Custom Lieutenant Patches, Order Bars Online
A lieutenant runs the shift, and on a vest or tactical shirt the single bar is how officers find the watch commander. Owl Badges embroiders lieutenant bar patches in gold, silver or subdued thread, as hook-and-loop chest tabs, matched collar tabs, cap patches or sew-on bars for jackets. Lieutenant patches cost $20 each at the 10-piece minimum and $3 each in volume, with no setup or digitizing fees, so order bars for the next promotion now.
- ✓ Free proof before production
- ✓ Purchase orders accepted
- ✓ Ships nationwide
- ✓ Rush production in 7–10 days
- ✓ Send your deadline and we plan the order around it
- ✓ Quote requests answered 24/7
Choose the lieutenant insignia you need
Start with the grade and the format. Every option is built in the designer or quoted from the bar your lieutenants wear now.
LieutenantSingle bar, gold or silverDesign a lieutenant bar patch →
Second LieutenantGold bar, junior gradeDesign the gold bar →
First LieutenantSilver bar, senior gradeDesign the silver bar →LT Chest TabBar with LT letteringBuild an LT chest tab →Collar Tab PairTwo small matched tabsOrder collar tabs →
Subdued Vest BarBlack on coyote, hook-and-loopDesign a subdued bar →
Cap BarSmall bar for ball capsQuote cap patches →
Olive Tactical BarBlack on olive drabCustomize the olive bar →Gold bar or silver bar: which lieutenant patch is right?
Departments choose gold or silver lieutenant bars to fit their own insignia scheme; there is no single national rule. Two patterns cover most orders.
Gold lieutenant bars
In departments where command ranks wear gold insignia and line ranks wear silver, a gold bar marks the step into command. Departments with two lieutenant grades on the military-style pattern use gold for the junior grade, second lieutenant.
Silver lieutenant bars
Used where every rank wears silver or nickel insignia, and for the senior grade, first lieutenant, in departments that follow the military-style pattern. Silver thread also reads well on black and charcoal tactical uniforms.
Whichever your department uses, match the bar patch to the metal collar bars your lieutenants wear on dress shirts. Send a photo and the proof matches it.
Ordering lieutenant patches is a three-step job
Choose the format, set colors and backing in the browser, then order or request department pricing. There are no artwork fees.
Discover lieutenant patch styles
Compare single-bar chest tabs, matched collar tab pairs, tabs with LT lettering and subdued bars for vests. Each one is satin-stitched thread on twill with a merrowed or hot-cut border, sized to the spot where it will be worn.
| Grade | Lieutenant |
|---|---|
| Format | Chest tab with LT |
| Backing | Hook-and-loop |
Customize your lieutenant patch in real time
In the Owl Badges TruePatch Designer™, a live patch builder in your browser, set the bar and twill colors, add LT lettering and pick a backing. The preview updates as you work, revisions are free and there is nothing to install.
Order instantly or request a quote
Order the lieutenant patch straight from the designer, or send it with the number of lieutenants and uniforms for department pricing. Your free proof comes back before anything is stitched.
What You Get With Every Lieutenant Patch
Six things included with every lieutenant bar order.
Bars matched to your collar insignia
Gold or silver thread chosen to match the metal bars on dress shirts.
Every format from one color standard
Chest tabs, collar tabs, cap patches and jacket bars in the same thread.
Lettering that reads at a glance
LT or a title stitched beside the bar on chest tabs.
Subdued sets for tactical gear
Black on coyote or olive with hook-and-loop backing.
US-based since 1999
Patches and badges for more than 5,000 organizations from California.
Specialist support
A patch specialist answers questions by phone, Monday to Friday.
Design your lieutenant bars in the TruePatch Designer
Place the bar, add lettering and pick colors with a live preview. No account is needed, revisions are unlimited and design costs nothing.
Outfitting every lieutenant on the roster? Request a quote.
Tell us how many lieutenants you have and which uniforms they wear. You get department pricing and a free proof, and purchase orders are accepted.
How to design a lieutenant patch
Three choices define a lieutenant bar patch. Make them in this order.
Pick the format for each uniform
Lieutenants usually need more than one format: a chest tab for the vest, a pair of collar tabs for tactical shirts, and sometimes a cap patch or a bar for the jacket. Each format is its own design with its own size, so list every garment on the quote and the proof shows each one.
