Uniform Patches

Today as I was researching images to use for a new military patch request, I came across the below article which I found very interesting:

Author: Robert Bell

Patches and badges have been around for many years and most typically for those in the military. Military patches not only establish the personal identity of servicemen but can also represent associations, honors and missions.

In the United States, for example, military badges are awards authorized by the United States armed forces that signify rating, qualification, or accomplishment in several career fields. They also serve as identification devices for personnel occupying certain assignments.

In the United States, each of the five military services maintains a separate series of badges for its service members. Various regulations exist on how badges are displayed, how many may be worn at one time, and whether or not such badges may be worn on the uniform of more than one branch of service.

Well-recognized examples of military patches are the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia or SSI. In the US Army, the SSI is worn on the left upper arm, just below the uniform's shoulder seam. The SSI is attached with a Velcro backing and is then centered on the arm.  The most common place for the SSI to be worn is on the shoulder of the uniform, however it is also sometimes worn on other places, notably when the soldier's body armor covers the shoulders.

By World War II, all United States army groups, field armies, corps, and divisions, as well as all major Army commands, had unique SSI. These SSI would often be created with symbolism alluding to the unit's formation.  Most US formations had unique patches, which varied greatly in size and makeup, with the exception of US Armored divisions, all of which adopted the same patch (a yellow, red and blue triangle with a symbol for Armour in the middle). Each division then included its number on the patch to denote it. A few of the divisions added their unit nickname onto the patches, but most did not.

Subdued patches and insignia were introduced during the Vietnam War and were made mandatory for wear on the field uniform starting July 1, 1970.

For the British Army, chevron patches are worn on the sleeve to establish rank. The chevrons and their current use for NCOs originate from the time of the Napoleonic Wars in 1802.  Chevrons were originally worn on the collar, but were moved to the shoulder boards in 1880 when the system of crowns and stars was reorganized. In addition to the shoulder badges, officers' ranks were also reflected in the amount and pattern of gold lace worn on the cuffs of the full-dress tunic.

Military insignia is full of metaphor, from the colors used to the types of images. For instance with color, white or silver means peace and sincerity, yellow or gold, generosity, blue stands for loyalty, red for fortitude and green for loyalty. Heraldic lines include the Nebulee or Nebuly, which stands for the sea or water.  Engrailed and invected is for earth or land.  Indented means fire.  Dancette  is water. Insignias called Ordinaries include: Chief - Dominion and authority; Cross - Chevron - Protection; Fess - Military belt or girdle of honor; Bar - For "one who sets the bar of conscience, religion and honor against angry passions; Pale - Military strength and fortitude; Canton - Bearing of honor; Bend - Defense or protection; Battune Sinister - Marks a royal descent that is barred by illegitimacy from succession to the throne; Orle or Tressure - Preservation or protection; Flasques - Given by a king for virtue and learning, and especially for service in embassage; Voiders - Given to gentlewomen who have deserved highly; Bordure or Border - Frequently adopted as a "difference" between relatives bearing the same arms; Gyron - Unity.

What about animals? They also have meaning. They include: Lion - Deathless courage; Tiger - Great fierceness and valor when enraged to combat; one whose resentment will be dangerous if aroused; Bear - Ferocity in the protection of kindred; Wolf - Denotes valiant captains that do in the end gain their attempts after long sieges and hard enterprises. One whom it is dangerous to assail or thwart; Rhinoceros - Great ferocity when aroused; Elephant - Courage and strength; Leopard - Valiant and hardy warrior; Panther - As a lion may be said to signify a brave man, so may a panther a beautiful woman, which, though fierce, is very tender and loving to her young, and will defend it with the hazard of her life; Horse - Readiness for all employments for king and country; Bull or Ox - Valor and magnanimity - and so on.

With military patches come expert designers configuring patterns and symbolism into their work. Unit patches go through alterations now and then in the manner they are put on and utilized.  The problem with military patches and their significance is the fact such patches can be reproduced.  For the United States, protecting reproduction is The Institute of Heraldry, whom is in charge of providing information to patch suppliers on United States Army heraldic entitlements. A hallmark is actually assigned to each certified manufacturer of military insignia to indicate which manufacturer made which product.  This means that it is illegal for manufacturers to create designs on their patches that incorporate the likeness of an official Army heraldic item.  The Institute of heraldry also decides how military insignia is displayed, and how and why it is worn.

While you cannot copy the design of a military patch, you can certainly create your own patch with its own symbolism and meaningfulness to you personally. In designing your own embroidered patch you can show your artistic talents. And if something as important as your own personal symbolism and artistic talents are combined, then they most certainly should be done through the embroidered patch method rather than choosing a plastic model. With an embroidered patch, your design could be around for hundreds of years, used and reused as you so choose, reproduced and shared with others. It is your choice.

Custom emergency paramedic patches are an important part of the EMT/EMS uniform for those in a very critical line of duty for all citizens. These custom patches can be presented to EMS/EMT workers for some of the following duties

• Student w/ high marks
• Emergency medical technician
• First responder
• Medical technician
• Rescue squad

Embroidered paramedic patches are also a great way to recognize certain accomplishments in the field. Creating your own custom patch for your particular squadron can help build team unity. Setting up a presentation ceremony and awarding special patches to those going above and beyond the call of duty is also a great way to show appreciation. These custom EMS/EMT patches also serve as additional motivational tools amount the squadrons.

