Custom Member Patches For Organizations & Clubs

If you’re a member of a club or organization, you know how important a group identity and recognition can be. It’s important to foster both a sense of belonging for members and to raise public awareness of the organization. One of the best ways to do that is with custom organization member patches.

Member patches help show the world what your group is about. They also contribute to a sense of unity and pride within the group as well. Whether it’s a bowling league, a social club or a service organization, organization member patches are an effective way to convey what the group is about. A well-designed patch serves as a badge of pride and distinction, reflecting the group's values.

A Brief History of Organization Member Patches

Member patches are nothing new. Military forces of all kinds adopted them many years ago. Embroidered military patches include insignia to indicate unit, rank and role. 

The military patches provide vital information at a glance, but that’s not all. They also help foster unity among soldiers who wear the same patches. They promote camaraderie among teams, squads and even battalions. 

Other organizations that use a military-type rank structure, such as police and fire departments, adopted patches for the same purposes. In a chaotic situation, a patch can help police or firefighters identify who’s in charge, which agency they’re with, and clarify the chain of command. 

Many police and fire departments design their own organization member patches to include symbols and logos unique to their departments. That helps build unity and departmental pride.

Eventually, other groups and organizations began using patches as well. In the 20th  century, Scouting groups, motorcycle clubs, auto racing teams, sports clubs and others designed and created their own custom organization member patches.

In the 1960s, patches became a way for young people to raise their voices against the political status quo. While not members of specific organized groups, many wore custom patches with anti-Vietnam War messages, and peace symbols.

Today, many people wear patches for business, political or personal expression. Organization member patches are among the many styles used to make to make an impression on others.

Benefits of Organization Member Patches

Member patches offer many tangible benefits to organizations of all kinds. We’ve already mentioned one of the most important, fostering pride and unity among group members. The sense of shared identity encourages members to collaborate and support each other. Other notable advantages patches provide include:

Branding

Organization member patches are an outstanding way to share your group’s branding and identity with the public. The patches can show your group’s name, logo and mission in a quick, easy-to-read visual format. They reinforce your brand image wherever the wearers go.

Members wearing patches effectively represent the organization. Whether at public events or casual gatherings, the patches attract attention and spark curiosity. That enables members to increase awareness of the group’s activities and purpose.

Achievement and Recognition

One of the most powerful ways you can use patches is to reward individual achievements and milestones within your organization. Create custom patches to honor specific accomplishments such as specialty certifications, awards or longevity within the group. Patches show your members that you appreciate their hard work and dedication to the organization’s mission.

Commemoration 

You can also create special edition patches to celebrate major group events, anniversaries or transitions. Such limited edition patches can help preserve the organization’s history and give members collectible mementos of their participation.

Custom Patch Types

Choosing the right patch type for your organization is a key to your patches’ success, whether for branding, recognition or commemoration. The three most common patch types are embroidered, woven and PVC.

Each type has its own pros and cons. Your patch provider is the best source to help you choose which one is right for your organization’s needs.

 Embroidered Patches

Embroidered patches are the traditional patch style, and feature a classic look. Their stitching gives your design texture and depth. They offer timeless style and durability, ideal for sports teams, Scout groups, hobby clubs and more.

Woven Patches

Woven patches use a smaller thread than embroidered ones. This allows for a smoother finish and more detailed designs. This type is well-suited to more intricate logo designs or those that need more precise reproduction. They’re an excellent patch type for businesses and professional organizations.

PVC Patches

PVC patches allow near-photo quality images and detail. Made of a rubberlike soft plastic, they’re rugged and waterproof. That makes them perfect for outdoor adventure groups and others who spend significant amounts of time outside in the elements.

Designing Great Organization Member Patches

The secret to successful custom patches of any kind is the design. By following a few simple guidelines, you can enhance the visibility and interest of your organization member patches.

Choose Meaningful Symbols

Start by choosing symbols for your patch design that reflect your organization. If you have an existing logo or symbol, use them to boost your brand visibility. Anything that your members will instantly recognize, such as icons, logos, or mascots will make a good patch.

Coordinate Colors 

Choose colors that match your group’s original brand or logo colors. If necessary, match using the Pantone PMS® Color Matching System to ensure an exact match.

Make It Readable

Keep any text on the patch concise. Be sure the patch is large enough that the lettering isn’t crowded into too small a space. Make sure you have the right patch type to keep your text legible.

Work With Your Patch Provider

Their experienced staff will help you create the best-looking, most appropriate design for your specific organization. For example, at Patches4Less.com, we’ll help you every step of the way, including sending you a free digital proof of your design before production begins. We won’t start manufacturing your patches until you approve the final design in writing.

At Patches4Less.com, we are your source for custom embroidered patches. For twenty years, we have specialized in creating top-quality custom patches for groups large and small of all kinds. We take pride in what we do, and we stand behind every product we make. If you are ready to order custom patches, we make it easy.

You can fill out our no-obligation free quote form if you have a design in mind. Or, call us toll-free at 866-847-2824 or email us at [email protected]. Let's work together to create the perfect organization member patches for your group.