Before we start a discussion about side patch hats, let's look at the history of patches. In the 1960s, the fashion world was introduced to fashionable patches on clothing – courtesy of the flower children or "hippies". Think protest patches, peace signs, flowers, etc. on denim jackets and jeans.
This method of design is, today, diverse and extremely unique.
Patches, in general, have been around in some capacity for centuries. With ornate embroidery that was hand stitched, the robes of clergy and royals contained "patches". But during the Industrial Revolution, machinery was developed which would – where garment production was concerned – completely change the game. The path would soon be paved for today's patches by productions from the Merrow Sewing Machine Company.
In the military, in October 1918, the first patch was issued. This arm patch for the 1st Infantry Division is referred to as the Big Red One.
Naturally, most everyone is familiar with how important patches are to the Boy Scouts.
Today, however, on jackets, shoes, shirts, hats, and more, you can find patches. Putting a patch on just the front of a hat isn't enough for some. Oh no! Patches can be put on the sides and back of baseball caps as well.
Whether or not you have a side patch on your baseball cap, as well as what that patch will entail, is a very personal choice. Specific side patches are assigned to certain brands, depending on the manufacturer. Some manufacturers listen to their clientele and create or include patches on their hats which have been asked for, suggested, etc.
The color of a patch, its location, and what it signifies should match up with how you feel about what the hat represents. As an example, if you are big into baseball, you may choose to wear a baseball cap that not only represents your favorite team, but a special time in history. Maybe a historic World Series or some other intensely significant occasion or event. Maybe the NBA Finals Championships if you love basketball.
What if your baseball cap didn't come with a patch on the side? While you may not be able to buy some patches, many are available which can be self-applied. There are basically sew-on patches and iron-on patches. Be careful with iron on patches because they can come off. You may wish to do a little sewing around at least a couple of edges of an iron-on patch.
As a matter of course, the hat manufacturing company known as New Era routinely places their New Era logo patch on the left side of their caps. It's a "flag" of sorts. They also may include a special patch relating to what's already on the front of the hat. Included here is an example of a type of New Era baseball cap with both a front patch and a side patch.
Actually, the New York Yankees Ocean Blue 1998 New Era World Series 59Fifty cap has a number of patches. With the New York logo on the front and the anticipated New Era flag on the left side of the hat, it also contains a special 1998 World Series patch on the right side of the hat, as well as a small MLB logo patch on the back.
Naturally, at Hat Heaven, we carry hats with patches or embroidery on the front. That's not surprising. We also, however, carry a plethora of hats that have patches on the side. If you don't want a logo, patch, or embroidery on your hat, no problem. We've got you covered there, too – literally!
We also carry numerous colors and color combinations.
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