Patch my soul

In the early ‘60s, young people came out on the streets to protest the Vietnam War. After that, in the mid-‘60s, a new counter culture appeared, protesting with their peace signs, flower head bands, and patches. They were idealists, embracing love and empathy. Although unintentionally, their movement affected trends across the world. The hippie movement was no longer all about morals, but about fashion as well. Hippies were getting military, second-hand clothes and started embellishing them with cloth patches. The patches showed off the icons of the movement and were printed or embellished, satirical and radical. In the ‘80s, though they had a new look, patches signified the same things – a badge of identity and solidarity. In the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, the counter culture morphed into the punk movement. People had had enough of fighting the problems with peace and love and instead took on some more drastic measures – like spikes and chains. The spirit of anarchy spread across to Great Britain and Europe, and designers such as Viviane Westwood and Jean Paul Gautier popularized what was called the “anti-fashion”. Punks were wearing patches with their favorite bands across the shoulders or on the back of a customized blazer, denim vest or a leather jacket. Clothes were making a louder statement! They often used cheap materials such as dental floss to sew them on, or stitched them on with safety pins. Patches were often carrying a political message. Also in the ‘80s heavy metal became popular. The key elements of metalhead fashion remained unchanged – black clothes, long hair, and leather jackets, usually covered with denim vests with patches, band tees and spiked wristbands. The headbangers’ clothing has its roots in biker and rocker subcultures. As with other musical subcultures, the emblems and logos announced the interests of the wearer. Ever since, the patches are always being revived and adapted. Have a look at the latest Marc Jacobs or Gucci collections. Their idea is that identity and inspiration should be found on the streets. And in the streets, patches continue to be the indicator of social and political climates, but also of personal style and identity. Modern patches are usually iron-on, which means they have some adhesive on the back, so even if you’re not a crafty DIY enthusiast (like most of us aren’t) there really is no excuse not to try this trend, and make each item of your clothing truly your own. Of course, with modern trends you can always buy an item with the patches already embroidered on (which requires no thinking), but where’s the fun and creativity in that? Everyone’s probably been dreaming of having at least one truly customized item, and not having to worry about someone wearing the same clothes as them! How To Wear Patches: As you’re about to see, they can be attached to pretty much anything; such as jeans, jackets, T-shirts, sweats, sneakers, bags and even phone cases. They can make you look anything from stylish and elegant to rebellious and bold!