The Most Common Uses and Purposes of Custom Embroidered Patches

Custom embroidered patches are more popular than ever. You can see them just about everywhere you go in public. With good reason – they’re a versatile way to identify team members, build camaraderie, make a statement, support a cause or promote your brand. 

There are many ways to use patches, depending on what you want to accomplish. Let’s take a look as some of the most common uses of custom patches.

Uniform Patches

Military Patches

Uniform patches originated in the military. They are a well-established aspect of military life in every branch of the U.S. armed forces and many others around the world.

Military outfits use patches for multiple reasons. They identify service members by name, unit, rank, and specialty. With the right materials, they can even be used to convey information without revealing it to an enemy force.

Police and Firefighter Patches

Other organizations that are structured similar to military units, such as police and fire departments, also depend on custom patches. In a high-pressure, often low-visibility situation, patches can convey important information at a glance.

For example, police officers need to know if fellow officers are members of a bomb squad, SWAT team or other specialty unit quickly. Like firefighters, they also need to know who’s in charge at a potentially chaotic scene. One of the most important uses of custom patches is to enable the responders to see that information fast.

For police, large, reflective patches on the backs of jackets or vests also can be lifesavers. They make it possible for fellow officers to see who’s a responder and who’s a potential suspect. If shooting erupts, that can be critical information that they need to be able to see in an instant.

Morale Patches

Military personnel and some first responders also often wear morale patches in addition to the official uniform ones. These unsanctioned patches commonly reflect an unofficial unit motto or image, sometimes with a point of view that doesn’t match that of higher-ups. These patches add a touch of personality to uniforms, and can help boost unit morale. They’re commonly made with Velcro® hook-and-loop fasteners to allow their quick removal when necessary.

Business Patches

One of the common uses of custom patches in the business world is on employee uniforms. Especially for employees who work with the public, or who visit customer facilities or homes, they’re a way to encourage trust in the organization.

A name or logo patch enables customers to verify that the person knocking on their door or waiting in their office foyer is an authorized representative of the company. It gives them an extra level of confidence before letting that person in.

Business uniform patches can be straightforward, with just an employee’s name embroidered on it. Or it can be more elaborate adding a logo, the company name, the employee’s position title and more.

Patches with your company name and/or logo on them turn them into branding tools. These can be highly effective, because they go everywhere the person wearing them does. That gets your name or logo out into public view, which boosts your brand identity and recognition. 

Custom patches with your logo also make excellent giveaways for conferences, conventions and trade shows. They get your brand directly into the hands of potential customers. This is one of the most cost-effective uses of custom patches for branding purpose.

Other Organizations

Custom patches also are popular among nonprofit organizations, schools and youth groups.

Scouting

A prime example is Scouting. Both Boy and Girl Scouts earn patches for achievements. These patches help foster pride and self confidence.

Schools

Schools, from elementary through universities, also use patches. For many, they are a way to celebrate school spirit and pride. Others, such as letterman patches, reward athletic, academic or extracurricular excellence. 

Sports Teams

Custom patches are just about everywhere in sports, all the way from youth leagues to the majors. Whether they show the team name, home city or event he mascot, this is one of the most popular uses of custom patches.

Pro leagues featuring patches on their uniforms include the NBA, the WNBA, the NFL and Major League Baseball, among others. No matter the sport, patches are a part of the game.

Clubs

Many clubs, fraternities, sororities and similar groups also use patches to identify members and promote their organizations.

Among the most popular uses of custom patches are motorcycle club jackets and vests. Club patches have long been an integral part of biker culture, both in the United States and around the world.

Typical club patches for the back of jackets and vests are a three-piece design. A large center piece features the club’s official logo. Above the center patch is a rocker with the club name. A second rocker below the center notes the club’s home territory.

These patches are hard-won, with members often needing years to become a “fully patched” club member. Before they can wear all three pieces, they must demonstrate their loyalty to the club, for which they receive one piece of the patch at a time. Only when they become full-fledged members can they wear the full patch.

Motorcycle club members also often wear multiple smaller patches on the front of their jackets or vests. These patches can indicate their position within the club, such as sergeant-at-arms. Or they can be a more personal message, such as remembering a fallen fellow rider, or making a statement about the rider’s general attitude toward life.

Fraternity and sorority patches by contrast tend to be much more subtle, although large jacket back patches featuring the Greek letters representing the organization’s name are also popular.

Other clubs, both private and public, use custom patches to identify their members and promote their organizations as well. All see the value in the high visibility and low cost of custom patches.

We’re Here To Serve Your Patch Needs

At Patches4Less.com, we know the value of the uses of custom patches. With 20 years’ experience, we can advise you how to best customize patches for the maximum benefit to your organization. If you are considering custom patches of any kind, we’ll be happy to help you determine which patch types are right for you

Give us a call, toll free, at 866-847-2824, email us at [email protected] or fill out our no-obligation free quote form to find out more. Let us show you how custom patches can work for you!