Hook and loop patches, also known as “velcro patches,” come in a wide range of styles and designs.
Here are some of the different types of collectible and useful hook and loop patches:
Military patches: Military patches often feature unit insignias, rank, and awards.
Morale patches: Morale patches are often humorous or sarcastic and are used to boost morale among service members or civilians.
Sports patches: Sports patches are used to show support for a particular team or player.
Travel patches: Travel patches are often collected as souvenirs from various locations around the world.
Political patches: Political patches can feature slogans, logos, or symbols associated with a particular political party or ideology.
Custom patches: Custom patches can be designed to represent a particular organization, club, or event.
Emergency services patches: Emergency services patches are worn by police officers, firefighters, and paramedics to identify their organization and rank.
Name tapes: Name tapes are used by military personnel and law enforcement officers to identify themselves on their uniform.
Medical patches: Medical patches can feature a caduceus symbol or other medical insignia to indicate the wearer’s profession.
Reflective patches: Reflective patches are often worn by runners or cyclists to increase visibility during low-light conditions.
Morale patches for pets: These patches can be worn by dogs and cats, and feature humorous sayings or images related to pets.
Historical patches: Historical patches can be used to commemorate a particular event, person, or time period.
The United States Flag Code outlines the respectful handling and display of the US flag.
In regards to putting US flag patches on clothing and gear, the Code has the following guidelines:
The flag patch should be worn on the right shoulder of a uniform
The flag patch should be worn so that the union (the blue field with stars) is facing forward, or to the observer’s right.
The flag patch should not be worn on clothing that is disposable, such as athletic uniforms, or on items that are meant to be discarded after a short period of use.
The flag patch should not be used as a decoration or attached to any part of a person’s body.
The flag patch should not be used in advertising or as part of a commercial or political message.
It’s important to note that while the Flag Code provides guidelines for the use of the US flag, it is not enforceable by penalty or punishment.
However, out of respect for the flag and what it represents, it is recommended that individuals follow these guidelines when displaying or wearing the US flag.
here are some US-based morale patch designers and manufacturers:
Mil-Spec Monkey: Mil-Spec Monkey is a California-based company that designs and produces morale patches, apparel, and accessories for military, law enforcement, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Gear Websites: Tucson patch designer and small batch manufacturer
Owl & Anchor: Graphic Designs and Patches made in Europe,High Quality impressive reputation
Tactical Tailor: Tactical Tailor is a Washington-based company that produces tactical gear, including morale patches, for military and law enforcement professionals.
Toxic Patch Co. Florida based, Growing reputation, many satisfied customers
Violent Little Machine Shop: Violent Little Machine Shop is a Montana-based company that designs and produces morale patches, apparel, and accessories for military, law enforcement, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Gadsden and Culpeper: Gadsden and Culpeper is a Virginia-based company that produces military and law enforcement gear, including morale patches and flags.
Morale Patch Armory: Morale Patch Armory is a Virginia-based company that designs and produces morale patches, apparel, and accessories for military, law enforcement, and outdoor enthusiasts.
PatchOps: PatchOps is a Florida-based company that designs and produces morale patches, apparel, and accessories for military, law enforcement, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Bawidamann: Bawidamann is a Tennessee-based company that designs and produces morale patches, apparel, and accessories for military, law enforcement, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Morale Patch HQ: Morale Patch HQ is a Texas-based company that produces morale patches for military and law enforcement professionals.
ITS Tactical: ITS Tactical is a Texas-based company that produces morale patches, tactical gear, and survival equipment for military and law enforcement professionals.
Please note that this list is not comprehensive and there may be other US-based morale patch designers and manufacturers that are not included.
Morale patches are decorative patches worn on military uniforms, backpacks, or other gear to boost morale, display unit pride, and express a sense of humor. While their origins are not entirely clear, morale patches have a long history in the United States military.
During World War I, American soldiers often decorated their helmets with insignia and symbols to signify their unit or to express their individuality. However, it wasn’t until World War II that morale patches became more widespread. In this conflict, soldiers began to create their own patches and insignia to represent their unit or to commemorate significant events. These patches often featured humorous or irreverent images or phrases.
In the Vietnam War, morale patches became even more popular, with many soldiers creating their own custom designs. These patches often featured images or slogans that expressed frustration with the war or mocked the military establishment. Morale patches were also used to commemorate the loss of fellow soldiers and to create a sense of camaraderie among troops.
