12/15/2024
LIBERTY CUFF PATCHES
Liberty cuff patches were embroidered patches sewn on the inside cuffs of sailors’ uniform shirts or jackets; the patches could only be seen when the cuffs were rolled up, which the sailor would do while on “liberty” or shore leave away from his ship.
The embroidered patches were not military issued, non-regulation, “illegal,” and often resulted in sailors, if caught (usually by the Shore Patrol personnel), having their liberty cancelled and being sent back to their ship or shore station. The liberty cuffs were sewn, usually by a tailor using a hidden stitch. These were popular unauthorized decorations.
Whitney Fisher Lauderdale, of Woody Blinn, finds joy in curating these unique patches (along with other treasures) and creating wearable art tied to American history. Splitting up the patches isn’t ideal so we created a way to pair you with your “patch partner” by checking the inside of your piece. Shoot us a message or give us a call and we will do our best to get you in touch with your Liberty Cuff Patch mate.
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“It’s not another hat… it’s history!”