Types of Custom Patches Explained: A Complete Guide for Businesses
Custom patches are more than just decorative elements they are a powerful branding and identification tool. For businesses, organizations, schools, and fashion brands, patches offer a unique way to display logos, team identity, or personalized designs on apparel and accessories. From traditional embroidered patches to modern PVC designs, there’s a patch for every purpose and aesthetic.In this guide, we will explore the different types of custom patches, their unique benefits, common applications, and tips to choose the right type for your project. Whether you’re looking for durable uniforms patches, fashion-forward chenille designs, or full-color sublimation options, this guide covers everything.
What Are Custom Patches?
Custom patches are small emblems or badges crafted from thread, fabric, leather, PVC, or other materials. They can be attached to clothing, bags, hats, uniforms, or gear using various methods like:
Iron-on backing – quick and easy application with heat
Sew-on backing – durable and permanent attachment
Velcro backing – removable and interchangeable options
Patches are used for branding, identification, fashion, or personalization. In B2B contexts, they serve as a cost-effective marketing tool that enhances professionalism and creates a tangible representation of a brand.
Complete Guide
1. Embroidered Patches
Embroidered patches are the most traditional and widely used type of patch. They involve stitching thread onto fabric to create detailed designs and textures.
Key Features:
Classic, professional look
Durable and long-lasting
Works well for logos, text, and badges
Available in multiple thread colors and finishes
Business Applications:
Corporate branding on uniforms or promotional apparel
Team logos for sports clubs or associations
Commemorative patches for events and campaigns
Keywords: embroidered patches, stitched patches, custom logo patches, textile patches
2. PVC Patches
PVC patches are modern, flexible, and highly durable. Made from soft or rigid plastic materials, they are ideal for outdoor or tactical use.
Key Features:
Waterproof and resistant to UV and harsh weather
Can include 3D designs or intricate details
Lightweight and flexible or rigid depending on design
Business Applications:
Outdoor and sportswear brands
Tactical gear and military uniforms
Event giveaways requiring durability
Keywords: PVC patches, rubber patches, 3D PVC patches, durable patches
3. Chenille Patches
Chenille patches are characterized by their fuzzy, soft texture. Often associated with varsity jackets, these patches have a retro and stylish look.
Key Features:
Fuzzy, raised texture
Can be combined with embroidery for lettering or logos
Retro, vintage appearance
Business Applications:
High school and college varsity jackets
Sports team merchandise
Custom apparel for fashion-conscious clients
Keywords: chenille patches, varsity patches, fuzzy letter patches, letterman patches
4. Woven Patches
Woven patches use a fine weave of threads to create intricate designs with high detail. Unlike embroidery, woven patches offer smooth surfaces ideal for complex graphics.
Key Features:
High-resolution designs possible
Lightweight and flexible
Suitable for small logos and intricate patterns
Business Applications:
Apparel branding for corporate gifts
Clothing labels for fashion lines
Custom logos for staff uniforms
Keywords: woven patches, high-resolution patches, detailed custom patches, textile labels
5. Leather Patches
Leather patches provide a luxurious, premium look. They are often embossed or printed to create sophisticated designs.
Key Features:
Elegant and durable
Can be embossed, debossed, or printed
Perfect for jackets, bags, and premium products
Business Applications:
Fashion branding on leather jackets, hats, or bags
High-end merchandise for boutiques
Corporate gifts and personalized accessories
Keywords: leather patches, embossed patches, premium patches, fashion patches
6. Sublimation Patches
Sublimation patches are digitally printed, offering full-color, high-definition designs. They are ideal for complex graphics and vibrant visuals.
Key Features:
Full-color printing possible
Smooth surface and high-quality finish
Resistant to fading
Business Applications:
Promotional merchandise
Sports uniforms and fashion items
Branding for events and corporate giveaways
Keywords: sublimation patches, printed patches, full-color patches, digital patches
7. Bullion Patches
Bullion patches are luxurious metallic patches made with gold or silver threads. They are typically used in ceremonial or formal uniforms.
