Biker patch rules are guidelines or protocols that determine biker general conduct while wearing patches or colors of their respective clubs. Every club has its own rules on how the colors are treated and when it is proper to wear them. Well-structured clubs have bylaws dictating the behavior of their members and thus the proper use of their colors. For instance, a biker may wear the colors of his or her club outside the geographical area under the jurisdiction of his or her club, but never within the territory of another club.
What Is A Biker Patch?
Bikers patch is a colourful badge or logo on cut-off vests that is worn by bikers as a sign of loyalty and to identify membership of their club and territorial location. They can be embroidered patches sewn onto clothing or stenciled in paint, the primary symbol being the back patch of the club’s insignia and generally remain the property of the club. Wearing such clothing is referred to as “flying one’s colors”. The term has its origin in military history, starting with regimental colours.
The visual identification of a member of a club is indicated by a specific large club patch or set of patches usually located in the middle of the back of a vest or jacket. The patches may contain a club logo, the name of the club and other chapter identification. You can utilize these patches to distinguish what sort of club the biker is associated with, just as events which they may have been involved in.
Bikers are regularly observed wearing coats enhanced with vivid and dynamic patches. These biker patches don’t simply fill in as enrichments since they likewise have implications and pass on certain coded data just known to bikers themselves. A biker club often has its own motto, members and a clubhouse. Without a biker patch, one cannot be recognized as a serious motorcycle club member.
Bikers club members may wear t-shirts, jewelry, and tattoos that may incorporate logos, acronyms and symbols associated with the club. For instance, club members may wear support jewelry or t-shirts that incorporate a set of symbols but they must retain the dominant color scheme of the club.
Every biker club has its own rules for biker patches. Here, we will look to examing those rules, their meanings and frequently asked questions about biker patches and their rules.
What Are Biker Patch Rules?
The rules for wearing motorcycle patches can vary from one biker club to the other, and also depending on the meaning that they are supposed to convey.
1. The first, important rule is the colors that symbolize commitment. Keep this in mind when putting on a patch. Patches can mean various things to ride clubs and riders as well. A biker may wear the colors of his or her club outside of his or her territory, but never within the territory of another club. It is a measure to ensure that they dominate their territory and promote territorial integrity.
2. If you are thinking of having a patch made, it is a good idea first to become familiar with the patches of the local clubs. If possible, you should show your design to the clubs for approval. This is not necessary, but it is a sign of respect to the clubs and the patches that they have. One of the popular online patch store patchdealer.com provides detailed information on various rules related to biker patches.
3. Touching the colors of another member is prohibited. Most members have a great deal of pride in their colors and the time and effort it took to earn those colors. As a result, each color is seen as a sacred piece that must be protected. This motorcycle patch etiquette on colors is held in high regard. Most bikers will do anything to defend their colors. Some clubs also do not allow their members to wear colors while driving.
4. A biker who has lost his or her membership from the club must surrender his or her colors. Similarly, a biker who leaves the club voluntarily, or unannounced, must leave his colors behind. This is done so at to prevent such bikers from wearing the patches as old army uniforms.
5. Never ask a member to borrow his jacket or wear his jacket with their colors on it. The only time a non-member is allowed to wear the club’s colors is only when the colors are worn by a female passenger riding with a member of the club. You also cannot borrow another biker’s jacket with the colors on it. There are special occasions where a non-member is allowed to wear the colors of another biker; when a female passenger (must be a female) is riding with a club member. However, this specific rule varies from club to club.
6. Most clubs require their members to wear the patches on a sleeveless vest. Also, never, under any circumstances, touch the colors of a member. This is because club members take a lot of pride in their colors. This is true considering the rigorous and time-consuming process they have to go through to earn their colors. In this respect, most of them treat their colors with respect and will do anything to defend their colors at whatever the cost.
7. Always ask for permission to take a picture of the club member or their bike. If the permission is granted, which in most cases is provided you asked first, never take a photograph of the plate number. If you start taking pictures of the biker on the road, don’t be surprised if you get greeted with solo finger solute.
Bikers often place these patches at the back of their vest and are laden with meaning and tradition. These patches are not only used to identify which motorcycle club a biker belongs to, but also for adding more decoration and promoting the biker’s characters.
In the biker world, members of motorcycle clubs are often considered to have “earned” their patch. In other groups such as RCs or riding clubs, patches are sometimes given to members without a strenuous membership process being followed. In some cases, they can also be purchased. The type of club a biker belongs to is often identified by a small rectangular or square patch at the back of the vest.
