Patches

  • Review spotlight

    Learn More About Patches

    Until the 20th century, patches for clothes were usually worn to mend fabric or to signify status within an organization like the military. More recently, they have become a symbol of self-expression. They adorned the jean jackets of flower-wielding protestors in the 1960s, the fingerless leather gloves of 1980s rebels, and the backpacks of music lovers hitting shuffle on their mp3 players in the 2000s. Today, patches are a stylish way for anyone to display their likes, beliefs, style, and personality.

    Patches come in many different shapes, materials, colors, and applications. You’ll find a variety of both sew-on and iron-on patches from sellers on Etsy, making it easy to embellish just about anything you own.


    • Embroidered and woven patches: With a wide variety of colorful, playful, and artistic designs, embroidered patches are a popular choice. They’re made with a variety of bright thread colors that help designs pop.
    • PVC patches: Rugged PVC patches hold up well to dirt and water, making them ideal for jackets, camping backpacks, and more. The material allows for 3D designs, which have a fun, tactile feel.
    • Chenille patches: Soft and wooly, chenille patches are frequently used for letters on school varsity jackets, but they can add personalized flair to everything from jean jackets to travel bags.
    • Leather patches: Versatile leather patches add a touch of handcrafted style to hats, coats, camping gear, backpacks, and other items. Many Etsy sellers can also personalize them with your name or company logo.
    • Printed patches: Using similar techniques for printing on T-shirts or other fabrics, printed patches can display a high amount of detail. Some Etsy sellers can even make custom clothing patches printed with anything from your own drawings to meaningful quotes to family portraits.
    • Bullion patches: A nod to one of the original uses of patches on military and ceremonial uniforms, bullion patches use gold and silver metal filaments to create an eye-catching, regal feel.

    You can wear patches practically every day. There are plenty of opportunities to express yourself, whether you’re looking to unify your amateur bowling league’s uniforms, deck out a vintage jacket to show off your personality, or jazz up your messenger bag. Sellers on Etsy offer a wide selection vintage, new, and custom clothing patches to help you tell the world who you are, no matter what the occasion.