Custom patches are all the rage right now. From casual loungewear to streetwear and from fancy dresses to festive gatherings, you will find someone around you with a custom patch on their outfit. Custom patches will pull you in, and once you’re hooked to them, you’d learn there’s a lot more to know about them than their visual appeal. While these patches are easily accessible and a simple looking accessory, choosing one for your specific needs could become a maze of a task.
Why Is Choosing the Right Material for Custom Patches Important?
As goes with any other clothing item, material is a top priority in making a choice. Just like woollen clothes are not meant for summer, iron-on custom patches are not meant for leather bases. For you to decide on a specific material, there are a few things to consider, including the type of material you want to put the custom patch on, whether it is for long-term or interchangeable use and its particular purpose.
Here is a list of several custom patch materials, each with pros and cons, which will help you decide the right material of custom patch for you.
Embroidered Custom Patches
Custom embroidered patches are a classic in their category owing to their ability to last for long. They remain trendy year after year. Made from high-quality polyester threads, they are made to fit every type of clothing and are resistant to frequent usage and washes. Available in beautiful and intricate patterns and vibrant colours, it means never-ending customizing options.
The thread-work allows you to display tiny details in your customized design. Plus, the raised texture adds an additional touch of depth to it. They’re also quite famous during the holiday season as they add a festive touch to your attire. If you want to add a sophisticated or elegant touch to your dress, embroidered custom patches are meant for you.
PVC Or Plastic Custom Patches
PVC patches are a modern and more fashionable take on customs patches. They are commonly used for military uniforms but are an ideal choice for outdoor gear. They are manufactured from flexible plastic. These patches can endure tough weather and are extremely durable and water-resistant. While PVC patches are a little heavy and lack the traditional embroidered patch look, they make up for it by conforming to complex designs. They are available in any shape, colour and even in the form of glow-in-the-dark patches. And the best part? They are low maintenance and easy to clean! PVC custom patches are widely used by paramedics, police, and sports teams. PVC custom patches are extremely durable, making them a one-off investment for your dearer custom patch designs.
Chenille Custom Patches
Chenille custom patches are manufactured from high quality yarn. It has a thick and fuzzy texture and gives off a perfect retro vibe. Previously, these patches were associated with varsity jackets and other sports ensembles, However, with the rapid evolution in fashion, they are now unrestricted. You can use them on bags, t-shirts, jeans and hats. Their signature, luxurious yet bold and 3D texture is an instant appeal to anyone watching and makes a huge impression. They are sustainable in moisture and light and most importantly- even after multiple washes, they remain wrinkle free!
Leather Custom Patches
Although they made their mark as a symbol among motorcyclists decades ago, Leather custom patches make for a timeless fashion statement. They are the most reliable option in this list. Leather, generally, is quite immune to wear and tear, making it the best choice for long-term usage. As a result, leather custom patches are long lasting and offer a stylish yet rugged look. You can frequently spot them on denim, bags and other relatively hard materials.
Even though, colour palette becomes very limited with leather, mostly around black, brown and red, the recent invention of faux leather takes care of this minor limitation. So, if you want to make a bold fashion statement, leather custom patches are your go-to choice!
Velcro Custom Patches
It is commonly known as hook and loop backing, the loop attaching to the garment and the hook, to the loop. Velcro custom patches are available in two types; single-sided support, with a loop sewn on the cloth and a double-sided backing, which attaches to the garment without any sewing. Among the long list of benefits of Velcro patches, the biggest is their convenience and reusability.
Consequently, they are the universal choice in military, police and other law enforcement agencies. Velcro patches are also commonly used on jackets, backpacks, and uniforms. They are hassle-free and their portability saves them from quick deterioration. As they have straight-forward application and removal, these patches are saved from excessive damage during frequent washes and other wear and tear. Basically, they are semi-permanent yet very strong which makes them the best choice if you have a habit of quick replacements of accessories.
Custom patches are rapidly making waves in the clothing department and with that, there are simultaneous changes in the base materials, all for customer’s satisfaction. Hence, dive into the advantages and disadvantages of materials used to make custom patches and find the one that fits you best. Whether it is a leather custom patch for your favourite hang bag or and embroidered custom patch to give as a present, the options are limitless!
