12 Different Types of Custom Patches

Custom patches have transformed from simple decorative elements into influential branding instruments. Whether your goal is to add a personal touch to apparel, improve uniforms, or symbolize a team or organization, selecting the right patch isn't merely about choice; it conveys a significant meaning. Given the myriad possibilities regarding materials, styles, and backing options, selecting the appropriate patch can be quite daunting.

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Nevertheless, you can make an educated choice by understanding aspects such as pricing, material, lead time, durability, and texture. In this article, we’ll discuss various types of custom patches and their general price range to help you make an important decision and take pride in representing your team or organization with the finest patch.

Common Types of Custom Patches

1. Embroidered Patches

One of the most beloved types of custom patches, embroidered patches showcase a distinctive flair that sets them apart. Available in a multitude of thread colors, they facilitate precise brand or emblem matching, making them a superb option for expressing your unique identity. The notable texture of embroidered patches enhances specific designs, making them more visually striking.

These patches strike a balance between affordability and resilience, offering a quality, long-lasting solution that won't strain your budget. Their swift production process guarantees a quick turnaround, perfectly aligned with your time constraints.

Typically, embroidered patches cost between $2.00 and $5.00 each in the U.S., varying with size, complexity of design, and order quantity. This blend of affordability, visual attractiveness, and durability makes embroidered patches a wise selection for numerous applications.

2. Woven Patches

As a sophisticated alternative to embroidered patches, woven patches offer a cleaner appearance devoid of raised textures. They are robust, provide a broad color spectrum, and support intricate designs. While they do not possess the tactile feel of their embroidered counterparts, woven patches present a sleek and polished aesthetic, making them ideal for detailed and appealing creations. In the U.S., woven patches generally cost between $1.50 and $3.00 each, thus making them an economical choice for premium custom patches.

3. Leather Patches

These patches, known for their versatility in shapes and designs, can be embossed or printed with names, logos, or branding marks. They are fantastic for jackets, caps, bags, and shirts, offering a platform for creative expression.

Leather patches, signifying rugged sophistication, can be customized with logos, rivets, etc., ensuring the highest quality.

The pricing for leather patches in the U.S. typically lies between $3.00 and $7.00 each, depending on size, design intricacy, and quantity. Opting for leather patches ensures a durable, chic, and customizable approach to elevate your merchandise.

4. PVC Patches

Contemporary and resilient, PVC patches provide a modern alternative to traditional embroidered versions. Comprising rigid plastic, these patches boast vivid colors and a glossy finish that surpasses what embroidery can achieve. Their waterproof feature, combined with resistance to extreme temperatures, renders them ideal for outdoor applications and challenging environments, making them a reliable investment.

PVC patches come in both 2D and 3D designs; the 2D style offers a flat presentation while 3D adds a raised, textured look, contributing depth and character. Their adaptability makes them suitable for distinctive items or unique gifting options, especially for outdoor adventures.

Price-wise, PVC patches range from $2.50 to $5.50 each, based on dimensions and complexity. Selecting PVC patches guarantees a high-quality, robust, and visually engaging product for various purposes.

5. Chenille Patches

These patches present a charming style beyond varsity jackets. With their fully textured and classic appearance, they can be used on various accessories, generating vibrant and lively designs with a playful touch. This unique style makes them perfect for bold, bright designs supplemented by easy lettering.

Timeless yet trendy, chenille patches evoke a sense of nostalgia in a contemporary context. While they excel at producing bold, simple visuals, the fuzzy texture might not be suitable for intricate details. In the U.S., chenille patches usually cost between $3.00 and $6.50 each, making them an appealing and budget-friendly addition to any wardrobe.

6. Name Patches

Frequently seen on employee uniforms in factories and chains, name patches offer practical identification where formal ID cards may not work. Simple in design, these patches usually have two color options, making them cost-effective and easy to produce in bulk.

Name patches present a budget-friendly identification solution. In the U.S., they typically range from $1.00 to $2.50 each, offering a more affordable alternative compared to embroidered logos or customized work apparel.

7. Bullion Patches

With unique wire stitching, bullion patches bring sparkle and a 3D dimension to designs while providing a sophisticated touch to jackets, shirts, and bags. Their unique characteristics make them suitable for exclusive clubs, military uniforms, golf associations, and institutions seeking distinct identity marks.

Crafted with gold and silver wire beads, these patches offer dimension, weight, texture, and an eye-catching allure. Their luxurious feel reflects the precision and craftsmanship involved, making them worthy of investment.

