Biker Patches

Outlaw biker patches are worn, not surprisingly, by members of outlaw motorcycle clubs. These organizations are not recognized by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). These clubs are independent and have their own rules. It is through the patches that one recognizes their affiliation. The US government believes some of these organizations are involved in criminal acts.

Patch General Characteristics

The patch (or patches) is usually set on the middle of the back of the vest. The patch will have the club name, logo and in some cases, the city or state. These patches are known as cuts or colors. Some outlaw clubs add the initials MC to the patch.

The Three-piece Design

Many outlaw motorcycle clubs employ the three-piece patch design. This is made up of the club symbol and the rockers. The rockers are crescent shaped patches placed at the bottom and top of the club logo. These patches are considered the property of the club, not the biker. Losing the patch may cause the biker their membership in the club.

The Skull and Crossbones

This patch type means “Respect Few, Fear None,” Sometimes the skull and crossbones are omitted in favor of the words. The skull and crossbones also signify the member has killed someone on behalf of the organization.

Wings

Many outlaw biker patches have wings. There is no general agreement on the meaning. Green wings may suggest the biker has had sexual relations with a girl who has a sexually transmitted disease. Yellow wing patches can mean the biker has imbibed female urine.

Some clubs use red wing patches to indicate the biker has had (or is having) oral sex with menstruating females. Purple wing patches means the individual has had sexual intercourse with a corpse.

Note that some experts believe the wing symbolisms are jokes. That is, the outlaw bikers use these wings to dupe non-outlaws. They may also use these wing symbols to increase their notoriety.

Nazi and SS Symbols

Some outlaw bikers also use the Nazi swastika for patches. These do not imply they are Nazi fanatics. It can simply mean the club is rejecting the rules of mainstream society.

Meaning of Other Patches

The 13 patch stands for the letter M. The M can mean motorcycle or marijuana. The 13 could also mean 12 jurors and the judge. This means the bikers are their own judge and jury. No one can judge them.

The Ace of Spades stands for the “Bringer of Death”. This suggests the biker has killed or is willing to kill for the club. An outlaw biker who has committed murder may wear the I.T.C.O.B. patch. I.T.C.O.B. means “I Took Care of Business”.

The 1% patch came from the alleged statement of the AMA that 99% of US bikers obey the law. The AMA has denied ever releasing that statement. They claim the tale is apocryphal.

The meaning of the outlaw biker patches as described here are not necessarily followed by all clubs. Some clubs have used these patches and given them other meanings. These are known only by the members.