Types of Custom Patches Compared
There are five main types of custom patches: embroidered, woven, sublimated, PVC and UV + PVC. They differ in how they look, how much detail they hold, whether they are waterproof and what they cost. This page compares them side by side so you can pick the right one for your design.
The short answer
- Want the classic stitched look? Choose embroidered.
- Have small text or fine detail? Choose woven.
- Have a photo, gradients or lots of colors? Choose sublimated.
- Need it waterproof and tough, often with Velcro? Choose PVC.
- Need full color and waterproof? Choose UV + PVC.
Patch types compared
Prices are per patch in USD with sew-on backing, taken live from our price list. Every order includes a free digital mockup within 6 hours, a physical sample before production, free shipping and import duties.
| Embroidered | Woven | Sublimated | PVC | UV + PVC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Look and feel | Raised stitched thread on a twill base | Flat, smooth and thin, woven from fine thread | Full-color print bonded into smooth fabric | Molded soft rubber with raised 3D layers | Full-color UV print on a soft PVC base |
| Detail and text | Bold shapes; text from about 1/4 in (6 mm) | Fine lines; text from about 1/8 in (3 mm) | Photos, gradients; text from about 1/8 in (3 mm) | Bold solid colors; text from about 3/16 in (5 mm) | Gradients and shading; text from about 1/8 in (3 mm) |
| Water | Washable, not waterproof | Washable, not waterproof | Washable, not waterproof | Waterproof, wipes clean | Waterproof, wipes clean |
| Backing options | Sew-on, iron-on, Velcro | Sew-on, iron-on, Velcro | Sew-on, iron-on, Velcro | Sew-on, iron-on, Velcro | Sew-on, iron-on, Velcro |
| Best for | Clubs, uniforms, teams, jackets | Detailed logos, name tabs, brand labels | Photos, multi-color art, events, schools | Morale, tactical, airsoft, outdoor gear | Full-color art on bags and gear |
| Price per patch, 25 pcs, 3 in | $5.50 | $5.83 | $6.12 | $7.05 | $7.00 |
| Price per patch, 100 pcs, 3 in | $3.67 | $3.20 | $3.36 | $4.51 | $4.14 |
| Price per patch, 1,000 pcs, 3 in | $2.16 | $1.97 | $2.07 | $2.44 | $2.35 |
See every size and quantity on the pricing page.
Embroidered vs woven
Both are made from thread, but they look and feel different. Embroidered patches are stitched with thicker thread on top of a twill base, so the design is raised and textured. Woven patches are made on a loom with much thinner thread, so they are flat, smooth and hold small text and thin lines that embroidery cannot.
Choose embroidered for bold logos, club colors and uniforms where the stitched look matters. Choose woven for detailed crests, small lettering, name tabs and clothing brand labels. Read the full guide: embroidered vs woven patches.
PVC vs embroidered
PVC patches are molded from soft rubber. Each color is its own layer, so the design has real depth, and the patch is waterproof and wipes clean. That is why PVC is the usual choice for morale patches, airsoft and outdoor gear, usually with Velcro backing. Embroidered patches are fabric, with the classic stitched texture, and suit jackets, uniforms and club patches.
At small quantities PVC costs more, because every design needs its own mold. As the quantity grows, the gap narrows.
Sublimated vs UV + PVC
Both are printed in full color, so photos, gradients and shading come through as they look on screen. The difference is the base. Sublimated patches are printed into smooth fabric, so they are thin, flat and soft. UV + PVC patches are printed onto a soft PVC base, so they are waterproof and suit bags and outdoor gear.
Which backing works with each type
| Backing | Works with | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sew-on | All five types | Included |
| Iron-on | All five types | +$0.15 per patch |
| Velcro (hook and loop) | All five types | +$0.56 per patch |
With PVC and UV + PVC iron-on patches, press from the inside of the garment or through a thin cloth so the iron never touches the PVC face. More detail in our backing options guide.
Patch type questions
What are the main types of custom patches?
The five main types are embroidered (raised stitched thread), woven (flat, fine-thread detail), sublimated (full-color print on fabric), PVC (molded rubber, waterproof) and UV + PVC (full-color print on a PVC base).
Which patch type is the cheapest?
Woven and embroidered are usually the lowest cost per patch. PVC and UV + PVC cost more at small quantities because each design needs a mold or print setup, and the gap narrows as quantity grows.
Which patch type is best for small text?
Woven patches hold the smallest text, down to about 1/8 inch (3 mm). Sublimated and UV + PVC prints also handle small text well. Embroidery needs text at least about 1/4 inch (6 mm) tall.
Which patches are waterproof?
PVC and UV + PVC patches are waterproof and wipe clean. Embroidered, woven and sublimated patches are fabric: washable, but not waterproof.
Can every patch type be ironed on?
Yes. All five types can have iron-on backing. With PVC and UV + PVC, press from the inside of the garment or through a thin cloth so the iron never touches the PVC face.
Not sure which type to choose?
Send your design and we recommend the best type on your free mockup, which arrives within 6 hours. Every order also includes a physical sample before production.
Not sure? Send us your design
We recommend the right patch type on your free mockup, within 6 hours.