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Patch Styles

Every patch style, explained.

Seven ways to turn your design into a patch. See how each one looks, feels and wears — then compare them side by side or ask us to recommend one.

Embroidered

Style 01

Embroidered patches

The classic. Thread is stitched onto a twill base for a raised, textured finish that’s tough enough for daily wear and washing. Covers 50–100% of the patch with up to 12 thread colors.

  • Up to 12 thread colors
  • Raised, textured finish
  • Merrowed or laser-cut edges

Best for Uniforms, Caps, Team crests

From $0.89 per piece · min 25 pcs · 10–14 days

Woven

Style 02

Woven patches

Finer threads woven tightly together create a flat, smooth surface. Because the thread is thinner, small lettering and detailed artwork stay crisp even at small sizes.

  • Text down to 3mm stays legible
  • Flat, low-profile surface
  • Lighter and more flexible

Best for Small text, Brand labels, Fine detail

From $1.25 per piece · min 50 pcs · 12–15 days

PVC

Style 03

PVC patches

Soft PVC rubber is molded in layers for bold, dimensional designs. Fully waterproof, easy to clean and practically indestructible — built for outdoor and tactical use.

  • 100% waterproof
  • 2D or 3D molded layers
  • Bright, solid colors

Best for Outdoor gear, Tactical, Bags

From $1.65 per piece · min 50 pcs · 14–18 days

Chenille

Style 04

Chenille patches

Looped yarn on layered felt gives a soft, plush look — the signature of varsity letters. Often combined with embroidered details for names and years.

  • Plush, looped texture
  • Layered felt backgrounds
  • Vintage varsity look

Best for Letterman jackets, Varsity, Alumni

From $1.15 per piece · min 10 pcs · 14–18 days

Leather

Style 05

Leather patches

Genuine or faux leather debossed, embossed or laser-engraved with your artwork. A premium, rugged finish that ages well on denim, hats and bags.

  • Genuine or faux leather
  • Deboss, emboss or laser
  • Ages naturally over time

Best for Hats, Denim, Bags

From $1.05 per piece · min 25 pcs · 12–16 days

Printed

Style 06

Printed patches

Dye-sublimated print reproduces gradients, photos and unlimited colors on a smooth twill base, finished with a stitched border.

  • Unlimited colors
  • Photo-realistic detail
  • Fastest turnaround

Best for Photos, Gradients, Events

From $0.89 per piece · min 25 pcs · 8–12 days

3D Embroidery

Style 07

3D Embroidery patches

Foam is placed under the stitching to lift chosen parts of your design. The result is a sculpted, bold look that catches light and stands out on caps.

  • Raised foam stitching
  • Mix flat and puffed areas
  • Ideal for caps

Best for Caps, Statement logos, Merch

From $1.25 per piece · min 25 pcs · 12–16 days

Side by side

Compare all seven styles.

StyleFromMinimumLead timeBest for
Embroidered$0.8925 pcs10–14 daysUniforms, Caps, Team crests
Woven$1.2550 pcs12–15 daysSmall text, Brand labels, Fine detail
PVC$1.6550 pcs14–18 daysOutdoor gear, Tactical, Bags
Chenille$1.1510 pcs14–18 daysLetterman jackets, Varsity, Alumni
Leather$1.0525 pcs12–16 daysHats, Denim, Bags
Printed$0.8925 pcs8–12 daysPhotos, Gradients, Events
3D Embroidery$1.2525 pcs12–16 daysCaps, Statement logos, Merch

Finishing

Backings and borders.

How your patch attaches and how its edge is finished. Every style supports at least three backings.

Sew-on

The most permanent option. Stitched in place and survives heavy washing.

Iron-on

Heat-activated adhesive for quick application at home with a household iron.

Hook & loop

Swap patches on and off. Standard for tactical gear and uniforms.

Adhesive

Peel-and-stick for temporary use on paper, plastic or giveaways.

Magnetic

Attach without holes. Ideal for delicate fabrics and name badges.

Merrowed edge

Thick, overlocked border for round and simple shapes.

Hot-cut edge

Clean heat-sealed edge for custom and detailed shapes.

Laser-cut edge

Precise cut that follows every contour of the design.

Help me choose

Answer one question. We’ll point you to a style.

Pick what matters most for your patch. Still unsure? Send your artwork and a specialist will recommend the best fit within one business day.

We recommendWoven

Woven thread keeps tiny letters crisp where embroidery would blur.

We recommendEmbroidered

Embroidery gives the familiar textured look and wears for years.

We recommendPVC

PVC is fully waterproof and holds its shape in any weather.

We recommendChenille

Chenille delivers the plush, iconic letterman texture.

We recommendPrinted

Printed patches reproduce unlimited colors and photo detail.

We recommend3D Embroidery

3D embroidery lifts your logo for a sculpted look.

Ask a specialist