What Are the Best Colors to Choose for Custom Patches?
Patches are an important finishing touch for all service uniforms, be it firefighters, police, SWAT, security, or sheriffs’ uniforms. NFPA estimates there were 1,115,000 career and volunteer firefighters in the United States in 2018, and that’s a lot of uniforms. Different color combinations work for different settings but as long as you choose vibrant colors, you are bound to get unique, embroidered pieces of art. Choosing the right colors can be a bit complicated as there are so many colors available to choose from, so it helps to know the options you have before you can settle on a combination.
Tips on Picking Colors for Your Patches
Neon colors work great if you want to make a patch that really stands out. Think sports teams and such, where visibility and vibrancy are important, and neon pinks and yellows won’t disappoint.
Metallic gold and silver threads give a striking effect, especially when viewed in bright light. These colors shimmer as though they had actual metallic shavings within them.
Glow in the dark colors work to keep your patch visible in low light, and if you would like this effect, white and green are the colors that will bring it out the most effectively. Other colors can also glow in the dark, but these two will glow the brightest.
Extra Tips to Get the Best Patch
Keep your design simple so it is easy to identify your patch. Most people won’t take the time to decipher an overly complicated patch design.
Using bold text and designs will make your patch more legible, as most embroidery processes don’t work too well with thin, fine lines. Also, go for the biggest size option because it will incorporate your design perfectly as well as accommodate your message perfectly.
If you want your patch to really stand out without necessarily using neon or metallic colors, you need to pick contrasting colors that will bring out your design and make it vivid and clear. The most common contrast is black and white, and while you don’t have to stick to this, it helps to aim for a close contrast ratio to it.
Finally, pick a border color that complements the background and helps draw attention by adding depth to your overall design.
Design can take a few trials to get right in the end, and with patches, it is even more so. Just make sure to research the color combination you want and ask any questions about your design before getting it embroidered. Patches last a long time, and you won’t enjoy seeing errors you could have avoided!
