Are you among the people who are not sure where to put varsity letterman jacket patches on their jacket? Many people put the letterman jacket patches placement in the wrong spot, which is why their jackets can look messy or crowded. Some schools also have rules about where the letterman jacket patch placement can go. 

It can become hard to figure out where to put letters, names, numbers, and year patches, so we are here with this guide to resolve this problem for you. It shows what goes where and how to make your jacket look clean, neat, and special.

Where to Put Patches on a Letterman Jacket

Left Chest Placement

This is the main spot for varsity jacket patch placement. The varsity letter goes here. It shows your sport or team, and everyone sees this first.

Right Front Panel Placement

This is for your name or nickname. You can also add school awards here. It makes the jacket personal and keeps the front balanced.

Sleeve Patch Placement

This is for small achievement letterman patches for jackets. You can also add your year patches, or varsity letter patches here, chevrons (service stripes), and Captain stars can also be placed here. It shows your journey over time.

Back Patch Placement

This place is for the biggest custom letterman jacket patches. Usually, mascot patches or team logos go here. It can also be a large design that can make your jacket stand out.

Where the Captain Star Goes

These varsity jacket patches show you are a team captain. It is a sign of pride and leadership. It usually goes on the sleeve, sometimes it goes near other achievement patches. It should be placed where it is easy to see. 

What Patches Go on Letterman Jacket

There are plethora of custom patches that can compliment letterman jacket, we have discussed few below:

Varsity letter patches

This shows you made the main school team or activity, and you are part of a varsity sport or club, and also shows skill and selection.

Number patches 

This is your jersey number. Each player has their own number, which helps identify them in games. 

Year patches 

This shows your school or graduation year, or tells when you were in the team, or marks your time in school.

Mascot patches 

This shows your school animal or symbol. It represents school pride and shows your team identity.

Name patches 

This is your name or nickname, which shows who owns the jacket and makes it personal.

Academic patches

This is for good grades or awards, given for strong study performance, and shows school achievement.

Activity patches

This is for school clubs, like music, art, or drama. It shows extra school involvement and curricular activities.

Flag or state patches

This shows your country or state to show where you are from, bringing pride in your roots.

Captain patches

This shows you are a team captain, given to team leaders to show a leadership role.

Championship patches

This shows you won games or contests leading the team to victories, it also shows success and trophies.

School Rules vs Fashion Styling: What You Can Change and What You Shouldn’t 

School rules (what you should follow)

• Some schools tell you where patches must go, like varsity letter on the left chest
• Some patches are only allowed for approved awards, like sports, academics, or official clubs
• Graduation year and captain patches may have fixed spots. You must follow the school patch placement guide
• Uniform jackets must stay neat and readable. No messy or random placement

Fashion styling

• Add extra patches to show personality
• Mix colors for a modern streetwear look
• Use creative spacing for a bold style
• Add personal symbols, pins, or custom designs
• Layer small patches for a trendy feel

What you should NOT change 

• Don’t move the varsity letter from its main spot
• Don’t cover official awards or achievements
• Don’t break school dress code rules
• Don’t overcrowd the jacket too much

How Big Should Letterman Jacket Patches Be?

Alt text: Front and back of a navy and cream varsity jacket featuring numerous custom embroidered patches and text.

Sleeves 

• small (1–2 inches)
• Use small patches only
• Good for numbers and small signs
• Keeps sleeves clean

Chest

• medium (2–4 inches)
• Use medium patches here
• Good for varsity letter and name
• Easy to see and read

Back

• large (6–12 inches)
• Use big patches here
• Good for mascot or big logo
• This is the main show area

Name patches

• medium size
• Should be easy to read
• Not too small, not too big
• Looks neat on the jacket

Best Patch Materials for Letterman Jackets

Chenille letterman jacket patches

Chenille letter patches are made with soft looped yarn stitched on fabric, which has a fluffy and raised feel that looks bold and classic varsity style that feels warm and soft to touch, and is used for big letters and mascots.

Embroidered letterman jacket patches

Embroidered custom letterman jacket patches are made by stitching thread into fabric, which has a smooth and slightly raised feel that looks clean, sharp, and detailed with very strong and long-lasting durability, and is perfectly good for logos and names.

Woven letterman jacket patches

Woven custom varsity letter patches are made by tightly weaving thin threads together, which has a flat and smooth feel that looks very clear for small text, which is good for tiny details and fine lines that stay neat even in small sizes.

