Biker Patches

Biker patch meanings can be difficult to decipher. The varieties in design are endless, and clubs may wear the same patch but attach different meanings to it. Nevertheless, there are patches that now have almost universal implications.

One, Two and Three Piece Patches

The one patch design is generally used by motorcycle organizations (regardless of the design). The two piece patch is worn by riding clubs, and the three piece patches are worn by outlaw motorcycle clubs or gangs.

The three piece layout is made up of the club logo in the middle and rockers at the top and bottom. These are conventions used by many groups, but they are not followed by all.

Outlaw Patches

The skull and crossbones means the biker does not fear anyone and has respect for only a few people (i.e., club members only). The patch can mean the biker has committed murder on orders of the club.

The 13/M patch can be interpreted in different ways. The 13 can mean the biker is a marijuana user or selling it. The 13 can also stand for judge and jury. The 13 refers to 12 members of the jury and the 13th is the judge. This means no one can judge the biker; they are their own judges and juries.

Wings can mean several things among outlaw clubs, depending on the color. Green wings mean the biker has had sex with a woman who has herpes or other venereal diseases. Purple wings signify the biker has had sex with a dead woman.

However, there are also those who believe these meanings are untrue. At most, outlaw bikers with these wing designs will claim to have performed such an activity even if they have not. It is simply a way to gain notoriety on their part.

Other Biker Patch Meanings

Some outlaw bikers wear swastikas or symbols of the SS. While some bikers could be genuine Nazi sympathizers, others are not. They use the Nazi symbols to express their disapproval of the rules of modern society.

The Ace of Spades means the biker will kill to defend themselves. ITCOB means “I Took Care of Business”. This can mean selling drugs or killing someone.

Less than 1%er is a patch worn by American Indians. This is in reference to the fact that American Indians make up less than a percent of the US population.

Custom Patches

There are custom patches you can order online. While these may bear some resemblance to those worn by outlaws, the meaning is not the same. Most of these designs are artworks; there are no special meanings attached, except for the memorial parches.

The memorial patches are worn by bikers in honor of comrades who have died. Memorial patches are usually simple with “in memory of…” written over a colored background. Other patches have a cross or other religious symbol with the words written over it.

Studying biker patch meanings can be a fascinating exercise. If you want to make your own patch, getting an idea of the concepts behind these patches can serve you in good stead.