I was wondering how people put their patches (advertising, personal, whatever) on their jackets? For down, you obviously wouldn't want to sew them on. Gortex shells? Would glue work? What type? What about attaching velcro rectangles (glue again?) then sticking patches on then.

Any ideas?

Well you picked the 2 fabric items usually avoided. I use fleece jackets or sweaters, vests for any patch or emblem. Fiberfill jacket is ok, but yes, skip the down or Goretex for poking any holes. I once did sew on a Goretex and then used tent seam sealer along the stitches, but it was messy looking when the sealer aged to a different color. Stick to your fleece layers.

Most outdoor stores sell vinyl patches that press on. They are for sleeping bags and tents. They work well on Down jackets. Mine has lasted for years. It is called KENYON K Tape($2.50) Gore-tex is another story and you should be careful.
If you are using them glue on press them between two heavy books for the best contact.
Good luck

I tried some of those patches that have the supposedly glueback plastic sides. Heated iron with towel, pressure, but they would not stay on the nylon or goretex fabrics. Just peeled off the first time the fabric bent. that kinda sucks.

I used that brand with no extra glues or adhesives on my down jacket and sleeping bag and have had no troubles, after years on there.
Even after washing them and drying them many times the patches stay put.
I was real patient when I put the patch on there, like ten pounds of books on there for two days. My down jacket just won't die.

I too would recommend the nylon patches mentioned above. However there are some tricks to making them stick.

1. The surface of your jacket must be super clean. To achieve this clean the area with rubbing alcohol.
2. Make the patch round or oval instead of rectangular. If a patch has any corner it is more likely to come up. Round off all corners.
3. Make sure both the patch and jacket are at room temp
4. When you put the patch on apply a lot of pressure and contact for a few minuets.
5. Leave the patched up jacket at room temp for a few hours.
6. Optional: I then apply seam sealer along the edges of the patch. This prevents the edges from rolling up. If the jacket is a dark color you won’t notice the discoloration too much. Regardless, if you want fashion get a new jacket, but if you want function who cares what it looks like.

I’ve patched a lot of jackets like this and never had an issue with a patch not holding.

I use clear K-Tape. it works! slightly stretchy, and
will stay put even after going through the washing machine!

puffys - on the outside
shells - on the inside

have fun!

i basically follow sergio's method, verbatim, and then use my wife's hair dryer to lightly heat it up for about 30 seconds (until the tape just barely starts to wrinkle). this seems to weld the patch on for good.

I think you guys have the wrong idea. OP wants to attach a graphic patch like this:

You're right I'm asking about graphic patch/emblems. Any ideas?

Sounds like you will need special adhesive. You can buy the patch repair glue and try that.

I like the velcro idea, since you can make sure the edges are round like Sergio said. And if you put seam sealer on the edges it will be hidden by the patch.

I actually just used lightly some gel super glue to put a RRGCC patch on my jacket. It's holding up so far., day 3.