Custom Motorcycle Vest Embroidery & Patches

Custom embroidery for motorcycle vests can include names, back patches, top and bottom rockers, ranks, flags, crests, skulls, anniversary patches or a club emblem. In some cases the embroidery is stitched directly onto the vest; in others, we produce a sew-on embroidered patch.

At Bordados Custom we regularly work with leather, denim and fabric motorcycle vests, both new and used. Customers can send us the vest by post, deliver it directly, or order the patches only and have them sewn on locally.

Custom motorcycle patches and embroidery

There is no single standard type of motorcycle embroidery. Every club, group and rider may organise a vest differently and may have its own rules for placement, layout and whether different elements are kept separate.

Common requests include names, club names, top and bottom rockers, Portuguese flags, Azores flags, ranks, crests, skulls, large back patches, anniversary patches and patches featuring a club symbol. These can range from small chest pieces to large back patches covering the main area of the vest.

We also make separate embroidered name strips that can be sewn onto the vest later, or we can embroider names directly onto a vest when the garment is sent to us.

Direct embroidery or embroidered patch: which should you choose?

For motorcycle vests, the most common approach is to produce custom motorcycle patches and sew them onto the garment. This keeps each element separate and makes future changes to the vest easier.

Direct embroidery is still an option, especially for names positioned near the top of the vest. If the customer sends or delivers the vest to us, we can assess the area and embroider directly onto it when the construction allows.

We have worked with leather, denim and fabric vests, both new and used. We can also supply the vest itself when the customer prefers to receive a complete finished piece.

What size should a motorcycle back patch be?

For large back patches, requests commonly fall between approximately 20 and 30 cm. Around 25 cm is a frequent choice. Thirty centimetres is still used, although less often.

Size should not be chosen by habit alone. A 20 cm patch may look balanced on a small vest but too discreet on a 4XL or 5XL vest. On larger garments, increasing the patch size may be necessary to keep the overall proportions right.

Our production capacity allows patches up to approximately 40 × 40 cm for more rounded shapes and up to around 60 × 40 cm for rectangular or flatter layouts. In practical terms, anything over 40 cm is already a very large patch and is mainly useful for specific projects.

For names and upper strips, the total width depends on the wording and lettering style, but widths around 25 to 30 cm are common.

For more help with proportions, see our embroidery size guide.

Rockers, back patches, names and ranks can be separate pieces

A top rocker and bottom rocker can be produced as separate patches or incorporated into the main back patch. The same applies to names, ranks, locations, flags and other elements.

There is no universal layout. We follow the customer's design and organisation and, when needed, help adapt dimensions and shapes to the available space on the vest.

Do I need a finished design?

No. Many customers send us a finished club logo or design and we prepare it for embroidery. In other cases, customers simply explain what they want and we build the composition from scratch.

The goal is to keep the finished embroidery clear, balanced and suitable for the chosen size. Artwork designed for screens or print may need small adjustments to work well in thread, especially when it contains very small details.

In our experience, motorcycle customers are particularly attentive to detail. That is one of the reasons we enjoy this type of work: a good back patch is not a promotional item intended to last a few weeks. It is usually something the rider wants to wear for years and often carries personal or group meaning.

How should motorcycle patches be attached to a vest?

For motorcycle vests, we recommend sewing. The patch is positioned and stitched around the edge. Customers can attach it themselves if they have the experience, use a local tailor or send the vest to us when they want the work completed directly.

Sewing is particularly suitable because motorcycle vests can be thick and are exposed to long-term wear, movement and friction. For this use, we do not recommend relying on heat-activated adhesive alone.

For a broader comparison of backing options, read our guide to iron-on, sew-on and hook-and-loop patches.

How much do custom motorcycle patches cost?

At Bordados Custom, prices for custom embroidered patches are set in our online customiser. The two main factors are size and quantity.

This allows customers to choose the required dimensions, select the number of units and see the price without waiting for a manual quote for every design. There is no minimum order quantity: you can order a single patch, one name strip or a larger production run.

For larger orders, many groups also add custom vinyl stickers to the project. Depending on the order, these may also be included as a commercial extra.

How to order custom motorcycle embroidery and patches

If your design is ready, simply choose the size and quantity and upload the artwork through our custom embroidered patches page.

If you want direct embroidery on a vest, a full set of rockers and back patches, help adapting a design or simply advice on the best size, contact us before ordering. We work with customers throughout Portugal and vests can be sent by post when we need to work directly on the garment.

Frequently asked questions about motorcycle vest embroidery

Can I order just one motorcycle patch?

Yes. There is no minimum order quantity.

Can I send my vest for direct embroidery?

Yes. We work with customer-supplied leather, denim and fabric vests, both new and used. Direct embroidery depends on the area and construction of the garment.

What is a common size for a back patch?

Around 20 to 30 cm is a common range, with approximately 25 cm frequently requested. The correct size should be adapted to the vest.

Do you make separate rockers?

Yes. They can be made separately or incorporated into the main back patch, depending on the requested design.

Do I need a final logo?

No. We can work from supplied artwork or develop a composition from the customer's idea.

Should motorcycle patches be glued or sewn?

For motorcycle vests, we recommend sewing for a strong and durable attachment.