This article reviews the history of clothing patches, how they became mainstream and the best ways of styling the patched clothes trend in a grown-up, effortlessly stylish and timeless manner.
- The Roots of Patches Are in the Military
- The Use of Patches in the 1960s and 1970s
- Styling the Patched clothes Trend Today
- Example How to Wear a Patch Shirt the Modern Way
- 108th Top of the World Style Linkup Party
Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post.
The Roots of Patches Are in the Military
Patched clothes are It this season. They are adopted from the military – think name tag, rank indication, Nationality, unit, etc. Also many businesses use patches for their employees names, as encouragement to ask, special skills, their corporate identity, and even for display of awards of their employees. Think of the patch “I can help you” or “employee of the month”, “I speak Korean”, etc.
So why should you wear something with patches when you don’t need to cover a whole????
It's all about fashion, babe! Click To Tweet
The Use of Patches in the 1960s and 1970s
Of course, for us women over 40, patches also remind us of the jeans that our moms fixed by sewing on patches on the ripped holes. That’s
How not to wear patches!
They also remind us of our favorite bands. The tongue patch of the Rolling Stones – remember that?
It was among the favorites on denim jackets. It is still today a Go-to for many when it comes to what to wear at an outdoor concert.
Best Ways of Styling the Patched Clothes Trend Today
Since patches are worn in professional environments, this patch trend can be worn in midlife without looking like re-living the past. In other words, skip the tongue and go with new fantasy patches that look grown-up. This means skip the Kitty patch or whatever patches anyone under 14 adores.
Stylist tip: Wear a button-down shirt with a half-tuck.


Also look for pieces that have a classic cut like this button-down shirt, which is the newest addition to my spring wardrobe.
Go with a classic cut when you take the bandwagon on the patch trend for an ageless modern look. Click To TweetOf course, you can also make your own signatue item. Just make sure that the piece plus the iron-ons do not break the bank. In DIY, it can become more expensive than a (cheap) store bought item. Thus, only DIY, when having a very unique signature piece is it worth for you.
Did you know that there is a post on how to make a great patched shirt on this blog?
Example How to Wear a Patch Shirt the Modern Way
Add other classic pieces like a fitted coat or blazer, a pencil skirt or boyfriend jeans.

When you like the blog, you may also want to get my book How to Dress for Success in Midlife. Buy your copy now.
Welcome to the 108th Top of the World Style linkup party
Thanks to all of you who linked up in the past and make this party great and exciting with your inspiring outfit ideas. Welcome back! You are an awesome crowd!
By linking up you agree that I may feature you as Top of the World Style Winner, Top of the World OOTD Readers’ Fav or Top of the World OOTD My Fav and use a photo from your linked up post in the feature. Thank you. 🙂

No she is not wearing my Uno Alla Volta scarf, but her own.


Congrats ladies! Please grab your respective featured Top of the World OOTD button from my Linkup Page.
Now let’s party. Everyone of any age and gender is welcome to share their fashion and style posts.
- Grab the above banner and put it into your sidebar if you like
- Please follow your hostess via email.
- Linkup up to four of your fashion/style posts by simply adding your link below
- Please be a good sports and visit the posts of at least three of your linkup-fellows, introduce yourself to them to network and to make new friends. If you know them all already, I am sure they will still appreciate your stopping by and saying Hi. We all like traffic, don’t we?
Photos of me: G. Kramm
© 2013-2021 Nicole Mölders | All rights reserved