With the advent of technology, people realize that there is more to life than what they see on social media. There are many different ways to express yourself and make your own style statement with clothing. One of these ways is through patches! Patches can be used for jackets, hats, sweaters, shirts – anything you want! The best part about them? They’re cheaper than buying a whole new piece of apparel just because it’s missing one little detail. Plus, they’re easy to apply and come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so you can find one that fits your personality perfectly! This article will take you through different types of patches and a few styling tips.
Types of Patches
There are various types of patches that can be used for clothing. Depending on what you’re looking for, there is the perfect patch for you! Here’s a list to get you started:
Iron-on Patches:
Iron-on patches are great if you’re looking to fix an existing piece of clothing or add some flair to an old one! They last long and don’t come off easily, so they’ll definitely stay put through multiple washes! Plus, they can be washed with your clothes, so no need to worry about extra laundry. These also work on denim jackets, skirts, shorts – pretty much everything short of leather jackets because ironing these may cause damage. To use them, simply follow the instructions provided with the patch.
Sticker Patches:
Sticker patches are easy to use and can be used on almost any type of clothing. They’re great for beginners because they don’t require an iron! All you have to do with these is peel off the back, apply it to your clothes, and press down firmly. Tip: You may want to use a piece of cloth or tissue paper between your clothes and the patch when pressing down not to damage your garment’s surface. These come in many shapes and sizes, too, so pick whichever suits you best!
Glitter Patches:
Unlike most other types, which use adhesive, glittered patches are sewn onto the garment by hand, making them more expensive and giving them a more vintage feel. These last the longest and don’t fade away into your clothes over time, unlike iron-on and sticker patches! They’re perfect if you’re looking for something unique and special.
Cloth Patches:
These are very similar to sticker patches, but instead of using adhesive, they use stitching to attach it to the surface of your clothing. The reason they cost a little more is that you actually have to sew these on by hand! These usually come in sets so multiple pieces can be attached at once, saving both time and effort. If you want something simple yet elegant, this is the way to go!
Printed Patches:
Printed patches are exactly as they sound – fabric that has been printed and transferred onto a piece of leather. They’re attached using special glue and can even be washed with your clothes! If you want something that’s both versatile and easy to apply, this is the way to go.
Styling tips:
Now that we’ve gone through different types of patches, let’s talk about how they can be styled into your clothing choices:
Matching patterns:
Matching patterns is one of the easiest ways to utilize patches, as it looks amazing! Just pick up some complimentary colored clothing (for example, light pink) and match it with any of the above types of patches (in this case, a green patch). This simple pairing will make your entire outfit stand out more than ever before!
Earning the spotlight:
If you’re not too keen on loud, bright colors or patterns, then there are always neutral options that are perfect for someone looking for something more subtle. Instead of using patches to cover up an entire piece of clothing, why not just use them to draw attention away from certain sections? For example, instead of wearing a plain t-shirt out, why not pair it with a patch that says “Action!” on your chest? This will bring all focus onto the patch instead, so it’s like having two costumes in one – business casual + superhero!
Fur is back!
For that vintage look, add some fur cuffs and collars to your jackets and! You can also add smaller fur patches to your coats or hats. This is a super cool way of turning old clothing into something new again, so it’s definitely worth trying.
Be proud of where you are from!
Patches are especially great for representing your country and city as they come in many different shapes and sizes! Just sew one on anywhere, let other people know what side of the world you’re on, and show off your national pride like never before! Make sure to keep it subtle, though; otherwise, it’ll look tacky and cheap instead of classy and chic. It’s also important to only use this technique if you mean what you say!
Conclusion
With so many different types of patches to choose from, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have at least one piece in your wardrobe. They’re perfect for bringing new life to old clothing and are especially good for making a subtle statement about where your loyalties lie! Try out some of these tips with your next patch purchase, and always remember that less is more when it comes to styling patches.
