If you’re considering ordering patches for your company or organization, there are a lot of things to consider before you put in your order. One key factor to consider is: which type of patch is best for your needs? There are three common options available, each with their own pros and cons. By learning the benefits and downsides of each type of patch, you’ll know exactly which type is best for your needs. Each form of patch has its upside and downside and which one will work best for you and your company will depend on what you are looking to express with a patch.

Embroidered Patches

It is generally accepted that an embroidered patch is a true classic. It is often what pops into one’s mind when thinking of patches, and is probably the most often type of patch seen. These  patches can be sewn or ironed onto clothing and fabric, depending on what type of backing is preferred. Because of their traditional look, embroidered patches have a rich and dimensional quality. They do however have a drawback: complicated, intricate design do not always work well with embroidered patches; they’re often best for simple designs.

Woven Patches

A woven patch has the advantage of offering the customer a better level of detail vs. an embroidered patch. These patches have a very clean look and can be used with a variety of types of backings like heat seals, plastic or Velcro. The thread used to create these patches is far thinner than the traditional embroidered patches, which is why these can have more detail than traditional embroidered patches. For this type of patch, small lettering and more intricate detail does not present an issue, though there are limits to how detailed the designs can get.

Dye Sublimated Patches

Dye sublimated patches, or printed patches, are quite different from the other types of patches as they give you a far wider choice of colors, and allow for almost photo-realistic imagery. This is because every molecule of the patch is dyed. The general consensus is that the more detailed a patch you want, the more you should consider a dye sublimated model. In some instances with this type of patch, the manufacturer can also include embroidery to provide a more textured look to the finished product. The sublimation patch differs in other ways as well. It involves an actual printing process unlike the two other types of patches. Sublimated patches are printed using reverse print for the background. In addition, because sublimated patches do not use thread, they will not fade as quickly as other types of patches. A final detail to be considered is that because this patch is dyed, it will create a crisper look that will also last longer.

The final choice for your design is what looks best to you. This is a matter of personal choice, but certain patch types will work better based on your end-goals. The best way to ensure you get the perfect patch for your needs is to discuss with a screenprinting & embroidering specialist who can help you make the right choice, for a professional opinion and for the best promotional products in Austin, contact Rivercity Screenprinting & Embroidery today!