Custom Rocker Patches for Vests

A rocker is the curved banner-style patch usually placed above or below a large back patch, often used for names, group titles, or chapters.

In traditional 3-piece club “colors,” the top rocker is commonly used for the club name, while the bottom rocker often references a location or territory. That’s why bottom rockers get discussed a lot in etiquette threads.

A lot of riders advise avoiding territory-style bottom rockers unless you’re part of an authorized group, because it can be interpreted as claiming an area.

Forum advice varies, but the consistent theme is: avoid designs that look like official affiliation, especially anything that reads like a club name plus territory.

Most people choose sizing based on back panel width and how much space you want above and below the center patch. A simple rule is to match the rocker’s visual width to your back patch so the set looks balanced. For adult vests, 10.5″ x 10.5″ and 12″ x 12″ back patch sizes are two of the most common references people use when choosing rocker width and curve.

If you’re short on time, even for an event tomorrow, iron-on is the better option for a quick, clean application. If you want your rocker to last for years, especially on leather or heavy denim, sew-on is the better long-term choice since it holds up better to wind, movement, and regular wear.

Production time depends on quantity, design complexity, and whether you approve a proof first. As a general reference, around 8 business days after approval is common for an order of about 100 pieces. Larger runs, like 1,000 pieces, typically take longer due to production scheduling and finishing time.

A clear PNG, PDF, or AI works best. If it’s text-only, you can usually send the wording plus your preferred font style and placement notes.

Common choices are embroidered fill with a clean satin border. Some people choose merrow for a thicker edge, but satin is popular for crisp shapes and tight curves.

Yes, and it’s a frequent request: matching arc, same width, same border style, same thread colors, and consistent spacing so the set looks balanced.

Pricing depends on size, stitch coverage, and quantity, but here’s a simple real-world range many clubs use as a reference: name rockers and small MC tags often land around $5 per patch, while a large center back patch is commonly around $25. If you’re ordering in bulk, the per-piece price usually drops because setup and production costs get spread across more units.