Patches have maintained a fashion status for decades, with modern custom woven patches taking fashion a notch higher. Today, they are a trendy addition seen in high-end fashion pieces and brands like Gucci. However, with so many types of patches in the market, choosing can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, we are here to help.
When choosing perfect custom woven patches, you need to consider several factors, including the material and backing options of the patches. These are key factors in determining the type of patch. However, there are other factors to consider, such as durability, cost-effectiveness, and aesthetic appeal. Below, find the different types of patches, their features, specific applications, advantages, and limitations to help you select a perfect patch.
Types of Patches Based On Their Material
When shopping for a perfect patch it is important to consider the material used. Below are the most common options available for you.
Embroidered Patches
Embroidered patches are among the oldest and most common patches. They are made from thick thread, which gives them a raised effect that makes them pop out. Embroidered patches are ideal for colorful and contrasting designs. This makes them perfect for brands aiming to create attention and communicate widely. Therefore, they are best for sports kits, work uniforms, and high-contrast designs and can be placed in all types of clothing, including shirts, jackets, hats, shirts, aprons, and bags.
Woven Patches
Manufacturers make these patches from thinner thread than the one used for embroidered patches. The threads are tightly woven on a backing, offering a smooth finish without the raised effect of embroidered patches. This gives custom woven patches a sleek appearance, perfect for a detailed, including small lettering, yet visually appealing design. Woven patches are perfect for sportswear, work uniforms, jackets, shoes, bags, sweaters, and designs with small lettering.
PVC Patches
PVC patches are made from lightweight rubber. They offer versatility, with options for hollow, indented, or embossed designs with a 3D feel. Additionally, they allow the creation of colorful, luminous designs that stand out and complement most styles.
PVC patches are durable and waterproof, able to withstand mud, dirt, water, paintballs, and grit, making them perfect for outdoor clothing. This makes them ideal for tactical gear, paintball squads, and outdoor clothing, including shoes, jackets, backpacks, and mountaineering equipment, among others.
Chenille Patches
These patches use modern yarn, which gives them a raised effect and a soft, cozy feel. Their unique aesthetic and warm motifs allow their incorporation into fashion accessories. Chenille patches are perfect for colorful designs with minimal details and simple lettering. However, they are great for brand lettering, making them a favorite for top designers in decorative and fleece fabrics. They feature an impressive texture and suit multiple color options.
While traditional methods of creating chenille patches still hold value, technological advancements have transformed the process, allowing for more intricate designs and higher levels of quality. These modern techniques have also expanded the possibilities for customization and personalization, offering a wider range of options than ever before.
Leather Patches
Leather patches are made from tanned leather and printed, engraved, or embossed with designs. They offer durability and a touch of quality to an item, making them perfect for trademarks, labels, and logos. They can be attached to a variety of clothing, bags, caps, and shoes.
Name Patches
Name patches are ideal for work clothing in factories and companies that can’t use formal work IDs. They are mostly placed on a visible part of the clothing, such as the breast pocket. Name patches often include two colors, background and name colors, making them affordable to create and customize as compared to other types of patches. Name patches can be woven, chenille, embroidered, or PVC.
Printed Patches
These are patches created by printing a design onto a blank through screen printing or sublimation dyeing. Printed patches offer versatility in designs and allow the creation of intricate details, offering a photograph-quality design. They employ the same technique used in t-shirt printing making them perfect for photo-realistic designs. Printed patches are cost-effective and aesthetically appealing. Ideally, businesses can create custom screen-printed or digitally printed patches look and feel like a high-quality and beautiful extension of their brand.
Bullion Patches
Bullion patches are made from iron, silver, or gold filaments, which gives them a distinctive, royalty-like effect. Not only do they look visually appealing, but bullion patches also offer a polished and classy touch to the outfit. These patches are ideal for elite clubs, VIPs, military outfits, and club memberships, among other brands seeking to create an air of royalty. A good example of brands that have highly embraced bullion patches are Louis Vuitton and Gucci.
Sequin Patches
Sequin patches incorporate sequins in their designs to create captivating and stylish designs. They are made from different materials, like metal or plastic, and come in different shapes, colors, and sizes. These patches are perfect for adding a playful and glamorous touch to children’s accessories and equipment. However, companies can also adorn special occasion outfits with sequin patches to add glamour.
Types of Patches Based On Their Backing
Patches come in different shapes and sizes, and there are many types available for you. Let’s have a look at most common ones.
Sew-on Backing
These patches are sewn directly onto the fabric, making them durable and perfect for permanent attachment. One of the standout features of this backing type is durability. When sewn onto fabric, the patches become an integral part of the garment and withstand regular washing. Sew-on backing is ideal for embroidered, chenille, and custom woven patches.
Iron-on Backing
Iron-on patches have a heat-activated adhesive backing, allowing you to easily attach them to the desired fabric using an iron. These patches offer convenience and are ideal for customizing clothing. However, they may not withstand long-term laundry, so they are only perfect for semi-permanent attachment. They are an ideal option for short-term convenience. For instance, if you need to apply a patch for an event with limited time, iron-on backing might be the right patch for you.
Velcro Backing
Velcro backing involves a Velcro hook-and-loop fastener. One fastener is attached to the patch, and the other is attached to the fabric. Patches with this backing are ideal for tactical gear, military uniforms, and other uniforms that require frequent patch swaps.
Adhesive Backing
This backing offers a peel-and-stick option, allowing you to quickly attach patches to surfaces without requiring special equipment. However, it is suitable for temporary use and is ideal with printed and custom woven patches. Adhesive patches are universal; One can use them on clothes, furniture, house decorations, among other things.
Innovative Trends in Patch Design
Custom patches have evolved to incorporate modern techniques that offer more functionality and visual appeal. These techniques range from glow-in-the-dark custom patches to incorporating interactive elements like QR codes.
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Glow-in-the-Dark
These patches are made from material that emits a glow in low-light conditions. This makes them stand out even at night, hence perfect for safety equipment and night event decor. Businesses can leverage these patches to enhance brand visibility during evening activities, outdoor promotions, or events.
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Incorporating QR codes
QR codes store digital information that users can easily access by scanning them with a smartphone. You can include QR codes in your patches to enhance your brand functionality.
Final Thoughts
Your ideal patch is one that matches your style and meets your functionality needs. Custom patches come in different types, making it challenging to pick the perfect one for your brand design. However, this detailed article makes it simple for you to narrow down your decision to the perfect patch that suits your business.
Ready to create your perfect patch? Visit THE/STUDIO today to explore our wide range of customizable options and bring your design vision to life.