Choose gold, silver or subdued
Match the thread to the metal insignia on your dress uniform: gold where command ranks wear gold, silver where every rank wears silver. For vests and carriers, a black bar on coyote or olive keeps the rank readable up close without standing out at a distance.
Add lettering, set the backing, approve
Add LT or a title next to the bar if your department uses text rank tabs. Choose hook-and-loop for vests and tactical shirts, which adds $2 per patch, or sew-on for jackets. Approve the free proof and production takes 3 to 4 weeks.
Shop Custom Lieutenant Bar Patches
Eight lieutenant patch formats to customize or quote, from $3 per patch in bulk.
Custom Lieutenant Patch Pricing
Lieutenant patches use the same per-patch ladder as every rank: $20.00 each at the 10-piece minimum, falling to $3.00 each at 250 pieces or more, with no setup or digitizing fees.
Hook-and-loop adds $2.00 per patch. Orders of 500 or more get an individual quote. Pricing reviewed October 2026.
How many lieutenant patches should we order?
Count each format separately: a chest tab design and a collar tab design each carry their own 10-piece minimum.
| Order | Tier | What it costs |
|---|---|---|
| 5 lieutenants, two vest tabs each | 10–19 patches | 10 chest tabs at $20.00 = $200. |
| 12 lieutenants across four shifts, tab plus a spare | 20–29 patches | 24 chest tabs at $14.00 = $336. |
| 25 lieutenants, one collar pair each | 50–74 patches | 50 collar tabs at $6.50 = $325. |
| A sheriff's office with 40 lieutenants, three chest tabs each | 100–249 patches | 120 chest tabs at $5.50 = $660. |
Lieutenant Patches at a Glance
| Construction | Embroidered lieutenant bars, thread on twill |
|---|---|
| Formats | Chest tab, collar tabs, cap patch, jacket bar |
| Colors | Gold or silver bars; black on coyote or olive; navy blue or black twill |
| Lettering | Optional LT or a title beside the bar |
| Backing | Hook-and-loop (+$2), sew-on, iron-on |
| Price range | $3–$20 per patch by volume |
| Minimum order | 10 pieces per design |
| Production time | 3–4 weeks after proof approval; rush in 7–10 days |
| Setup / digitizing fees | None |
| Border | Merrowed or hot-cut |
| Producer | US-based, since 1999 |
What we recommend for lieutenant patches
Order a hook-and-loop chest tab for every vest and a matched pair of collar tabs for each tactical shirt, in thread that matches your metal collar bars. Add two spare chest tabs per lieutenant, and keep the artwork on file so the next promotion uses the same colors.
How much do lieutenant bar patches cost?
Lieutenant bar patches cost $20.00 each at the 10-piece minimum and $3.00 each from 250 pieces. Production takes 3 to 4 weeks after you approve the free proof. Enter a quantity below to see your total.
10 patches at $20.00 per patch · 10-piece minimum per design
The per-patch price includes embroidery, border, gold, silver or subdued thread, LT lettering and the free proof. Hook-and-loop backing adds $2.00 per patch. Quantities of 500 and up are quoted.
Lieutenant patch price ladder
| Quantity | Price per patch | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 10–19 patches | $20.00 | 10 = $200.00 |
| 20–29 patches | $14.00 | 20 = $280.00 |
| 30–49 patches | $11.00 | 30 = $330.00 |
| 50–74 patches | $6.50 | 50 = $325.00 |
| 75–99 patches | $6.00 | 75 = $450.00 |
| 100–249 patches | $5.50 | 100 = $550.00 |
| 250–499 patches | $3.00 | 250 = $750.00 |
| 500 and up | Quoted individually | Request a written quote |
Can ordering more lieutenant patches cost less?
The pattern repeats up the ladder: 48 patches cost $528 and 50 cost $325; 98 cost $588 and 100 cost $550; 240 cost $1,320 and 250 cost $750. Spare chest tabs cover a mid-year promotion or a replaced vest, so rounding up to a tier break usually pays for itself. For 500 or more, request a written quote.
