Heather grey patched crewneck sweatshirt with New York, bow, cherries, horseshoe and clover patches

Patched Sweatshirts: How to Wear the Coziest Trend of the Year

The patched sweatshirt is the cozy, nostalgic piece everyone is reaching for. Think vintage college crewnecks meets your favorite places and little lucky charms, all stitched onto a soft sweatshirt you will want to live in. Here is how to wear the trend and design a patched sweatshirt of your own.

What is a patched sweatshirt?

A patched sweatshirt is a crewneck decorated with embroidered patches. Instead of one printed graphic, you get a collection of textured designs: a city name, a bow, a cherry, a horseshoe, a clover or your initials. The result looks collected and personal, like a jacket full of pins or a well-loved travel bag.

Why everyone loves them

  • They are personal. Every patch says something about you.
  • They have texture. Embroidery adds dimension that prints cannot.
  • They are nostalgic. Patches feel like summer camp, college and vintage finds.
  • They make great gifts. A patched crewneck is thoughtful and wearable.

How to choose patches for a sweatshirt

Every Classic Patch Crewneck comes with 5 patches included. A few formulas that always work:

  • 1 statement + 3 accents: a New York patch across the chest with a bow, cherry and clover around it.
  • Monogram + 3 favorites: 2 letter patches plus 3 designs. See our guide to monogrammed sweatshirts.
  • The minimalist: a single patch on the chest for a clean, preppy look.
Heather grey crewneck sweatshirt with a single navy tennis rackets patch
The minimalist: one tennis patch on heather grey.

Best sweatshirt colors for patches

  • Heather Grey: the classic collegiate base. Every patch color works.
  • Cream: soft and elevated. Green, navy and pink patches look beautiful.
  • Hunter Green: preppy and collegiate. Cream, navy and pink patches really pop.
  • Black: sharp and modern. Bright patches like cherries and Howdy stand out.

How to style a patched sweatshirt

  1. With denim: straight-leg jeans and loafers or sneakers.
  2. With a skirt: a pleated or denim mini with knee socks for a preppy look.
  3. Over a collared shirt: let the collar peek out for a classic varsity vibe.
  4. As loungewear: matching sweatpants and slippers. More ideas in our loungewear guide.
  5. With a tote: pair it with a custom patch tote for a coordinated set.

Design your own patched sweatshirt

Choose your size (XS to XL) and color, pick 5 patches including up to 3 letters, and we will hand-apply everything to order. Build your patched crewneck or shop all sweatshirts.

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