Back patches
A back patch is the big one — the piece that fills the back of a jacket or vest and is read from across a car park. Size changes everything about it: how it is made, what it costs, and how it is attached. We make custom back patches as one large piece or as a set of rockers and a centre, embroidered, woven, chenille, sublimated or leather.
| Price | Quoted individually — every piece above 4.5 inches is priced on its own size and stitch count |
| Minimum order | 50 pieces per design |
| Production | 10–12 business days standard, 5–7 rush at no extra charge |
| Shipping | Free and tracked worldwide, usually 3–7 business days in transit |
| Proof | Free digital proof — nothing is made until you approve it |
| Payment | 50% deposit once the proof is approved, 50% before dispatch |
Who orders back patches
- Riding clubs and motorcycle groups — a top rocker, centre patch and bottom rocker. See custom biker patches and our guide to motorcycle vest patches.
- Bands and their fans — a large back piece for a battle vest or denim jacket.
- Schools and varsity teams — chenille letters and mascots across a letterman jacket. See chenille letterman patches.
- Crews, workwear and teams — a company or crew logo across the back of a work jacket or team coat.
- Churches, charities and events — a commemorative back piece for a ride, walk or reunion.
One piece or three?
| Layout | How it works | Choose it when |
|---|---|---|
| Single back patch | One large patch filling the back | A logo or illustration that is one shape |
| Three-piece set | Top rocker, centre patch, bottom rocker | Club colours, or a name and location around a logo |
| Centre plus one rocker | A logo with a single curved bar above or below it | A crew or team that wants a name without the club look |
A three-piece back is read as club colours in riding culture, and “MC” on a rocker carries meaning to other clubs. If you are not a motorcycle club, a single back patch or a centre with one rocker avoids the misunderstanding. Our motorcycle patches to avoid guide explains why.
Which construction suits a large back patch
| Construction | Strength at back-patch size | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Embroidered | The classic look; bold, raised and hard-wearing | Cost rises with stitch count, so fill area matters more than size |
| Woven | Fine detail and small lettering, flat and light | Less texture than embroidery |
| Sublimated | Full colour and photographic art at one rate | Printed, not stitched — a flat finish |
| Chenille | The varsity look; big letters and mascots | Fine detail is lost; best for bold shapes |
| Leather | A premium, tone-on-tone mark | Heavy at large sizes; must be sewn |
For a detailed illustration across a big area, sublimation or woven usually beats embroidery on price, because embroidery is priced on stitches and a large filled design takes a lot of them. The same artwork can look very different in each — ask for the proof in two constructions and compare.
Sizing a back patch
Measure the flat area between the shoulder seams and from just below the collar to just above the waistband. On most adult jackets and vests that leaves roughly 10 to 12 inches of width. Leave a margin of at least half an inch inside the seams so the patch can be stitched without catching them. Send the measurements with your artwork and we will size the proof to fit.
Attaching a back patch
Sew it. A large patch flexes every time the wearer moves, and a heat-seal backing that holds a 3-inch patch will peel at the corners of a 12-inch one. Leather and waxed-cotton vests take a leather needle; denim and canvas take a heavy-duty machine needle. Our guide on how to sew on a patch walks through it.
Common questions
How much does a custom back patch cost?
Every piece above 4.5 inches is quoted individually on its size, construction and stitch count. Send your artwork and sizes on the quote form and you will get a price for each piece.
How big is a back patch?
It depends on the jacket. Most adult jackets and vests leave about 10 to 12 inches across between the shoulder seams. We size the proof to your measurements.
Can a back patch be iron-on?
We do not recommend it. A large patch flexes too much for heat seal to hold at the corners. Sew it on.
Do you make rockers?
Yes — top and bottom rockers, as part of a set or on their own. See custom biker patches.
What is the minimum order?
50 pieces per design. In a three-piece set, each piece counts as its own design.