Ever since the 1960s, custom patches for clothing have been a popular way for people to express themselves. Fashion has changed drastically since then, but the demand for personalized patches has never gone away. In recent years, with the rise of online shopping and DIY culture, custom patches have become even more popular and sought after. If you’re thinking about selling personalized patches online, you’re in luck – the market is booming! But with so many different types of patches out there, how do you know which ones are the best to sell? Keep reading to find out.
Types of Custom Patches
When most people think of personalized patches, they probably imagine the traditional embroidered patches that are sewn onto clothing. While these types of patches are still popular, there are actually many different kinds of custom patches to choose from. Before you start selling, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the different types of patches available.
Custom Embroidered Patches
Embroidered patches are the classic choice for customizing clothing. They are made by stitching colored threads onto a fabric backing, creating a raised and textured design. These types of patches are durable and can withstand multiple washes, making them ideal for clothing items that will be worn frequently. They’re also relatively inexpensive to produce, making them a popular choice for both customers and sellers.
Fun fact: The technique of embroidery has been around for more than two thousand years, with early examples dating back to 3rd century BC!
Pro Tip: You can offer different thread options and backing materials (such as iron-on vs sew-on) to give customers more customization choices.
Custom Woven Patches
Woven patches are similar to embroidered patches, but instead of using threads, the design is woven into the fabric itself. This creates a smooth and finer texture, making them ideal for intricate designs or small details. Custom woven patches are also durable and can withstand washes, making them another great option for clothing items.
Pro Tip: If you’re trying to choose between embroidered or woven patches, keep in mind that woven patches can offer a higher level of detail than embroidered patches. This makes them a great choice for designs with small text or complex logos.
Custom Printed Patches
Printed patches are a newer type of custom patch, but they’re quickly gaining popularity. They are made by digitally printing a design onto a fabric backing, resulting in a smooth and detailed image. Printed patches are great for intricate designs or logos with multiple colors, as the digital printing process allows for more complex designs. One thing that separates custom printed patches from the other patches on this list is that you can use them to create photo-realistic images. So if you want to print someone’s portrait directly onto a patch, this is the option for you!
Pro tip: These types of patches may not be as durable as embroidered or woven patches, and may not hold up well to frequent washing. So they’re better for attaching to items that don’t require regular washing such as a bag or hat.
Custom PVC Patches
PVC patches are made from a soft and flexible plastic material, making them waterproof and weather-resistant. They have a 3D effect with raised details, giving them a unique and eye-catching look. These types of patches are perfect for outdoor clothing such as jackets or backpacks, as they can withstand harsh conditions and still maintain their vibrant colors. Tactical and military units often use custom PVC patches on their uniforms for this reason.
Pro Tip: PVC patches can be made with glow-in-the-dark or reflective materials for added visibility in low-light conditions. This is great for safety gear or uniforms for night-time activities. It’s also just for a cool effect on everyday clothing!
Custom Leather Patches
Leather patches are a timeless and classic option for custom patches. They have a luxurious and high-end look, making them perfect for upscale clothing items or brands. Custom leather patches can be embossed, debossed, or printed with designs, giving them versatility in design options. They’re also durable and can add a touch of elegance to any clothing item.
Fun fact: Leatherworking is even older than embroidery. There is evidence of leatherworking as early as 4000 BC!
Pro Tip: For animal lovers, consider using vegan leather for your custom leather patches. Vegan leather is made from natural or synthetic materials, making it an animal-friendly alternative to traditional leather. At The/Studio, all our leather patches are made from 100% vegan leather.
Custom Chenille Patches
Chenille patches are made from a type of textured yarn, giving them a fuzzy and raised appearance. They are commonly seen on letterman jackets or varsity sweaters, adding a retro and nostalgic touch to clothing items. Custom chenille patches can be customized with different colors and designs, making them great for sports teams or school logos. They are also great for adding texture and dimension to any clothing item.
Pro Tip: You can try different types of borders for your custom chenille patches, such as merrowed or embroidered, to add an extra touch of customization.
Custom Bullion Patches
Bullion patches are a type of embroidered patch that uses metallic threads and wire to create intricate designs. These types of patches can look quite luxurious and elegant, which makes them perfect for high-end fashion items or formal wear.
Custom bullion patches can be customized with different textures, which gives you a lot of design options. For example, you can add beaded accent detail, embroidered or color applique to your custom bullion patch.
Fun fact: Brands like Burberry and Gucci have used bullion patches on their clothing items. So if you’re looking for an upscale patch, opt for bullion!
Pro Tip: Bullion patches work really well with a traditional pin backing. Their stiff and structured design pairs well with the pin, making it easy to add to any garment or accessory.
Custom Military Patches
Military patches can come in many different forms and styles such as embroidery, PVC, or bullion, so they’re not a specific type of patch, but rather a category. These types of patches are often used to represent a specific military unit or commemorate an achievement. They can be highly detailed and have a strong symbolic meaning, making them a popular choice for collectors.
