The 5 Coolest Ways to Wear Iron-On Patches

Back in the 60s, hippie patches with flowers and peace signs were all the rage. From there, patches transformed to fit 70s neon, 80s punk, and 90s grunge trends, and are still popular today among indie fashion brands and Forever 21 shoppers alike. Across all of this history, the iron-on patch has remained an easy and inexpensive way to change up a look and project a bold idea. Continue the tradition, here are the 5 coolest and creative ways to wear iron-on patches:

1. Denim

Always denim. From pristine jean jackets to distressed vests and skinny jeans, denim apparel is the perfect canvas for embroidered iron-on patches. According to Pinterest, the most popular denim-patch combinations seem to include a copious amount of decorative patches in a collaged fashion on jackets and pants legs. Call us minimalists, but we think a single patch on a denim jacket sleeve is an equally fun way to add color and style to a simple garment. You do you!

2. Backpacks

The 90s are back with a vengeance, and patch-covered backpacks came along for the ride. Whether you’re rocking a standard backpack for school or are dipping your toes into the VSCO girl aesthetic, patches are in as a hot-ticket accessory. Try ironing on a handful of patches to the front zipper pocket of your backpack and relive your best version of 90s glory.

3. Tees

If you’re looking for a more subtle way to rock a patch look, it’s become quite popular to display a single patch on casual t-shirts. To make this look your own, try ironing a colorful patch onto the pocket area of a basic striped tee. It’s especially cute if you can manage to make the patch look like it’s peeking out from or sitting in the shirt pocket — bonus points if that patch happens to have an animal face on it.

4. Phone cases

While patches can’t be “ironed on” to plastic phone cases, we’ve still seen countless examples online of phone cases with two or three small patches adhered to the back. This look works particularly well with patches that are brightly colored and doodle-like in design. Try adhering patches to a solid-colored phone case using a permanent glue adhesive (or purchasing patches that are made to adhere to surfaces other than fabric) to achieve a similar aesthetic.

5. (P)leather

As soon as Rihanna rocked her patch-covered Dries Van Noten biker jacket, we knew that the 80s punk leather-and-patches look was still very much in fashion. A similar embellished jacket is currently available from Supreme for upwards of $500. Create the look for yourself with your favorite black leather (or vegan leather) jacket and 10+ of your favorite colorful patches. Iron them on haphazardly, and you’ve got yourself a celeb-worthy look. We also love the look of patches on (p)leather purses, bags, and sneakers.

How to Make Your Own Custom Iron-On Patches

If you’d like to take these looks to the next level, consider making your own set of custom iron-on patches for personal use or resale. Custom on-demand manufacturing companies like THE/STUDIO make it easy to order completely custom patches with your chosen artwork and have them shipped directly to your door. With this setup, manufacturing becomes as easy as online shopping.

Here’s how it works, using THE/STUDIO as an example:

First, visit our online DIY product creation tool and select how many patches you’d like to order. Unlike most other manufacturers, we offer low MOQs for all of our patch orders — meaning you can order 10 patches or 1,000. From that point, you’ll be led step-by-step through a series of design decisions (complete with pictures). Among other things, you’ll select:

• Percentage of embroidery coverage

• Base patch material

• Backing material/ adhesive

• Border style

• Thread options

At that point, you’ll select any add-ons you like (don’t forget the rhinestones!) and upload your artwork to get the process started. No artwork? No problem. Our team of world-class designers is available to you at zero cost. Once you approve a digital mockup (and a physical sample, if you like), we’ll produce your order at one of our pre-vetted international factories and ship the patches directly to you. Shipping is free in the United States, and rush service is available for those who need a tighter turnaround.

With THE/STUDIO, it’s easy (and cost-effective) to create your own custom iron-on patches. Whether you’re an Etsy seller looking for a hot new product offering or a fashion brand looking to cash in on the trends, custom iron-on patches are a really cool option — and on-demand manufacturing is the way to go.

THE/STUDIO is a custom on-demand manufacturing firm that produces thousands of unique orders every single month. We live and breathe custom iron-on patches. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to create patches for yourself or your crew, start your first order with our online product creation tool or contact us today.