Adding patches to your jacket is a great way to customize a mass-produced item. The only problem is that not all patches are created equal. There is a lot of information you need to know about packets before you start buying and attaching them to your jacket.
1. The Type Of Patches
There are many different types of patches that you can choose from. Every kind of patch offers something different, and you need to consider the aesthetics you are looking for. Of course, some of these patches will be easier to find than others, and not all of them will have the designs you want.
The most common type of jacket patch is embroidered ones. These patches have embroidered designs on different backing materials and come in a large variety of designs. This type of patch is also the most traditional and bold patch you can get. If you are looking for custom patches, these are also the best type.
If you are looking for a modern jacket patch, you should consider a dye sublimation patch. This uses modern technology to print the patches and provide intricate designs. The benefit of this type of patch is the fact that they can be dyed in almost any color and give a photo-quality patch. As these patches use modern technology, they will cost more.
Another type of patch you might be interested in is the woven patch. As the name suggests, this patch is woven on a loom and do not have any backing material. This makes them thinner, and you can get finer detail. As with many other patches, you can get these in any shape or size, but you might find the designs limited.
The last type of patch you need to know about is the combination patch. These patches are a combination of embroidered patches and dye sublimation patches, providing you with the best of both. You can get a photo image with the classic look of an embroidered patch. The combination of technology gives you greater freedom regarding designs, but these patches may cost more than embroidered patches on their own.
2. The Patch Backing
While the type of patch is important, you also need to consider the backing. This will impact how the patch is applied to the jacket and the type of jacket you can use it on. When it comes to backing, not all designs will have the backing that you want, and you need to be aware of this.
One of the more popular types of backing is a heat seal. This is used for iron-on patches, which are attached to the jacket using heat. Patches with this backing can only be applied to jackets that can withstand the heat application process. Jackets made from delicate materials should not have these patches applied as they can damage the jacket.
If you choose heat seal backing, the jacket will also need to be cleaned in a certain manner. It cannot be laundered at high temperatures as the glue holding the patch in place might be loosened.
Plastic is another typical backing used for jacket patches. This backing offers a solid back, and to apply the patch, fabric glue will need to be used. The plastic backing ensures the glue does not bleed through to the face of the patch. As with the heat seal backing, you need to be careful with the fabric of the jacket as fabric glue can damage certain materials.
Some patches are unbacked. These patches will be thin and flexible but will need to be sewed onto the jacket. This means that you will not be able to apply them to leather jackets, but any other material will work. You do not need to be a professional to sew these patches, but some experience with sewing is recommended to ensure the patch is secure.
3. The Design
Once you know the type of patch you want and the backing you need, you have to look at the design. There are a lot of designs available for cool patches for jackets, with some being more popular than others. If you do not see the design that you want, you can custom order patches without too much trouble.
However, you do need to be careful with the design you choose, as certain designs are reserved for certain organizations. This is important if you are looking for patches for a biker jacket. You will want to avoid any patches linked to motorcycle associations that you are not a member of.
Other than these patches, there is no limit to the design you can have. Some patches will have sayings, while others are simple pictures.
3. The Size
Cool patches for jackets come in a range of shapes and sizes. When you consider the size of the patch, you need to think about the placement on your jacket. Patches for the back of the jacket can be much larger than those for the front. Arm patches can also be longer than the ones you place on the chest of the jacket.
There is a lot that you need to consider when looking at patches for jackets. The type of patch is important, as this can impact the design you can get. The backing is also important as this determines how you attach the patch to the jacket and which jackets you can attach the patch to.