How to Design the Perfect Custom Leatherette Patch Hat for Your Brand
So, you’ve decided to upgrade your brand with custom leather patch hats. You already know that leatherette is the superior choice for Canadian weather, but now comes the fun part: the design.
A great hat starts with a great design. Whether you’re a Calgary-based construction crew or a national lifestyle brand, your logo needs to "pop" on the patch. Here is our expert guide to designing a hat that people will actually want to wear.
Tip: Choose a shape that complements your logo's natural footprint.
1. Choose the Right Patch Shape
The shape of your patch acts as the frame for your logo. While rectangles are the most common, different shapes send different messages:
- Rectangles/Ovals: Best for wide logos or text-heavy designs (e.g., "Smith & Sons Contracting").
- Circles/Hexagons: Perfect for symmetrical icons or "badge" style branding.
- Custom Silhouettes: We can laser-cut your patch to the exact outline of your logo for a truly unique look.
2. Simplify Your Logo for Laser Engraving
Laser engraving is an additive process—it etches away the top layer to reveal a high-contrast color underneath. To get the cleanest result:
- Thicken your lines: Hairline details can sometimes get lost. Aim for bold, clean strokes.
- Less is more: If your logo has a lot of small fine print (like a phone number), consider removing it for the patch. The most iconic hats usually feature just the main logo mark.
3. Pick Your "Blank" (The Hat Matters!)
At 403 Custom Cuts, we always recommend pairing a premium patch with a premium hat. In Canada, the Richardson 112 Trucker Hat is the gold standard. Its structured front panel provides a flat, stable surface that ensures your patch stays perfectly centered and doesn't wrinkle.
4. Consider Contrast
One of the best features of premium leatherette is the color reveal. For example:
- A Rawhide patch usually reveals Black engraving.
- A Black patch can reveal Silver, Gold or Bronze engraving.
- A Grey patch reveals Black.
Pick a patch color that contrasts well with your hat color. A black patch on a black hat looks sleek and "stealth," while a rawhide patch on a charcoal hat provides a classic, rugged look.
5. We Only Use Top Quality Hats
We use industry-leading Richardson blanks—see why the Richardson 112 is our #1 best-seller.
Ready to Start Your Design?
Whether you have a finished vector file or just a rough idea on a napkin, we can help. We offer no minimum orders and fast shipping across Canada from our Calgary shop.