Need something other than rank? Browse patch types beyond lieutenant insignia, or price several formats with a calculator for multi-format lieutenant orders.
Which lieutenant patch format goes on which uniform?
Vests take a chest tab, tactical shirts take collar tabs, and caps take a small bar patch. The table matches each format to the garment and backing.
| Format | Worn on | Backing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chest tab | Vest or plate carrier front panel | Hook-and-loop | The most common lieutenant patch; add LT lettering if your department uses text tabs |
| Collar tabs, pair | Tactical shirt collar points | Hook-and-loop or sew-on | Ordered as a matched pair; count two per shirt |
| Cap patch | Ball cap or patrol cap front | Hook-and-loop or sew-on | A smaller bar sized to the cap panel |
| Jacket bar | Outer jacket chest | Sew-on | For departments that show rank on outerwear |
| Sleeve bar | Uniform sleeve, where policy puts rank there | Sew-on | Sized like a chevron patch for sleeve placement |
| LT lettered tab | Vest front or back panel | Hook-and-loop | Bar plus LT text for quick identification |
Different formats are different designs, so each carries its own 10-piece minimum on the same price ladder.
Who orders lieutenant patches, and when?
Lieutenant patches are ordered when a sergeant is promoted to shift command, and again whenever uniforms or gear change. The table covers eight lieutenant roles.
| Lieutenant | Insignia | Typical colors | Format | Ordered when |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patrol or shift lieutenant | Single bar | Gold or silver | Chest tab and collar tabs | A sergeant is promoted to lieutenant |
| Watch commander | Single bar, often with LT text | Gold or silver | Chest tab with LT | A watch commander post is filled |
| Detective lieutenant | Single bar | Gold or silver | Collar tabs, jacket bar | An investigations division gets a commander |
| Sheriff's lieutenant | Single bar | Department colors | Chest tab and sew-on bar | A sheriff's office promotes a division lead |
| Corrections lieutenant | Single bar | Silver on black or grey | Chest tab | A facility adds a shift commander |
| Security lieutenant | Single bar | Silver or gold on black | Chest tab or sew-on bar | A security contract adds a site manager |
| Second or first lieutenant | Gold or silver bar | Gold for junior, silver for senior | Chest tab and collar tabs | A department uses two lieutenant grades |
| Reserve or cadet lieutenant | Single bar | Full-time grade or program colors | Sew-on or hook-and-loop | A reserve unit or cadet program names lieutenants |
Ordering lieutenant bars with captain bars or sergeant stripes? Each design keeps its own 10-piece minimum and the same price ladder.
Lieutenant bar colors: gold, silver and subdued
Bright bars for dress and patrol uniforms, subdued bars for tactical gear.
Need a twill color to match a specific vest? Send the vest color with your quote and the proof matches it.
Customize lieutenant bar patches with lettering, borders and backing
LT or title lettering
Stitch LT, LIEUTENANT or a unit name beside the bar.
Collar tab pairs
Two small tabs cut to the same size for both collar points.
Merrowed or hot-cut border
Merrowed for a rounded tab; hot-cut for square corners.
Metallic thread
Metallic gold or silver bars for dress and ceremony uniforms.
Tab shape and size
Square, rectangular or cut to fit the loop panel on your vest.
Hook-and-loop or sew-on
Hook-and-loop for vests and caps, sew-on for jackets and sleeves.
Order a lieutenant promotion kit
A newly promoted lieutenant typically needs a chest tab for each vest, a pair of collar tabs for every tactical shirt, and a cap patch. Order all three formats together in the same thread colors so the new lieutenant's gear matches on the first day in command. Each format carries its own 10-piece minimum, which a promotion class usually meets.
How do we reorder or replace lieutenant bars?
Your lieutenant bar artwork and thread colors stay on file at no charge, so a reorder matches the original. Send the format and quantity; the 10-piece minimum still applies.
After a promotion to lieutenant
Order every format the new lieutenant wears in one run: vest, collar, cap and jacket.
Replacement lieutenant bars for worn tabs
Hook-and-loop tabs lose their grip with daily use. Replace them in batches of 10 or more.
New vests or carriers
A new carrier color may need a new twill color. Send the color and we prove against it.
Lateral lieutenants
Lieutenants hired from another agency need your bars from day one. Keep spare tabs in supply.
