Biker Patches

Biker patches are part of the colors that identify the kind of bikers who wear them. They are found on the backs of their denims and indicate which clubs bikers belong to. The patches will display the club’s logo and usually its name along with the rest of the other insignias. Some non-outlaw motorcycle clubs also sport the said patches although outlaw bikers are more predominant when it comes to displaying their colors via these patches.

Types of Biker Patches

There are different kinds of patches that adorn leather or denim vests. There are several conventions that are followed by different motorcycle clubs. Some will stick to these conventions while others won’t. The conventions include unwritten laws on which groups would wear one-piece, two-piece, or three-piece patches. These are more of a matter of custom and not hard and fast written rules.

According to this custom, motorcycle associations will use one-piece biker patches. Riding clubs on the other hand will usually stick with two-piece patches. And, according to custom, outlaw motorcycle gangs and clubs will sport three-piece patches. Take note that you may find other groups putting on a different kind of patch not according to convention.

Layout of Biker Patches and Colors

There is usually a layout of the various colors and patches on a biker’s vest. First off is the club patch which is the large patch located at the center of the back of the vest. If a club or biker organization issues little annual patches then these will have their place near the said center patch. These annual patches will indicate how long a biker has been associated with the said organization.

Title patches on the other hand are located on the front of the vest. These are positioned over the heart and on the vest’s left side. Sometimes a motorcycle club will issue a memorial patch that commemorates a member who has passed away. Bikers usually just put these memorial patches anywhere they want.

Another set of patches that don’t have a required place on the vest are travel patches. These biker patches signify various places you’ve been to and different events you have attended. If you attend a special event sponsored by a motorcycle club then they may have a place where you can buy patches for the said occasion. You may even have someone sew it on for you.

Making Biker Patches

One of the first things you should consider when making your own patches is the fabric you’ll use. Most patches are made from heavy fabric like cotton or denim. The preference is due to their resistance to wear and tear. The design will basically be a personal choice. You can borrow symbols from almost anywhere or just sketch out a unique design if you’re that creative.

Most people finalize the design of the patch with the aid of a computer. Others just use their talents and stick to tracing paper. Some high tech sewing machines allow you to upload the images and the machine itself will do the work for you. Those who prefer the good old ways of embroidery can set their hands at the creative work. The last step of course is to sew the finished patch onto a vest.

Patch Etiquette

Wherever you go, associations, groups, and any other type of culture will have unwritten rules called etiquette. That goes the same for any biker organization or motorcycle club. There are unwritten rules regarding these patches that everyone is obliged to follow.

For example, it is quite customary to wear your colors only within your territory. You are supposedly not allowed to wear them in the territory of another motorcycle club. Sometimes a club may prohibit wearing the organization’s colors while riding. The more discreet members of clubs will abide by these rules though there will be those who will circumvent them.

Other rules on etiquette include surrendering your colors including your patches when you are dismissed from an organization. Other clubs may even prescribe ways on how to wear their designated colors. Another bit about patches, if your patch has “1%” on it that basically means you’re an outlaw biker. In contrast to that, if your patch says “99%” on it then you’re law abiding or you’re a law enforcement officer.