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Cheap Band Patches: 4 Ways We Keep Prices Low Without Compromising Quality

Selection of cheap band patches in an organized mess

Cheap band patches are a big part of our business, but at the heart of our mission is affordability without sacrificing quality. We know that music fans want to represent their favorite bands and artists, but they don’t want to break the bank to do so. That’s why we have developed a system that allows us to keep our prices low without compromising the quality of our band patches.

Selection of cheap band patches
Cheap band patch assorti

How much do band patches usually cost?

Patches can be found in many different price-points, and it’s important to be informed about where you shop. Here at Savage Looks regular patches range between €1, and €8, but most are around €3. With the average price overall being around €5!

If you’ve ever made a battle jacket, you know it can take quite a few patches to fill. Those few euros difference can really add up when buying multiple patches. But that price difference can also make you distrustfull, and we understand those feelings! So let’s get into the how and why we are able to offer our collection of cheap band patches for the prices that we do.

1. We buy in bulk

This one might seem obvious, but we are able to buy in bulk. Since we sell both online and on festivals, we go through big amounts of patches. And with most suppliers: the more you buy, the cheaper it gets! Which creates a nice cycle of being able to buy more etc etc.

Another reason why we move so much product is because we ship worldwide. Something we’ve noticed is that most merchandise is being made and sold in Europe/the EU. And most of those shops don’t ship outside of that region. The shops that are from, let’s say, America ask absurd prices, and have a much smaller collection.

2. We make deals

Where the “regular” distributors have pretty set prices, we always make an effort to go above and beyond. We especially love talking to bands directly to see if we can buy from them, or even collaborate by having patches (and other merch) created for them. And this is where the magic happens! We often want to order quite a few extra, making the production costs very doable for the bands, and super interesting for us. As an added extra, we have official and exclusive merch! And that’s not limited to cheap band patches.

Part of why this works is because we work closely together with a few manufacturers who have proven to deliver incredible quality for good prices. Even if it comes to small quantities. Especially with embroidered patches.

3. We take risks

It might feel a bit counter-intuitive that our risks make it so that we can offer cheap band patches. But because we work closely together with bands and manufacturers, we are often able to take risks without putting a lot at stake. A small band that wants patches made? Sure, we’ll order some for ourselves, even if we’ve never heard of them. A new name available at a distributor? Count us in! Patches that’ll be discontinued? We’ll take it all!

This creates a unique collection of patches, with patches that aren’t sold anymore, exclusive patches that only we and the band sell, or just the fact that we offer items that others are too scared to try. It obviously leaves us with dead stock every once in a while, but it’s worth the risk to be able to offer cheap band patches like we do!

4. We pay close attention to the demand

With eyes and ears at festivals and online, we are able to anticipate what band patches are looked for the most. And we try to jump on those trends as soon as possible. Does this make us a bit of a sell-out? It sure does. And we don’t care. We don’t only cater to the masses, we also have some increadible underground names that’ll make even the most die-hard elitist happy. And with our prices, we make sure that it’s available to everyone

Hungry to shop our collection of cheap band patches?

Go check them out in our store! It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for vintage rock band patches, or newest metal band patches for jackets. We have got you covered! And there’s a lot more in our store than “just” sew on band patches.

Are custom band patches available?

Not at Savage Looks. However, if you are looking for cheap custom patches for your band or project, we highly suggest you go to WOTIK merchandise . They are one of the manufacturers we work with, and highly suggest contacting them! Please note that this is only for official merchandise for bands. They don’t accept requests for bootleg patches

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Band patches: 4 things you need to know about them

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I. Introduction

Band patches have been a staple of the music/fashion world for years, from punk rockers to hardcore fans! Whether you are looking to make a statement, show your support for a band, or just add a cool piece of flair to your look, (band) patches are what you need. In this article, we’ll show you all you need to know about band patches including where to find them, how to attach them, and the different kinds of patches you can get. Read on for more!

