Patches First. The Rest Later.

It's no secret that I'm football patch obsessed. It's basically the reason that foudys exists. I was sick of seeing men's names on the back of shirts inside women's stadiums. I was even SICKER seeing women's names in premier league font, denoting the men's game. 

I remember seeing Arsenal fans posting about buying shirts in 2021 and them arriving with "MEEDEMA" and a Premier League Lion emblazoned on the sleeve. How could sellers get it so wrong?

So i made patches and detailing my obsession. 

This summer we're releasing a range dedicated to the 2007 Arsenal Women's Team, one of the most successful teams of all time. We're leaning into their detailing back in '07 which was black premier league font on the back of oversized yellow jerseys. It's a stark reminder of how far we've come... and don't forget how important these details are: the font, the sleeve patches, our own Champions League logo, it all contributes to brand awareness which contributes to the growth of our game. 

Proud Patch Moments

This summer was one of my proudest "patch" moments as we finally got hold of the FIFA Women's Champions Patch, something which had been seemingly easy for Chelsea Men's Fans to get hold of everywhere, but was proving difficult for Arsenal Women's fans. These things matter and help to clearly see that you're repping Arsenal Women... I mean, it's a HUGE golden patch in the centre of your chest! 

Throwback 

In 2020 I got the rights to the WSL personalisation before I had the rights to sell you jerseys! I was taking in jerseys from across the world and printing WSL font on the back. It felt so empowering because I knew fans would be going to games, the first people in the world wearing the proper shirts with the proper detailing. I bought the full alphabet across all the colours and I loved seeing all the names that would come through. The most popular name in year one was FRAN KIRBY! 

In 2023 we finally got the Champions League patches, something which is really special and has evolved over the years. My favourite patch is We Play Strong which goes on Euros and Champions League (UEFA Competition) jerseys. It's felt material and in shimmers in the light. I also love how unique it is to women's football. It almost looks like a flower on the sleeve.

However, my biggest ick is when it's printed badly - sometimes you see it flopping off the sleeves of the pro athletes on field!!! 

Barcelona Detailing

I've loved discovering Barcelona over the years and adding them to our collection. Their current font is top tier inspired by Catalonia's Modernist heritage. Say what you want, but this patch and personalisation detailing is artwork and i love the devil in the detail! 

Finally, The WSL sleeve patches. They've evolved so much over the years. I'll never forget year one and two as they were a nightmare to get onto shirts. Now they're a gorgeous fabric with a lovely texture on the back that sticks to the garment lovely. 

I also love the winners patch (worn by City this year) as it really pops in the light and shimmers. A constant reminder of life as a winner! 

Enough patch chat! If you think we're missing any obvious patches or personalisation that would be popular with our women's football audience, please email us hello@foudys.com

Helen

Founder of Foudys