Every patch is inspected, aligned, and finished by hand in our Columbine Valley workshop. Here's how to pick the right one for your order.
We put logos on hats eight different ways. These four are the ones on our own heads right now.
The Crowd Pleaser
Molded rubber in raised, layered color, with edges you can feel. It holds up to sun, sweat, and a season on the dashboard about as well as anything we make.
Best for: Bold logos with a few solid colors
On a Branded Bills: the OG patch hat for people who know their way around a pro shop
The One You Haven't Heard Of
It's one of the least-known methods we offer and one of our favorites. The emblem is heat-applied with a dimensional, domed face and comes in a single color, multicolor, or gradient, with a glossy, matte, or metallic finish.
Best for: Logos with thick, bold lines
On a Zapped Headwear: a lesser-known brand that looks and feels ultra premium without breaking the bank
The Easy Yes
Your artwork is printed on film and heat-pressed onto the hat, so gradients and small details come through intact. Paired with an Otto foam trucker, one of the most popular hats going right now, it's the most affordable way to get a hat people actually want to wear.
Best for: Colorful, detailed logos on a budget
On an Otto: the high-crown foam trucker, a classic that never really left
The Plot Twist
DTF has a reputation as the budget option. Give it thin lines, outlines, or a gradient, put it on a hat that looks and feels premium like the 10-10, and it holds its own with anything on this page. It can start at a single hat.
Best for: Detailed line work, outlines, and gradient logos
On a 10-10: a newer waterproof, quick-drying rope hat that deserves more attention
Doing both?
Build your hat and patch in one flow. Pick the hat, pick the patch, upload artwork.
Design Wishlist
Tap the heart on any hat, colorway, or patch to save it to your Design Wishlist. Everything you save carries over automatically to your quote request or inquiry.
PVC
PVC patches are the most durable option we build. They hold color in the sun, shrug off rain, and let bold logos read clearly at distance.
Best for: outdoor brands, contractors, trail crews, breweries, first responders.
Flexbroidery
Embroidered thread on a flexible patch backing. You get the classic stitched look with cleaner edges and better shape retention than direct embroidery.
Best for: heritage brands, member clubs, gift bags, taproom drops.
Flexstyle
A molded patch that catches light with a smooth, sleek surface. Dimensional like PVC, but with a more finished, retail-forward look.
Best for: lifestyle brands, hospitality, retail merch.
Leather
A quiet, heritage look. Laser etching burns the mark into the hide for tonal contrast; deboss presses it in for a subtle, tactile finish.
Best for: ranch and outfitter brands, whiskey and coffee labels, understated corporate gifts.
Embroidered & Fabric
Traditional patches built from thread and fabric, full embroidery, twill appliqué, or printed fabric with stitched detail. Soft, lightweight, and the most familiar patch look there is.
Best for: clubs and chapters, uniforms, scouts and youth leagues, throwback and collegiate looks.
Liquid 3D
A poured, domed emblem with sharp raised edges and a glass-like top coat. The most eye-catching finish we offer at arm's length or across a room.
Best for: sports teams, tournaments, premium merch drops.
Full-color DTF
A full-color transfer printed on specialty film and heat-pressed onto the hat panel. Gradients, photo-real artwork, and complex logos with a soft, slightly raised hand. No color-count upcharges.
Best for: gradients, photo-real artwork, complex multi-color logos.
Vinyl
Precision-cut vinyl heat-pressed straight onto the panel. Flat and crisp on simple text and shapes. Available on request for five-panel hats.
Best for: simple one-color names and numbers on five-panel hats.
Small runs
Not ready for 25? Flexbroidery, Flexstyle, leather, and embroidered patches run from 12 hats, and Liquid 3D and full-color DTF can start at one. Smaller orders cost more per hat.
Included with every order
Not super creative? Send us what you've got: your existing logo, a ChatGPT image, a photo of a similar design you like, or a low-res logo pulled off a website. Our in-house designers reimagine it as a clean, patch-ready design at no extra cost, and you approve the proof before we build. We don't just offer complimentary design help, we encourage it!
Our pricing is built for runs of 25 hats or more. Smaller orders are possible for most styles at a higher price per hat, and shipping costs are passed through.
| Patch style | Look & feel | Durability | Best for | Runs from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PVC | 3D rubberized, soft, weatherproof | Most durable; built for sun, rain and job sites | Bold outdoor, trade and brand logos | 25 hats |
| Flexbroidery | Stitched thread on a flexible backing | Durable, classic | Traditional stitched look with clean edges | 12 hats |
| Flexstyle | Molded dimensional emblem, sleek finish | Durable | Modern dimensional look that catches light | 12 hats |
| Leather | Genuine or faux, laser-etched or debossed | Durable, ages with character | Heritage, low-key marks | 12 hats |
| Embroidered & fabric | Embroidery, twill appliqué, printed fabric | Durable | Uniforms, teams, classic patches | 12 hats |
| Liquid 3D | Poured, domed, high gloss | Highly durable | Premium, high-impact logos | 1 hat |
| Full-color DTF | Soft, slightly raised full-color print | Highly durable | Photographic detail, unlimited colors | 1 hat |
| Vinyl | Flat, lightweight, crisp | Good | Simple one-color names and numbers on five-panel hats | On request |
Deciding between two? Read PVC vs Flexstyle.
Reviews
I can't say enough good things about this company. Professional interaction with the team and seamless design process. Pricing was really competitive and delivery was on time. Love my hats!
David was top-notch to work with on custom hats I purchased for my business. He helped me pick a great fitting hat (Flex Fit- Travis Mathew golf style hat) and assisted in designing the patch, which came out perfectly! I highly recommend Platte River Hat Co.
Platt River Hat Co. is my go-to! They carry the best hat brands, help you nail the logo and design, and their customer service is second to none. They can meet all your needs whether a small one-off custom order or a large bulk order.
