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Teamwear and Club Gear: Patches vs Printed Crests

For teamwear, printed or heat-transferred crests are usually cheapest when the same crest goes onto a large batch of identical new jerseys and training tops. Embroidered crest patches are better for jackets, bags, caps and mixed garments, for gear that must last several seasons, and for crests members can add to clothes they already own.

Ireland 6 min read

Written by the manufacturing team at Irish Customized Patches. First-hand Ireland production notes from live quotes — not a generic roundup.

Club training tops, half-zips and a gear bag laid out with embroidered crest patches and a printed crest for comparison

Key takeaways

  • Printing is usually cheapest for a large batch of identical new jerseys from one supplier.
  • Patches suit jackets, bags, caps and garments bought from different places.
  • Embroidered crests outlast many prints on heavy-wear gear.
  • Patches can be sold as a fundraiser; printed jerseys cannot be split up that way.
  • Many clubs combine both: printed kit, patched jackets and supporters' gear.

The two ways to put a crest on teamwear

Searches for teamwear in Ireland run into hundreds a month, driven by clubs kitting out squads, juvenile sections and supporters. Once the garments are chosen, the crest goes on in one of two ways:

  1. Applied directly by the teamwear supplier, by printing, heat transfer or direct embroidery.
  2. As a separate patch, embroidered, woven or PVC, that is sewn or ironed onto the garment.

Both have a place. The right choice depends on the garment, the quantity and how long the gear needs to last.

Patches vs printed crests compared

Printed or transferred crest Embroidered crest patch
Cost on a large identical batch Usually lowest Higher per garment
Mixed garments from different suppliers Each garment set up separately One patch suits all
Heavy-wear jackets and bags Prints can crack or peel over time Very durable
Rainwear and gear bags Depends on the transfer PVC or sewn patches work well
Feel on lightweight jerseys Light and flexible Adds weight and stiffness
Moving to a new garment Not possible Possible with sew-on or Velcro
Fundraising Garment only Patches sell on their own

When should a club use printed crests?

- Match jerseys and lightweight training tops where weight and breathability matter - Large, identical orders through one teamwear supplier - Designs with sponsors' logos and numbers, applied in the same process

When should a club use crest patches?

- Club jackets, half-zips, rain jackets and coaches' gear - Gear bags, hurley bags and backpacks - Caps, beanies and supporters' scarves - Small runs for underage teams, mentors or committees - Anniversary, final or championship pieces - Members who want the crest on clothes they already own - Fundraising: selling crest patches at the clubhouse or online

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Our GAA club crest guide and rugby, soccer and hockey club badges cover sport-specific details.

How long do patches last compared with prints?

A sewn-on embroidered patch usually lasts as long as the garment. Prints and heat transfers vary a lot by method and quality; on heavy-wear items such as gear bags and work-style jackets, they can crack, fade or lift at the edges after many washes. If a jacket is meant to last several seasons, a sewn patch is the safer choice.

Which patch type suits teamwear?

- Embroidered patches: the classic choice for crests on jackets, bags and caps - Woven patches: for detailed crests or small Irish lettering, and for lightweight tops where a thick patch would feel heavy - PVC patches: for rainwear and kit bags that get wet and muddy - Chenille: for big, bold crests on supporters' hoodies

A practical combined approach

Many clubs settle on a mix:

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  1. Match jerseys and training tops printed by the teamwear supplier.
  2. Embroidered crest patches for jackets, half-zips and coaches' gear.
  3. PVC or embroidered patches on gear bags.
  4. A run of spare crest patches for supporters, new members and fundraising.

This keeps the cost of the jerseys down while giving long-lasting crests where they matter most.

Ordering crest patches for a club

- Confirm the crest artwork and colours with the committee. - Count garments across all sections and add spares; the price per patch falls with quantity. - Keep one size, colour and backing for the main crest if you can, as each variation counts as a separate design. - Plan around the season: allow the typical 7 to 12 business days plus time to fit the patches.

Delivery is free anywhere in Ireland, and clubs abroad can order with international shipping. Our fundraiser patch guide covers selling spare patches.

What this guide is based on

This comparison reflects how Irish Customized Patches advises clubs that use patches alongside printed teamwear from other suppliers. We make patches and accessories rather than printed kit, so for jerseys we recommend talking to your teamwear supplier. Request a free crest patch mockup.

Frequently asked questions

How far ahead should a club order crest patches for a new season?

Allow at least three to four weeks before the gear is needed. That covers committee approval of the design, the free mockup and revisions, typical production and delivery of 7 to 12 business days, and time to sew or iron the patches onto jackets and bags.

Can underage teams have a different version of the crest?

Yes. A version with an age group, year or team name added counts as a separate design with its own 5-piece minimum. Keeping the same size and colours as the main crest makes the club's gear look consistent.

Is it cheaper to print or embroider a club crest?

For a large batch of identical new jerseys from one supplier, printing is usually cheaper. For jackets, bags, caps and mixed garments, crest patches are often better value because one patch design covers every item.

Do embroidered patches last longer than printed crests?

On heavy-wear items such as jackets and gear bags, a sewn-on embroidered patch usually outlasts a print or heat transfer, which can crack or lift after many washes. Print quality varies, so it depends on the method used.

Can we put crest patches on jerseys?

You can, but patches add weight and stiffness to lightweight jerseys. Woven patches are thinner and lighter if you want a patch on a jersey; for match kit, most clubs use printing.

Can club members add patches to their own jackets?

Yes. Iron-on or sew-on crest patches can be added to clothes members already own, which is one reason clubs order spare patches for supporters and fundraising.

What is the minimum order for club crest patches?

Irish Customized Patches has a 5-piece minimum per design. Most clubs order more to cover jackets, bags and spares, which lowers the price per patch.

Do you supply jerseys and teamwear?

Irish Customized Patches makes patches and accessories such as caps, woven labels and keyrings, but not full teamwear kits. Clubs usually buy jerseys from their kit supplier and order crest patches from us for jackets, bags, caps and supporters' gear.

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