For a few years, patches have been all the rage. From bikers to fashionistas, everyone is in love with chic, bold, and colorful patches. And they deserve the attention. Do you know why? Because a patch is a beautiful way to uplift any clothing in your closet and make it one-of-a-kind.
Not only does it add a personal touch to your attire, but it has gained some eyeballs from the corporate sector, too. They can use the patches for marketing their brands. Patches have made an incredible comeback in the fashion industry, too. People are pulled towards them for their diversity and uniqueness.
If you are considering adding patches to your clothes or using one as your company’s dress code, you should consider iron-on patches as they are easy to fix and make a mark. To help you in your endeavor to find a high-quality iron-on patch, we have highlighted 6 key tips.
Keep reading to find out what they are!
- Analyze the Materials
Before you begin looking at the patches in the market, you should observe the material where you plan to use them. Different fabrics have different responses to the ironing, so you should look closely for any flaws or potential setbacks that could happen. For instance, some fabrics like nylon and polyester may lose their color due to pressing.
One of the best materials for using iron-on patches is cotton. It can sustain heat from ironing and is quite durable. Even though it depends on the patch, it may feel like the patch is a part of the clothing. It doesn’t leave any stiffness on the patch because of its softness.
Denim is another material that complements iron-on patches quite well. It can handle the heat from the iron but you should be careful when you are pressing on tough denim. If the stuff is thick, you may need to add some support for the patch before you iron on it.
- Choose the Design
Once you have finalized the material and checked how it reacts to iron-on patches, you should look for the design that fits your requirements. In fact, some people may have chosen the design even before they chose the fabric. It is essential to check that the colors of the patch look good with the fabric color.
Most people don’t like patches with messy designs and bold color combinations. It could be distracting, and the outfit may lose its aesthetic appeal. The design quality should be double-checked to make sure it doesn’t damage during washing.
Focus on the message that you want to convey with the patch. Some use it for athletic costumes, while others could be using Letterman iron-on letters to customize their jackets. Whatever the purpose, make sure that you can create a sense of consistency as you play with the colors.
- Consider the Ironing Process
As the phrase suggests, you will be ironing the patch on the clothes to make it look like it is a part of the outfit. Usually, a low-quality patch takes a longer time to adhere to the clothes, and it may come off after some days.
Quality iron-on patches can take a few cycles of washing without peeling or staining the clothes. They don’t even stain other clothes when they are washed in a machine. It is advisable to try a sample washing cycle with one patch and see how it works out. If the patch looks the same as it did before, it is a good choice, and you should proceed with the process. Manufacturers also provide instructions with the patches to help users enjoy a smooth experience.
- Observe the Edge Finish
High-quality patches are designed in a way that the edges have a neat finish. The threads and colors stay intact despite the usual wear and tear. These edges are merrowed, laser-cut, or satin-stitched. They prevent fraying and contribute to the polished look of the patch.
Typically, embroidered patches are considered more durable and visually appealing compared to printed ones. Check for patches with finely detailed embroidery work and secure stitching.
- Check Reviews and Price
Customer reviews are the best way to verify the quality of any product. Given that most of us are living in a digital world, you can easily find people who have used the patch that you plan to invest in. Positive feedback can be a good indicator of quality and reliability.
Another factor you should consider is the price. While price doesn’t always correlate directly with quality, excessively cheap patches may be of inferior quality. Aim for a balance between affordability and quality, and be willing to invest a bit more for a patch that will last longer and look better.
- Finalize Placement and Sizing
Placing a patch on clothes takes more than design selection. It would help if you positioned the patch in such a way that it isn’t too loud nor too subtle to go unnoticed. If the size of the patch is incorrect or if it isn’t positioned the right way, it may lose its purpose.
A few common placement areas for the iron-on patches are the shirt sleeve, the side of the chest, or the back of the shirt. You can go for a bigger patch if you are placing it at the back, but the size should be smaller if you plan to paste it on the sleeve.
It is important to consider the other design elements that you have on the clothing. Are there any buttons on the sleeve? Is there any logo on the shirt?
Answering these questions can help you in finalizing the placement and size of the patch. If you aren’t a design expert, you should seek help from a professional to ensure you don’t end up ruining the whole look.
Parting Notes
Iron-on patches can turn an ordinary outfit into an attention-grabber. You can find a massive variety of these patches in the market. The above-mentioned tips can help you to distinguish the quality patches from the ones that don’t meet the high standards. Always check the quality of strands and the colors before you decide on the patch.
With careful consideration and attention to detail, you can find the perfect iron-on patch to suit your style and preferences.
