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OEM & private label · MOQ from 30 pcs · Shipping to USA, UK & EU

Custom Patches for Clothing: Types, Materials and How to Order

Updated 15 October 2026 · By Salman Munawar, Founder, Ravix Pro Industry

Quick answer: Choose embroidered, woven, chenille, PVC/silicone or printed patches based on the look and detail you need, then approve the size and colours on a sample before bulk.

Patches turn a plain hoodie, jacket, cap or gi into a branded product, and they are one of the cheapest ways to add perceived value. This guide compares the main patch types, backing options and what to send your manufacturer.

Quick answer

The main patch types are embroidered (classic, textured), woven (fine detail, flat), chenille (fluffy varsity look), PVC/rubber (3D, waterproof), leather (premium, debossed or laser-engraved) and sublimated (full-colour photo detail). Choose by look, detail level and garment; then choose the backing: sew-on, iron-on, Velcro or adhesive.

Patch types compared

Type Look Best for Detail level
Embroidered Raised thread texture Jackets, caps, uniforms, gis Medium
Woven Flat, smooth, fine lines Small logos, labels, streetwear High
Chenille Fluffy, towel-like Varsity and letterman jackets Low (bold shapes)
PVC / rubber 3D, glossy or matte Tactical, outdoor, workwear, bags Medium
Leather Debossed or laser-engraved Denim, caps, premium hoodies Medium
Sublimated Full-colour print Photo-detail logos, team badges Very high

Backing options

Backing Pros Cons
Sew-on Most durable; best for garments we make Needs stitching
Iron-on Easy to apply Can lift after many washes
Velcro (hook & loop) Removable; tactical and uniforms Bulkier
Adhesive Temporary use Not for washing

What to send your manufacturer

  • Vector logo (AI, PDF or SVG) and Pantone colours.
  • Size in cm or inches and shape (circle, shield, custom cut).
  • Border type: merrow (overlock) or laser-cut.
  • Placement on the garment (chest, sleeve, back, cap front).

Patches applied in our factory

When we make your garments, patches are sewn on during production, which is stronger and cheaper than applying them later. See branding and decoration, embroidery and our custom hoodie guide.

From our factory floor in Daska, Sialkot

At Ravix Pro Industry we have manufactured sportswear and clothing since 2008. Design, pattern making, cutting, stitching, sublimation, screen printing, DTF, embroidery, quality control and packing all happen under one roof, so we control colour, fit and timing ourselves. Our advice in this guide comes from what we see on real orders every week: the questions buyers ask, the mistakes that delay production, and the details that make a sample match bulk.

Ready to start? Request a free quote or message us on WhatsApp with your design, quantity and sizes. MOQ from 30 pieces per design. We reply within 24 hours.

FAQs

Which patch type lasts longest?

Sewn-on embroidered, woven and PVC patches are the most durable for garments that are washed often.

What is the difference between embroidered and woven patches?

Embroidered patches have raised thread texture; woven patches use thinner thread for flat, finer detail.

Can patches be added to hoodies and jackets you make?

Yes. We sew patches during production on hoodies, jackets, caps, gis and bags.

Do patches have a minimum order?

When added to garments we make, they follow the garment MOQ of 30 pieces per design.

Patch Size and Placement Guide

Placement Typical patch Common use
Left chest Small embroidered or woven Polos, hoodies, workwear
Sleeve or shoulder Small to medium Uniforms, gis, security shirts
Full back Large embroidered or chenille Varsity jackets, biker vests
Cap front Small embroidered, PVC or leather Caps, beanies

What Affects Patch Cost

  • Patch type: woven and sublimated patches suit fine detail; chenille and PVC need moulds or special machines
  • Size and stitch count for embroidered patches
  • Number of colours and border type
  • Backing type and whether the factory sews the patch onto the garment

Caring for Patched Garments

Sewn-on patches are the most durable. Wash patched garments inside out on a cool, gentle cycle and avoid high-heat drying, which can loosen iron-on backings and curl PVC edges.

More Questions

Which patch is best for varsity jackets?

Chenille patches for letters and large graphics, often combined with embroidered details.

Can patches have my exact Pantone colours?

Thread and PVC colours are matched as closely as possible to your Pantone codes and confirmed on the sample.

Are patches sewn on in your factory?

Yes. When we make the garment, patches are sewn on in our factory before quality control and packing.

Sources

  • Ravix Pro Industry decoration department, 2008–2026.

Ready to build your brand?

Send your design, tech pack or a reference photo. Samples before bulk, MOQ from 30 pieces.