Lieutenant Patch Design Gallery
Ten lieutenant patch designs to start from, each customizable in the TruePatch Designer from $20 each at 10 pieces down to $3 at 250 or more.
Lieutenant Patch Specs, Wear and Care
The details on every lieutenant proof, where each format is worn, and how to keep bars sharp.
Lieutenant patch specifications
| Construction | Satin-stitched bar on twill |
|---|---|
| Insignia | Single bar; optional LT lettering |
| Colors | Gold or silver bar; black on coyote or olive; navy blue or black twill |
| Formats | Chest tab, collar tab pair, cap patch, jacket or sleeve bar |
| Border | Merrowed or hot-cut |
| Size | Sized to the format and your current insignia; exact size on the proof |
| Lettering | Embroidered text down to about 4mm |
| Backing | Hook-and-loop (+$2.00), sew-on, iron-on, plastic or sticker |
| Price | $20 per patch at 10 pieces, down to $3 at 250 or more |
| Minimum / setup fees | 10 per design · no setup or digitizing fees |
| Production / producer | 3–4 weeks after proof approval · US-based since 1999 |
Which backing goes on which lieutenant format
Hook-and-loop covers most lieutenant gear; sew-on covers jackets and sleeves.
| Backing | Where it is worn | Order it when |
|---|---|---|
| Hook-and-loop (+$2) | Lieutenant bars for tactical vests, carriers and chest panels | For gear that moves between uniforms |
| Hook-and-loop collar tabs | Lieutenant collar patch on tactical shirts | For shirts with collar loop fields |
| Sew-on | Lieutenant bars for uniform sleeves and jackets | For garments washed weekly |
| Iron-on | Cadet, academy or event uniforms | For short-term wear only |
Storing spare lieutenant tabs
| Spares | Two chest tabs per lieutenant |
|---|---|
| Packing | Flat in a sealed bag |
| Hook-and-loop | Press loop onto hook before storing |
| Labels | Bag by format: chest, collar, cap |
How to care for lieutenant bar patches
Hook-and-loop tabs last longer when the hook side is protected.
| Situation | What to do | Never do this |
|---|---|---|
| Washing | Remove hook-and-loop tabs before washing the garment | Wash tabs attached to open hook panels |
| Cleaning tabs | Brush lint from the loop side with a soft brush | Pick at the loop with sharp tools |
| Drying | Air dry or tumble low | Use high heat on twill |
| Pressing | Press sew-on bars from the back with a cloth | Iron metallic thread directly |
| On shared gear | Keep a spare tab on an inside loop panel | Leave hook strips exposed on shared gear |
Your vest maker specifies a tab size? Put the measurement on the quote and the proof is cut to it.
Where lieutenant bars go on each uniform
Vest front panel
A lieutenant chest patch on the loop field, centered or above the name tape.
Collar points
One tab on each collar point of a tactical shirt, placed the way your policy sets metal collar bars.
Caps
A small bar patch centered on the front panel of a ball cap or patrol cap.
Jackets and sleeves
A sewn bar on the jacket chest, or on the sleeve where your policy places rank.
The free placement guide gives measured positions for chest and collar tabs and name tapes.
Custom Lieutenant Patches for Departments, Order by Format
Which page fits depends on what is being ordered. To outfit an entire command staff in one run, start from the full police rank insignia lineup. Lieutenants who also order for their shift will find stripes for the sergeants they supervise on a separate page. For the vest panel below the rank tab, see name tapes that sit under a lieutenant bar. Every lieutenant format has a 10-piece minimum.
Lieutenant patches for every kind of agency
Municipal police
Shift and watch commander bars in city colors.
Sheriff's offices
Lieutenant bars for patrol, court and detention divisions.
Corrections and detention
Facility lieutenant tabs for shift commanders.
State and highway patrol
Troop lieutenant bars for vests and jackets.
Campus police
Lieutenant tabs for campus command staff.
Security companies
Site lieutenant bars for contract security managers.
Park and transit police
Lieutenant bars for ranger and transit supervisors.
Reserve and cadet programs
Bars that match full-time or program ranks.
Shop Lieutenant Patches by Category
Six lieutenant patch families.
