Patches Are A Universal Symbol of Group Identity

There’s plenty of evidence that people like to wear custom embroidered patches. You see them on bikers, military personnel, public safety officials, race car drivers, even astronauts. The question is, why do people like to wear patches?



Patches can be defined as nothing more than small emblems of cloth sewn to jackets, shirts, caps, or other articles of clothing. But that simplistic definition doesn’t begin to cover the reality of what a patch means to the person wearing it. It is a symbol, an avatar if you will, of a sense of belonging, a group identity. Virtually everyone on the planet wants to be accepted as part of some kind of group, as recognition that they are not alone in a cold, indifferent world. Patches address that desire by indicating that a person belongs.



In a way, embroidered patches also serve to create groups, by bringing like-minded members together and contributing to a shared sense of mission.



Military patches were among the first embroidered patch designs, created as a way for members of specific military units to recognize each other. The designs have evolved over the years to the point that every U.S. military branch, unit and division now has individual patches to denote specific organizations and purposes.



Because they are a quick, visual way to determine rank, embroidered patches also are part of the standard uniform of police, firefighters and other emergency workers. They function as a means to help fellow officers or civilians identify them quickly if needed.



Even NASA space missions have had their own custom-designed patches, designed by the astronauts themselves. The first such mission was Gemini Five in 1965, which flew with a patch designed by astronauts Gordon Cooper and Pete Conrad. The patches were created as a means to personalize each mission, and serve once again to confirm group identity among the elite corps of astronauts.



For businesses, custom embroidered patches are a common way to identify employees. They are a regular part of the uniforms that employees wear, and become a visual link to the employer. The patches also help promote the business to customers.



Embroidered patches are also part of the group identification for virtually all motorcycle clubs. These clubs depend on them as a major identifier, most commonly worn on the back of leather jackets or vests. Generally speaking, achieving status as a "full-patch" member of such clubs is difficult and time-consuming. As a result, members are likely to keep the patches (and the membership) for a lifetime.



Embroidery is an ancient technique that has existed for thousands of years. In years past, embroidery has been reserved for the few members of society who could afford the hand-crafted artwork. But modern computer-controlled embroidery machines have effectively democratized embroidered patches, making them available to virtually anyone. High-speed machines allow for the creation of custom, uniform designs for patches that can be repeated for a virtually infinite number.



Modern embroidered patches are cost-effective, attractive identifiers, used by many aspects of society to indicate membership and belonging. A reputable supplier of patches can demonstrate their suitability for just about any group or organization.