comes with gray iron on patches backing for easy application.
2.Woven Patches: Detail and Precision
The refined cousin to the embroidered patch is the woven patch. Instead of threads being stitched on to a backing, instead the threads are woven together to produce the design.
Why they’re popular: This method is enabling it to achieve extraordinary fine detail; much greater than one can use with embroidery. If your logo has small text or knowledge of small intricate lines (think a pile of patch small pencil design or a complex image photographic patch), woven is the way to go.
Best for: Highly detailed corporate logos, tag style labels, Chinese reproductions of intricate artwork with clean lines.
Cost Insight: Generally affordable, often comparable to prices of embroidered options.
3.PVC Patches: Modern, Durable and 3D
Made from flexible and synthetic rubber (Polyvinyl Chloride), PVC patches are a contemporary alternative that is known for its extreme durability.
Why they’re popular: They are waterproof, weather resistible and perfect for outdoor or tactical gear. Their molding process enables them to have innovative and sharp colors and a fantastic 2D/3D effect, making them modern.
Best for: Military, tactical, outdoors brands where resilience is of paramount importance. Imagine a tough looking Gwar patch for gear or some sophisticated 3D type patch.
Design Note: The reason for their popularity as such types of patches for modern branding is their clean lines and ability to handle complex shapes.
Chenille Patches: mute, enlarged pony looks back, smart and nasal ivory voice Perfectly happy.
4.Chenille Patches: Bold and Nostalgic
Chenille patches are unmistakably identified by their fuzzy softness similar in the texture to a towel using the looping of yarn. They are most well-known for the association with the varsity letterman jackets.
Why they’re popular: They have a classic, nostalgic and collegiate feel to them. They are perfect for big and bold simple designs and patches lettering that really pop.
Best for School spirit wear, sports teams, letter I patches, large jackets patches. Their fuzzy texture characterizes this kind of patch.
Texture: They provide a plush feel, thus making them a unique patch style as far as the different kinds of patches are concerned.
5.Leather Patches: Stylish Hard wear
Whether constructed of real or fake leather, these patches create an aesthetic which is premium, rugged or vintage and hard to replicate.
Why they’re popular: The material has added value in a huge amount of perceived value and a sophisticated texture. They can be debossed (sunken-in), embossed (raised) or etched in laser.
Best for Denim jackets Patch sewn onto hats High-end bags Brands aiming for a durable look OR a Western look OR a high fashion look.
Example Use: A Premium Lether Patch Line Brand, or a Luxuries Apparel Line that is seeking a unique type of use of the Patch
6.Printed/Sublimated Patches: Photo Realistic Detail
Printed patches make use of a process known as dye sublimation to transfer an entire color, high-definition picture directly onto patch fabric.
Why they’re popular: They are capable of reproducing gradient colors, shading and photographic detail where no other kinds of patches are able to work If your logo is complex or resembles a painting (such as a beautiful mushroom patch design) this is the answer.
Best for: Art work reproduction, full color, picture products, all pictures need photo quality details.
Tip: This is the easiest thing to do if you want to create a detailed patch harry potter crest or complex of exodus patch logo.
7.Bullion Patches: Luxury, Prestige
The ultimate besting of the best in the patch world is the bullion patch. They are hand made by skilled artists, and are made of fine metallic wires (gold and silver), often on a felt or velvet backing.
Why they’re popular: They produce a three-dimensional, heavy and high-end finish which is synonymous with military insignia and elite clubs. The quality of the work is extremely detailed and labor intensive.
Best for: Exclusive clubs, military dress uniforms, blazers and luxury brands looking for a short-lived patch style like no other.
Cost Note: As a handcrafted type of patch, the bullion patch is usually the costliest.
8.Beaded Patches: Flash and Glamour
Beaded patches are highly detailed designs in which small beads are carefully sewn into a fabric backing.
Why they’re popular They add immense sparkle, dimensionality and glam divity to garments. They are a statement piece used in fashioning.
Best for: Haute couture, creating dance costumes, high fashion accessories and creating appliques and patches for special occasions.
Where to find: You may be able to find kits or finished beaded patches in craft stores such as patches at Joann fabrics.
9.Reflective Patches: Safety and Utility
Reflective clothing patches are made with special material that is designed to reflect, or bounce back the light, which greatly improves visibility in low light conditions.
Why you they are so popular: They are very important safety components, transforming a regular uniform into high visibility safety gear. They are functional, durable and required for some industries.
Best for: Workwear, security uniforms, cycling apparel, running apparel and any patch bar or logo requiring the ability to see at night.
Function: An essential type of patch to have a function in case of practicality of safety and visibility.
10.Applique Patches Layer and Artistic
Appliques and patches are sewing on one piece of material (the applique) on top of another piece sewing. They tend to combine embroidery, felt or other fabric layers.
Why they’re popular: They provide a bit of a textured, layered and artistic effect that is a combination of the flatness of fabric and the depth is of stitching to this fabric. They are great to use to create a unique distressed patch embroidery effect, or for mixed media designs.
Best for: Artistic fashion, decorative homeware, blade patch designs, creating bold colour blocked designs.
Keyword Insight: A versatile style that is highlighted by the use of different kinds of patches coming together.
There are a few final considerations when it comes to your emblem’s patches.
Before you automatically patch your stuff, think about the way you will attach it:
Sew-On: Best for forms of permanence/durability’s and is recommended for heavy-duty needs and expensive jacket patches. The classic way to patch sew.
Iron-On: Great for quick application, however is often not as durable as sew-on. Ask if all of our patches are iron on? The answer is no, but there are many types with this option.
Velcro: Best for tactical equipment and uniforms where patches must replace each other often, e.g. military type of patch
The right kind of emblems patches is an important decision. What you should do is acclimatize yourself to the kind of different patches so you can now choose that perfect patch style that evokes your brand with pride and distinction.
