The perfect patch: Pick your favourite colourful patch for your outfit

There was a time when patches were used to mend tattered clothes. Well, 2016 saw designers and brands across the globe using them generously in their outfits. The more quirky you are with your choices, the crazier your experiments can get.

According to designer Jayesh Sachdev, (one half of label Quirk Box), like all trends, patches have made a comeback. “They probably started out as a concept to cover up tears, but soon turned into fashion trends in the ’80s. They were often seen on denims worn by hipsters and bikers, and the teens followed the trend, too. They have now reappeared as fashion accessories,” he says.

Stylist Manisha Nihalani says, “If you are bored of your basic black top, you can add a few blingy or colourful patches. It adds some zing to your garment. You can try out for patches of ice cream cones, phones, ships, lips and toffees.”

Typography and popular culture patches are in vogue at the moment. From urban slangs such as ‘slayin’, ‘FOMO’ and ‘fleek’, to popular cultural iconography, including the ‘Miley Cyrus tongue’, HT Café helps you find your perfect patch.

Word play
Add colour to your black-and-white outfits with this typography patch featuring the Pink Floyd song ‘Wish you were here’. You can also place patches of red lips and floral prints to add a dash of drama.

Dear cutie
Alia Bhatt has been sporting a number of jackets with patches of late. We like the bubbly attitude she brings with it. Bright and quirky, the patches include emoticons and also a box of fries, flowers and a princess’ face.

Dynamic denims
This year has seen denim jackets, shorts and dresses making a comeback. Similar to this combination, you can let your imagination run wild and experiment with patches. You can scatter the patches on the outfit and pick a variety of abstract designs.

Minimalistic
Those who prefer to be subtle can opt for emoticon or typography patches, just like the one used on this outfit. The yellow colour of the emoticon patch and the red colour of the typography patch add colour to this plain brown-coloured romper.

Boo-tiful!
Kangana Ranaut is known for carrying off outfits with élan. This airport look, for one, comprising a grey sweatshirt and pants with ‘Boo!’ and ‘Ouch!’ patches, speaks her mind loud and clear.