Custom patches are full-blown personality badges. Whether you’re running a cozy startup in Toronto or a full-scale apparel brand out of Vancouver, your patch choice says more about you than your tagline ever could.
And if you think all patches are the same? Buddy, that’s like saying poutine and plain fries are identical, technically potato, but worlds apart in flavor. So, buckle up! We’re breaking down every major type of custom patch that Canadians are proudly sticking, sewing, and slapping onto jackets, uniforms, and hats from coast to coast.
1. Custom Embroidered Patches – The OG of Patch Royalty
The embroidered patch is the Tim Hortons Double-Double of the patch world, classic, trusted, and always hits right. It’s stitched with high-quality threads onto a twill base, giving you that timeless, raised-texture look that screams craftsmanship.
Why Canadians Love ‘Em
Because they look expensive, without actually being so. Perfect for uniforms, sports jerseys, small businesses, biker crews, and, honestly, anyone who wants their logo to pop like maple leaves in October.
Pro Tip: Go for 75% or 100% embroidery coverage for that rich, luxe texture that even the most skeptical client can’t stop touching.
Ideal For:
- Custom embroidered patches for uniforms
- Hats, jackets, bags
- Corporate branding
2. Custom Chenille Patches – The Vintage Cool Kid
Think high school varsity jackets, letterman sweaters, and retro vibes. Chenille patches are fuzzy, textured, and full of character. They’re made with soft yarn loops that give them a plush, 3D texture.
They say, “I’m stylish, but I still love nostalgia.”
Why They’re a Canadian Favorite
Because they scream craftsmanship and they pair perfectly with our chilly weather fashion scene. Whether you’re repping a sports team or launching a streetwear drop in Montreal, chenille patches are your cozy yet cool statement.
Ideal For:
- Varsity jackets & hoodies
- Sports & college merch
- Streetwear brands
3. Custom Leather Patches – Classy, Subtle, and Seriously Cool
Leather patches are like that one friend who never shouts but always steals the spotlight. Whether real or faux, they ooze luxury, especially when laser engraved or embossed with your logo.
Perfect for hats, denim jackets, bags, or handmade products, they tell your customers, “I care about detail and quality.”
Why Canadian Brands Choose Leather Patches
Because minimalist is the new loud. From small handmade brands in Calgary to outdoor apparel startups in BC, leather patch hats are the ultimate branding flex.
Ideal For:
- Custom leather patch hats Canada
- Luxury product branding
- Denim, bags, & outdoor gear
4. Custom PVC Patches – The Rebel That Laughs at Weather
Rain? Mud? Snow? Bring it on. PVC patches are made from soft rubber-like material that’s waterproof, flexible, and insanely durable, basically the outdoor adventurer of the patch world.
They can handle everything from the Rockies’ rugged slopes to a rainy day in Vancouver. The bold 3D details and endless colour options make them a hit with tactical, outdoor, and sportswear brands.
Why Canadians Love PVC
Because we live in real weather. PVC patches don’t fade, peel, or soak, making them ideal for jackets, gear, or anything that faces the great outdoors.
Ideal For:
- Custom PVC patches Canada
- Tactical and morale patches
- Outdoor brands and uniforms
5. Custom Sublimated Patches – When You Want It All
If embroidery had a twin who loved digital art, it’d be sublimated patches. These are printed using dye-sublimation technology, which means every gradient, photo, and complex detail stays razor-sharp.
They’re ideal when your logo has more shades than a Toronto sunset or when you need full-colour detail that thread just can’t handle.
Why Sublimated Patches Rock
Because not everything needs stitching, sometimes printing your patch gives you infinite creative freedom. They’re light, affordable, and perfect for modern branding where visuals matter.
Ideal For:
- Sports jerseys, corporate branding, creative merch
- Complex logo or photo-based designs
6. Custom Woven Patches – Detail Over Drama
If embroidery’s your loud extrovert, woven patches are the introverts with perfect detail. They use thinner threads woven tightly together, resulting in smoother textures and sharper lines.
Think of them as “the clean print” of the patch family. Perfect when you want professional precision without raised stitching.
Why Woven Patches Are Trending in Canada
They’re sleek, modern, and versatile. From uniforms to fashion brands, they give you the detail of printing with the elegance of fabric art.
Ideal For:
- Custom woven patches Canada
- Corporate uniforms, minimalistic branding, and clothing labels
7. Custom 3D Embroidery Patches – When You Want That Pop
Ever seen a patch that looks like it’s about to leap off the fabric? That’s 3D puff embroidery, the patch world’s version of “go big or go home.” These patches use a layer of foam under the stitching, giving your design a raised, sculpted look.
They’re bold, tactile, and seriously photogenic (hello, Instagram close-ups).
Why Canadians Dig 3D Patches
Because they stand out, literally. They add instant texture and attitude to caps, jackets, and team gear. Plus, when your brand name is raised and crisp, people remember it.
Ideal For:
- Custom 3D embroidery patches Canada
- Custom hat embroidery Canada
- Streetwear, team uniforms, and merch drops
8. Custom Appliqué Patches – The Artisan’s Playground
If embroidery and fabric art had a baby, it’d be appliqué. These patches use fabric pieces sewn onto another base material, often paired with embroidery for detail. The result? Textured, layered, high-end designs that look handmade because they kind of are.
