Let’s talk leatherette patches—the faux-leather beauties that scream premium and give your gear that elevated look. At Rogue Transfers, we’re big fans of slapping these bad boys on the right pieces to create high-margin, boutique-level product drops.

But heads up: not every garment is patch-worthy—and these patches come with one big limitation.

Let’s break it down.

⚠️ First Things First: Leatherette Is NOT Machine Washable

Say it with us: “These are not made for the spin cycle.”

Leatherette patches are heat-applied and look sharp, but they do not hold up in the wash like screen prints or DTF transfers. If your customer tosses a patched hoodie in with their socks and underwear, that beautiful patch will likely be toast over time.

👉 The move? Spot clean only. Gentle care. Treat it like a jacket, not a gym tee.

So when you're planning your leatherette patch drops, stick to garments that don’t get washed every week—and be up front with your customers about how to care for them.

🧢 1. Hats (Trucker, Dad, Flatbill, Beanies)

This is the #1 use case for leatherette patches—and for good reason.

• Hats rarely get machine washed

• They’re structured and easy to press

• Patches pop HARD on the crown

Great for merch, retail, events, breweries, and lifestyle brands that want that “premium swag” look. You can do tone-on-tone or go bold with colour contrast.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a hat press for clean, even application. Our favourite presses have top and bottom heat to speed up the application and create a solid bond.

🧥 2. Outerwear (Jackets, Vests, Windbreakers)

Jackets don’t get washed often—perfect for leatherette.

Patch them on:

• Left chest

• Sleeve

• Back yoke

• Even on the inside label area for a custom brand touch

This is where you can offer super premium branding for small businesses, crews, or artist merch drops.

💡 Pro Tip: Stay away from anything puffy or heavily insulated unless your press can handle it. Softshell and fleece are your friends.

🎒 3. Bags (Totes, Backpacks, Duffels)

You want to level up a basic tote or gym bag? Add a leatherette patch.

Why this works:

• Bags usually get spot cleaned, not tossed in a washer

• Patches add perceived value instantly

• Big canvas = big opportunity for branding

These are perfect for corporate gifts, gyms, bridal parties, or local brands that want that “clean luxury” aesthetic.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a pressing pillow to handle seams and zippers, and always test heat settings—nylon melts fast if you’re not careful.

👘 4. Aprons & Workwear

Another solid play. Think barbers, bartenders, butchers, baristas—basically anyone who wears a work apron or utility-style garment.

• Heavy canvas or duck cloth aprons take patches like a champ

• These don’t get washed often (spot clean or dry clean only)

• Adds a “craftsmanship” feel that people will pay more for

💡 Pro Tip: Offer personalization. A leatherette patch with a name or title (like “Head Brewer” or “Lead Stylist”) is a small add-on that justifies a higher price.

🚫 What to Avoid

Here’s what NOT to put heat-applied leatherette patches on:

• Everyday t-shirts

• Hoodies that get washed regularly

• Joggers, leggings, socks 

• Anything that’s going in a washer or dryer

If it lives in the laundry pile, leave the leatherette out of it.

Final Thoughts 

Heat-applied leatherette patches are a killer way to add style, texture, and premium feels to your product line—but only if you use them strategically.

Stick to:

✅ Hats
✅ Outerwear
✅ Bags
✅ Aprons & workwear

And tell your customers how to care for them. Spot clean only. No machines. No harsh heat cycles. Treat them like the high-end pieces they are.

— The Rogue Transfers Team