Military groups, veteran groups, cadet units, and private security organisations within the UK require custom military patches to indicate identity, rank, and history.
Irrespective of whether you require a single patch for memorial purposes or even an order in bulk for an entire company, the right patch can speak more than any words ever can.
Here at The Custom Patches UK, we have expertise in designing military patches custom made according to your precise requirements, from designing sketches to producing final badges.
In this article, we will discuss all the things you need to know before making any order, including types of fabrics and colours that are significant for the British armed forces, as well as practical aspects that can help you distinguish a durable patch from a fragile one.
What Are Custom Military Patches?
Military custom patches are embroidered, woven or moulded badge designs, which are made according to a specific unit’s choice as opposed to choosing them from a catalogue.
They feature squadron crests, nicknames, ranking symbols, and unit mottos, among others. They are worn on the sleeves of uniforms, chest plates, backpacks, and body armour.
In contrast to common military patches, a custom-made one allows you to decide on all these factors: the thread colours, backing, border, and shape.
And that is extremely important for military use because colour precision in relation to a particular camouflage pattern is a necessity rather than a choice.
Camouflage-Matched Patches: MTP, OCP and CADPAT
MTP patches (Multi-Terrain Pattern) are made in accordance with the combat uniform used by the British Army.
The colour of the MTP is an amalgamation of khaki, brown and green colours in order that the patch does not look like a bright square but appears to be part of the cloth itself.
The OCP patches (Operational Camouflage Pattern) are extensively used by allied US forces and required by UK forces for their joint missions, which also operate on the same premise but employ a different pattern of colours called the ‘scorpion pattern’.
Proper matching of green and tan shades in OCP patches requires proper choice of threads, which is tested on physical fabric first before full production runs.
CADPAT patches are camouflage patches made in accordance with the Canadian Forces digital camouflage pattern and are sought by the United Kingdom-based units that have Canadian exchange personnel, NATO partner nations and collectors.
The digital-pattern camouflage tends to be more challenging to embroider in comparison with traditional camouflage, and we would recommend that you get them woven.
In the event that your unit adheres to a completely separate camouflage scheme, kindly submit a fabric swatch or a high-definition photograph, and we will colour-match your thread before manufacturing your order.
Choosing a Patch Type: Embroidered, Woven or PVC
The construction method or the patch type you choose affects durability, cost, and how the finished patch looks and feels.
Embroidered patches were traditionally used in UK military patches and still represent the most commonly used form of unit patches today. The dense sewing creates a dimensional look and feel that is easy to see from a distance and can withstand many years of use and frequent washing. Embroidered patches work well with designs having a moderate level of detail and few colours.
The woven patches are made with a much tighter weave as compared to embroidered patches and hence are able to produce much greater levels of detail that can even include writing. This means that if your unit crest requires very fine detail or contains writing, then the woven patches will be more appropriate.
PVC patches are moulded using soft rubber-like material and then coated using semi-gloss or matte coating. These patches are water-resistant and do not fray and hence are ideal for units working under wet or muddy environments where fabric patches would wear out quicker.
In addition, PVC is ideal for creating patches that are graphically designed with bright colours, like callsign patches and morale patches.
For most standard-issue unit patches, embroidery remains the go-to. For fine detail or wet-weather durability, woven and PVC, respectively, are the better technical choice.
Attachment Options: Velcro, Sew-On and Iron-On
The use of Velcro patches has been the norm in modern-day tactical clothing/gear due to the ease with which the patch can be removed and replaced on different clothing without needles or thread.
We supply both the hook and loop sides so patches attach securely to any Velcro-compatible panel already fitted to your kit.
The sew-on backing option is the more traditional version of attachment options, especially in dress uniforms and parade order, where the need is for a more permanent and flat solution.
The iron-on backing is preferred for less expensive bulk orders, such as the cadet kit and event wear. Nevertheless, the recommendation is for sew-on or Velcro products for regular field use.
Beyond Rank and Unit: Name Patches and Logo Patches
Not all custom orders involve making a full unit crest. Name patches that designate soldiers/officers/volunteers by their last names are one of our most requested products, especially from units with a high turn-over rate of personal assignments. They can be made using standard military block letters or custom fonts.
Logo patches come under a much wider category, such as organisational crests, sponsorship patches for shooting and adventure training camps, and mascot patches. These have similar manufacturing possibilities to military badges and can be manufactured in any material listed above.
