Custom gi patches guide: embroidered vs woven vs sublimated
How academies, teams and brands choose a patch method, set a legal layout, and brief a factory so the badge survives the wash and the inspection table.
A custom gi patch has to survive the wash, sit in a legal position and look like your brand. Those are three different decisions. The three production methods are woven (fine detail, flat finish), embroidered (raised stitch, bolder look) and sublimated (full colour, photographic). Competition rulesets restrict where patches may be placed and require them to be sewn on securely.
Embroidered vs woven vs sublimated
| Method | Best for | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|
| Woven | Fine detail, small text, gradients; flat, thin, lowest profile | Usual choice for a detailed logo or small sponsor badge |
| Embroidered | Simple shapes and thick lettering; raised, textured look | Fine detail fills in; lettering below about 4 mm cap height will not hold |
| Sublimated | Photographic artwork and unlimited colours; flattest finish | Less texture; often lowest cost per unit at volume |
Edge and backing choices matter as much as the method: a merrowed edge suits square, circular and shield shapes; laser-cut or hot-cut edges follow irregular outlines. Sew-on backing is the only backing competition rules accept. Iron-on is convenient for training gear but lifts in a hot wash and is normally rejected at a competition check. Velcro needs a hook panel sewn to the gi.
Placement: check the rulebook for this season
Competition rulesets define specific permitted areas on the jacket, trousers and belt. Patches outside those areas get the gi rejected or the patch cut off at the inspection table. The permitted zones are set out in each organisation’s current rulebook and have been revised between seasons — a layout that passed two years ago is not automatically safe.
For diagrams and a layout checklist, use the BJJ gi patch placement guide and the IBJJF gi requirements guide. Training-only gis and academy gear are not bound by competition placement limits; many academy stock layouts would not pass a competition inspection.
Attachment is what actually fails
The most common reason a patch is rejected is not its position — it is that a corner has lifted. Iron-on adhesive softens in a hot wash and a gi gets washed after every session. Sew-on is the only attachment that survives a season.
For a heavy patch on a lightweight jacket, the stitch should catch the jacket fabric and not just the collar tape, and the area behind a large back patch is usually reinforced so the patch does not pull the weave out of shape.
How to specify a patch for production
- Send vector artwork where you have it. A small raster logo has to be redrawn before weaving or embroidery, and the redraw is where detail quietly changes.
- Give the finished size in millimetres, the edge type, the backing, and the thread or Pantone references you need matched.
- Approve a physical patch sample before bulk — colour on a screen and colour in thread are not the same thing.
- Check placement again on each size in the range; a position that looks balanced on an A2 can sit over a seam on an A4.
MOQ, samples and ordering with gis
Patches are listed at a minimum of 100 pieces per design, with sizes mixable where relevant, polyester/twill construction, sample time 7–10 working days and bulk 20–30 working days after approval (see Inside our factory). Method and finished size can still affect the practical minimum for a specific design — send artwork, size and quantity and confirm the MOQ for that patch on the quote.
Patches are usually ordered with custom BJJ gis or for academy programs. Embroidered logos directly on garments (not patch badges) are covered under custom embroidery.
Custom gi patches: frequently asked questions
Woven or embroidered patches — which is better?
Woven for fine detail, small text and gradients; embroidered for bold shapes and a raised, textured look. Lettering below about 4 mm cap height will not hold in embroidery.
Are iron-on gi patches allowed in competition?
Generally no. Competition rules require patches to be sewn on securely, and iron-on adhesive lifts in a hot wash. Use sew-on backing for anything worn at an event.
Where can you put patches on a BJJ gi?
Competition rulesets define specific permitted areas on the jacket, trousers and belt. Check the current rulebook for your event before finalising a layout; training gis are not restricted the same way.
What is the minimum order for custom gi patches?
Patches are listed at 100 pieces per design on our factory terms. Method and size can affect the practical minimum for a specific design — send artwork, finished size and quantity and we will confirm the MOQ for that patch.
Can patches be removed and reused?
Only with a velcro backing and a hook panel sewn to the gi. Sewn and iron-on patches do not transfer cleanly between gis.
Related: Full placement diagrams: BJJ gi patch placement. Competition uniform rules: IBJJF gi requirements. Ordering gis with badges: custom BJJ gis.