Custom IR Reflective
Patches — Built for the Field
Infrared reflective patches invisible to the naked eye, glowing bright under night-vision equipment. Trusted by special operations, military units, and law enforcement worldwide.
The Tactical Standard of
IR Reflective Patches
Infrared reflective patches use specialty IR thread that appears subdued or invisible in normal daylight, but illuminates brilliantly under AN/PVS-14 and other night-vision devices — critical for IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) in low-visibility operations.
Invisible by Day, Bright by Night
IR thread reflects no visible light in daylight — maintaining your low-profile signature while glowing clearly under NVGs.
IFF & Friendly Force Identification
Precisely engineered IR reflectivity for reliable friend-or-foe identification during nighttime operations and fast-rope insertions.
Any Shape, Any Size
Flag patches, unit insignia, morale patches, and custom shapes — from 1.5" to 12"+ in IR reflective thread.
Hook-Backed or Sew-On
Velcro hook backing for MOLLE panels and plate carriers, or plain sew-on for permanent uniform attachment.
Every Style of IR Reflective Patch
From subdued flag patches to full custom unit insignia — our IR range covers every tactical and operational requirement.
IR American Flag Patches
The standard-issue identification patch for US military and contractors. Available in subdued reverse and forward-facing orientations, hook-back ready.
IR Unit & Squadron Patches
Custom unit insignia, squadron crests, and battalion patches in full IR reflective thread. Invisible in daylight, bright under NVGs.
IR Morale Patches
Low-visibility morale patches that look subdued in daylight but reveal their design in glorious IR under night-vision devices. A favorite among special operations.
Combined IR + Embroidered Patches
Full-color embroidered patch by day with embedded IR reflective thread elements for dual-use — visible for dress uniform, IR-active for field use.
IR Police & Agency Patches
Department badges and specialty unit patches in IR reflective format for SWAT, HRT, and tactical law enforcement units operating in low-light environments.
IR Contractor & PMC Patches
Private military contractor and security firm patches in IR reflective format for IFF compliance in joint-operation environments.
IR Patches We've Made
Why Our IR Patches Stand Apart
Certified IR Thread — Not a Substitute
We use genuine infrared-reflective specialty thread that meets military performance requirements. Not dyed thread, not a workaround — actual IR reflective material that performs under Gen II, Gen III, and Gen III+ night-vision equipment.
Free Artwork & Digitizing — No Fees
Submit any logo, crest, or sketch. Our digitizers convert it to production-ready files at zero cost. Unlimited revisions until it's exactly right.
Subdued by Default in Daylight
Our IR patches are engineered to appear low-profile or invisible to the naked eye — no giveaway sheen, no visible reflective threads. Operational security maintained.
10–15 Business Day Turnaround
Standard production ships in 10–15 business days from artwork approval. Rush 7-day and 5-day options available for deployment deadlines.
Free Shipping on All US Orders
No minimum for free domestic shipping. International shipping available with full tracking — including APO/FPO military addresses.
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
If your IR patches don't match the approved proof or fail to perform under NVGs, we remake or refund — no questions asked. Our A+ BBB rating reflects over a decade of standing behind every order.
Volume Pricing
Price per IR patch — 2"×3" standard flag size, single design. Larger or complex shapes adjusted accordingly.
Includes free artwork, free revisions, IR reflective thread, hook-back or sew-on backing & free US shipping. Get a custom quote →
IR Patches for Every Operator
From Tier 1 special operations to law enforcement tactical units — our IR patches serve those who operate in the dark.
Army & Special Forces
Unit patches, flag patches, and morale patches for infantry, SOF, Rangers, and Green Berets.
Navy & SEAL Teams
IR patches for maritime operations, NSW units, and carrier air wings. APO shipping available.
Air Force & Aviation
Squadron crests, wing patches, and aircrew identification in IR reflective format.
SWAT & Tactical LEO
Department and unit patches for SWAT, HRT, and tactical teams conducting low-light operations.