A. What are Band Patches?

Band patches are basically pieces of fabric, usually cloth or leather, that feature a logo or design of a band. They are often used to show support for a band and as a way to connect with other people over shared music taste/interests. Band patches come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny patches to larger patches that cover an entire backside of a battle jacket. A big part of why band patches are so popular, is because they are an affordable way to get some band merch. Besides that, they allow the wearer to display multiple bands at the same time, unlike with shirts and hoodies. They give you a lot of creative freedom in the way you apply the patches too!

B. History of Band Patches

Rock band patches have been around for decades, with some of the earliest examples being seen in the punk rock and hardcore music scenes of the late 70s and early 80s. Since then, they have become a staple of the alternative music and fashion world and are often seen on battle jackets or, especially in Germany, on other clothing items like pants or dresses. They are a great way to show support for a band, or even to pay tribute to a band that has gone on hiatus or has broken up.

bundle of patches

II. Popular Uses of Patches

Besides being used to show support and/or connection with a band, patches are also popular among collectors or fashion enthusiasts. Over the years, they have become a popular way to express one’s sense of style and to add a creative flair to a look. People often combine patches with denim jackets, backpacks, vests, and other clothing items to create something unique.

A. Represent a Band

The most popular use of patches is to show support for a band or to represent a particular band. Whether you are a fan of a certain band or even just a supporter of their music, wearing a patch of their logo is a great way to show your appreciation, and connect with people who like the same bands as you do. There are even some groups who will only allow new members if their battle jacket has the right band patches to go with the groups overall theme. Seeing as it’s a pretty easy way to quickly tell if it would be a good fit, at least music wise. It wouldn’t make sense to join a heavy metal group if all your band patches are of underground black metal bands. Or joining a pagan group when all you have are rock band patches.

B. Represent a Subculture

Patches can also be used to represent a particular subculture. Punk rock, goth, and metal are all examples of different subcultures that often use patches to express where their heart lies. These subcultures all tend to have imagery that is linked to them. So those images are a great way to add a bit of spice to your outfit. Especially if you’re pretty new to the subgenre. This way you won’t have to buy expensive new clothes, but you can buy a few cheap patches, attach those to some of your items and ease into the new aesthetic. A skull patch on a school bag can make a bigger impact than you might think.

Probably the biggest subculture that also uses patches besides metalheads are bikers. They are use to show affiliation to certain groups, and what their rank is. These patches are to be respected. Throw a random generic patch on your jacket without knowing what it means, is usually fine. Sewing on a bandpatch without knowing the band can get some pretty annoyed reactions. But wearing patches that belong to a bikergroup/bikergang (however you want to call them), can actually get dangerous. While most bikers are super friendly, there are some groups (the 1%), that don’t take lightly of the misuse of their colours. You wouldn’t get a gang tattoo without belonging to that gang right? This has nothing to do with gatekeeping. It’s all about knowing what the things you wear mean and what the consequenses can be.

C. Represent a Movie Franchise

Another use for patches is to show off your favourite movie franchise. This is especially popular for franchises like Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Marvel. These patches make a great gift for movie lovers to add to their collection. It’s one of those things that people often don’t think of to buy, so chances are, they don’t have it yet! Just make sure you don’t get a Star Trek item for a Star Wars lover.

D. Represent Political views

Finally, patches can be used to express political views. Some might call these morale patches. Just make sure you are comfortable to talk about your political views as you’ll be wearing yours on display when you wear these patches

With so many uses for patches, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the possibilities. It’s important to remember that patches are a great way to express your individuality. They offer a freedom to express your style and values in a way that’s unique and original. Whether you’re crafting a look that’s totally your own or joining a subculture, patches can be a great way to express yourself. So, what are you waiting for? Get patching!

bundle of band patches

III. Different Types of Band Patches

When you are looking to get a metal band patch, there are several different methods you can use. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a quick look at the four main types of band patches: A. Embroidered Patches, B. Woven Patches, C. Screen Printed Patches, D. Sublimation Patches, and E. Metal patches.

