History of Embroidered Iron On Patches in USA 2022

Embroidered iron-on patches are back on the fashion scene. Iron-on patches are a quick and fun way to fix up your old jackets. They can brighten up your jeans or upcycle a backpack. However you can decide to use your embroidered custom iron on patches, understanding the rich fashion history of embroidered iron-on patches gives your style special meaning.

Embroidered patches weren’t always in style. For hundreds of years, they were only used for practical purposes, such as patching holes in worn clothing and marking people in uniform. But in recent decades they have come to symbolize many different things to many different people.

Search eBay for vintage patches and you’ll see that these little fashion icons have not only endured, but are still in demand. If you go back in fashion history, you’ll see that the beginning of patches’ lasting impact on the world of fashion began where so many trends begin: on the streets.

In the early 1960s, a youthful counterculture flooded the streets to protest the Vietnam War. They recited rhythmic poetry and formed an intellectual revolt to confront and eradicate the old systems of traditional America. But in the mid-1960s a new counterculture emerged, armed with flowers, patches, tiaras and peace signs. Hippies, protesting protests. They embraced nature, love, and empathy, and abandoned middle-class Western traditions to form their own idealistic communities.

Fashion History of Embroidered Iron On Patches

Iron embroidered patches are not a new fad, they hark back to classic embroidery techniques with ancient origins. Examples of embroidery have been discovered as early as 30,000 BC. Other ancient examples come from China and South America, and even the Vikings incorporated embroidery into their textile designs.

Prior to the development of the sewing machine in the Victorian era, each design was unique and hand-sewn, which meant that fine embroidery was only available to artisans and the wealthy. Before entering fashion history, embroidered patches also served a more practical purpose. For the poorer classes, embroidered patches were traditionally used to cover holes and tears in clothing. So how did they become a fashion staple?

The 20th Century of Embroidered Fashion History Iron On Patches

The fashion history of iron on patches for clothes embroidered patches took another twist in the mid-20th century when free-spirited protesters of the 1960s adopted embroidered patches as part of their eclectic style. Peace signs, rainbows and embroidered hearts became famous symbols of the time.

In the 1970s and 1980s, patches became very important to social protest movements, especially feminism, civil rights, and gay rights. Wearing a patch embroidered with a message of support for political and social movements gave young and marginalized voices a place to speak out and wear their hearts on their sleeves. To this day, iron embroidered patches are used to support social change and equality.

The Fabulous Future of Embroidered Iron On Patches  

The fashion history of iron-on embroidered iron on patches near me is set for a wonderful fashion future as they become a modern wardrobe staple for the 2020s. As upcycling and vintage take center stage, crests seem destined to stay in the next era of fashion history. 

Buying a used denim jacket from a charity or vintage store is an easy and inexpensive way to start recycling clothes with iron-on patches. Embroidered patches add a shabby-chic touch to outdated styles, and now the world’s top designers, including Gucci and Marc Jacobs, are incorporating them into fashion lines.
Embroidered patches are a major player in the future of fashion. They combine free-spirit solidarity messages with home recycling. With so many amazing styles full of personality, there’s no better way to express yourself through your clothing than with embroidered iron on patches for jeans.