The short version: choose embroidered patches for classic textured logos and uniforms (MOQ 20, from SGD $160), woven patches for fine text and small detail (MOQ 20, from SGD $160), PVC rubber patches for waterproof outdoor and tactical use (MOQ 30, from SGD $300), and silk screen × embroidery patches for photographic detail and gradients (MOQ 20, from SGD $160). This guide walks through the differences so you can pick the right patch type with confidence.
What Are Custom Embroidered Patches?
Embroidered patches are made by stitching coloured threads onto a fabric base using industrial embroidery machines. The result is a durable, raised, textured patch with a classic, premium finish that holds up to years of regular washing.
Embroidered patches are the most popular choice for uniforms — they look professional and reproduce logos, text, and bold designs cleanly. At Patch&Bagel, embroidered patches are SGD $160 for 20 pieces or $210 for 30, with a minimum order of 20 pieces.
Pros:
- Classic, professional, tactile appearance
- Highly durable — survives hundreds of washes
- Works on cotton, polyester, denim, wool
- Low MOQ (20 pieces); price drops with volume
- Iron-on, sew-on, or velcro backing
Cons:
- Not suited to photographic detail or gradients (choose silk screen for those)
- Very fine text (under ~5mm) can be hard to hold cleanly (choose woven)
What Are Custom Woven Patches?
Woven patches are made on a loom using much finer thread than embroidery, woven flat rather than stitched in relief. That fine weave captures sharp text, thin lines, and intricate detail that standard embroidery would blur — the same construction used for premium garment labels. At Patch&Bagel, woven patches are also MOQ 20, from SGD $160 for 20. Full guide: Custom Woven Patches Singapore.
Pros:
- Holds very small text and fine detail sharply
- Flat, smooth, label-like finish
- Same low MOQ and price as embroidered
Cons:
- No raised, tactile texture — flatter look than embroidery
- Not waterproof
What Are Custom PVC Rubber Patches?
PVC patches are moulded from soft rubber (polyvinyl chloride). The design is etched into a mould and filled, producing a waterproof, 3D patch. At Patch&Bagel, PVC patches are SGD $300 for 30 pieces or $700 for 100, with a minimum order of 30 pieces.
Pros:
- 100% waterproof and UV-resistant — built for the outdoors
- 3D raised elements embroidery can't achieve
- Won't fray, fade, or unravel
Cons:
- Higher MOQ (30) and higher price per piece
- Heavier than fabric patches; not suited to fine text or gradients
What Are Silk Screen × Embroidery Patches?
Silk screen × embroidery hybrid patches combine screen printing with embroidery: the artwork is printed onto the fabric base — reproducing photographic detail, gradients, and skin tones — and finished with an embroidered merrow border for a classic patch edge. At Patch&Bagel, silk screen patches match embroidered pricing: MOQ 20, from SGD $160. Full guide: Silk Screen Patches Singapore.
Pros:
- Reproduces photos, gradients, and complex illustration
- Embroidered border keeps the premium patch look
- Same low MOQ (20) as embroidered and woven
Cons:
- Printed centre is flatter than full embroidery
- Not waterproof
Comparison Table: Embroidered vs Woven vs PVC vs Silk Screen
| Feature | Embroidered | Woven | PVC Rubber | Silk Screen × Embroidery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOQ | 20 pcs | 20 pcs | 30 pcs | 20 pcs |
| Price (2026) | SGD $160 / 20 | SGD $160 / 20 | SGD $300 / 30 | SGD $160 / 20 |
| Waterproof | No | No | Yes | No |
| Texture | Raised, stitched | Flat, smooth | 3D moulded rubber | Printed + stitched edge |
| Fine text / detail | Good | Excellent | Limited | Excellent |
| Photos / gradients | No | Limited | No | Yes |
| Best for | Uniforms, logos | Small text, labels | Outdoor, tactical | Portraits, artwork |
Which Patch Type Is Best for Uniforms?
Embroidered is almost always the best choice for uniforms — it looks polished, survives industrial washing, handles the typical 20–200 piece order sizes easily, and is cost-effective at scale. For crests with very fine text, woven is a strong alternative. Sew-on backing is the most secure for heavy use.
Which Patch Type Is Best for Outdoor Gear?
PVC is the clear winner for outdoor and tactical use — waterproof, UV-resistant, and hard-wearing on vests, bags, caps, and adventure kit. See our PVC patches guide.
Which Patch Type Is Best for Detailed Artwork or Photos?
For portraits, gradients, or complex illustration, choose silk screen × embroidery. For sharp small text and thin lines (but not photographic shading), woven is ideal.
Backing Options
- Iron-on — heat-activated adhesive, easy home application; best for cotton, denim, canvas
- Sew-on — most durable; best for uniforms and heavy-use garments
- Velcro — removable and swappable; popular for tactical gear, bags, and caps
How to Order
- Send your design — email jessica@patchandbagel.com, DM @patchandbagel, or use the product page
- Receive a free digital mockup — no cost, no commitment
- Approve the proof — request revisions until you're happy
- Pay and wait 10–15 working days — free international shipping on all custom orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most durable patch type for uniforms?
Embroidered patches with sew-on backing are the most durable for uniforms — the stitching resists fading and fraying, and sew-on holds through frequent washing better than iron-on alone.
Which patch type is best for small text and fine detail?
Woven patches. Their fine loom weave holds small text and thin lines far more sharply than standard embroidery.
Which patch type should I choose for a photo or gradient design?
Silk screen × embroidery hybrid patches, which print the detailed centre and finish with an embroidered border.
What's the minimum order for custom patches in Singapore?
20 pieces for embroidered, woven, and silk screen patches (from SGD $160 for 20), and 30 pieces for PVC patches (from SGD $300 for 30).
