Custom patches are more than just decorative pieces—they’re a powerful way to express identity, promote brands, and add personality to clothing and gear. At Nexus Patches, we specialize in creating high-quality custom patches for every need, whether it’s for fashion, branding, or special events. From classic embroidered patches to durable PVC designs, there’s a perfect patch for every purpose.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of custom patches, including embroidered, woven, PVC, leather, and more. You’ll learn how each type is made, their unique features, and the best ways to use them. Whether you’re looking to customize uniforms, create promotional items, or design something truly unique, understanding these options will help you make the right choice.
Types of Custom Patches
Custom patches come in many forms, each offering unique textures, finishes, and uses. From embroidered classics to modern PVC, sublimation, and leather patches, every type fits specific branding and style needs.
Here are the different types of custom patches we offer at NexusPatches:
- Embroidered Patches
- PVC Patches
- Woven Patches
- Printed Patches
- Leather Patches
- Chenille Patches
- Bullion Patches
Embroidered Patches
Embroidered patches are the most popular type, made with colorful threads stitched on a fabric base. They deliver a premium, textured look and feel, perfect for logos and uniforms. These patches support multiple thread colors and can showcase intricate artwork.
Embroidered patches are highly durable and remain the go-to choice for businesses, sports teams, and scouts. They balance cost-effectiveness with quality, making them a reliable solution for everyday branding and identification.
Price: 100 Patches from $1.20 (Price depends on Size & Quantity)
Turnaround Time: Upto 10 Business Days (Depends on Order Quantity)
Supported Backing Types: Iron-on (Most Popular), Sew-on, Velcro, Adhesive (peel and stick)
Used For: backpacks, military uniforms, wearable cloths, t-shirts, work shirts, sports uniforms, Almost used in every industry.
PVC Patches
PVC patches are made from durable, rubber-like plastic material that withstands extreme weather conditions. They are flexible, waterproof, and ideal for outdoor or tactical use. Their bold colors and 3D-like detail make logos and designs visually striking.
Popular in military, airsoft, and adventure gear, PVC patches don’t fade or fray easily. With Velcro or sew-on backing, they attach securely to uniforms, jackets, and bags, providing a modern and professional finish.
Price: 100 Patches from $3 (Price depends on Size & Quantity)
Turnaround Time: Upto 10 Business Days (Depends on Order Quantity)
Supported Backing Types: Sew-on(Most Popular), Velcro & heat seal.
Used For: Jackets, Hats, Shirts, bags, Backpacks, Uniforms, Sports shirts, events
Woven Patches
Woven patches are created by weaving fine threads together, producing highly detailed designs without heavy embroidery texture. They allow small fonts, thin lines, and intricate logos to appear sharp and precise.
Lightweight and smooth, woven patches are excellent for fashion apparel, uniforms, and branding that requires high-definition visuals. Unlike embroidered patches, they don’t have raised stitching, making them perfect for designs needing clarity. Woven patches offer a sleek balance of detail and durability.
Price: 100 Patches from $1.2 (Price depends on Size & Quantity)
Turnaround Time: Upto 10 Business Days (Depends on Order Quantity)
Supported Backing Types: Sew-on (Most Popular), Velcro & Iron on.
Used For: Jackets, Hats, Shirts, bags, Backpacks, Uniforms, Sports shirts, events.
Leather Patches
Leather patches provide a rugged, classic look often associated with denim, caps, and bags. Made from genuine or faux leather, they are durable and stylish, making them a favorite in fashion branding.
These patches can be embossed, debossed, or printed with logos and names. Commonly seen on jeans and outdoor gear, leather patches reflect premium quality. They stand out as a timeless option for brands aiming to showcase heritage and authenticity.
Price: 100 Patches from $2.2 Each (Price depends on Size & Quantity)
Turnaround Time: Upto 12 Business Days (Depends on Order Quantity)
Supported Backing Types: Sew-on (Most Popular), Velcro & Iron on.
Used For: Jackets, Hats, Shirts, bags, Backpacks, Uniforms, Sports shirts, events.