Bikers clubs are very diverse and include clubs for veterans, police officers, families and fighter among others. Quite often, bikers clubs adhere to stringent rules established by their clubs and members often attend mandatory meetings and pay dues as well.
What Are Bikers Custom Patch Rules?
Custom patch rules are guidelines or protocol that determine bikers general conduct while wearing patches or colors as a rider or without registering with any bikers club for identification. Custom patches on those riders can be used to make a statement or to showcase personality. Businesses and organizations are using custom patches in beneficial ways. It can be used to raise brand awareness or even as a marketing tool. When you think of custom patches for jackets, you should think about the following rules below;
1. Non-members of a club might not be aware that there are specific rules for patches within those clubs. In some cases, even those who are not club members could face some unpleasant surprises for not following the rules. The first key is to know the difference between a riding (or riders’) club and a motorcycle club.
2. Typically, a riding club is a loose organization of people who like to ride. It may be geared toward owners of certain bikes (Harley Owners’ Group – HOG, for example.) Members might live in a specific area or belong to a specific profession, such as law enforcement.
3. Riding clubs generally have few, if any membership requirements, and are easy to join. You can purchase custom patches for jackets and be accepted immediately.
4. Motorcycle clubs, on the other hand, have more stringent requirements to join, and more responsibilities for the members. Patches are earned, not purchased, and can take a substantial commitment of time and energy to win. It can take years to reach full membership in some motorcycle clubs.
5. Motorcycle clubs most often wear the classic three-piece patches on the back of their jackets. The top panel or “rocker” shows the name of the club. The large centerpiece shows the club emblem or logo, and the bottom rocker shows the club’s home territory. A small rectangle with “MC” in it might or might not be present as well.
6. Riding club patches normally have just the large center emblem and sometimes a top rocker. A bottom rocker is not recommended for riding clubs. Some motorcycle clubs are quite territorial, and a bottom rocker could lead to misunderstandings.
7. The most important rule for non-motorcycle club members to remember is never pretended to be something you’re not. If you try to act like an actual member of a motorcycle club without being one, you’re likely to pay the consequences. Better to be yourself and follow proper patch etiquette at all times. And never – ever – wear motorcycle club patches if you are not a full member of the club.
8. Beyond the back patches, custom patches for jackets are less restricted. If you want to wear a flag patch, name patch, political statement, or even a funny patch, you’re in good shape. You can put those just about anywhere on a jacket or vest.
When it comes to custom patches for jackets, just follow the basics. Get good quality patches, be aware of the meanings patches can have, and enjoy the ride!
Popular Bikers Patches And Their Meaning
Men Of Mayhem
Embroidered patch worn by a bikers club member that has killed in name of the group.
Bad Influence
This patch indicates its bearer is crazy.
Numbers
The way to identify the BC which belong by the place its initials occupy in the alphabet.
FTW
Usually it would mean “For The Wind”, but in the bikers club culture are “Fuck the World” initials, symbol of biker’s absolute rebellion.
Malta Cross
International symbol that represents protection, bravery and courage.
Red Cross
Patch gained when having homosexual relations with present testimonials.
White Cross
Patch obtained by desecrating a tomb with present testimonials to take something from a deceased.
Number 13
Another patch with a special meaning is the #13 patch. This patch refers to the 13th letter of the Alphabet, M. It is thought that bikers who wear this patch are drug dealers or use drugs, especially Marijuana. It’s also known to stand for the original or “Mother” chapter of an M/C. In the last few years, many places are saying the “M” stands for Motorcycle.
Skull with crossed bones or sabers: means “Respect Few, Fear None”. It also can symbolize that the member has killed for the group or mock the death. A skull and crossbones symbol is also common and can carry different meanings depending on the club. But in most cases, it indicates that the biker has escaped a near-death experience.
D.F.F.L.
Are “Dope Forever Forever Loaded” initials. It’s carrier always has drugs or can easily get them.
Number 8 Ball
Black ball with number 8 patch is a symbol related to the gambling. It’s carried by those who think the life is a game that, depending on the luck and what you risk, it will be better or worst.
Ace Of Spades
The ace of spades patch is a biker symbol patch that means the biker is willing to fight for their club or country.
What Is The Difference Is Between Patch And Color Rules?
Patch is regarded as the property of the riding clubs which can be bought while color symbolized commitment and can only be earned. Many people assume that the patch and color have the same rules applied to them, but this is not always the case. The more traditional motorcycle clubs have different views on the patch and the color. These clubs will see the patch as being the property of riding clubs, and it is something that can be bought.