Bullion patches are priced between $5.00 and $10.00 each, depending on size and complexity of design, but their durability justifies the expense.

8. Printed Patches

These patches are ideal for showcasing any design, offering flexibility and detailed artistry. Utilizing a sublimation dyeing method, the designs are printed directly onto a blank fabric base, creating a seamless, vibrant surface.

Perfect for urgent projects or high-quality photographic designs, printed patches excel in producing intricate wearables, making them excellent for t-shirts and apparel.

In the U.S., printed patches commonly range from $1.50 to $3.00 each.

Note: The prices listed above are estimates; actual costs may vary depending on your order from us.

Modern Innovations in Patch Types

Previously, we discussed prevalent patch varieties. However, the custom patch landscape has expanded with modern innovations you might find fascinating. Below, I’ll outline these novel patches.

9. Glow-in-the-Dark Patches

These patches radiate a gentle luminescence, making them visible in dim lighting. They are ideal for safety apparel, nighttime events, or introducing a quirky element to clothing and accessories. Fun and functional, they boost visibility in dark settings.

Price Range in the U.S: $2.50 - $4.50 per patch

10. Reflective Patches

Made with light-reflecting materials, reflective patches enhance visibility in low-light situations. These are more than just patches; they serve as vital safety features. Great for safety uniforms, outdoor gear, and activewear, these patches are crucial for anyone requiring extra visibility whilst ensuring safety.

Price Range in the U.S: $2.00 - $4.00 per patch

11. Appliqué Patches

Characterized by elaborate designs sewn onto a fabric base, appliqué patches endow a decorative and textured look that reflects personal flair. They enhance garments, bags, and home décor items, providing a high-quality aesthetic that makes you stand out.

Price Range in the U.S: $2.50 - $5.00 per patch

12. Beaded Patches

Patches adorned with beads bring a touch of elegance and shine to your items, allowing you to shine like a star. They are fantastic for fashion apparel, accessories, and special event outfits, intricately drawing attention to any design with their stunning details, perfect for creating a luxurious and distinctive appearance.

Price Range in the U.S: $3.00 - $7.00 per patch

Note: The prices listed are for estimation purposes only. Actual prices may vary depending on your order with us.

Understanding Backing Options for Custom Patches

So far, you've been made aware of the diverse patch varieties, but recognizing the importance of backing types is equally essential. Below, I will clarify the various backing types and their ideal applications for custom patches.

Sew-On Backing

This requires stitching the patch onto the fabric, ensuring a strong and permanent placement. Ideal for durable patches such as embroidered, woven, and chenille on jackets, uniforms, and robust fabrics.

Iron-On Backing

This uses heat-activated adhesive for easy application with an iron, ideal for a quick, semi-permanent installation on lighter fabrics like t-shirts and hats. It fits well with embroidered and printed patches.

Velcro Backing

This features hook-and-loop fasteners allowing for removable and reusable patches. It works well for military, tactical gear, and corporate uniforms where patches need to be frequently swapped. It suits embroidered and PVC patches well too.

Adhesive Backing

Adhesive backing offers a peel-and-stick option for temporary use, ideal for promotional items, events, or transient decoration on various surfaces. It aligns well with printed and woven patches.

Magnetic Backing

Using magnets for attachment, magnetic backing guarantees no damage to the fabric, making it suitable for non-permanent use on metal surfaces like lockers, refrigerators, and vehicles. It is also compatible with PVC and woven patches.

Conclusion

Selecting the right custom patch goes beyond merely aesthetics; it’s a means of showcasing your brand, team, or organization with pride and distinction. Whether you favor the classic charm of embroidered patches, the smooth finish of woven patches, the rugged appeal of leather patches, or the modern adaptability of PVC patches, each category possesses unique advantages tailored to diverse needs and tastes. With innovative choices like glow-in-the-dark, reflective, appliqué, and beaded patches, your options for creating standout, personalized designs are limitless.

Comprehending the varying backing types—from sew-on to magnetic—assures that your patches are not only visually appealing but also securely fixed. By taking into account the specific requirements for your application and the advantages each type of patch and backing presents, you will make a well-informed decision that enhances both the appearance and functionality of your product.

Investing in Custom Adhesive Patches is a powerful avenue for elevating your brand or team identity. With the insights gleaned from this guide, you're ready to choose the ideal patch that meets your specifications. If you’re looking to order custom patches, you can acquire them from SCICO CARE, where our trustworthy service, minimal order requirements, and global free delivery make us a favored choice for customers across the U.S.