The feel of chenille patches is a tactile reminder of days gone by. The fuzzy fabric gets its name from the French word for caterpillar, and it’s been making a comeback, as nostalgic, vintage and retro looks continue to trend.

Consider these ideas to employ a chenille patch to its best advantage.

1. Varsity Jackets

Ladies’ JV jacket (520W) available from Game Sportswear (asi/55752)

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Chenille patches are almost synonymous with letterman jackets – showing off school spirit and individual achievements on the iconic outerwear. But varsity jackets aren’t just for the high school and collegiate set. The sporty attire has been making an appearance in high fashion and pop culture as well. Pop star Taylor Swift donned a cream-colored varsity jacket – decorated with red chenille patches – at the Kansas City Chiefs-Buffalo Bills NFL playoff game on Jan. 21. The jacket, from Swedish retailer Gant, is a collaboration between artist Kilo Kish and the company’s Blank Canvas project and retails for $1,800.

A closer look at the jacket Taylor is wearing! it’s from the GANT x Kilo Kish Blank Canvas Project Collaboration pic.twitter.com/3sTQxP3uuK

— Tayvis Nation 🏈🫶🏻 (@tayvisnation) January 21, 2024

Varsity jackets could be a fun addition to a company store or part of a new hire welcome gift – who wouldn’t feel part of the team after receiving a custom jacket featuring company branding and personalized with chenille letters?

2. Fleece Jackets & Hoodies

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A post shared by Theresa Hegel, ASI (@theresa_hegel_asi)

High-pile fleece jackets, beloved for their warmth and coziness, have been making a splash on runways, often paired with sturdy hiking boots on runways. As British Vogue recently put it: “These days, fashionable and functional go hand in hand. Garments that are typically associated with practicality – innovative outerwear and warming base layers – have become commonplace at fashion week.”

Layer on the texture by adding a chenille appliqué logo to a fleece hoodie or jacket. It’s a “nice touch” to show off the super-soft hand of fleece, says Roxanne Irizarry, sales manager at MV Sport (asi/68318), who showed off the supplier’s whisper fleece hoodie at ASI Orlando.

3. Caps & Bags

Stahls’ (asi/88984) offers heat-applied custom chenille patches that can be added to a variety of accessories.

Chenille patches can add drama and dimension to an array of accessories, from baseball caps and beanies to tote bags and backpacks. Luxury Brand Tory Burch even added oversized felt-and-chenille letter patches spelling out the word “love” to a pair of slides for a Valentine’s Day-ready capsule. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors and size to create something unique and memorable. For its chenille patches, Stahls’ (asi/88984) offers more than 50 thread color options, with nine different felt backing colors to choose from, including gold or silver glitter.

“The pop-out look and soft, fuzzy touch make it a very unique form of decoration,” says Karen Ria of Quality Punch (asi/80207). “No one can pass by a chenille item and not touch it, I’m willing to bet on that.”

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