The colors are a bit different as they are seen by the traditional bikers clubs as belonging to the motorcycle club and not the riding club. This difference means that the colors will need to be earned and cannot be bought. Buying the bikers club colors is seen as a sign of disrespect and should be avoided.
When dealing with bikers clubs, the most important rule for biker patches is that colors symbolize commitment. You need to keep this in mind when you put on any patches. There is also the fact pointed out by patchdealer.com that different patches will mean different things to different riders and riding clubs.
What Are Biker Back Patches?
Biker back patches are large patches a biker places on the back of his vest or jacket, and which is centrally placed among the others. A skull and crossbones symbol is also common and can carry different meanings depending on the club. But in most cases, it indicates that the biker has escaped a near-death experience.
A biker can use a back patch to illustrate his distinctive character. Any biker who wants to make their outfit appear a little stylish can choose a biker pack from a huge range of collection. Being the main piece of who you are as a biker, you can use back patches to identify yourself as part of a club, as well as your mission. Most importantly, you can also use these patches to portray your personality for the whole world to see. Just like any other outfit out there, the purpose of a back patch is to portray who you really are.
How Can You Get Biker Patches?
In the world of biking, members of motorcycle clubs are often considered to have “earned” their patches. In other groups such as RCs or riding clubs, patches are sometimes given to members without a strenuous membership process being followed. In some cases, they can also be purchased. The type of club a biker belongs to is often identified by a small rectangular or square patch at the back of the vest.
Even though some clubs wear three-piece patches, most biker clubs wear two-piece or one-piece patches. However, there is no uniform rule to this and patches can vary from one club to another.
How To Put On Bikers Patches?
The only good way to put on a patch on your jacket is to sew it on. Even though you can also glue your patch on, this is not the best choice because the glue can discolor the jacket. This is also not a permanent solution because the patches will start coming off with time.
Biker patches come in different sizes, colors and shapes, with the most common ones being the large ones found in the center of the back. First, if you have a renewable liner, it is advisable that you take it out. Make sure that the thread is 100% polyester or 100% nylon with no cotton at all. This is important considering that cotton reacts with tannin in most leather jackets after it has been tanned meaning that it will rot. Most of the threads in the market have cotton in them so make sure that the one you got has none of it at all.
You need to be aware of bike patch etiquette and the different applications for different clubs and groups. Know which patches to avoid and the meanings of different colors, symbols, and designs. Bikers club patches rules are revered across the board. For the avoidance of doubt, make sure you ask questions before wearing any patch.
What Are The Embroidered And Leather Patches Used For?
Biker patch is a custom that has been in practice for a long time and continue to trend as long as we are riding motorcycles. Biker patch is not restricted to the identification of motorcycle clubs and biker cliques but also a means of individual expression.
Do I Have To Follow Any Guidelines About Where I Can Wear My Biker Patches On My Leather Vest, I’m Not In A Club?
It is actually not necessary you have a leather vest and ride a motorcycle to wear the embroidered patches. Anybody can sew or iron on patches to their vest, jackets or anywhere you intend to.
What Kind Of Patch Designs Are Most Popular?
There are lots of selection of patches for you out there. Patches are simply a means of individual expression which you can get depending on your pride, beliefs and interest.
Can Biker Patches Be Ironed On To Any Materials Or Should They Be Sewn-On?
Most of the motorcycle patches out there are designed with heat-activated adhesive backings to permit you to iron on patches to your clothing. All iron patches are also designed with an embroidered outer border. However, sew on patches is preferable because it is easy for anyone to sew on patches and can be designed to any kinds of materials.
Biker patches can be ironed to most durable fabrics such as cotton, canvas, and denim. Delicate fabrics such as silk, nylon or any materials containing elastic require you to sew on patches. Please, DO NOT iron on patches to any leather surfaces. We recommend everyone to sew on patches rather than iron on patches for a longer lasting, more permanent application. Please note that Harley Davidson motorcycle patches are for sew on application only. Harley patches are not iron on patches.
How Do I Iron On Patches To My Jacket?
For iron on application, please follow these simple instructions:
1. Set your household iron to 400° F
2. Thoroughly iron area of garment where your patch will be applied
3. Place your patch on the garment, embroidery face up!
4. Place a cloth or a light towel over the patch, and using a slow constant circular motion, press iron firmly over the patch for 30 seconds
5. You can additionally turn the garment inside out and repeat the last step, pressing the iron over the backside of the patch
6. Let the garment and patch cool. After cooling, if the edges of the patch can be lifted off the material, repeat step 5 until securely applied
7. Optional: Sew patch to fabric along the outer border for permanent application
