Modern Living: Patchwork Fashions

Long, long ago—perhaps as far back as the early '60s—patches on worn or torn clothing were a mark of poverty, or at least of thrift. The patch has come a long way since then. Today it is colorful, clever, artistic and even ideological. Whether to hide holes on worn clothing or simply to adorn brand-new apparel—especially denim jeans and jackets—patching is the bright new fad.

Although some of the patches are still homemade, most now come from opportunistic manufacturers, who are spewing them forth in a dizzying variety; hearts, flowers, butterflies and a rainbow...

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