In recent years, morale patches have become a popular item among military personnel, law enforcement officers, and others who work in uniformed professions. They are often traded between individuals and units as a way to build connections and to express unit pride.
Today, morale patches come in a wide range of designs and styles, from serious and subdued to humorous and irreverent. They are a way for individuals to express themselves and to connect with others who share their experiences and values.
The popularity of morale patches is not limited to the military, as other uniformed organizations such as the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, police, and EMS also use patches to recognize achievements, signify membership, and build camaraderie.
The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts have a long history of using patches to recognize the accomplishments of their members. Scouts can earn patches for completing specific tasks or achieving certain milestones, such as earning merit badges or completing a high adventure activity. These patches are often displayed on a sash or vest, and serve as a visual representation of the scout’s achievements.
Similarly, law enforcement agencies and emergency medical services (EMS) use patches to signify membership and to recognize the accomplishments of their personnel. Police officers and EMS personnel often wear patches on their uniforms that indicate their rank, unit, or specialty. These patches not only help to identify individuals, but also serve as a source of pride and camaraderie within the organization.
The popularity of patches among these organizations has likely contributed to the fondness and popularity of morale patches in general. The exchange of patches between members of different organizations has become a common practice, further reinforcing the sense of camaraderie and shared experiences that patches represent.
The number of US morale patch designers is difficult to estimate as there are many independent designers who create and sell their own unique designs, often through online marketplaces or social media platforms. Additionally, many military units and law enforcement agencies have their own internal designers who create custom patches for their members.
The variety of patch designs available is extensive and constantly evolving. Some patches feature traditional military or patriotic designs, while others are humorous or irreverent, referencing popular culture or current events. There are also patches that commemorate specific units or events, and patches that serve as a form of political or social commentary.
Patches can be made from a variety of materials, including embroidered fabric, PVC, leather, and rubber, among others. They come in a wide range of sizes, from small patches that can fit on a hat or backpack, to larger patches that can be worn on a uniform or displayed on a wall.
Overall, the popularity of morale patches has led to a thriving market for designers and manufacturers, with an endless variety of designs and styles available to suit almost any interest or taste.
Students and collectors who acquire patches from firearm instructors and why and how they do so
Students and collectors who acquire patches from firearm instructors do so for a variety of reasons, including as a way to commemorate their training or as a symbol of their membership in a particular training program or organization.
For students, acquiring a patch from their firearm instructor can be a way to showcase their dedication and accomplishment in completing a training program. It may also serve as a reminder of the valuable knowledge and skills they acquired during their training, and can help them feel connected to a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for firearms.
Collectors, on the other hand, may acquire patches from firearm instructors as a way to expand their collection or to acquire a rare or unique item. Patches can be highly sought-after by collectors due to their historical significance or design, and may be valued as a piece of memorabilia from a specific era or training program.
The process of acquiring a patch from a firearm instructor typically involves attending a training program or course offered by the instructor or organization. Upon completion of the program, students may receive a patch as a reward or memento, while collectors may seek out patches through online marketplaces or from other collectors.
Patches serve as a tangible symbol of achievement and community for students and collectors alike, and can help to foster a sense of pride and connection among those who share a passion for firearms and firearm training.
The hobby of collecting patches from knife manufacturers and patches of knives is a popular pastime for knife enthusiasts. This hobby involves collecting embroidered patches that represent various knife manufacturers, as well as patches that depict different styles of knives.
Knife manufacturers often create patches to promote their brand and products, and these patches may feature the company logo, the name of a specific knife model, or other design elements related to knives. Collectors of these patches enjoy seeking out and acquiring rare or unique designs from different manufacturers, as well as displaying them in their collections.
Similarly, patches depicting different styles of knives, such as folding knives, fixed blade knives, or tactical knives, can also be collected. These patches may feature images of specific knife designs or logos related to the type of knife.
Collecting patches from knife manufacturers and patches of knives can be a fun and engaging hobby for those interested in the world of knives. It allows collectors to showcase their passion for knives and explore the unique design elements and branding associated with different knife manufacturers and styles.