A. Embroidered Patches

Embroidered patches are one of the most popular type of band patches and are typically made by using a combination of colorful threads and fabric to create the design. Embroidered band patches are extremely durable since the thread that is used to embroider the design onto the patches is dyed through and through. This means that there won’t be a lot of loss of color over time. Embroidered band patches are best for logo’s and designs with harsh definitions. Subtle color gradients are hard to accomplish with this method. One of the most fun things about using this method is the ability to create cutout patches with a solid border.

B. Woven Patches

Woven patches are another type of band patch. Unlike embroidered patches, these patches are created by using a loom to weave thin strips of fabric into the patch design. The result is a patch that is more detailed and intricate than an embroidered patch. Woven band patches are also very durable, but are a little more prone to loss of color because the htread used is thinner. When going with this method, there is a lot more freedom in the kind of designs you want on a patch. It won’t be photorealistic, but the ability to create thin crisp lines allow for quite a bit of detail. Most album covers will translate great to a woven patch, something you can’t do with an embroidered patch. You can still create cutout patches, but these will either be of a simple shape with a solid border, or lasercut without a solid border. Lasercut patches tend to show wear and tear at the edges pretty quickly

C. Screen Printed Patches

Screen printed patches are often found in the form of backpatches. It’s a pretty simple and straightforward method. The design is printed on the patch with ink the same way as it would be printed on a t-shirt. The downside is that the design can fade a bit more quickly and needs a bit more care. The inks used for this process are also less durable, so the colors can start to fade and crack a little over time. When it comes to the shape of the screen printed patches, there is a lot of freedom. As you can print on whatever shape you can create.

D. Sublimation Patches

Then there is the sublimation patch. This type of band patch is created by using a heat press to press ink into a patch. It’s a very nice and modern way to create a patch. It’s also a pretty fast method, with near instant results. The downside is that the patch won’t be as durable as the other methods. The ink is transferred to the patch, meaning that the colors can fade a lot easier than other types of patches. The upside however is that you can get near photorealistic results. If the printer used can print it, you can press it on a patch. Shapes and sizes are pretty limited, because you need to use previously made blanks, which are made of a special material that can take the ink transfer.

E. Metal Patches

And lastly, my personal favorite kind of patch: the metal patch. While very limited in design possibilities and shapes, they are truly unique. These are made by engraving a (logo) design onto anodized aluminum plates. Since these base plates are mostly found in the size of a credit card, this is also the most common size metal patch you’ll find. While it’s technically possible to get these in all kinds of colors, simple mat black is pretty much to go to color. This will ensure that the logo will be visible, due to the silver underlay. If you were to engrave on, let’s say, yellow, the silver engraving won’t really pop. With metal patches, you shouldn’t place on an area with a lot of movement. While very sturdy, and slightly bendy, there is a limit these bad boys can take. These patches can also get scratches on them. You don’t have to be extremely carefull with them, but know it can happen.

IV. How to Wear Band Patches

Now that you know what these patches are and how they are made, let’s get to the fun part: wearing them. There is no right or wrong way to wear band patches. But there are some guidelines you should keep in mind.

A. How do you apply a band patch?

With the exeption for metal patches, we always recommend to sew on patches, even if they have an iron on backing. That way you can make sure the patch is securely attached to your garment, so you don’t have to worry about it coming off. Of course, the patch should be placed on an area of your clothing that can take the needle, but also where the needle can handle the fabric. So don’t try to sew it onto very thin fabric, or on extremely thick areas. This can either cause the fabric to rip and ruin the garment, or the needle to warp or even break. Just don’t

The metal patches are something else. We deliver these with 4 studs, as we think this is the easiest way to secure them. On thicker fabric we recommend to first punch a small hole to put the stud through. Get the patch in there and fasten the stud.

There are many more ways to apply patches, but these are the main methods we recommend

What is our issue with iron on patches?

