Embossed Leather Patches

There are lots of ways to decorate your jackets that can make them fashionable and unique. One of the best is the addition of embossed leather patches, which can be used to personalize not only jackets, but also bags, shadow boxes, labels and any other item that typically sports a logo. 

Embossed patches come with a legacy, as they pay homage to U.S. military history and aviators' garb; however, they also represent a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to any item you love to wear -- making them more interesting and more distinct.

THE HISTORY OF EMBOSSED LEATHER PATCHES

Embossed leather patches are currently in fashion but they're not a new trend. In fact, leather patches date back to the World War II era when military aviators dreamed up creative ways to decorate their flight jackets. 

Pilots decided to emboss handmade leather patches crafted by local artisans and add them to their jackets. 

This gave them a way to celebrate their accomplishments and show their military pride.

While aviators began to wear patches voluntarily, they eventually became military custom. Historically, military aviators have worn the iconic bomber leather jackets as a symbol of status; Navy and Marine pilots wear G-1 jackets, while Air Force and Army pilots wear A-2 jackets . One special feature of these jackets is that they have a name tag on the left chest, and an embossed squadron patch on the right chest. (Many units also include a shoulder patch on the jackets). Of course, embossed patches distinguish who aviators fly for, but they also make a bold statement about these specialists' expertise, attention to detail and impressive quality of work.

THE PROCESS OF CREATING EMBOSSED LEATHER PATCHES

Creating an embossed patch is actually a multi-step process. First, an artist or designer creates artwork for a die. Then, a die is made by a photoengraver out of brass, copper or magnesium. Once the die has been created, an embossing machine, powered by air pressure or hydraulics, applies high pressure and high heat in order to impress the die into the leather patch. To color the patches, artists airbrush leather stains, hand paint multi-color designs and outline the indented areas. Finally, to finish the creation of the embossed leather patch, a clear finish is applied; this protects the patch and makes it more durable.

BENEFITS OF WEARING EMBOSSED LEATHER PATCHES

If you want to add embossed leather patches on your own bomber leather jackets or other clothing, you can create a look that is fashion forward but also customized. Additionally, wearing embossed patches helps pay homage to the legacy of American military aviators and it is a great way to show your patriotic pride. Finally, leather patches are a great way to add your logo or brand to a product, which can help ensure that people who see it know who created it.

Leather patches and embossed patches are worn by current military personnel that were issued leather jackets. Mostly these leather patches can be found at Naval aviation squadrons, but recently USMC and army aviation units are seeking to get them. Leather patches are done first by creating a die with the design, then the die is being embossed on the leather. Once that is done the leather patch reaches an artist which is painting the details, a clear sealer is applied before the leather patch will ship. Each one of these leather patches is craftly handmade.