Chest tabs
Single-bar tabs for vest front panels.
Collar tabs
Matched pairs for tactical shirt collars.
Lettered tabs
A bar plus LT or a title.
Subdued bars
Black on coyote or olive for tactical gear.
Cap patches
Small bars for ball caps and patrol caps.
Sew-on bars
Bars for jackets and sleeves.
Lieutenant bars built for command
Lay out the bar and lettering in the TruePatch Designer, and a patch specialist turns it into a free proof sized for each format.
- Satin-stitched single bars
- Gold, silver or subdued thread
- Chest, collar and cap formats
- Hook-and-loop or sew-on
- Artwork kept on file
Reasons departments order lieutenant patches
Lieutenant bars land on a purchase order at these fourteen moments.
- ✓A sergeant is promoted to lieutenant
- ✓A new watch commander takes a shift
- ✓A lieutenant promotion ceremony is scheduled
- ✓The department moves rank onto vest carriers
- ✓Tactical shirts with collar loop fields are issued
- ✓A new division or bureau gets a commander
- ✓Two lieutenant grades are introduced
- ✓An acting lieutenant is made permanent
- ✓Worn hook-and-loop tabs stop holding
- ✓Vest carriers change color
- ✓A lateral lieutenant joins the department
- ✓An honor guard commander needs a metallic bar
- ✓Reserve or cadet programs name lieutenants
- ✓The supply room runs out of spare tabs
Each moment starts at 10 patches per format. Artwork on file means the next promotion costs only the per-patch price.
How do I order lieutenant bar patches with Owl Badges?
Four steps from format to delivery, from $3 per patch in volume.
Browse
Choose a lieutenant format from the cards above or a gallery design.
Select
Pick gold, silver or subdued thread, the border and the backing.
Personalize
Add LT lettering, size each format and check the free proof.
Order
Order lieutenant bars online or on a purchase order; production takes 3 to 4 weeks after approval.
Confirm your lieutenant insignia before ordering
Two free guides for titles and placement.
Police ranks explained
Where lieutenant sits between sergeant and captain, and how the insignia changes.
Lieutenant Patch FAQs
How does the Owl Badges TruePatch Designer work?
The TruePatch Designer is a browser-based patch builder. Pick a lieutenant format, set the bar and twill colors, add LT lettering and choose a backing, and the live preview shows each change. Starting needs no account, revisions are unlimited and design is free. When the patch looks right, order it directly or send it as a quote request with your quantities.
What is a lieutenant patch?
A lieutenant patch is an embroidered version of the lieutenant's single-bar insignia, made for uniforms where metal collar insignia are impractical. Most are hook-and-loop chest tabs for vests or collar tabs for tactical shirts, in gold, silver or subdued thread. Some departments add LT lettering beside the bar so the rank reads from a distance.
How much do lieutenant bar patches cost?
Lieutenant patches cost 20 dollars each at 10 to 19 pieces, 14 dollars at 20 to 29, 11 dollars at 30 to 49, 6 dollars 50 cents at 50 to 74, 6 dollars at 75 to 99, 5 dollars 50 cents at 100 to 249 and 3 dollars at 250 to 499. Orders of 500 or more are quoted individually. Hook-and-loop backing adds 2 dollars per patch, and there are no setup fees.
Should we order a gold or silver lieutenant bar patch?
Match the patch to the metal bars your lieutenants wear on dress uniforms. Where command ranks wear gold, order gold; where every rank wears silver, order silver. In departments with two lieutenant grades on the military-style pattern, gold marks second lieutenant and silver marks first lieutenant. Subdued black bars suit tactical gear in either case.
Should lieutenant bars go on the collar or the chest of a vest?
On a vest or plate carrier, rank goes on a chest tab, because a vest has no collar. Collar tabs belong on tactical shirts worn under or without a vest. Many departments order both: a hook-and-loop chest tab for each vest and a matched pair of collar tabs for each shirt, in the same thread colors.
Is there a minimum order for lieutenant patches?
Yes, the minimum is 10 patches per design. Departments have fewer lieutenants than sergeants, so many meet the minimum by ordering spares or by combining a promotion class into one order. There are no setup or digitizing fees, so a 10-piece order costs only the per-patch price of 20 dollars each.
