Custom military patches are a symbol of unit pride and serve a variety of purposes within the armed forces. They mark a soldier’s rank and branch of service, but they also promote the unit’s mission, values, history, and achievements. They are a powerful motivational tool, and many soldiers and officers take pride in their patches, making them collectors’ items after their time in the field is over. These patches must be designed with several factors in mind to ensure they comply with military standards and are durable enough to withstand the rigors of combat.

The most common patch type is the insignia, which indicates what branch of service a soldier belongs to. However, there are other patches that mark special achievements, honor individual soldiers, and promote team spirit. Morale patches are especially popular with the armed forces, but they’re also used by police and fire departments and volunteer groups. These patches often feature humorous elements that help boost squadron spirit and create a sense of belonging among members.

Unit Insignia: Crafting Custom Military Patches

Embroidery is the classic patch style, with a crisp appearance and a thick stitch that holds up to rigorous use. It’s a good choice for designs that need sharp edges and precise lines, or for those who want to add 3D effects without a lot of bulk. It’s also possible to get a die-cut patch, which allows for more complicated shapes but tends to show the twill material color on the sides of the patch.