If you’re the kind of traveler who collects both memories and mementos, you know what I mean. I used to bring home those tourist tees that you swear you’ll turn into a quilt but never do. Eventually, I realized there was a much better and more stylish way to remember trips: travel patches.

How It All Began

I have a habit of collecting patches without any real plan. Then a friend gave me a beautiful patch from a local shop. I took it, along with a washed-out pink Free People jacket, to my tailor, Grace. I let her take the lead and she turned that single patch into something that felt intentional and unique. It was simple, but it felt special.

From One Patch to a Full Collection

I wore the jacket once and then tucked it away. A few weeks later, while cleaning, I rediscovered my stash of patches and immediately called Grace. I asked if she could add all of them. What started as a simple jacket became a living, evolving piece of travel-inspired fashion.

The secret is letting go of perfection and trusting someone who knows how to bring a vision to life. The jacket is layered and playful rather than perfectly symmetrical, and that is exactly what makes it work.

How to Build Your Own Patch Jacket

If you want to create a jacket that is both personal and stylish, here’s what I learned:

1. Pick a jacket you love: Choose something simple that fits well and can handle added patches. Denim, lightweight jackets, or vintage finds are ideal.
2. Start with one patch: Let one standout patch guide the design. It will make adding more patches easier and keep the look cohesive.
3. Get help if you need it: If you can’t sew, take your jacket and patches to a tailor who knows patch placement or embroidery. They can turn a pile of patches into something wearable.
4. Collect meaningful patches: Bring home patches from local markets, artisan shops, or places that inspire you. Each patch becomes a memory on your jacket, creating a wearable scrapbook.
5. Arrange with flexibility: Place patches roughly, then let the tailor adjust. The goal is a layered, evolving look that feels intentional but still organic.
6. Style it with everything: Pair your jacket with jeans and sneakers for casual days, boots for an edge, or blazers and skirts to make it more polished. Versatility is key.
7. Care for it properly: Follow care instructions to protect fabric and stitching so your jacket lasts for years.

Why I Love It

A patch jacket is more than just a thing. Each patch tells a story and holds a memory. The jacket is personal, functional, and completely one-of-a-kind. I can wear mine casually with jeans and sneakers, or mix it with boots and a blazer for a more elevated look. Every time I put it on, it reminds me of the trips I’ve taken and the small adventures I might have forgotten otherwise.

Fashion should be practical, personal, and playful. A patch jacket does all three. It’s a reminder that style can reflect who you are, where you’ve been, and what matters to you, all without feeling forced or overdone.

Shop my fave denim jackets.