Fun fact: The use of military patches dates back to the 1800s, when they were used by the British military to identify soldiers and their units. Today, military patches have evolved into a form of art and pride within the military community.
Pro Tip: While it’s not illegal to create and sell custom military patches, it’s considered bad taste to use certain military symbols or insignia without permission. It’s always a good idea to perform your own research and consider the potential ramifications before using any specific symbol or design.
Custom Sports Patches
Like military patches, sports patches are a broad category that includes various patch styles such as embroidered, woven, or PVC. These types of patches are commonly used to represent sports teams or events and can be customized with team logos, mascots, or player names. They are popular among both athletes and fans, so if you live in a sports-loving community, these patches could be a lucrative option!
Pro Tip: If you decide to sell sports patches, make sure to obtain the necessary licensing and permissions for any copyrighted material.
Custom Motorcycle Patches
Motorcycle patches are a staple in biker culture, and they often feature bold designs and vibrant colors. They can be made from various materials such as leather or fabric and are commonly used to represent a motorcycle club or a rider’s individual style or personality. While these types of patches used to be associated with a more rebellious image, they are now widely accepted and can be seen on all kinds of riders. However, different biker symbols have different meanings, so it’s important to do your research before narrowing down your design.
Pro Tip: Consider partnering with a local motorcycle club or attending biker events to get a better understanding of the culture and symbols associated with it. This will help you create more authentic and appealing designs for your customers.
Choosing the Best Custom Patches for Your Business
Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with the different types of patches available, you’re probably wondering how to choose the best ones for your business. Ask yourself the following questions to help narrow down your options and find the perfect custom patches for your needs:
Who are my target customers?
Consider the interests and hobbies of your target customers to determine which types of patches they would be most interested in. For example, if your business caters to outdoor enthusiasts, you may want to offer hiking or camping-themed patches. Your niche and customer demographics will heavily influence the types of patches that will sell well for your business.
What is my budget?
Personalized patches can vary greatly in price depending on their size, intricacy, and materials used. Set a budget for your custom patches and consider how much you’re willing to invest in each piece. Keep in mind that higher-quality materials and more complex designs will likely cost more, but they can also add value to your products.
How many patches do I need?
If you decide to order custom patches, placing a bulk order can help reduce the cost per piece. That being said, it’s important to consider how many you actually need. Think about the demand for your products and how quickly you’ll be able to sell them. Ordering too many patches may result in excess inventory and wasted resources.
At The/Studio, we offer custom patches no minimum, so you can start with a smaller quantity and easily reorder as needed. Even if you just want to order one patch for personal use, you can do it! If you decide to buy more, then you’ll benefit from our bulk order discounts.
What type of patch backing do I want?
The backing of a patch refers to how it attaches to the clothing or accessory. We offer various options such as iron-on, pin, and sew-on, depending on the type of material the patch is made from.
Consider the intended use of your personalized patches and choose a backing that will be most suitable. For example, if you’re creating patches for a uniform or workwear, a sew-on backing may be more practical and secure. However, if it’s for decorative purposes, an iron-on or pin backing may be easier to use.
What is the intended use of the patches?
Consider where and how your customers will be using these patches. If they’re going to be attached to clothing or bags that will experience a lot of wear and tear, you may want to opt for more durable materials like woven or embroidered patches. But if they are for more decorative use, then options like printed or PVC patches may be suitable.
It’s also important to consider the environment in which the patches will be used. Outdoor activities may require weather-resistant materials while indoor events may allow for more delicate designs.
Start Designing with The/Studio
We can help you create custom patches for clothing with no minimum orders and a wide range of design options. When you order custom patches from The/Studio, you have the freedom to choose your preferred style, size, shape, and type of backing.
Whether you want an embroidered patch for a vintage look or a PVC patch for a more modern aesthetic, we can bring your vision to life. Our user-friendly design tool makes it easy for you to upload your artwork and customize every element of your patch. And with our fast turnaround times, you can have your personalized patches in hand in no time. Browse our range of custom patches to start designing today!
FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about custom patches for clothing.
Can I order custom patches with no minimum quantity?
Yes, we offer custom patches with no minimum order requirement. This option is perfect for small businesses or individuals who need a limited number of patches.
What factors should I consider when choosing a custom patch company?
When selecting the best custom patch company, consider their reputation for quality, range of customization options, customer service, pricing, and turnaround time. At The/Studio, we truly believe we’re the best custom patch company in the industry – but don’t take our word for it, read our customer reviews to see why!
Is it cost-effective to order patches in bulk?
Generally, ordering patches in bulk is more cost-effective as many companies offer discounts for larger orders. This is ideal for businesses looking to stock up on branded merchandise. If you order with The Studio, you can also take advantage of our bulk pricing options.
How do I make sure I’m ordering high quality patches?
The best way to find out if you’re ordering high quality patches is to order a sample patch before placing a bulk order. This way, you can inspect the materials and stitching in person to make sure they meet your standards. At The/Studio, we have no minimum order limits so you can go ahead and just order one patch to test out our quality.
