What Material Can You Make Patches With?

Custom patches have long been a popular choice for personalizing clothing, commemorating events, and promoting businesses. Whether you're creating patches for a club, a team, or your company, one of the most important decisions you'll need to make is the type of material your patches will be made from. The material used to create a patch not only influences its appearance and durability but also its overall cost. For businesses looking to invest in promotional patches, understanding the different material options is key to making the right choice. Want to explore promotional patches for your brand? Check out our collection here.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the various materials used to make custom patches, breaking down the pros, cons, and best use cases for each. By the end, you'll have a clearer understanding of which patch materials will work best for your project.

Common Materials Used to Make Patches

Patches can be made from a variety of materials, each suited to different purposes and aesthetics. The material you choose will depend on factors such as the level of detail in your design, the durability you need, and the final look you want to achieve.

1. Twill Fabric

Twill fabric is one of the most commonly used materials for embroidered patches. It has a smooth surface and diagonal ribbing, which provides a clean and professional appearance. Twill is known for its durability, making it a popular choice for patches that will be sewn onto uniforms, jackets, hats, or bags.

Pros:

• Durability: Twill fabric is tough and resistant to wear and tear, making it ideal for patches that will see heavy use.
• Professional Look: The smooth texture of twill allows for detailed embroidery, resulting in crisp, clean designs.
• Variety of Colors: Twill fabric comes in a wide range of colors, giving you flexibility when matching your patch to specific color schemes.

Cons:

• Not Ideal for Complex Detail: While twill works great for embroidered patches, it’s not the best material for designs that require photo-realistic detail.

Best For:

• Embroidered patches for uniforms, workwear, and team gear. Twill is a strong, dependable fabric that can withstand frequent use.

2. Cotton

Cotton is another popular base material for patches. It's breathable and soft, making it a comfortable option for patches on clothing. Cotton patches are typically used in more casual or fashion-oriented designs. Because cotton is easy to work with, it's often used for iron-on or sew-on patches.

Pros:

• Soft and Comfortable: Cotton is a breathable fabric, making it a good choice for patches on garments that are worn close to the skin.
• Natural Material: For those seeking an eco-friendly option, cotton is a natural fiber that is renewable and biodegradable.
• Cost-Effective: Cotton patches are generally affordable, making them a good choice for large orders.

Cons:

• Less Durable: Cotton is not as durable as twill or other synthetic fabrics, so it may not hold up as well under heavy use or frequent washing.
• Prone to Fading: Cotton can fade over time, especially with repeated exposure to sunlight and washing.

Best For:

• Fashion patches for casual clothing, t-shirts, or accessories. Cotton is great for softer, more comfortable patches that don’t require heavy durability.

3. Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic fabric commonly used for printed and woven patches. This material is durable, lightweight, and resistant to shrinking and wrinkling. Polyester is often used in promotional patches because it can be dyed in vibrant colors and allows for more detailed designs compared to traditional embroidery.

Pros:

• Durable and Long-Lasting: Polyester patches are tough and can withstand frequent washing and heavy use.
• Great for Printing: Polyester works well for sublimation or digital printing, allowing for high-resolution images and designs.
• Vibrant Colors: Polyester fabric holds dye well, resulting in vivid and long-lasting colors.

Cons:

• Less Textured: Polyester patches do not have the raised texture that embroidered patches offer, which may be a drawback for those seeking a more traditional look.
• Less Breathable: Polyester is not as breathable as natural fabrics like cotton, which might not be ideal for patches worn directly on clothing in warm climates.

Best For:

• Printed patches or woven patches with complex or photo-realistic designs. Polyester is a great choice when you need fine detail and vibrant colors.

4. Chenille

Chenille fabric is known for its soft, fuzzy texture and is often used for creating patches with bold, simple designs, such as varsity letters and logos. Chenille patches are popular in sports and school settings, especially on letterman jackets.

Pros:

• Unique Texture: Chenille offers a plush, 3D texture that stands out, making it ideal for patches with bold designs.
• Visually Striking: The texture and depth of chenille patches make them eye-catching, perfect for showcasing letters or simple logos.

Cons:

• Limited Detail: Due to the thick, fuzzy texture of chenille, it’s not suitable for intricate designs or small text.
• Prone to Fraying: Without proper care, chenille patches may fray or lose some of their softness over time.

Best For:

• Sports patches or varsity patches with bold designs and minimal detail. Chenille works best for patches that need to make a strong visual impact.

5. Leather

Leather patches are a premium option often used for high-end clothing, accessories, or branded merchandise. Leather patches are typically debossed or embossed with a design, giving them a sleek, polished appearance.

Pros:

• Luxurious Look: Leather patches add an upscale, professional appearance to clothing or accessories.
• Highly Durable: Leather is strong and long-lasting, capable of withstanding harsh conditions and frequent use.
• Unique Aesthetic: Leather patches offer a distinctive and premium aesthetic that sets them apart from traditional fabric patches.

Cons:

• Expensive: Leather patches tend to be more costly than other materials due to the price of the material and the labor involved in creating them.
• Limited Color Options: Leather patches are usually offered in natural, brown, or black tones, which may not work for designs that require bright colors.

Best For:

• High-end promotional patches for jackets, bags, or hats. Leather patches are often used by premium brands to convey quality and craftsmanship.

6. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

PVC is a type of flexible plastic used for patches that require durability and weather resistance. PVC patches are often used in outdoor gear, tactical clothing, and items exposed to harsh conditions. These patches are typically molded into 3D shapes, making them ideal for designs that need to be bold and highly durable.

Pros:

• Weather-Resistant: PVC patches are waterproof and resistant to heat, cold, and other environmental factors.
• Highly Durable: PVC patches can withstand heavy use, making them perfect for outdoor gear or workwear.
• 3D Designs: The molding process allows for three-dimensional designs, adding depth and detail to the patch.

Cons:

• Not Breathable: Since PVC is a type of plastic, it’s not breathable, which may not be ideal for patches worn on clothing in warmer conditions.
• Heavier Feel: PVC patches are heavier and thicker than traditional fabric patches, which may not be suitable for all garments.

Best For:

• Tactical patches, outdoor gear patches, or industrial patches where durability and weather resistance are key. PVC patches are popular in industries like construction, military, and law enforcement.

Specialty Patch Materials

In addition to the common materials listed above, there are also specialty fabrics and options available for those seeking unique or customized patches.

1. Reflective Fabric

Reflective patches are made with materials that reflect light, making them highly visible in low-light conditions. These patches are ideal for safety gear, workwear, and outdoor clothing.

2. Glow-in-the-Dark Fabric

Glow-in-the-dark patches use materials that absorb light and then glow in the dark. These patches are great for novelty items, nighttime events, or products that need to be visible in the dark.

3. Recycled Materials

For those looking for eco-friendly options, some manufacturers offer patches made from recycled fabrics. These materials can still be durable and high-quality while reducing environmental impact.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Material for Your Patch

The material you choose for your patch will have a big impact on its look, feel, and performance. Twill, cotton, polyester, chenille, leather, and PVC all have their own advantages, so it's important to consider your specific needs, whether you're creating patches for fashion, uniforms, outdoor use, or promotional patches for your business.

If you’re ready to get started on your custom patch project, check out our collection of promotional patches and choose the material that best fits your vision.

Need help? Talk to an expert now at 1-888-377-9339 or Email us at care@qualityimprint.com.