21 Types of Custom Patches - Complete Guide for Beginners

A custom patch may look like a small detail but what it conveys goes beyond the letters and artwork and onto the message and emotion. You get to showcase the pride in your team or your personal interests or brand and it can even be a memory you never want to forget. But with so many types of custom patches the choice can get tricky when you want both appeal and a lasting piece that is also easy to apply. If you’re a newbie to custom patches then this guide is your perfect start on picking the right mix of fabric and style and create something fantastic.

How to Choose the Right Custom Patch by Fabric Type

Fabric has a huge impact on how your custom patch looks and feels and that is why you need to get to know every fabric type before you go for a custom patch no minimum order. Some patch types are perfect for bold designs while others let you highlight fine lines and our guide covering the popular types of patches will help you decide which is your perfect pick.

Embroidered Patches

The classic patch has raised threads stitched onto a twill backing so that you get that layered look and feel. Embroidery patches beat most other kinds when you want bold shapes and letters but also need defined details for logos and artwork. Many patch types came after this traditional kind but it’s a fabric that remains a strong contender for branding and fashion apparel as well as uniforms and clubs.

Chenille Patches

You’ll know that soft and fuzzy texture for large lettering and mascot designs on varsity jackets because chenille patches work amazingly well for bold graphics. These are a result of looped yarn on backing for art that has a plush and highly tactile finish. Aside from jackets you can also go for chenille patches on sports jerseys and school apparel due to superb long-term wear.

Sublimation Patches

You need your artwork on fabric but in a more printed way instead of a stitched one because you need sharp details and smooth gradients. That’s where sublimation patches that are also popular as printed patches become the perfect method to create as the process involves heat printing to get the complex photos and graphics on a soft flat surface.

Leather Patches

If your goal is simple and minimal yet premium custom patches then you cannot go wrong with leather patches. These do not lose that premium look with time but present your logos and laser-engraved designs in an even richer way even though it is tricky to master leather patch stitching techniques. Go for professional help from creating the product to stitching it on anything from denim jackets and workwear to bags and belts.

PVC Patches

There are many different types of custom patches that are truly ‘fabric’ but what if you want something that works for outdoor wear? Then you can turn to PVC patches for their flexible 3D feel but a surface that is smooth and can stand strong against water and harsh weather. These are seamless if you need bold and layered designs for military and emergency service uniforms along with outdoor gear.

Woven Patches

If you need your custom patches to be embroidered but with thinner threads and a flatter look to display small letters and fine artwork details then go for woven patches. The precision of threadwork in these is so amazing that the surface feels smooth yet polished for the letters and shapes for branding and detailed logos along with decorative apparel.

Bullion Patches (Metal Coins)

Patches that have gold and silver thread work for letters and small details look great and patches that feature metallic gold or silver wire and silk threads to create an entire background look phenomenal. The raised look and reflective details of bullion patches make them stand out as emblems or symbols on garments for ceremonial events such as those by the military, universities and yacht clubs.

Iron-On Patches

The best option to use a patch always feels like the easiest one and more so if you want people to display it in a clear way. Iron on patches have an adhesive backing that bonds to fabric when heat and pressure come together. No fuss about sewing but this type of backing only works on patches like woven and chenille and not usually on leather and PVC.

Sew-On Patches

You need both the fabric to last well and sew on patches that come with plain fabric backing that you need to stitch on by hand or machine. The application may be tedious given there’s no glue and no Velcro but the permanence of it means that you get excellent strength. And they are a no-brainer when you need to add your patch that cannot tolerate heat.

What Are the Popular Types of Custom Patches by Style?

Patches are not your ordinary pieces of design but works of art that people have used for years to celebrate and honor. And when you order custom patches you should know that the application purpose dictates size measurement and fabric choice and so much more. Choosing the right custom patch starts with you choosing the right style and you may even get some expert design help to create a perfect show of your appreciation.

Airsoft Patches

If you play airsoft then a patch you’ve got the perfect way to show your team name or role without saying a word! You get to design a charming Airsoft patch that can feature anything from crossed rifles and mascots to bold tactical graphics that look charming even from far away. Going for Velcro patches makes things simple if you swap often between vests and full combat uniforms.

Morale Patches

Sometimes you just want your gear to show a bit of personality and that is what morale patches are for. You can add in a funny quote or an inside joke or go for a patriotic theme and bold artwork that other people in your circle will recognize. What mattes the most is asking for details to be done right when you need these for military members and first responders.

Name Patches

Work or sports or everyday uniforms all need name patches that make it easy for people to know the wearer and make them feel they belong. Your name patches order deserves as much creative focus as any other because these are not just ways to display a first or last name but also the theme of the club or organization.

Scout Patches

With designs that include troop numbers and badges and other colorful artwork, scout patches tell the story of every camp skill and milestone you earn along the way. And that is why they become more meaningful over time. While choosing the perfect patch think about where it will go because scouts not only add these to uniforms and sashes but also backpacks and camp jackets.

Baseball Patches

It’s time to show team pride and celebrate a great season for a local league or a championship. And that’s where baseball patches come in because you can add in team names and artwork for baseballs or crossed gloves or anything you love. The best part is that you can get a great design even if it’s a simple mascots or season dates to display on jerseys and varsity jackets.

Football Patches

Sometimes you need more that your heroes lifting up a trophy to remember a great football season so that you have something stay with you for years. The lucky thing is that patches for football let you celebrate league titles or a winning match with creative designs than look amazing on jerseys and varsity jackets along with duffel bags and caps.

Hockey Patches

You want to see a jacket covered with patches from hockey tournaments because each one tells its own story and we’re here to tell you that the sky is the limit. You can add anything in your hockey patches from sticks and pucks to simple team logos or championship years and go for chenille and embroidered work to make sure that your bold and big artwork gets that eye-catching look.

Soccer Patches

Whether you play every weekend or cheer from the sidelines soccer patches are a fun way to show where your loyalty lies. Add in your favorite club’s crests and pair them with the standard symbols of soccer balls along with league names. Make sure you match the size to where you want these on your jerseys or backpacks and go with woven patches to capture fine details.

Tactical Patches

Your gear needs a clear identity and you can make that happen with custom Tactical patches as they are perfect for everyday indoor and outdoor use. The creative process can be fun when you get to display blood types and call signs along with the standard flags and unit names. The best option is 3D patches for extra depth and also get Velcro backing if you need these for uniforms or outdoor gear.

Photo Patches

We’re all for turning a favorite memory into something you can wear as it is so easy with photo patches that use sublimation printing to print out and capture fine details like people’s faces or pets’ silhouettes. These are a unique choice for not just creating personal memories but also ideal custom patch types for businesses that need gifts that people can cherish.

Blank Patches

Not every patch has to come with a design already on it because sometimes your fun starts with a blank canvas. You get to add anything from hand embroidery and fabric paints to handwriting on blank patches. And these are a great mini alternative for those tote décor DIY or just to same spare patches when you feel like art.

American Flag Patches

If you want to wear your patriotism with pride then American Flag patches are always a classic choice whether you go for full colors or subdued shades. You can get these for military uniforms and tactical gear as well as for your usual denim jackets and backpacks and go for PVC and woven versions for a standout look. Make sure your design respects the occasion!

How to Order a Memorable Custom Patch?

Every great patch starts with the right idea but the small details are what bring it to life. The fabric and style along with the border and colors all need to work in harmony to send the right message and create the feeling you want people to have when they see or wear it.

At Elegant Patches we proudly create all popular types of custom patches with premium materials and ship across the US. Why not let our design team help you figure out the specifics of every kind of patch so together we can create something that’s uniquely yours!