Custom patches or stickers, which one to choose? People have asked the question a million times. Yet there is no straightforward answer. Well, not until now. We will provide a clear explanation for it. When organizations want to promote their brand, they consider both items. People use them for decorations, showing their stand for a cause, raising awareness about various issues, displaying names, etc. Both have a few similar purposes, and it confuses many. People even celebrate the usefulness of stickers in their lives on January 13th – National stickers day. But custom patches do not have a special day which infuriates the die-hard fans. To understand better, let us look into their origins.
Table of Contents
The beginning:
People have been using them for thousands of years. They first used stickers in 300 BC. The earliest documented use was in marketplaces for product prices on produce. With time it has developed; we can find many styles and uses, like political, band, bumper, funny, cute, congratulatory, animals, etc. People also collect limited edition stickers, especially movies, TV shows, etc.
Custom patches also go a long way back. The first documented use is between the 5th – 3rd centuries BC in ancient China. They used various sewing techniques to mend, tailor, and patch clothes. Over the years, they spread far, and other civilizations began sewing patterns and designs into clothes, apparel, accessories like tapestries, etc. First, they made them with hands, however; it changed in the 1800s when Alphonse Kursheedt introduced the first embroidery machine.
Afterward, various inventors refined the process, and now computerized machines use digitized patterns to create embroidered designs. Today, we can see them around us, like sports teams, uniforms, promotions, fundraisers, etc. What was once a simple piece of cloth has become an art.
Uses of custom patches and stickers:
There are similarities and differences in how people use custom patches and stickers. Let us dive into detail:
Similarities:
- Promotions: People use custom patches and stickers to promote their causes and organizations, like their college clubs. They wear them on clothes and accessories like t-shirts, hoodies, jackets, hats, backpacks, etc., and distribute them among people. Businesses give away brand awareness by displaying their names, logos, taglines, etc.
- Displaying standing: They use them to show where they stand on a particular social or political issue. For example, during an event for raising funds, walkathons, marathons, etc. You can see participants and volunteers dawning them.
- On accessories: People use custom patches and stickers on clothes and accessories. Previously, it was not possible to put patches on many items because of their application methods. However, with the advancements, the glue on patches is quick and easy to apply on every surface, like stickers.
- Collection: People collect custom patches and stickers. The military, vintage, and scout patches are valuable. Stickers on TV, films, and advertisements are more collectible than others.
- Varieties: Custom patches and stickers come in an array, like embroidered, chenille, woven, printed, leather, die-cut, border, borderless, domed, etc. Each is suitable for a particular situation. For example, custom chenille patches are an integral part of letterman jackets.
Differences:
- Professional: Most organizations, like the military, EMTs, the police, scouts, etc., use custom patches and not stickers. There are two primary reasons which we will discuss later.
- Clubs like a motorcycle, colleges, etc., also use custom patches, not stickers, to display their belonging.
- Labeling: Organizations use stickers for labeling and not custom patches.
- Price: Custom patches are more costly than stickers.
Now that you know about both, it is time to explain why custom patches score over stickers.
- Durable: Custom patches are more durable than stickers and last about 4-5 years, even with rough usage. The thickness, backing, and production methods all contribute to their sturdiness. Stickers are thinner and made of paper, PVC, plastic, clothes, etc. They do not last as long as patches. The colors fade faster, and they can not sustain washing. You can wash the patches, and they last many machine wash cycles without fading or pilling. It is one reason most professional organizations use them. Stickers are temporary compared to patches.
- Classy: Custom patches look posh and sophisticated in every situation. It is the second reason most professional organizations prefer them over stickers. We are not belittling stickers; they have their place and purpose. But when compared side by side, they do not stand against patches.
- Traditional: custom patches are more traditional than stickers. People from royal families also used them to decorate their clothes. We can not say the same for stickers.
- Versatile: Custom patches are multipurpose and used in various ways, from decorations to promotions and name tags. People use stickers for promotions and labeling. The use case is often temporary, like name tags for events.
- Variety: Custom patches have an array. You can choose from various materials and create a new one with different backings and coverage percentages.
Peel-and-stick custom patches as sticker alternatives:
We also know them as self-adhesive patches and are an alternative to sew and iron-on patches. They offer the exact intricate design details of the embroidered and woven patches. Traditional decals and stickers lack resilience and texture; patches provide a simple and fast way to add texture designs to clothes, accessories, and other surfaces on which stickers can stick.
They come with a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating that allows them to peel and place on different materials and smooth surfaces like paper, glasses, books, mobile phones, laptops, and curved backing. You can use and remove them several times. Like stickers, the coating is not permanent and will come off in a washing machine. But they are lovely for temporary applications.
How to use peel-and-stick custom patches?
You can replace the stickers and instead use patches.
- Packaging branding leaves a lasting impression. With custom patches on boxes, bags, envelopes, tubes, etc., you can attract buyers and establish a unique image. Use catchphrases or messages to connect and promote your brand.
- Giveaway during events: Why use stickers when you can achieve better results with custom patches? Use them as freebies during events to create excitement for people coming to your stall. Use creativity and exciting messages to be more interactive and engaging.
- Product labeling: play a vital part in promoting products and services. Stickers have been essential to display product information, but people ignore them. Custom patches will help you bring their attention to your brand; a unique one will generate more awareness.
- Advertisements: Use peel-on custom patches around your physical store to bring attention. You can also use them in crowded places in the same way as stickers. Since they are durable, you do not have to replace them often.
The verdict:
At the start, we said to settle the debate about custom patches v stickers. You now know the answer. We are not suggesting disbanding the use of stickers, but whenever possible, use patches; they are durable, classy, and provide better ROIs. However, you want to use high-quality ones from a reliable manufacturer to make the most impression. EverLighten has helped startups, large companies, sports teams, the military, EMTs, police, scouts, nonprofits, etc., for over eighteen years.
Space Machines Company is a revolutionary organization that provides quick, precise, and reliable in-space logistical solutions for near and deep space. They wanted to celebrate their first mission with custom patches and contacted several manufacturers. However, the design was complex, with a unique shape and intricate details, which was the reason for unable to find a supplier. But EverLighten has top experts and technology to create the exact design; they use their expertise to customize the patches to their satisfaction.
Read the complete story https://everlighten.com/blogs/success-stories/space-machines-company.
Customize your patches with EverLighten:
Best price: We manufacture patches in our factory, which helps customers to get the best cost in the industry.
Fine quality: Customers get the patches with the best materials, production, and packaging.
On-time delivery: our factory helps deliver every project in the minimum time.
Always-on service: Customers can contact the support team anytime.
Customer-centric: We love helping people and accept every patch order.
Unlimited customization: Customers can customize every aspect – materials, shapes, sizes, colors, backings, etc.
No minimum order quantity: We offer no minimum order limit on custom patches; customers can order as many patches as they need.
Worldwide shipping: EverLighten delivers globally, and you can track the orders with an online tool.
For more information, inquiry, and ordering, visit
https://everlighten.com/collections/custom-patches.
