Splendid History of Embroidered Patches

Patching your pants is a good idea if you want something cooler and more statement. The retro culture of patch embroidery has long been popular in the ancient Mediterranean, Middle East, China and India as stitch decoration. For a long time, this process could only be done by hand. This is a slow and complicated process, a manifestation of family affection and a symbol of nobility. We can see embroidery of patterns such as dragons and phoenixes in religious and royal clothes.

Some people say that the glasses patch worn on the pirate's eyes is also a Patched Up culture, because these patches are easily recognizable, and it is also a culture of publicity. During World War II, for example, some unique patchwork embroidery from the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard was most popular, and this tradition continues to this day, as far as collectors are concerned, these things are so valuable. So many retro enthusiasts are chasing some military uniforms with special patch patterns.

Continued development of patch culture

It wasn't until the 1960s that the American hippie movement transformed Patched Up from mainstream culture to subculture. Patches were everywhere, from smiley faces, rainbows, flowers, peace signs, to slogans, jackets, t-shirts, ironic military uniforms, and jeans (mostly flared), a classic symbol of the era. This all continued into the 1970s until the 80s ushered in the PUNK style.

Different patches represent different cultures

If the hippie movement means peace and love, then the spirit of punk is destruction, total destruction and total reconstruction. This is also reflected in their work. I'm talking about music band patches, mashups and skull patches, and even homemade plain cloth patches. All of these work perfectly with studs, safety pins and leather jackets. By the 1990s, this culture was ubiquitous in professional sportswear, as well as in school clothing, used to distinguish teams and rank factions.

Patchwork has become more popular since embroidery pioneer Joshua Heilmann invented the first hand-embroidery machine in France. Later, with the advent of programmable machines, embroidery machines were automated to a greater degree and could be mass-produced. So patch embroidery can be seen on some common work shirts, T-shirts, sweater jackets and jeans.

Development status of embroidery patches

Today, high fashion brands have started using patch patches and are once again pushing Patched Up to the forefront of mainstream fashion. Many luxury clothing jackets, jeans, bags are hung with vibrant patches. This is the second creation of some extremely talented designers through this culture, and this is also an original design, right?