Morale Patches for Military Uniforms
Custom morale patches have a somewhat separate purpose from the regular military patches that are designed by the unit themselves. They can be placed on the back of a helmet cover, the side of a day sack, or a spare Velcro panel.
Morale patches are meant to be humorous, containing funny images, in-jokes from a unit, or even some sort of motto that will not be found on a standard uniform patch.
In addition to being an element of personal decoration, morale custom patches also help develop friendly relations within the team and help boost team morale during challenging times.
They are made in the same way and according to the same requirements, but since they are usually smaller and less complicated than the others, they happen to be one of the more inexpensive options of ordering a custom patch to try it out.
The designer is allowed to use any graphics, texts, or colours that may have meaning to the culture of the unit or the mission, leading to a product that is not only useful but also symbolic.
The flexibility of morale patches can be seen through their utilisation during various events like conventions, sporting games, and team-building sessions, where they help promote team spirit and give individuals a feeling of being part of something.
Serving Law Enforcement and First Responders
In addition to military orders, we also manufacture law enforcement patches and police patches for the UK constabularies, private security companies and special constabularies.
However, our patches are not just meant to make them look good but also help establish a sense of identity and professionalism among the ranks.
Emergency Patches
Every emergency service patch manufactured is subjected to the same strict colour-matching criteria as military orders, especially when it comes to making sure that the badge of a particular force has to match an existing corporate colour scheme precisely.
First Responder Patches
Apart from law enforcement patches, we provide an extensive range of first responder patches that comprise firefighter patches and paramedic patches made especially for brigade and ambulance teams.
These patches have been designed with equal dedication and perfection due to the significance of these personnel in our society. In case of first responders, having distinguishing patches will not only help increase visibility but also build confidence amongst the general public.
Material Options: Durability & Design
Despite embroidered construction being our recommended type for the majority of standard uniforms, when there is a need for patches capable of enduring tough conditions, such as moisture, heat, or washing, we recommend PVC patches.
Not only are PVC patches sturdy, but they also enable us to make elaborate designs with vivid colours and graphics. It makes them suitable for units operating under extreme conditions or those that require constant washing because of their job duties.
Moreover, we realise the value of tailoring and flexibility in our designs, which is why we have options when it comes to patch sizing, type, shape, and material to suit our clients’ requirements.
Placing a Bulk Order
Most orders of custom military patches we handle are for full units rather than single badges, and pricing improves significantly at volume. As a general guide:
- Small runs (25 to 50 patches) suit individual sections, cadet units or trial orders ahead of a larger commission
- Medium runs (100 to 500 patches) cover most company or squadron-level orders
- Large runs (500+) are typical for whole-battalion rollouts, force-wide police badge changes, or annual cadet corps orders
Every quotation comes with the patch pricing and a digital proof prior to manufacturing, so your unit can approve colours, dimensions, and type of backing prior to cutting the first strand.
Delivery time frames vary according to the order’s size and complexity. We will always give you an estimated delivery date right from the time of ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum order quantity for custom military patches?
There is no strict minimum. We can produce a single commemorative patch or a bulk order running into the thousands, though per-unit cost decreases as order size increases.
How long does it take to produce a custom order?
Standard turnaround runs from design approval to dispatch, with exact timing depending on patch complexity, quantity and backing type. Rush production is available for time-sensitive unit deployments.
Can you match an exact camouflage pattern from a fabric sample?
Yes. Send a physical swatch or a clear, well-lit photograph and we will match thread colours before producing a digital proof for approval.
What is the difference between embroidered and woven patches?
Embroidered patches use thicker thread for a raised, textured finish and suit bolder designs. Woven patches use a finer weave that captures small text and intricate detail more clearly, at a modest cost increase.
Do you supply both sides of the Velcro fastening?
Yes. Every Velcro-backed order includes both the hook and loop sides, so the patch can be fitted directly onto uniform panels without sourcing extra hardware.
Can civilian organisations order military-style patches?
Yes, provided the design does not infringe on protected regimental insignia or official government marks. We can advise on this during the design consultation stage.
Order Your Military Patches Today
Choosing the right custom military patches depends on ensuring that the material used, the way it is attached and the colour choice coincide with the intended way in which the patch will actually be used.
They can be used every day as uniform patches worn against MTP or OCP camouflage uniforms, parade order patches or even morale patches that will never see the light of an inspection.
Be they embroidered or woven unit crests or PVC-moulded patches for police and emergency response units, proper specifications up front can save you time and money in the long run. The Custom Patches UK is well aware of this. Contact us today for a mockup proof of your design and a bulk discount quotation!