The patches on their own aren’t really an issue, it’s when you use the iron on backing as a way to actually apply the patch. While this may seem like a good idea to quickly and easily apply patches wherever you want, it won’t be in the long run. They are a pain to remove properly, and at the same time the longevity of the application is not guaranteed. Which can leave you with a patch that is partially falling off, which will also leave residu when you actually try to take it off. It can warp the patch in the process. It’s just a mess.

B. How do I remove a band patch?

If you’ve followed our recommendations, removing the band patches is very easy. Just take a stitch remover or a small pair of scissors and cut the thread that is holding the patch in it’s place, and you’re done!

It’s even easier with the metal patches. Just unscrew the studs, et voila!

You can check out a tutorial here

V. Conclusion

Band patches can be an amazing addition to any wardrobe and can really show off your personality and style. They are also a great way to show your support for the bands you love and to represent the music you listen to. Make sure to keep in mind the guidelines we discussed here and you’ll have the perfect patches in no time!

A. In Summary

Just go and get the metal band patches you like, try to be mindful of what you are wearing (I feel like the bare minimum is at least knowing what you’re wearing and liking their vibe, no “name 3 songs” bullshit). Find a place to put them, a battle jacket is the most common place. But even just storing them somewhere and keeping them as a memento like that is perfectly fine! Take your time when applying or removing the patches to keep them in proper shape. And if patches aren’t your vibe, you can always go for stickers, metal pin badges, or any other type of metal merchandise. Besides, sometimes it’s just not a patch metal band, but shirt metal band or something like that

B. Where to Find Band Patches

No matter what kind of patches you like, there are plenty of places to find them! You can obviously get them at Savage Looks. We have a pretty insane collection and it just keeps growing. In case you can’t find what you’re looking for here, there are always websites like Etsy, eBay, and even Amazon that have a wide variety of patches that you can choose from. But going directly to the sites of the bands is also a great way to get some unique merch!

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Making a Statement with Metal Backpatches

motorhead england back patch battle jacket download uk savage looks e1674546477546

When shopping for metal back patches, there are some things you might be wondering. Here at Savage Looks, we have been able to put back patches through the test, and after selling thousands of them, we know a thing or two about them! Back patches are a classic statement piece, with a design printed on enforced (usually) black fabric ( white doesn’t get used a lot in any piece of merch). Being fancy, we could call them giant sew on appliques.

What are backpatches?

Simply put: backpatches are a large patch that people generally sew on the backside of their battlejacket. Due to it’s size, this will generally be of one of their favorite bands. Metal backpatches have been a staple piece in the metal scene for years, starting in the 70s/80s. While they are available in multiple shapes and sizes, you’ll usually find them as a semi-rectangle that’ll fit most backpanels of battle jackets. The obvious exceptions are the big boys with sizes 3XL and up, the petite ladies (we recommend going for a round or shaped backpatch), and the kids who get put into battle jackets by their parents (don’t worry, we do this too, it’s fun!).

How can I attach metal backpatches to my clothing?

Attaching metal backpatches to your clothing is a great way to show off your style and add a unique touch to your wardrobe. And you can easily do this by seing them on. Some other techniques we’ve spotted are: glueing them on (we don’t recommend this), using safety pins to attach the back patch to a battle jacket (works great with punk patches) and using studs to get them on a jacket (gives you even more freedom to customize your battle jacket, but it’s labor intensive and quite pricey)

Are metal back patches easy to sew onto clothing?

Yes, metal backpatches are pretty easy to sew onto clothing. You’ll need a needle and thread, as well as a thimble to protect your fingers from the sharp point of the needle (yes, you will still be true when using one). Start by placing the patch in the desired position and pinning it in place, preferably using needles or safety pins. Then, use a simple running stitch to sew the patch onto the fabric.

Not a fan of handwork? You can absolutely use a sewing machine! Especially backpatches are a relatively easy project to start off with if you are new to sewing, as they have pretty long, straight lines.

Make sure to go slowly and evenly, as back patches can move around while sewing them. When you’re done, tie off the thread, cut off excess length (maybe use a lighter) and you’re all set!

