Patch 2.0
There comes a time in the life of an item in your closet that you begin to doubt whether or not you want to keep it. At this point, you may consider giving the item to the Salvation Army, a younger sibling, or just a good friend. I generally use this as a good excuse to clear up some space and make room for new items, but from time to time I go a completely different route. What is this road-less-traveled that I am speaking of? Why the patch of course!
When I say patch do you instantly think of those iron-on denim pieces your mother would use to fix your jeans when you were a kid? Yes? Wrong. I’m speaking of the collegiate or military style patches. In 2004 Ralph Lauren launched Rugby, an eclectic vintage-styled brand that thrives on this exact mindset. They take those heritage classics and re-imagine them with a sexy 'varsity flair' by adding patches, individual logos, and custom styling. You can take this same approach with your own pieces and give them a unique rebellious-chic makeover. Countless places sell patches, but I am a fan of the ones from the Rugby store. They have a well-worn look and come in countless colors and sizes for that perfect creation. You can go from a basic number patch to the more elaborate beaded crests approaching the $35 mark.
Once you have selected the appliqué you want, just affix it yourself to the item--or for a more finished look, get a tailor’s help. Either way is perfectly acceptable and the principles of rakish dishevelment should be fully applied. You want a look that is finished yet not perfect. I have even taken steel wool to the patches after applied to help fray the edges. Remember to think outside the box, try adding them to outerwear coats or perhaps old chinos.
Final Verdict: If you can’t find an item you are willing to experiment with, head out to a thrift shop for your blank canvas. If you get your friends together maybe you can look like this:
But then again... most people aren't friends with only 16-19 year-old models.
When I say patch do you instantly think of those iron-on denim pieces your mother would use to fix your jeans when you were a kid? Yes? Wrong. I’m speaking of the collegiate or military style patches. In 2004 Ralph Lauren launched Rugby, an eclectic vintage-styled brand that thrives on this exact mindset. They take those heritage classics and re-imagine them with a sexy 'varsity flair' by adding patches, individual logos, and custom styling. You can take this same approach with your own pieces and give them a unique rebellious-chic makeover. Countless places sell patches, but I am a fan of the ones from the Rugby store. They have a well-worn look and come in countless colors and sizes for that perfect creation. You can go from a basic number patch to the more elaborate beaded crests approaching the $35 mark.
Once you have selected the appliqué you want, just affix it yourself to the item--or for a more finished look, get a tailor’s help. Either way is perfectly acceptable and the principles of rakish dishevelment should be fully applied. You want a look that is finished yet not perfect. I have even taken steel wool to the patches after applied to help fray the edges. Remember to think outside the box, try adding them to outerwear coats or perhaps old chinos.
Final Verdict: If you can’t find an item you are willing to experiment with, head out to a thrift shop for your blank canvas. If you get your friends together maybe you can look like this:
But then again... most people aren't friends with only 16-19 year-old models.
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