Where do you find vintage patches?
Hunting for Authentic Vintage Patches: A Guide to Getting Started
Curious where we snag our best vintage patches? Or maybe you're itching to start your own collection? Whether you’re into old gas station logos, retro ski resorts, or obscure local businesses, vintage patches are like little pieces of history you can hold in your hand — and wear on your head or sleeve.
Why Collect Vintage Patches?
Vintage patches offer more than just aesthetic appeal. They’re tactile reminders of eras gone by — stitched proof of forgotten brands, national pride, and local grit. For many, patch collecting is about storytelling. Each one carries a bit of mystery, and discovering where it came from or what it stood for adds to the thrill. Plus, they’re compact, wearable, and endlessly unique — making them perfect for collectors who want something more hands-on than stamps or records.
Types of Vintage Patches
If you're starting out, it helps to know what you're looking at. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- New Old Stock (NOS): These are unused vintage patches — often found in mint condition but made decades ago. They never got sewn onto uniforms or jackets and were tucked away in drawers or shop stockrooms waiting for their day to shine.
- Authentic Worn Vintage: These have real history — maybe they were on a mechanic’s jumpsuit or a scout's sash. They’ve got character, some wear and fray, and often better stories.
- Reproductions or Fakes: These look old but aren’t. You’ll spot them by overly clean stitching, anachronistic fonts, synthetic backing that wasn’t around back in the day, or being “too perfect.” If the seller can’t tell you anything about its origin, that’s a red flag. These are easy to spot once you get into the hobby. If it's too good to be true, it is.
Where to Find Good Patches
Getting your hands on solid vintage patches takes some patience and a sharp eye. Here are the main sources:
- Vintage Stores: The best shops have curated selections, but getting there before other collectors do is key. It’s time-intensive, but occasionally you'll hit the jackpot. You rarely find patches on their own, they're going to be on jackets or caps already, which usually increases their value.
- Collectors: Some seasoned collectors might be willing to sell or trade. The challenge is finding them — it’s a niche world, and the good stuff is rarely advertised.
- Marketplace Apps (like Facebook, Kijiji, or Etsy): You can find gems, but they’re often from far-off sellers, which means higher shipping costs and longer waits, and more chance of getting scammed.
- eBay: A massive inventory, but prices can be steep — and bidding wars are real. It's a great place to learn about rarity and value though.
Collect What You Love
Like any great collection, it helps to narrow your focus. You could spend a lifetime chasing every cool patch out there — but the real joy is in finding ones that speak to you. Maybe it's old racing logos, local fire departments, or anything that screams 1970s boldness. Go deep, not wide. That’s where the magic is.
We've been collecting and curating patches for years, and have harnessed that love of the hobby into a community of like-minded vintage lovers. Maybe we have something in stock you can fall in love with without all the work.