Sublimation / Printed Patches
Sublimation patches, also called printed patches, use heat transfer printing to capture full-color designs. They reproduce gradients, photographs, and detailed artwork with excellent accuracy.
These patches are lightweight and versatile, making them perfect for promotional events, branding campaigns, and fashion. Unlike embroidered or woven patches, printed patches deliver unlimited color options, ensuring vibrant designs that match brand identity or marketing needs effectively.
Price: 100 Patches from $1.3 Each (Price depends on Size & Quantity)
Turnaround Time: Upto 13 Business Days (Depends on Order Quantity)
Supported Backing Types: Iron-on (Most Popular), Velcro & Sew-on.
Used For: Jackets, Hats, Shirts, Backpacks, Uniforms, Sports shirts, events.
Name Patches
Name patches display personal or organizational names in a clear and professional style. Commonly used on work uniforms, police gear, military clothing, and service industries, they improve identification and trust. These patches can be embroidered, woven, or printed, depending on the application. Businesses rely on name patches for branding while individuals benefit from easy recognition. They are durable, customizable, and available with sew-on, iron-on, or Velcro backing to suit different uses.
Chenille Patches
Chenille patches are soft, textured patches made from looped yarns, creating a fuzzy, raised surface. They are widely used on varsity jackets, sports apparel, and cheer uniforms. With bold colors and thick textures, chenille patches give a vintage, eye-catching appeal.
They combine embroidery or felt bases for durability. Perfect for large letters, mascots, and school branding, chenille patches are a trendy option that blends tradition with fashionable personalization.
Price: 100 Patches from $2.7 (Price depends on Size & Quantity)
Turnaround Time: Upto 15 Business Days (Depends on Order Quantity)
Supported Backing Types: Sew-on (Most Popular), Velcro & Iron on.
Used For: Letterman jackets, Varsity jackets, Club jackets, Sports uniforms.
Bullion Patches
Bullion patches are handcrafted using metallic wires, threads, and velvet or felt backgrounds. Known for their elegant, 3D look, they are typically used by military officers, luxury brands, and exclusive clubs. These patches represent prestige, heritage, and honor.
Each bullion patch is detailed with hand-stitched craftsmanship, making them premium and expensive compared to other patch types. They are ideal for crests, ceremonial uniforms, and high-end fashion, symbolizing tradition and excellence.
Price: 100 Patches from $25 Each (Price depends on Size & Quantity)
Turnaround Time: Upto 20 Business Days (Depends on Order Quantity)
Supported Backing Types: Sew-on (Most Popular).
Used For: Officer uniforms, Military caps, Ceremonial uniforms, Club jackets, Events, VIPs
Backing Options for Patches
Backing options decide how patches attach to fabric. Each method offers different benefits for durability, convenience, and style.
Sew-on
Sew-on backing is the most durable method for attaching patches. It permanently secures the patch with strong stitching. Ideal for uniforms, jackets, and outdoor gear, sew-on patches withstand frequent washing and heavy use. They provide long-lasting performance, making them the preferred choice for professional, military, and sports applications.
Iron-on
Iron-on patches use a heat-activated adhesive that bonds tightly to fabric. They are easy to apply at home with an iron. Perfect for casual wear, fashion, and DIY projects, iron-on patches save time and effort. While not as permanent as sewing, they deliver a clean, professional finish quickly.
Velcro
Velcro backing offers versatility and reusability. The hook-and-loop system allows patches to be attached, removed, or swapped instantly. Common in military, tactical, and airsoft gear, Velcro patches provide flexibility for different situations. They stay secure during use but can be changed without damaging the fabric, making them highly practical.
Adhesive
Adhesive-backed patches feature peel-and-stick application. They are quick, simple, and ideal for temporary use on clothing, bags, or promotional items. Businesses often choose adhesive patches for events or giveaways. While less durable than sew-on or iron-on methods, adhesive patches offer instant branding without tools, sewing, or heat equipment.
Magnetic
Magnetic patches use small magnets to attach securely to garments without sewing or adhesives. They are reusable, non-damaging, and perfect for uniforms requiring frequent changes. Magnetic patches are popular in corporate settings, events, and trade shows. They provide a professional look while allowing instant removal, repositioning, or replacement when needed.