Can’t figure it out? Ask a grandma! (or your local seamstress), and they’ll be able to get it all done for you! Just ask around if someonw knows someone who can sew them on for you. While it can give a great sense of pride doing it yourself (not to mention the fact that you’ll be able to do it exacly the way you want to), if you can’t do it right, it really might be better to let someone else do it for you. In the end, the most important thing is having a battle jacket you wear with pride, and having patches sewn on straight generally helps with that feeling.

Are metal back patches durable?

Metal backpatches are incredibly durable and long-lasting. They are made from high-quality materials that are designed to withstand wear and tear. The print is done with high quality screen print, which is also used on shirts and hoodies etc, and they are often coated with a protective finish to ensure that they stay in good condition for years to come.

Are metal backpatches waterproof?

Metal backpatches are somewhat waterproof. While we wouldn’t recommend leaving them in water for long periods of time, you don’t have to sprint for shelter as soon as some rain starts falling. They’ll also be able to handle the occasional cycle in the washing machine, we don’t recommend doing this too often, and putting them into a dryer is a bit of a no-no. It won’t ruin them instantly, but it won’t be very good for them.

Are there any special care instructions for metal back patches?

Yes, there are some special care instructions to follow when it comes to metal backpatches. To ensure the longevity of your backpatch, it’s important to keep it away from prolonged exposure to moisture and direct sunlight. Additionally, you should avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasive materials when cleaning the backpatch, as this could cause damage to the patch. Instead, use a soft cloth and mild soap and water to gently wipe away any dirt or dust. Following these simple steps will help keep your metal backpatch looking its best for years to come.

How much do metal backpatches typically cost?

Metal backpatches typically cost between $5 and $20, depending on the size and design. Some patches may cost more, depending on the amount that were made, the complexity of the design and the materials used. Embroidered backpactches are generally a lot more expensive than screen printed ones as these are simply more expensive to make. Throw in a cutout back patch instead of a regular one, boom, the price goes up again. And when there are only a few made of a single design, that will drive up the price because of the higher production costs per piece, and exclusivity.

Where can I buy metal back patches?

If you’re looking to buy metal backpatches, you have several options. You can purchase them online at the Savage Looks store! Can’t find what you are looking for here? You can always buy from a variety of retailers, such as Amazon, Etsy, and eBay. You can also find them at local music stores, as well as specialty stores that specialize in punk and metal merchandise. If you’re looking to get something more exclusive, go check the stores like bandcamp from your favorite bands. They might have some exclusive merch for sale that we are unable to obtain.

That being said, we do offer a very big selection of patches. It doesn’t matter if you love black metal back patches, heavy metal back patches, death metal back patches, hard rock back patches, thrash metal back patches or pagan metal back patches. Chances are you’ll find something here. From black sabbath back patches to darkthrone backpatches to metallica back patches to zz top back patches to eluveitie back patches to motorhead back patches, we have something from most metal bands.

Not looking for a big backpatch? Check out the backstripes with of big band logos. Or just browse our store for our complete collection of metal patches

We ship internationally, with frequent shipping moments multiple days a week, you’ll get your backpatch pretty soon, no matter where you are from. All of our items are brand new! And we are working towards being able to offer free shipping

I can’t find the metal backpatch that I want

Sometimes, you have looked everywhere, but the band you want a backpatch of, just doesn’t have any. At this point you’ll have to get creative. One of the more common ways to deal with this problem, is by cutting up a band shirt and using the print as a backpatch. This won’t be as durable, due to the softer fabric that shirts are made of, but you’ll be able to get the metal backpatches you want a lot easier. As there are a lot more t-shirt designs available than backpatch designs. This will be a bit more difficult and take more time, effort and precision, but the outcome will be worth it!

What sizes are available for metal backpatches?

Metal backpatches come in a variety of sizes, but one thing they have in common: they are big. Sizes are mentioned under additional information on the product pages. They are the perfect statement accessories!