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They are commonly known as hook-and-loop patches or morale patches, named for the two-sided fastening system, a hook side and a loop side, that lets them attach and detach without stitching. In military and tactical contexts, they're often called insignia patches, since they typically display a unit, rank or identity marker designed to be swapped out rather than permanently fixed. ThruDark uses hook and loop insignia patches on sleeve panels for exactly this purpose: identity and customisation without compromising the garment.

Custom patches are produced by embroidering or printing a design onto a backing fabric, then bonding the hook side of a hook-and-loop fastener to its reverse. Embroidered patches offer the most durable, premium finish for repeated attachment and removal, while printed patches suit finer detail but wear faster under heavy use. Getting the fit right matters: the patch needs to match the loop panel dimensions on the garment it's designed for, or it won't sit flush or secure properly.

Custom hook-and-loop patches are typically produced by specialist embroidery or patch manufacturers, who can work from a supplied design or logo. If you're looking for ThruDark-branded patches specifically, check the Patches collection for what's currently available directly from the brand.

Hook-and-loop patches attach to a matching loop panel sewn onto the garment, not directly to standard fabric. The hook side of the patch grips the soft loop fibres of that panel, which is why patches only work on garments with a compatible loop panel built in, typically on sleeves, chest panels or bags, rather than sticking to any surface at random.

Hook-and-loop patch panels allow identity, insignia or affiliation to be displayed and changed without altering the garment permanently, valuable for anyone needing to swap identifiers between roles, units or contexts. Beyond the tactical origin, it's become a way to personalise technical apparel: swapping a patch to mark an achievement, an allegiance or simply a preference, without committing to a fixed design. Function and customisation both matter here, the garment stays useful and adaptable long after a single patch would have gone out of relevance.