are far less common than the other options we have
like embroidered patches or PVC patches, but they have a classic appeal and signature look that can’t be
recreated in any other form. If you and your team are looking for something that’s exclusive, that stands
out from the crowd, and that has a storied history in artisanship, then our synthetic leather patches are
perfect for you.
Custom leather patches gained fame during WWII along with the G-1 and A-2 aviation
jackets worn by Air Force Pilots and Naval Aviators. Today, leather patches are sewn onto hats, backpacks,
jeans and jackets of all shapes and sizes. While the designs may be different, they still have that same
classic aesthetic of the hand made leather patches worn by America’s old school fighter pilots.
From Local Artisans to Today’s Custom Patch Makers
During WWII, America’s military aviators started looking for ways to decorate their flight jackets as a way
to distinguish themselves from other teams and other pilots. They found local artisans around the area they
were stationed and bought handmade leather patches with custom designs imprinted on them. The handmade designs
were chosen to celebrate everything a team of pilots had achieved together.
While the process for making these types of leather patches has changed over the years, our team is committed
to capturing that same handmade quality and classic aesthetic with every leather patch we make. And these
days, the sleeves of G-1 and A-2 jackets aren’t the only places you’ll find a leather patch.
All kinds of different organizations like clubs, charities and even schools have their own custom patches,
and supporters fix them to things like backpacks, hats, jeans and, of course, jackets. We can even make
leather patches with small cutouts for keychain attachments for anyone not interested in affixing their patch
permanently to one surface.
If you’re considering creating a set of custom leather patches for hats, it’s important to remember that size
and placement will play a huge role in how well the patches stick. Most hats have a decent amount of room to
include a custom patch either on the side or front, but over-large patches may be difficult to secure in place
if they can’t lie flat against the fabric.
Custom leather patches for jackets, on the other hand, allow for all kinds of different shapes and sizes.
While chenille patches are the most common choice for letterman jackets, we’ve designed synthetic leather
patches with school crests that shake up the everyday formula. And, while PVC patches are the most popular
type of patch in military circles, our team sometimes has the opportunity to help soldiers craft a leather
patch design reminiscent of the aviation patches of old.
Making a Custom Synthetic Leather Patch Stick
When it comes to attaching a leather patch to any type of surface, it’s important to consider what backing
option will work best. Most of the leather patches we help design come with no backing at all. This is because
many of our customers prefer to either glue or sew their patches in place by hand. But we offer hook and loop
backing for our leather patches. Some jackets and military uniforms come with the softer loop portion of the
attachment already sewn onto the sleeves or chest. In these cases, our hook and loop patches are ready to
attach right out of the box.
The most popular attachment option we offer is iron on backing. While iron on leather patches only take a few
minutes to secure in place with the right tools at hand, you need to be extra careful not to damage the
leather design with the hot iron. However, attaching a leather patch to any type of material is easy once you
take a look at our instructions on attaching your patch.
Get Started On Your Own Leather Patch Design Today
Creating a beautiful set of patches with our Signature Patches team is quick and easy. You can send us your
design ideas by filling out a free quote form anywhere on our website, and once it’s submitted, we’ll have
your first free proof of artwork delivered in 24 hours.
Our goal is to help every customer create the perfect design and to provide the industry’s best customer
service and high-quality products. That’s why all of the custom artwork and revisions are free, and we even
include overnight shipping on every order.
Our synthetic leather patches have a classic appeal and unique aesthetic that can’t be recreated in any other
form. Trust our Signature Patches team to help you get the design just right and to provide you with a custom
patch worthy of comparison to the work of artisans of old. Send us your ideas today, and see what our team can
draw up for you.