PVC letterman jacket patches

PVC personalized varsity jacket patches are made from soft rubber-like plastic has a smooth and slightly raised feel that looks modern, bold, and premium. They are waterproof and easy to clean. These durable custom patches for USA are good for trendy fashion designs.

Leather letterman jacket patches

Leather letterman jacket name patches are made from original or man-made leather material, which has a firm and smooth feel that looks premium, luxurious, and stylish. They are very strong and very durable, which makes them suitable for quality jacket designs.

Appliqué letterman jacket patches

Applique no minimum letterman patches are made by layering fabric pieces on top of each other, they have a thick and layered feel that looks sleek, delicate, and colorful, which gives them a handmade style look and makes them great for big shapes and letters.

Sequin letterman jacket patches

Sequin bulk letterman patches are made with small shiny round pieces stitched together, which make them shine when light hits, it has a bumpy and sparkly feel that looks bright, shiny, and eye-catching, used for fun and performance jackets.

How to Attach Varsity Patches to a Letterman Jacket

Alt text: Visual representation of iron on, sew on, adhesive, and velcro attachment methods.

How to Attach Sew-on Patch Step by Step

• Step 1: Put the patch where you want it
• Step 2: Use pins or tape to hold it
• Step 3: Thread the needle
• Step 4: Sew around the patch edge slowly
• Step 5: Tie the thread inside the jacket
• Step 6: Check that it is tight and neat

How to Attach Iron-on Patch Step by Step

• Step 1: Put the patch on the jacket
• Step 2: Place a thin cloth on top
• Step 3: Warm the iron on low heat
• Step 4: Press gently for a few seconds
• Step 5: Let it cool down
• Step 6: Check if the patch sticks well

How to Attach Adhesive Patch Step by Step

• Step 1: Clean the jacket spot first
• Step 2: Peel the back cover off
• Step 3: Put the patch in place
• Step 4: Press down gently
• Step 5: Wait before wearing it
• Step 6: Check edges are stuck

How to Attach Velcro Patch Step by Step

• Step 1: Put one Velcro side on the jacket
• Step 2: Sew or stick it safely
• Step 3: Put the other Velcro side on patch
• Step 4: Press the patch onto jacket
• Step 5: Check it holds well
• Step 6: Remove and change anytime

Common Letterman Jacket Patch Mistakes

Overcrowding

Too many patches look messy and can touch each other, so always leave some empty space.

Wrong Proportions

A big patch can look too large, just like that small patch can be hard to see that is why pick the right size patch.

Ignoring School Rules

Some schools have jacket rules. The wrong patch spot may not be allowed so check rules first.

Poor Alignment

Crooked patches look bad, and uneven patch placement looks messy, so make sure to place patches straight.

Mixing Too Many Styles

Too many colors can look busy, and too many patch types can look odd, so keep one clean style.

Using the Wrong Attachment Method

A hot iron can hurt fabric, and weak glue can fall off, so check the fabric first, then choose the right way to attach.

How to Plan a Clean Layout Before You Attach Anything

Pick the Main Patch

• Choose your biggest patch first
• This can be the letter or big back patch
• Put other patches around it

Leave Space

• Keep space between patches
• Do not let patches touch
• Space makes patches easy to see

Keep Both Sides Even

• Do not make one side too full
• Try to balance both sides
• Even placements look nice

Keep Patches Straight

• Put patches in straight lines
• Make rows neat
• Crooked patches look messy

Use the Right Size

• Big patches need big spots
• Small patches fit small spots
• Match size to the space

Test First

• Put patches on the jacket first
• Use pins or tape to hold them
• Look in the mirror and check

Take Your Time

• Move patches if needed
• Ask someone to look too
• Sew when it looks right

FAQ

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Place the Right Patch at the Right Place

You are no longer confused about where custom varsity letter patches go on a letterman jacket, what goes on the chest, sleeves, back, and front. Also, you are now aware of the purpose of each letterman jacket patch. 

Different types of varsity letter patches are used for different purposes, and can be made of different materials, have different looks and feels. You can attach patches at home safely and quickly without much worry. 

But with all this awareness, knowing and choosing the right patch manufacturer like Patch Makers USA is just as important, which means receiving the flawless varsity letter patches with flawless services at your doorstep.