Key Features:
Metallic and prestigious appearance
Handmade embroidery with intricate details
High-end craftsmanship
Business Applications:
Military or police ceremonial uniforms
Award patches for prestigious organizations
Commemorative badges for events
Keywords: bullion patches, metallic patches, gold thread patches, ceremonial patches
8. 3D Puff Patches
3D puff patches use foam beneath the embroidery to create a raised, dimensional effect.
Key Features:
Bold, raised design for a striking look
Works well for logos, letters, and graphics
Adds depth to traditional embroidery
Business Applications:
Hats and caps for sports teams
Jackets and apparel for branding
Promotional merchandise for events
Keywords: 3D puff patches, raised embroidery patches, dimensional patches, foam embroidery patches
9. Printed Patches
Printed patches are created using ink and other printing techniques directly onto the patch surface.
Key Features:
Allows complex, full-color designs
Smooth and flexible
Lightweight and versatile
Business Applications:
Custom merchandise for businesses
Event giveaways and promotional items
Fashion apparel with detailed graphics
Keywords: printed patches, custom printed patches, full-color patches, ink-on fabric patches
10. Sequin Patches
Sequin patches add sparkle and shine, ideal for fashion and decorative purposes.
Key Features:
Shiny, decorative surface
Variety of colors and finishes
Flexible and sew-on ready
Business Applications:
Fashion garments and accessories
Event costumes and performance wear
Decorative branding for boutiques
Keywords: sequin patches, decorative patches, sparkling patches, glitter patches
Interactive Quizzes
Engage and qualify leads
ROI Calculators
Demonstrate value clearly
Interactive Infographics
Visualize complex data
11. Name Patches
Name patches are personalized patches featuring embroidered or printed names.
Key Features:
Professional and functional
Easy to identify staff or team members
Durable and long-lasting
Business Applications:
Staff uniforms in restaurants, offices, and retail
School uniforms and team sports
Military and law enforcement identification
Keywords: name patches, personalized patches, ID patches, embroidered name patches
Brand Storytelling
Creating emotional connections through visual narratives
Motion Graphics
Photography
12. Badge Patches
13. Iron-On Patches
Iron-on patches have heat-activated adhesive for easy application without sewing.
Key Features:
Quick and convenient attachment
Suitable for DIY projects
Durable when applied properly
Business Applications:
Repairing clothing or accessories
Promotional merchandise
Personalized apparel for events
Keywords: iron-on patches, heat-activated patches, easy-apply patches, DIY patches
Content Inventory
Catalog and organize all your existing content assets
Performance Analysis
Evaluate content performance against key metrics
Gap Analysis
Identify missing content opportunities in your strategy
Recommendations
Actionable insights to improve your content strategy
14. Sew-On Patches
Sew-on patches require stitching but provide a permanent, durable attachment.
Key Features:
Long-lasting attachment
Suitable for all fabric types
Professional finish
Business Applications:
Uniforms and workwear
Event and promotional apparel
Fashion or leather goods
Keywords: sew-on patches, stitched patches, permanent patches, custom sew patches
Traffic
+24%Engagement
+18%Conversions
+32%15. Velcro Patches
Velcro patches feature hook-and-loop backing, making them removable and interchangeable.
Key Features:
Easy attachment and removal
Perfect for modular uniforms or gear
Reusable and flexible
Business Applications:
Tactical gear for military and police
Sports and team apparel
Organizations with changing roles or ranks
Keywords: Velcro patches, hook-and-loop patches, removable patches, modular patches
Increased organic traffic by 156% in 6 months
Seasonal recipe content strategy
How to Choose the Right Custom Patch
What You've Learned
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Next Steps
Now that you've mastered the basics, consider exploring more advanced techniques like:
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Helpful Comments
PatchLover22
March 15, 2025I tried this method with felt fabric and it worked beautifully! The patches have lasted through multiple washes.
CraftyMom
February 28, 2025Adding a thin layer of fabric paint around the edges really helps prevent fraying over time. Great tutorial!
DIYenthusiast
April 2, 2025For those having trouble with the adhesive, I found that pressing for 10 seconds, letting it cool slightly, then pressing again for another 10 seconds works better than one long press.