Custom embroidered patches can be used in a variety of ways. Custom patches make great hand out pieces at events to ensure all attendees have something to take home with them. They also can be worn on virtually any piece of clothing to add a bit of character. From Military uniforms to Lions Club uniforms - no uniform is complete without a custom embroidered patch.

We have also created custom patches for political campaigns, sports teams and paramedic units. One other unique idea is creating a custom patch for letter jackets at high schools. These always go over well with the students as they take great pride in their letter jackets and typically hang onto them after they graduate. We continue to encourage you to challenge us with your unique custom patch idea as we always enjoy taking on new work. 

So the next time you are planning an event, playing on a sports team, or launching a new product; Contact us to learn how custom embroidered patches can be used to increase awareness by showing recognition.

In a previous blog post we discussed law enforcement training academy challenge coins and today we are going to hit on custom patches for the training academy. Not only does every custom coin collection begin with one special coin, but every patch collection must begin with one special patch. For many law enforcement officers, that first patch is the training academy embroidered patch.

An important piece for every law officer is his or her uniform. Earning patches shows their accomplishments and gives them to opportunity to proudly share the stories that go along with each patch. Like the challenge coins presented at the graduation ceremonies, this patch also represents the rite of passage from a student to an official law officer.

We take great pride in producing custom law enforcement patches and challenge coins for officers as we know the importance behind each piece. Contact us today if you are interested in our law enforcement recognition offerings.

The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) is one of seven uniformed services of the United States. Each day these fine men and women go to work for our country and we are honored to be able to produce recognition items that honor their efforts. One of the most important pieces of their identity is the uniform. In addition to items such as custom lapel pins, mini-badges and Marine challenge coins; we can also create custom embroidered marine patches to honor your squadron or even the retired marine in your family.

Whether you are a Private or Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, we can create a custom piece that will be made to your liking. We can provide patches for:

• Helicopter Squadrons
• Combat Air Crew
• Fixed Wing Squadrons
• Air Stations
• Marine Bases
• Marine Ships
• Fleet Marine Force

Contact us today for more information on how to get started on your custom marine patch layout.

Custom corporate embroidered patches can be used in a variety of ways. Let’s discuss just a couple of ways to get started with corporate patches at your place of business.

If the employees at your company wear uniforms, it is important for the uniforms to provide some type of brand identity. Corporate logo patches make cost effective additions to work uniforms that allow potential customers and existing customers to identify your employees with the company. They also serve as additional motivation as employees feel like they are part of a team representing the company. One idea that results in higher performance is offering special patches to employees that are associated with a certain level of accomplishment. Very positive feedback has been associated with companies that implement this as part of their employee recognition package.

Another effective use of corporate patches takes place at product launch parties. If your corporation is rolling out a new product and there is a kickoff event – you are going to want something for visitors and fans to take home. With patch collecting and trading becoming more widespread than ever, custom patches are always a big hit at these events.  Check out the Nintendo Wii patch we created for it's product launch events.

No matter what the purpose is behind your corporate patches, we can put our 30+ years of experience to work for you by creating a custom patch you will be proud to share.

We have produced many mini badges for law enforcement and public safety personnel over the years. Police Departments typically want a custom lapel pin that is a replica of their police badge. Although smaller than a real badge, a Police mini badge can look nearly identical to the real McCoy. The police lapel pins are worn on the shoulder or elsewhere on the uniform, and can even be displayed in a wallet.

Police mini badges are available in any size or shape, but a 1” lapel pin is the average pendant size. The custom lapel pins are available in gold or silver plated options. Many custom options are available including special finishes, special colors, and the addition of gemstones.

Not only can we create Police mini badges, we have also made many real badges for law enforcement, public safety officers, security officers, correction officers and military professionals. Law Enforcement departments have also contacted us to design and manufacture mini handcuffs, cufflinks, key chains, medals, service lapel pins, patches, coins and other custom Law Enforcement jewelry.

Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard...and the list goes on. They all provide protection while representing our country in times of war. Each division is a little different than the other, but they fight for one common cause – freedom.

Dressed in specific uniforms each group looks different than the other. While they have unique colors and looks, one feature is consistent among all military members. They all typically wear some type of custom embroidered military patch. On their sleeves, on the front of their uniform, or on the back – it’s rare that you will find a soldier without a military patch on his or her uniform.

One of our specialties is creating custom military patches for those that work so hard to defend our country. Contact us today to get your custom embroidered military patch ready for your troops to proudly wear.

Building team spirit is critical to overall success. There are many ways to acknowledge and motivate team members. Some of these include trophies, pins, and other recognition awards. One unique idea to help build team morale is custom embroidered team patches.  We frequently provide custom team patches for soccer teams and softball teams, but are not limited to these categories.  If you have a team, we can create a patch for your members to display.

We can help you design a patch with your own team’s logo and colors to the exact specifications you prefer. Our team has over 30 years of experience and will help you create the perfect design. Choose from seven different thread colors and 70 different twill background colors to create the look you are seeking. If you are looking to get even more creative, we also offer 3-D patches.

Your team is sure to respond when they are presented with patches they can wear proudly on their uniforms during activity! Contact us and we will start sending you creative design ideas today.