What Material is Best for Backing Patches?

How to Choose the Right Backing Material for Custom Patches

Choosing the right backing for your custom patches can make or break your personalized item. It is so important to know the difference between each type of backing, as they all differ tremendously and whether or not you prefer a temporary backing or a permanent backing. At THE/STUDIO, we make sure that our customers have a great understanding of what will work best.

Here is a list of different types of backings for your custom patches:

  • Iron-on backing: Durable, long-lasting, and best for cotton, denim, and work-out material.
  • Sew-on backing: Durable, long-lasting, and best for vinyl, leather, denim, and work-out material.
  • Velcro-backing: Durable, temporary backing, flexible, and best for polyester, nylon, spandex, vinyl, leather, and work-out material.
  • Adhesive: Easy to use, temporary backing, and best for cotton, polyester, nylon, spandex, vinyl, leather, and work-out material.

By following this simple guide, you will be able to differentiate each type of backing and the best use for each. Luckily, you have a lot of options to choose from. The main factors that you must consider are the material you will be adhering the custom patches to, how flexible you would like your patches to be, level of durability, ease of use, and whether you prefer long-lasting or temporary patches. With long-lasting patches, they are extremely durable and they are permanent. On the contrary, temporary patches are for those who do not plan on keeping patches on for very long.

If you still have questions regarding how to choose the right backing for your custom patches, our friendly and knowledgeable experts will be more than happy to guide you in the right direction.

We hope this gives you a better understanding of how to choose the right backing for your custom patches!

What Are Backings for Patches?
Backings for patches are very important, as they help with the application and can help determine the longevity of the patch. Backings provide security for your patches and can last for many years. In addition, backings are helpful when you need to hold a patch in place during the sewing process so it does not come out crooked. Many of our customers ask what backing will work best for their patches, which is why we have created a blog that explains all factors that must be considered when choosing a backing. When it comes to deciding on a backing for patches, you need to consider the following:

  • Material: What material will the patch be adhered to?
  • Durability: Backings help with the wear of a patch.
  • Flexibility: Determined by which backing you decide on.
  • Longevity: Is your patch intended for short-term use or long-term use?
  • Ease of use: Ease of application.

The list of points above need to be considered when choosing the perfect backing for your patch. By following these guidelines, you can count on a great outcome for your patch and the application process.

Continue reading this blog to find out what patch backing will work best for you!

What Patch Backing Type is Best for What Material?

Our client base consists of police officers, bikers, girl scouts, airsoft teams, martial artist and much more. All of their uniforms are made out of completely different materials. Bikers usually adhere their custom patches to leather and police officers usually wear a uniform made of polyester. Choosing the correct patch backing really depends on the material that the custom emblem will be adhered to. I would like to take this opportunity to discuss which backing option works best for cotton material, nylon material, spandex material, vinyl material, denim material and workout clothing, such as sweatpants etc.

What Custom Patch Backing Is Best For Cotton Material?

Cotton is a versatile material so you can use mostly any backing, however the iron-on backing and the sew-on backing are the most durable and will last the longest. Please be aware that these two backing options are permanent. If you are using a custom patch for a single event then I suggest adhesive backing, which can be used on cotton material as well.

cotton_plant_material-Adhesive-Backing

What Custom Emblem Backing Is Best For Polyester, Nylon and Spandex?

Polyester, nylon and spandex are a little more delicate than cotton. Iron-on backing is not suitable for these materials because the heat could cause damage to the attire. The best emblem backing for polyester, nylon and spandex is a sew-on backing, adhesive backing or Velcro backing. These backings will adhere to your sensitive material perfectly!

polyester_material-velcro-Backing

What Patch Backing Would Be Best For Vinyl and Leather Material?

Vinyl and leather are also sensitive materials, so not all custom patch backings are appropriate for this material. Iron-on backings can not be used on either of these materials. The best emblem backings options for vinyl and leather are sew-on backing, velcro backing and adhesive.

black_leather_material-adhesive-backing

What Backing Would Be Best For Denim Material?

Any of our backing options will work for denim material. Iron-on and sew-on are the most durable backings, we have tested these backing ourselves, putting them through dozens of washes. The iron-on backing and sew-on backing withstand anything!

denim_material-iron-on-backing

What Backing Would Be Best For Work-Out Material (Sweatpants)?

You can use any of our backings for work-out material. You can choose between iron-on backing, sew-on backing, Velcro backing and adhesive. Keep in mind that if you your patches are for long term use, choose a permanent backing such as iron- on or sew-on. If you are using your custom patches for temporary use or for a single event, adhesive backing would be the best choice. Any backing you choose will be perfect for your workout outfit!

sweatpants_material-adhesive-backing

Choosing the correct backing is essential. You don’t want to choose a backing that could potentially ruin your clothing. Keep in mind that some backing options are permanent while others are temporary. This should definitely be a factor when choosing your patch backing.

What material can you put patches on?
There is absolutely no shortage of materials that you can put patches on. This way, you have the ability to get creative and choose from an array of materials that will showcase your favorite custom patches to make them stand out. It is very important to make note of the materials that you can put custom patches on, as some materials may be too delicate as opposed to others.

Overall, you have a lot of versatility when it comes to materials that you can put patches on and they can range from shirts, jeans, jackets, backpacks, hats, and much more. With custom patches, you have the ability to showcase your very own uniqueness. Not only is it a fun way to be creative, but it also displays your passions, likings, and much more.

Here is a list of materials that are best to put patches on:

  • Cotton
  • Polyester
  • Spandex
  • Vinyl
  • Leather
  • Denim
  • Work-out material

Whatever material you decide to choose to put patches on, we can guarantee that you will fall in love with the finished product. We always produce amazing quality custom patches for our customers and we will send mockups that you must approve before production. That way, you will be confident in ordering your custom patches with us.

At THE/STUDIO, we are able to answer any questions to give you a better understanding of what will work best for you. We are experts when it comes to patches and we will make sure that you will be more than satisfied with the decision you make.

Please make sure to check your clothing label before deciding on any custom clothing patch backing and remember that THE/STUDIO has your back!

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