Why Appliqué is Making a Comeback in Canada
It’s all about texture and storytelling. From sustainable fashion brands in Vancouver to artisan creators on Etsy Canada, appliqué brings that “crafted with love” energy that stands out in a world of prints and pixels.
Ideal For:
- Fashion labels and handmade clothing brands
- Varsity jackets, denim, tote bags
- Limited edition collabs or art drops
9. Custom Sequin Patches – Because Subtlety Is Overrated
Some logos deserve sparkle. Sequin patches bring the drama (in a good way). These use shimmering sequins stitched in patterns that catch light and attention from every angle.
They’re bold, glamorous, and totally unapologetic, whether you’re designing for a dance team in Toronto or a festival brand out west.
Why Canadians Are Loving Sequin Patches
Because fashion’s having its “fun again” moment. Sequin patches scream confidence, celebration, and individuality and in a sea of neutrals, they’re the show-stoppers.
Ideal For:
- Dancewear, event branding, fashion labels
- Custom sequin patches Canada
- Statement apparel and accessories
Choosing the Right Custom Patch Type for Your Brand
Alright, so now that we’ve paraded through the nine iconic patch types, the question is: Which one should you go for? Here’s the quick-hit guide to help you decide like a pro:
| Patch Type | Vibe | Best For | Pro Tip |
| Embroidered | Classic & Bold | Uniforms, brands, hats | Choose 100% coverage for a luxe finish |
| Chenille | Cozy & Retro | Varsity, streetwear | Pair with felt backing for extra depth |
| Leather | Minimal & Premium | Hats, denim, branding | Try embossing for a high-end touch |
| PVC | Tough & Modern | Outdoor, tactical | Go 3D moulded for ultimate detail |
| Sublimated | Artistic & Digital | Complex logos | Use heat cut edges for clean finish |
| Woven | Detailed & Sleek | Uniforms, apparel | Perfect for fine-line logos |
| 3D Embroidery | Bold & Sculpted | Hats, merch, sportswear | Keep design simple for best results |
| Appliqué | Crafty & Textured | Handmade, fashion | Mix fabrics for layered storytelling |
| Sequin | Flashy & Fun | Fashion, events | Contrasting sequin colours pop best |
Who Uses Custom Patches in Canada (and Why)?
From independent creators to big-name brands, patches have become the silent ambassadors of identity. Let’s break it down:
- Small Businesses & Startups: Affordable branding tool that turns plain apparel into pro merch.
- Sports Teams: Embroidered and chenille patches build team pride and visibility.
- Fashion Labels: Woven, appliqué, and sequin patches deliver the custom couture feel.
- Corporate Firms: PVC and woven patches keep uniforms sleek and consistent.
- Biker & Outdoor Groups: Durable, weatherproof PVC patches rule the road and trail.
- Creators & Etsy Sellers: Low MOQ means you can start small, test, tweak, then scale.
What’s Hot Right Now in CA?
Canadian fashion and branding trends are turning tactile again. Here’s what’s dominating the patch scene in 2025:
- Eco-conscious materials – Recycled threads, vegan leather, and sustainable backing.
- Minimalist branding – Woven and leather patches for subtle, logo-first appeal.
- Retro revival – Chenille and appliqué patches making a comeback on varsity and bomber jackets.
- Functional fashion – Velcro-backed PVC and embroidered patches for versatility.
- Micro drops – Local creators using low-MOQ patches for limited merch runs.
Patch Makers CA stays ahead of these trends, offering flexible ordering, custom design help, and free proofs before production.
FAQs
1. What are the most popular types of custom patches in Canada?
The top patch types Canadians love are embroidered, chenille, leather, PVC, woven, sublimated, 3D embroidery, appliqué, and sequin patches. Each offers unique texture, detail, and purpose, from corporate branding to fashion.
2. Which type of custom patch lasts the longest?
PVC and woven patches tend to outlast others because they’re durable, weather-resistant, and colourfast, perfect for outdoor use or uniforms that need serious staying power.
3. Are custom embroidered patches still trendy in Canada?
Absolutely. Embroidered patches are timeless classics, they’re now trending again thanks to vintage streetwear, varsity jackets, and personalized merch drops from Canadian brands.
4. What’s the difference between woven and embroidered patches?
Woven patches use thin threads for fine detail, while embroidered patches have thicker, raised stitching that creates a textured look. Woven works best for small fonts and logos; embroidered delivers a bolder finish.
5. Can I order custom patches in bulk with low minimums in Canada?
Yes! Patch Makers CA offers low-MOQ and wholesale bulk orders across Canada, ideal for small businesses, sports teams, and clothing brands that want quality without committing to huge runs.
Where to Get Custom Patches in Canada
You want someone who gets the Canadian market, offers low minimums, bulk pricing, and top-tier quality without ghosting your emails. That’s where Patch Makers CA steps in.
We make custom patches for every purpose and personality, embroidered, PVC, chenille, woven, leather, sublimated, and more. Whether you’re a small biz owner in Calgary or a merch designer in Montreal, Patch Makers CA will help you create patches that actually stick (and sell).
