Military Morale Patches Guide

If you're new here, you might want to take a minute and brief yourself on morale patches. Keep reading to find out what they are and why they matter.

What is a Morale Patch?

Morale patches, also referred to as tactical patches or uniform patches, are small strips of fabric often embroidered with an insignia, letters, logo, design, or quote. The patch is fixed with a Velcro backing onto a service uniform. They’re mainly used to identify membership within a particular unit, like a division or brigade, but they are also meant to signal an esprit de corps, or pride and loyalty, amongst the members of a particular group.

A Brief History of the Morale Patch

If you’re a member of the armed forces, you probably already know what morale patches are and why they matter. During WWII, pilots created airplane art on the nose of the craft, which inspired airmen to wear tactical patches. From there, the patches migrated from pilots to soldiers on the ground. Since they were seen as unprofessional due to their tongue-in-cheek or profane nature, Velcro became the standard for these patches instead of traditional sewing techniques. This allowed members of the armed forces to attach the patch and then remove it in a hurry if they needed to. The patches from World War I to current times remain highly sought-after collector's items.

But the morale patches of today are even more in-your-face! We've seen so many new, original designs with boldness and humor, but they still represent the tradition of shared memories and close bonds forged through struggle. Check out a previous post for even more on the history of morale patches.

Care and Cleaning of Morale Patches

Maintaining your morale patches is key to preserving their humor and memories. And, of course, collector's items are more valuable if the condition can be maintained. Today, patches come in two main styles: embroidered stitching for a classic look and PVC for durability. Keeping embroidery fibers free of stains and harsh chemicals will help them maintain their color and quality for much longer. To keep PVC patches clean, here are some important tips:
• Gentle hand-washing with cold water and mild detergent
• Air dry thoroughly, never store patches damp
• Store properly keeping individual patches in protective covers, separated by soft fabric or foam sheets

If they are not being worn, washed, or stored, they better be displayed proudly! Many pieces of tactical gear come with Velcro loops for easy patch display and a shadow box or framed board is fun way to show off your tactical patches. We just recommend keeping any sort of framed display out of direct sunlight to avoid sun fading.

Tactical Patches With a Sense of Humor

Here are a few tips to help you find the best tactical patches to bring some levity to the very serious nature of the job:

1. Use Velcro
The whole point of morale patches is to be able to remove them from your uniform in a hurry. While you may find patches made with buttons or in pin styles, this defeats the purpose of the patches. In fact, Velcro has become such a standard in the field that many uniforms are already equipped with Velcro areas for patches!

2. Choose a Branch
These patches can also be used to show pride in your branch or profession. It's common for military personnel to use patches to poke fun at other branches and have some lighthearted fun, or to show off their role in the field, like being a gunner or paratrooper. And for veterans, patches can be a way to signify the branch they served in or their station or profession. So why not pick out some patches that represent you and show off your personality a bit?

3. Decide Between Stitched or PVC
There are two main types of patches. The first one is a stitched or embroidered design. These are durable for the most part, but they can start to show signs of wear and tear after a few years of use. They also hold water and take a longer time to dry than PVC patches. In contrast, PVC patches are long-lasting and durable, and water just rolls right off them. The type of material you prefer is a matter of preference for the most part.

4. Make 'em Laugh
The next thing to keep in mind about these patches is to remember the name. The whole purpose of the morale patch is to boost morale. The easiest way to do this is with a little tongue-in-cheek humor. If you have ever served, you already know the type of humor you can expect to find on these patches. While you want to remain professional when needed, feel free to find the patch that expresses your sense of humor even if it is a bit on the loud, crass side of the fence.

5. Represent the USA
Consider representing the USA with American flag patches. It's not just about patriotism, but a deliberate choice showing allegiance, pride, and commitment to its values. These patches symbolize more than decoration; they embody a deep connection to freedom, democracy, and unity. Wearing them is a conscious expression of support for America's principles. You can even wear the flag patch backward as a sign of respect. Check out our post on the meaning of a backwards flag for more info!

Tactical patches are a great way to boost morale in an otherwise very serious work environment, which is always appreciated. Scope out our selection here at TD. We have a wide range of laugh-out-loud funny morale patches that are perfect for boosting morale!