Denim jackets are timeless staples that offer endless possibilities for personalization. One great way to make yours stand out is by adding patches—whether from a memorable trip or a favorite concert. These embellishments showcase your individual style and interests. Plus, adding patches to an older jacket can repair rips and tears, extending the life of your piece.
In this article, we’ll cover how to put patches on a jean jacket so you can create an eye-catching statement piece and keep damaged clothing out of landfills.
Adding patches to your denim gives it a fresh twist—here are our top reasons to give it a try:
Jean jackets are made of durable, textured fabric ideal for various patches, including iron-on, sew-on, adhesive, and velcro. Here are the most common types of patches and how to apply them.
Iron-ons are one of the most popular choices because they’re easy to apply and highly versatile. They’re an especially good fit for thick jackets and heavy coats that may resist needles—iron-on patches are no problem.
Here’s how to attach iron-on patches to denim:
This method is ideal if you’re uncertain of your denim jacket’s patch placement. With iron-ons, nothing’s set in stone if you change your mind. To remove them, simply reheat the patch and carefully peel them off.
While sew-on patches are a little more advanced, they offer a firm hold that lasts for years. They withstand repeated use and laundering, so they’re excellent for clothes you wear often.
Here’s how to sew on a jacket patch by hand (but feel free to use a sewing machine if you have one):
This type of patch is perfect for mending a distressed jean jacket. Sew-on patches make it easy to thrift that gorgeous jacket you want, even if those trendy holes aren’t your style.
Adhesives are quick and easy, so they’re excellent if you’re just learning how to patch a denim jacket. They’re also ideal for heat-sensitive garments or anything you don’t feel comfortable sewing. But adhesive weakens with repeated exposure to water, so choose clothes that don’t need frequent washing—or pick ones you wash carefully, like rhinestone denim jackets and beaded jeans.
Follow these steps for a strong hold:
Pro tip: Adhesive patches are excellent for leather jackets, which are tricky to sew and easily damaged by irons.
Velcro patches offer an adaptable look that you can change to fit different seasons, events, or aesthetics. These patches come in two parts: the “loop” section, which is applied to the fabric, and the “hook” that you stick down on top. This allows you to quickly swap out a collection of unique patches depending on your mood.
Typically, you’ll either sew or iron on velcro patches, so follow the steps listed above depending on what you choose.
Custom jackets are a creative way to show your individuality. And making a patchwork piece is a fun and sustainable way to mend damaged garments. If you want to find a preloved gem to personalize, explore endless options for your next project on ThredUp.
We have a huge selection of denim available, from black denim jackets to straight-leg jeans. And our Style Chat makes thrifting easy: Simply describe the look you’re going for, and AI will curate pieces that match your vibe.
Thrift like a pro with ThredUp.
For a quick solution with zero sewing, try iron-on or adhesive patches. You can also use magnetic patches, although they’re a little less common.
Patches are one of the best ways to mend a hole or tear in a jean jacket. Plain denim patches are ideal for a subtle repair job, while colorful travel patches are a more vibrant solution.
We recommend using a hand-sewn backstitch for the tightest hold. These are a little more complex, but they ensure your patch stays on wash after wash.
Both are excellent options, depending on your needs. Sew-on patches are more durable and flexible, holding up to multiple washes and bending with the fabric. On the other hand, iron-on patches are simple, so they’re excellent for people with little sewing expertise. They stay on for about 25 washes, which isn’t as permanent as sewing. But it’s plenty for denim garments, as they don’t require frequent laundering.
It’s called a patch jacket, but some may also call it a punk jacket or band jacket.