Are lieutenant collar tabs sold in pairs?
Collar tabs are priced per patch, so a pair for both collar points counts as two patches. Ten collar tabs, the minimum, cover five tactical shirts. Count two per shirt for each lieutenant, then add a spare pair per lieutenant so a lost or worn tab can be replaced from the supply room the same day.
How long do lieutenant patches take?
Production takes 3 to 4 weeks after you approve the free proof. Order as soon as the promotion is confirmed so the bars arrive before the new lieutenant's first shift in command. Adding a few spare chest tabs to the first order covers the next promotion without waiting for a new run. Need them sooner? Rush production takes 7 to 10 days. Request a quote with your deadline and we reply within 4 hours.
Can a lieutenant patch include LT lettering?
Yes. A chest tab can carry LT, LIEUTENANT or a unit name next to the bar. Embroidered letters stay legible down to about 4mm tall, so a short title works best on a small tab. The proof shows the exact lettering and spacing before production, and you can adjust it as often as needed.
Do you make subdued lieutenant bars?
Yes. Subdued lieutenant bars in black thread on coyote tan or olive drab are made with hook-and-loop backing for plate carriers, vests and tactical shirts. They keep the rank readable at close range without a bright bar on tactical gear, and they can be ordered alongside gold or silver tabs from the same design.
Can you make a lieutenant bar patch for a hat?
Yes. A small bar patch is sized for the front panel of a ball cap or patrol cap, with hook-and-loop or sew-on backing. Cap patches are a separate design from chest tabs, so they carry their own 10-piece minimum, which usually covers a promotion class with spares. The proof shows the cap patch next to the chest tab so the bars match.
Do you make second lieutenant and first lieutenant patches?
Yes. Departments that use two lieutenant grades can order a gold bar and a silver bar as separate designs, in any format: chest tab, collar tabs or cap patch. Tell us which color your department assigns to each grade, and the proof follows it exactly before anything is stitched. Both grades use the same price ladder and minimum.
Can you match the lieutenant bars we use now?
Yes. Send photos of your current bar patch or the metal collar bar with your quote request, ideally with a ruler in the frame. We match the colors, size and border on the proof, and you approve it before production. The approved artwork stays on file for every reorder, at no charge.
Do you accept purchase orders for lieutenant patches?
Yes. Police departments, sheriff's offices, corrections agencies and security companies can order lieutenant patches on a purchase order. Send the PO with the formats and quantities, and the free proof comes back before anything is stitched. We ship nationwide, and later promotions can be reordered on a new purchase order from the artwork on file.
Can lieutenant patches be sewn on instead of hook-and-loop?
Yes. Sew-on backing suits jackets, sleeves and caps that are not swapped between uniforms, and it adds nothing to the price. Hook-and-loop adds 2 dollars per patch and is the usual choice for vests and tactical shirts with loop panels, because the tab can move with the lieutenant between garments.
Do you make captain bars and other command insignia too?
Yes. Captain double bars and command stars are made the same way, as chest tabs, collar tabs or sewn patches, on the same price ladder. Each insignia is its own design with its own 10-piece minimum, and the proof can show a lieutenant bar and a captain bar side by side so the colors match.
Ready to order your lieutenants' bars?
Design a lieutenant patch in your browser or send your roster for department pricing. The proof is free, the minimum is 10 pieces and there are no setup fees.
Owl Badges makes lieutenant bar patches for police departments, sheriff's offices, corrections agencies and security companies.
Every format, one color standard
Chest, collar and cap tabs in matching thread.
Dress and subdued
Gold or silver bars plus subdued tactical tabs.
Ready for the next promotion
Artwork on file for the next lieutenant.
Order lieutenant patches for your department
Why departments order lieutenant patches from Owl Badges
$20 at 10 pieces to $3 at 250, for chest, collar and cap tabs.
On the first order and every reorder.
Order on a PO and we ship nationwide.
Related patch pages
Talk to a patch specialist about lieutenant bars
Questions about a lieutenant format, a color or a department order? Call 626-412-1200, Monday to Friday, 9AM to 4PM PST.
Ordering bars for captains or stars for chiefs?
Captain double bars, command stars and every chevron grade are on the main rank patch page, on the same per-patch ladder.