PMC & Contractors
IFF-compliant IR patches for private military contractors and security personnel in joint environments.
National Guard
State and unit identification patches for Guard units deploying alongside active-duty forces.
Helicopter & Aircrews
Aircrew IR patches visible to ground forces with NVGs during CAS, CASEVAC, and MEDEVAC ops.
Collectors & Enthusiasts
Authentic IR reflective patches for collectors, milsim players, and gear enthusiasts.
From Submission to Your Rack
Ordering custom IR patches is straightforward. Our team handles every step so your patch performs exactly as needed in the field.
Submit Your Design
Upload your logo, flag spec, or unit crest in any format — AI, PDF, JPG, or a photo of your patch.
Receive Digital Proof
Within 24 hours, get a detailed proof showing thread layout, IR zones, and backing specification.
Approve or Revise
Request unlimited free revisions. Production doesn't begin until you've signed off completely.
IR Production
Specialist embroiderers stitch IR reflective thread to exact spec using industrial-grade machines.
Delivered Fast
Ships in 10–15 business days. Free US shipping including APO/FPO, with real-time tracking.
Everything About IR Reflective Patches
Infrared reflective patches — commonly called IR patches — are specialty tactical identifiers used by military, law enforcement, and security personnel operating in low-light or nighttime environments. Unlike standard embroidered patches, IR patches use a specialty thread or material that reflects infrared light, making them glow brilliantly under night-vision devices (NVDs) while remaining virtually invisible to the naked eye.
At Cold Patches, we've been manufacturing IR reflective patches since 2012 — supplying military units, law enforcement agencies, PMCs, and individual operators across the United States and internationally. Our IR patches are produced with genuine infrared-reflective thread, not painted or printed substitutes.
How Do IR Reflective Patches Work?
IR reflective thread contains compounds that absorb and re-emit infrared light in the near-IR spectrum (approximately 700–1200nm) — the exact wavelength range detected by night-vision goggles like the AN/PVS-14, GPNVG-18, and other Gen II/Gen III NVDs. In visible daylight, the thread appears as a flat, subdued color (typically gray or tan). Under NVGs, it illuminates as a bright, clearly defined marker.
IR Patches for Military & Special Operations
IR patches serve a critical IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) function during nighttime operations — particularly during air assaults, fast-rope insertions, and urban operations where misidentification can be fatal. Standard applications include:
- US flag patches in reverse and forward-facing IR format
- Unit and squadron crests with IR reflective thread overlay
- IR morale patches for SOF, Rangers, and airborne units
- Blood-type and callsign patches in IR format
- Shoulder sleeve insignia adapted for IR identification
IR Patches vs. Glow-in-the-Dark Patches
IR reflective patches are frequently confused with glow-in-the-dark patches, but they are fundamentally different. Glow-in-the-dark patches use phosphorescent materials that store visible light and emit it slowly — visible to the naked eye. IR patches are invisible to the human eye in all conditions and only become visible through night-vision equipment operating in the infrared spectrum. For operational security, IR patches are the correct choice.
Minimum Order & Sizing
Our minimum order is 10 IR patches per design. The most common size is the standard 2"×3" flag patch, but we produce IR patches in all sizes and custom shapes. Volume discounts apply automatically from 50 pieces upward.
What Operators Say
"Ordered 300 IR flag patches for our battalion's deployment. Reflectivity under our PVS-14s was exactly what we needed — bright, clean, consistent across every single patch. Delivered ahead of schedule."
"We've sourced IR patches from three different vendors over the years. Cold Patches is the only one where every patch in the order performed identically under NVGs. No variation, no rejects. That's what we need."
"Needed 150 custom IR unit patches for our PMC team with a tight timeline. They delivered in 11 days, the IR performance was solid, and the subdued appearance in daylight was exactly right for our operational requirements."
Get Your Custom IR Reflective Patches Today
No setup fees. Free artwork. Free US shipping including APO/FPO. Proof in 24 hours, patches in 15 days.