PATCHES R US ACADEMY
Types of Patches Explained
Embroidered, woven, chenille, PVC or printed? Each construction has its own texture, strengths and limitations. Use this guide to understand how the five main patch styles differ, how they reproduce artwork and where each construction tends to work best.
QUICK START
What Kind of Finish Are You Looking For?
Start with the result you want and we’ll point you towards the patch type most likely to suit your project.
Classic & Textured
I want the traditional stitched patch look.
Choose Embroidered →
Fine & Detailed
My artwork has small text or intricate details.
Choose Woven →
Bold & Fluffy
I want a varsity-style statement patch.
Choose Chenille →
Durable & Weather-Ready
I need something practical for outdoor use.
Choose PVC →
Complex & Colourful
My design contains gradients or photographic detail.
Choose Printed →I’m Still Not Sure
Show us your artwork and we’ll recommend the best option.
Help Me Choose →AT A GLANCE
Patch Type Comparison
A simple overview before we look at each finish in more detail.
| Patch Type | Best For | Texture | Fine Detail | Outdoor Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embroidered | Classic logos, uniforms & clubs | Raised & stitched | Good | Good |
| Woven | Small text & detailed logos | Smooth & flat | Excellent | Good |
| Chenille | Varsity letters & statement designs | Fluffy & dimensional | Limited | Moderate |
| PVC | Outdoor, tactical & workwear | Rubber-like & moulded | Very good | Excellent |
| Printed | Gradients, artwork & photographic detail | Smooth | Excellent | Varies by construction |
01 · EMBROIDERED
Classic Stitched Texture
Embroidered patches are the traditional patch style most people immediately recognise. Thread is stitched onto a fabric base, producing a raised, tactile surface with plenty of character.
They work particularly well for bold logos, clear lettering, uniforms, clubs, workwear and merchandise where the stitched finish is part of the appeal.
Traditional premium patch appearance
Beautiful texture and visible stitching
Excellent for bold shapes and lettering
02 · WOVEN
Fine Detail & Crisp Small Text
Woven patches use much finer threads than embroidery. Those threads are woven tightly together rather than stitched onto a base, creating a smooth surface capable of reproducing detailed artwork.
They are especially useful for complex crests, intricate logos, thin outlines and small wording that would be difficult to reproduce clearly with thicker embroidery thread.
Exceptional clarity for small details
Smooth and refined finish
Ideal for smaller or intricate designs
03 · CHENILLE
Big, Bold Varsity Texture
Chenille is instantly recognisable by its soft, fluffy yarn and dimensional finish. It is closely associated with varsity jackets, collegiate lettering and bold statement designs.
Chenille works best when the shapes are intentionally chunky. Intricate linework and tiny wording are not its strength — impact, texture and personality are.
Unique fluffy, tactile surface
Outstanding visual impact
Perfect for bold varsity-style graphics
04 · PVC
Durable, Modern & Weather Resistant
PVC patches are made from flexible moulded material rather than thread. Their smooth rubber-like construction makes them highly practical for outdoor environments and equipment.
Designs can incorporate raised and recessed areas to create strong definition while maintaining a clean, contemporary appearance.
Excellent resistance to moisture and dirt
Modern dimensional appearance
Easy to wipe clean
05 · PRINTED
Full Colour, Gradients & Complex Artwork
Printed patches reproduce artwork directly onto the patch surface, making them ideal when the design contains colour gradients, illustrations or detail that cannot easily be recreated with individual threads.
They offer enormous flexibility and can retain a high level of artwork detail while still providing the shape and practicality of a patch.
Supports complex colours and gradients
Excellent artwork reproduction
Ideal where thread-based methods are too restrictive
DON’T FORGET THE BACK
The Patch Type Is Only Half the Decision
Once you’ve chosen the front finish, you’ll also need to decide how your patch will attach to the garment or product.
Iron-On
Heat-activated adhesive for convenient garment application.
Sew-On
A simple, dependable choice for permanent attachment.
Hook & Loop
Ideal when patches need to be removed, swapped or repositioned.
Self-Adhesive
Useful for temporary placement, packaging and suitable surfaces.
THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE
Let the Artwork — and the Project — Decide
There isn't one patch construction that is universally “best”. The strongest result comes from balancing your artwork, finished size, intended use and the character you want the patch to have.
If you now understand the different patch types but still aren't sure which one suits your particular project, use our decision guide. It starts with what you're making rather than asking you to choose the material first.
Help Me Choose My PatchCOMMON QUESTIONS
Patch Type FAQs
What is the most popular type of custom patch?
Which patch type is best for small lettering?
Which patches are best for outdoor use?
Can different techniques be combined?
Can you tell me which patch type my artwork needs?
FREE ARTWORK REVIEW
Still Not Sure? Let Us Choose With You.
Send us your artwork or even an early idea. We’ll look at the detail, size and intended use and recommend the patch construction that gives your project the best chance of looking fantastic.