Leather Patch Hats vs Embroidered Hats: Which Is Right for Your Logo?
We make both kinds of hats in-house, so we get this question a lot. The short version: embroidery is best for bold logos with color, and leather patches are best for detailed logos and a clean, premium look. Here's how to decide.
Quick answer
- Embroidery: bold logos, color, and logos on the sides or back.
- Leather patch: detailed logos, small text and a clean one-color look.
- Patch hats usually cost a little less per hat than embroidery.
How each one is made
Embroidered hats have your logo stitched straight into the front of the hat in thread. We match the thread colors to your logo, and you can add logos on the sides and back.
Leather patch hats have your logo laser engraved into a leatherette patch, which is then heat pressed onto the front of the hat. The laser burns through the colored top layer to show a black layer underneath, so the engraving always comes out black.
Side-by-side
| Embroidery | Leather patch | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Bold logos, color, lettering | Detailed logos, fine lines, small text |
| Colors | Thread matched to your logo | Black engraving on leatherette |
| Locations | Front, plus sides and back | Front only |
| Extras | 3D puff, extra locations | Rectangle, rounded, circle or die-cut shape |
| Richardson 112, 10 hats | $24 per hat | $22 per hat |
Choose embroidery if...
- Your logo's colors matter, like a red and blue company logo.
- You want something on the side or back, like a website, phone number or flag.
- You want a raised, bold look with 3D puff.
- The logo is simple: solid shapes, thick lines and short text.
Choose a leather patch if...
- Your logo has fine lines, small text or a lot of detail that would get lost in thread.
- You want a one-color, premium look that fits outdoor, trade, ranch and hunting brands.
- You want a lower price per hat at the same quantity.
- You like the look of a patch shape, like a rounded rectangle, a circle, or a die-cut patch that follows the outline of your logo.
Patch colors
Our standard leatherette colors are Brushed Silver, Saddle Tan, Vintage Gray, Saddle Red, Rawhide, Vintage Sky Blue and Vintage Caramel Brown. We've also done white leatherette, like the hats at the top of this guide. Because the engraving is always black, the patch color does the work. Lighter colors like white, Saddle Tan and Rawhide give the most contrast.
Tip: Not sure which way to go? Upload your logo on either form and say so in the notes. We'll tell you which one will look better before anything is made.
Still not sure?
You'll see your logo's size and placement on a free mockup within 48 hours, before anything is made.
