Morale and Tactical-Style Patches (and What Not to Copy)

What are morale patches?

Morale patches started as informal, often humorous patches worn by service members on Velcro panels. Today the style is used far more widely:

• Airsoft and paintball teams
• Outdoor, hiking and adventure groups
• Veterans' associations and reunion groups
• Security and event stewarding teams
• Search and rescue volunteers and outdoor clubs
• Collectors and people who simply like the look on a backpack

A morale patch can be a team emblem, an in-joke, a motto or a mascot. Searches for military and morale-style patches in Ireland are steady, and the style suits Irish weather well because PVC versions are waterproof.

What not to copy

Some patches are not ours, or yours, to reproduce:

• Official insignia of Óglaigh na hÉireann (the Defence Forces), including unit badges, rank markings and formation signs
• Garda, prison service, customs and other state service insignia
• Insignia of other countries' armed forces and police
• Other teams' or companies' logos and trademarks

Official insignia should only be produced for, or with written authorisation from, the relevant body. We will ask for authorisation for anything that looks like official insignia. Your own team name, emblem, mascot and humour are fine.

Which patch type suits tactical-style gear?

Our comparison of PVC vs embroidered patches covers this in more depth.

Size and shape

- Standard morale patch: 7 to 9 cm wide, rectangular, round or shield-shaped - Name tape: about 10 × 2.5 cm - Flag patch: about 8 × 5 cm - Small shoulder tabs: 4 to 6 cm wide

Measure the loop panel on your jacket, bag or plate carrier; most take patches up to about 9 cm wide.

Colours: full colour or subdued

Tactical-style patches often come in subdued colourways that blend with gear: olive green, coyote tan, ranger green, grey and black. Full-colour versions suit collectors and team identity. Many teams order both from the same design, each counted as a separate design.

Backing: Velcro is standard

Morale patches almost always use Velcro hook backing so they attach to loop panels and can be swapped. See Velcro patches explained. For jackets without loop panels, sew-on is the alternative; our guide to every patch backing compares options.

Glow-in-the-dark and reflective details

For night games, outdoor events and search groups, glow-in-the-dark thread or PVC and reflective materials can be added to parts of a design. Ask when you request a quote and we will show the effect on your mockup.

Designing a good morale patch

1. Keep it bold: patches are read from a distance. 2. Limit text to a short motto or name. 3. Use strong contrast, especially in subdued colourways. 4. Keep line work at least 1 mm thick, and thicker for PVC. 5. Test the design at actual size by printing it out.

Patches for veterans' and reunion groups

Veterans' associations and reunion groups often want a patch that honours their shared service without reproducing official insignia. Good approaches include the group's own name and founding year, a design inspired by a place, mission or era, and a simple emblem the group creates itself. If the group wants to include an official unit badge, check with the relevant unit or association first. Woven patches suit detailed reunion designs, and embroidered patches with a merrowed border give a classic, commemorative look.

Ordering

The minimum is 5 patches per design, which suits small airsoft teams and groups. PVC needs a mould, so it costs more per patch at small quantities than embroidery; see our cost guide. Delivery is free anywhere in Ireland.

What this guide is based on

This guide reflects how Irish Customized Patches handles morale, team and tactical-style patch orders, including our policy on official insignia. Explore our PVC patches and embroidered patches, or request a free mockup.