News
We have seen an increased demand for custom patches as a form of decorating corporate apparel and gear. And there’s a reason for it. Patches add a texture, personality and retail-inspired look that’s hard to achieve with traditional decoration methods like embroidery or screen print.
If you look around, you’ll see patches everywhere. High-end golf apparel and outdoor brands. Breweries, construction companies, coffee shops, and corporate uniforms. Patches are fire!
But not all patches are created equal. Leather has a completely different personality than PVC. Woven patches capture details that embroidery can't. Flex Patches offer a sleek, modern finish, while embroidered patches lean timeless and classic.
Let’s dive into all the different varieties so you can decide which patch best fits your logo (and your brand).
Why Choose a Patch Instead of Direct Embroidery?
Both methods look fantastic, but they create different experiences. Embroidery stitches your logo directly into the garment. A patch creates your logo separately before applying it to the garment. This separate process gives you additional options for materials, textures, finishes, and dimensions.
Neither is embroidery or patches are better or worse, they simply tell different stories.
Quick Patch Comparison
|
If your brand feels... |
Consider... |
|
Classic & Professional |
Embroidered Patch |
|
Rugged & Outdoorsy |
Leather Patch |
|
Modern & Minimal |
Flex Patch |
|
Bold & Adventurous |
PVC Patch |
|
Detailed & Intricate |
Woven Patch |
|
Soft & Lifestyle |
Faux Suede Patch |
Embroidered Patches
The classic. This patch type boosts your stitched logo to a whole new level. For this custom patch, your logo is stitched onto a fabric backing before being applied to the garment. We color match 400+ Madeira polyneon threads and have a myriad of standard and custom contoured shapes available. The raised stitching gives it depth and texture that is timeless.
Great For
-
Heritage brands or brands that have a Classic & Professional vibe
Maybe Skip If...
-
Your logo has tiny lettering or you are looking for photo quality replication.
-
You're after an ultra-modern aesthetic.
-
Ordering t-Shirts, performance tops or lightweight fabrics. The patch will just be too heavy.
Our Take: If patches had a Hall of Fame, embroidered patches would be the first inductee. They're timeless, durable, and look good on just about everything.
Woven Patches
Instead of raised stitching, woven patches use finer threads woven together to create the artwork. That means cleaner edges, smaller lettering, and much more detail. The custom woven patches are available with an overlock stitched border which will make the patch pop a bit more or a non-border option for a minimalist tag-style patch.
Great For
-
Logos that have more details, are more complex or have small text
-
Just about any product really! But keep in mind the woven patch is going to be of a finer feel – so maybe not best for heavy, rugged materials.
-
So many brands that already use a woven patch for their brand logo. Take a look at Patagonia, FJÄLLRÄVEN or check out Bad Birdie with their subtle sleeve logos.
Maybe Skip If...
-
You love the raised feel of embroidery.
-
Your logo is intentionally bold and simple.
Our Take: When embroidery says, "That's a little too detailed," woven patches usually step in to save the day.
Leather Patches
Available in taupe or caramel leather tones, a genuine leather patch gives an immediate “Premium” vibe. Your logo will be laser engraved into the leather giving a natural, refined look while maintaining all the fine details your logo may have. It will be unique, yet classic.
Great For
-
Products that won’t be washed quite as often; Hats, Canvas Bags, Jackets
-
Premium brands like Filson, Brooks Brothers, Peter Millar. Or just imagine your logo on the ever popular Fjallraven – Raven 28 Backpack which already features a leather Fox patch.
Maybe Skip If...
-
Your logo depends on, or you want to display bright colors.
-
Best not to use on T-Shirts, performance tops or lightweight fabrics.
-
Products that are run through the wash frequently.
Our Take: Leather patches have a way of making branded apparel feel less promotional and more like something you'd actually buy in a retail store.
Faux Suede Patches
The warmth of a leather patch, with a slightly more casual and contemporary vibe. Soft, lightweight, and rich in texture. Your logo is precision engraved into the faux suede giving a refined look. Many colors available as well as standard and custom contour shapes available.
Great For
-
Just like the Leather alternative, we want to stick with products that won’t be washed as often; Beanies, Bags, Outerwear.
-
Would be great on Brands like Outdoor Research which also uses a Suede Patch for its Brand Logo on many of their products.
Maybe Skip If...
-
Your brand is highly technical or industrial.
-
Your ordering T-Shirts, performance tops or lightweight fabrics. As with all other patches, they just aren’t a good fit for those lightweight materials.
-
Products that is going to be washed often.
Our Take: Think cozy coffee shop vibes more than construction site toughness.
PVC Patches
Bold, yet relaxed. Funky, yet polished. This is the patch the cool kids want! Made from durable molded polyvinyl chloride (PVC), these patches create bold colors, raised details, and exceptional durability. You’ll get an eye-catching emblem with rubber-like flexibility. They’re waterproof, weather-resistant, and impossible to ignore.
Great For
-
Logos you want to stand out and make a statement.
-
Outdoor, adventure Brands like Helly Hansen.
Maybe Skip If...
-
You’re looking for a premium, sophisticated vibe. Because these patches are all about fun!
-
Formal office apparel or executive polos.
-
Lightweight fabrics – not an ideal option for T-shirts.
Our Take: Built for people who spend more time outside than inside.
Flex Patches
If your brand leans sleek, clean, and modern, Flex Patches deserve a look. Available in flat, textured, and domed finishes, your logo artwork is precision color matched and can be polished up in custom metallic or non-metallic finishes. These patches deliver a premium appearance with crisp details and contemporary styling.
Great For
-
A contemporary, techy vibe if you choose our Domed Flex Patch. A polished, retail vibe for the Flat Flexed Patch.
-
A simple logo that you want to bring some excitement to; the Textured Flex Patch is a win!
Maybe Skip If...
-
We might sound like a broken record, but if you are ordering T-Shirts, performance tops or lightweight fabrics? Patches are a no-go.
Our Take: If Embroidery wears a blazer, Flex Patch wears a tailored performance quarter-zip.
Which Patch Is Right for You?
There's no universal "best" patch. The right choice depends on your logo, your apparel, and the impression you want to leave. If your brand is classic and timeless, embroidery might be the perfect fit. If you're chasing a retail-inspired look, leather or Flex Patch could be exactly what you're after. Need every tiny detail in your logo? Woven patches are hard to beat. And if your apparel is heading into the great outdoors, PVC patches are built for the adventure.
And if you still can't decide? Talk it out with one of our experts! This is what we do, so let us help. You can reach us Monday-Friday, 8:00AM-6:00PM CST at 844-588-6275. Or email us anytime at customercare@threadfellows.com.
Need custom apparel? From polos and quarter zips to hats and jackets, Threadfellows will help you choose products that not only look great on day one, but continue looking great for years to come. You’ll Love Wearing Your Logo!