Are you thinking about glamming up your favorite ensemble or piece of apparel? Are you looking for ways to make your outfits stand out? Let’s face it! Being different is all the rage now. Just because we don’t walk the runway most days, doesn’t mean we don’t want to be dressed in outfits that make heads turn. Fortunately, you don’t have to overhaul your entire wardrobe or spend a lot of money to achieve that. The easiest way to spice up your style and give it an edge is with custom patches or embroidered design motifs.
In most cases, the smallest change to your outfit is enough to give you a whole new look. custom patches can help you achieve any style you’d like, whether it’s professional, classy, chic, or retro. Both options also have their unique benefits but also their limitations. So, how do you choose the right option for you?
Here is a guide to help you choose between embroidered custom patches and embroidered designs.
Embroidered Custom Patches
Custom patches are a popular option for an affordable quick upgrade to any outfit. They are immensely versatile in their materials and applications. You are not only limited to embroidery but can create custom patches in leather, Chenille, woven, or even printed, depending on your need, affordability and style aspirations. These patches come with stitch, Velcro or Iron-on backing.
You are not limited to designs, number of colors, or even the size of custom embroidered patches. Embroidered patches have a beautiful, raised texture that gives them an elegant look. They are a popular choice since they allow you to add embroidery to your attire without a life-long commitment. You could remove or reuse the patch whenever and however you’d like. And in case the custom embroidered patch did not work out as you had imagined, you’d still have your prized letterman jacket or backpack intact instead of having it damaged by permanent embroidered designs directly on the surface.
Pros of Custom Patches
Custom patches are a great option because of their adaptability and versatility, but it is important to learn more about their pros and cons before making a decision.
- Adaptability: These custom patches can be easily attached to any material. You can also pick from several application techniques. Furthermore, they are easy to take off and swap out for a new patch, which makes them a fantastic choice for both personal and commercial use.
- Affordability: Custom patches are less expensive for individual use than embroidered designs. It is also the most affordable alternative when purchasing in quantity for professional use.
- Durability: Custom patches are created from high-quality materials that withstand wear and tear.
Cons of Custom Patches
- Application: Custom Iron-on patches may eventually begin to peel at the edges and need to be reapplied. Choosing the sew-on custom patch will incur additional costs especially if using a professional sewing service, particularly for large orders.
- Stiff Texture: Custom embroidered patches, especially heavily embroidered ones, may feel stiffer if done by a sub par custom patch design service provider.
Understanding Embroidered Designs
Embroidered designs are sewn directly into the fabric of your outfit, creating a permanent embellishment. It is also a widely used method for both personal and professional use. Although the effect is beautiful, there are limitations and benefits to this option as well. Let’s have a look at these now.
Pros of Embroidered Designs
- Appearance: Embroidered designs have a neat and seamless appearance because the design is being stitched directly into the fabric. They lend a touch of understated elegance to any outfit making them a great choice for formal outfits and uniforms.
- Texture: In contrast to the stiffness of custom patches, embroidered designs retain the natural suppleness of the garment because the threads are being stitched into it.
Cons of Embroidered Designs
- Not ideal for detail work: Delicate designs with a lot of text will not translate well with embroidery since the thickness of threads makes the design heavy.
- Permanency: Embroidered designs unlike custom patches, are permanent. They do not peel off like iron-on custom patches. However, with time and if not properly cared for, the threads on the embroidery can start fraying. This can damage your garment or accessory, or make it useless after only a few washes.
- Costlier: Embroidery is a comparatively costlier option, especially for detailed or large designs.
- Time Restraints: Since the pattern must be stitched directly onto the fabric, embroidered designs require more time to produce than custom patches.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Custom Patches and Embroidered Designs
1. Purpose
It all depends on why you want to choose an embroidered pattern or a custom embroidered patch. If you are looking to add a fun element to your personal style, custom patches provide you with versatility and cost-effectiveness. On the other hand, if you are looking for a permanent solution for uniforms, apparel, or marketing goods, embroidered designs give a more polished and professional appearance.
2. Design
You can use both embroidery and custom patches to create a specific design if you have one in mind. However, custom patches are less expensive, while embroidered designs can be costlier and riskier. Custom embroidered patches are a more cost-effective solution for very elaborate designs.
3. Cost-Efficiency
Custom embroidered patches are more cost-effective for large orders, making them the ideal solution for business, branding, and marketing purposes.
4. Durability
Both custom patches and embroidery are durable in their own unique way. Sew-on patches are more durable than iron-on patches. Custom sew-on patches, like embroidered designs, are resistant to deterioration and repeated washing.
Custom patches are a better choice for outdoor gear and casual wear. On the other hand, embroidery is a better alternative for delicate clothing, lighter fabrics, and more expensive apparel such as formal or evening wear.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately the decision between custom patches and embroidered designs depends on your specific requirements and budget constraints. Your chosen fabric plays a significant role in this decision also.
Now that we have seen all the pros and cons for both custom patches and embroidered designs, it should be easy for you to make a choice that fits your budget, meets your requirements, and looks good too. At CustompatchesbyBob, we aim to use the highest quality materials to create custom embroidered patches that look seamless in design but can withstand harsh weather and regular washes effectively.