Border Options for Custom Patches
Border options give patches a polished look, improve durability, and determine suitability for embroidered, woven, PVC, and printed patches.
Merrowed Border
Merrowed borders create a thick, rounded edge, giving patches a bold frame. Best suited for embroidered and woven patches, they enhance durability and shape retention. This border option is ideal for circular, square, and traditional designs needing a classic finished look.
Heat-Cut Border
Heat-cut borders use laser or hot-knife cutting for sharp, precise edges. Perfect for printed and woven with complex shapes or fine details. This option ensures clean lines without extra thickness, making it suitable for modern branding and custom shapes.
Satin Stitch Border
Satin stitch borders provide smooth, stitched edges that blend with the patch design. They work best with embroidered and chenille patches. This option adds strength and a refined finish, making patches look professional while protecting edges from fraying or damage.
Raw Edge
Raw edge borders leave patches without additional finishing, creating a thin, lightweight profile. Most suitable for woven or sublimation patches where detail is more important than thickness. This option reduces weight and cost but requires careful handling for long-term durability.
Choosing the Right Patch Type
Choosing the right patch type depends on purpose, design, and fabric. Embroidered patches work best for textured logos, while PVC patches suit outdoor gear. Woven patches handle fine details, and sublimation patches capture gradients.
Leather patches give a premium feel, chenille patches highlight varsity branding, and bullion patches deliver prestige. Name patches are essential for uniforms in business, police, and service industries.
Also consider patch shapes—circles, ovals, rectangles, and custom cut-to-shape designs affect visibility and style. Matching the right type, shape, and backing ensures durability, clarity, and consistent brand identity across uniforms, fashion, sports, and corporate applications.
Custom Patches in Different Industries
Custom patches serve diverse industries by providing identity, branding, and style. They adapt to uniforms, fashion, sports, and professional applications.
Sports Teams
Sports patches highlight team spirit and identity. Worn on jerseys, jackets, and caps, they showcase logos, mascots, and achievements. Durable and colorful, they motivate players and connect fans, making them essential for sports uniforms, tournaments, and community branding.
Military & Police
Military patches represent rank, unit, and pride, while police patches signify authority and trust. Both reinforce discipline and identity. Designed for durability, these patches withstand tough conditions and provide instant recognition, ensuring professional presentation for tactical, combat, and law enforcement uniforms.
Scouts
Scouts patches symbolize achievements, badges of honor, and progression. From camping milestones to leadership awards, patches create lifelong memories. Bright and meaningful, they encourage motivation, teamwork, and pride among members, reflecting dedication and accomplishment in scouting activities across different age groups.
Motorcycle Clubs
Motorcycle patches display club identity, values, and brotherhood. Worn on vests or jackets, they feature bold designs and back patches. They represent freedom, lifestyle, and belonging, making them a central part of biker culture and motorcycle events worldwide.
Corporate Branding
Corporate patches build brand identity on employee uniforms, bags, and accessories. They create consistency, professionalism, and recognition. Businesses use them for customer-facing roles, promotional events, and trade shows, ensuring visibility while strengthening trust through personalized, durable, and cost-effective branding solutions.
Fashion & Streetwear
Fashion brands use custom patches for trendy designs on jackets, jeans, and accessories. From embroidered logos to leather accents, patches add creativity, uniqueness, and style. Streetwear labels rely on them to stand out, connect with youth, and express bold fashion statements.
Conclusion
Custom patches are more than fabric they are powerful branding tools that build identity, recognition, and style across industries. From embroidered and PVC to woven, sublimation, chenille, and name patches, every type offers unique advantages for uniforms, fashion, sports, and corporate use.
Choosing the right patch type, border, and shape ensures long-lasting durability and professional presentation. For businesses, teams, or individuals seeking premium quality, Nexus Patches stands out as the best custom patch manufacturer.
With expert craftsmanship, durable materials, and endless customization, Nexus Patches delivers patches that truly represent your brand. Order custom patches today to showcase your identity.