Custom Headwear: Embroidered vs Woven Patches
Applying custom patches to hats is currently the hottest trend in promotional apparel. It gives headwear a highly premium, retail-ready look that standard flat printing cannot match. However, when designing your patch, you must choose between traditional Embroidery and modern Woven techniques. Your logo design will ultimately make this decision for you.
The Vintage Look of Embroidered Patches
Embroidery is the classic method of stitching heavy thread onto a backing material.
- The Texture: The thick thread creates a classic, vintage 3D look. The logo literally sits raised off the surface of the patch.
- The Vibe: It is perfect for bold, simple logos, giving a rugged aesthetic loved by outdoor brands, automotive shops, and sports teams.
The Precision of Woven Patches
Woven patches use a much thinner thread that is woven together seamlessly, similar to how a tapestry is created.
- The Detail: Because the thread is so thin, it allows for incredibly tiny text and high-resolution details that thick embroidery needles simply cannot recreate.
- The Feel: Woven patches lay completely flat and smooth, offering a highly modern and clean aesthetic.
The Raven32 Recommendation
Choosing the wrong patch style will make your logo completely unreadable. As your printing and promotional experts, we have a strict rule. If your logo has a lot of small text or complex interior lines, woven patches will be infinitely more legible than embroidery. Let our team review your artwork today to recommend the perfect patch style for your brand.