The hobby of collecting manufacture logo patches, employee uniform patches, and other company merchandise involves seeking out and acquiring items that bear the branding and insignia of different businesses and organizations. This can include a wide range of items, such as embroidered patches, pins, keychains, hats, shirts, and other promotional products.
Collectors may focus on a particular industry or type of business, such as aviation, automotive, or sports teams. They may also seek out specific items based on their rarity, historical significance, or aesthetic appeal. Some collectors may even trade or sell items with other enthusiasts to expand their collections.
The hobby of collecting company merchandise can be both fun and challenging. It requires research and knowledge of different businesses and their products, as well as the ability to identify authentic and valuable items. Additionally, collectors may need to be patient and persistent in their search for certain pieces.
Overall, collecting company merchandise is a unique hobby that offers a glimpse into the history and branding of various businesses and organizations. It can be a great way to connect with other enthusiasts, learn about different industries, and showcase a unique collection.
Police patches have a long and varied history, dating back to the early days of law enforcement in the United States. The use of badges and patches to identify police officers began in the mid-19th century, as the need for formalized law enforcement grew in the rapidly expanding cities of the Industrial Revolution.
Early police patches were often simple, featuring only the name of the department and the officer’s rank. However, as the use of patches became more widespread, departments began to adopt more elaborate designs that reflected their local culture, history, and values. Some departments even created unique patches for special units, such as SWAT teams or K9 units.
The practice of collecting police patches began in the early 20th century, as officers began to exchange patches with their colleagues from other departments. These early collectors often stored their patches in scrapbooks or albums, and the practice of collecting police patches quickly spread throughout the law enforcement community.
In the 1930s and 1940s, the popularity of collecting police patches grew rapidly, as collectors began to trade and sell patches at police conventions and other events. By the 1950s, police patch collecting had become a popular hobby, and specialized publications and collector organizations began to emerge.
Today, police patch collecting remains a popular hobby around the world, with collectors seeking out rare and unusual patches from a wide range of law enforcement agencies. In addition to traditional patches, collectors now also seek out challenge coins, lapel pins, and other law enforcement memorabilia. Despite the many changes in law enforcement over the years, the tradition of collecting police patches remains an enduring part of the law enforcement culture.
Military patch collecting has a long and rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. During World War I, soldiers began to collect patches as a way of commemorating their service and unit affiliations. The patches were often traded or collected as souvenirs, and some soldiers even sewed them onto their uniforms as a way of showing pride in their unit.
After the war, patch collecting became a popular hobby among veterans, and many began to trade and collect patches from other units and branches of the military. The popularity of patch collecting continued through World War II and into the postwar era, with collectors exchanging patches through the mail and at military shows and flea markets.
In the 1950s and 1960s, patch collecting became even more popular, with many collectors seeking out rare and unusual patches from around the world. The growth of the hobby led to the formation of military patch collecting clubs and organizations, which organized shows and exhibitions and provided a forum for collectors to share their knowledge and collections.
Today, military patch collecting remains a popular hobby among veterans and civilians alike, with collectors trading and collecting patches from all over the world. The hobby has also expanded to include other military memorabilia, such as medals, badges, and uniforms, and has become an important way of preserving the history of the military and its units.
Charity and non-profit groups often create patches to commemorate events or raise funds for their cause. These patches can be collected by enthusiasts who want to show support for the organization or event, or simply because they enjoy collecting patches as a hobby.
Collectors and supporters can acquire these patches through a variety of channels. Some charities and non-profits sell their patches directly to supporters, either online or at events. Others may give them away as a thank you to donors or volunteers. Additionally, collectors can often find patches for sale or trade through online marketplaces or at collectors’ conventions.
The reasons why collectors and supporters acquire these patches can vary. Some people collect patches as a way to show support for a cause that they feel passionate about. Others may be drawn to the design or aesthetic of a particular patch. Collecting patches can also be a way to connect with like-minded individuals who share similar interests.
Acquiring patches from charity and non-profit groups can also be a way to give back to the community. By purchasing or collecting these patches, supporters are contributing to the organization’s fundraising efforts and helping to raise awareness for their cause. Additionally, displaying these patches on clothing or accessories can help to spread the message of the organization to a wider audience.
Overall, the acquisition of patches from charity and non-profit groups is a way for collectors and supporters to show their support for a cause they believe in, connect with others who share similar interests, and give back to the community.