It is common to see bikers wearing jackets that are adorned with different colored patches. Although these patches are worn typically for decorative purposes, they are also worn to convey a message that only other bikers would understand. For example, a patch may indicate the specific club the biker belongs to, or they may indicate a few of the activities that the rider has participated in.
A biker club will have its clubhouse, motto, and members. If a biker does not have patches on his/her jacket, they are usually not seen as a serious rider. The following guide will provide more insight into the importance of biker patches.
Biker Patches Defined
As mentioned, these patches are worn by club members as a way to let other people know the clubs they are affiliated with. The patches are usually placed on the back of the vest, and they are filled with tradition and meaning.
The patches are not only used a way to identify the club the biker belongs to, but they can also be worn as decoration and to further promote the biker’s personality and character.
Motorcycle clubs are very diverse, and you will find clubs for many groups, such as:
– Firefighters
– Veterans
– Families
These clubs are also known for having very stringent rules in place that their members have to follow, such as pay dues and mandatory meetings.
When it comes to a biker patch, there are no specific rules that must be followed. However, there is a difference between motorcycle associations and biker clubs. The latter has one patch design, and the former has two patch designs.
A three-piece biker patch designs is often referred to as an outlaw motorcycle club patch. If a club has three or more patches, they are not a part of the American Motorcycle Association because the association does not recognize them.
In the world of bikers, members of motorcycle clubs are often said to have ‘earned’ the patches that is on their jackets. On the other hand, there are some riding clubs (RCs) that given patches to members without having them go through a strenuous process for membership. The patch at the back of the vest usually identifies the biker with the club that he is associated with.
What Are Back Patches?
These are large patches that are placed on the back of a jacket or vest. It is placed in the center among smaller, customized patches that a biker gets over time.
Back patches come in a range of sizes, shapes, and styles. They are also considered the main part of a biker’s leather jacket.
A biker can choose to wear a back patch that illustrates their personality, or they wear them to make them appear more stylish. However, being considered the main part of a biker’s ‘outfit,’ a back patch can identify a biker as a lone wolf, a club member, or can depict your mission.
How To Put A Patch On
There are some options available if a biker wants to add a patch to their jacket. They can choose to sew the patch on, glue the patch on, or iron on patches. Out of all three options, gluing is not recommended because it can cause discoloration on the jacket, and eventually, the patch will start to come off.
As mentioned above, biker patches are available in various shapes, colors, and sizes. The larger ones are often placed in the middle of the back of the jacket.
It is recommended that if your jacket or vest has a renewable liner, you should remove it. It is also essential that the material is made from 100% nylon or 100% polyester without any cotton blends.
The reason cotton is not advisable is because it will react with the tannin in the leather, and once it has been ‘tanned,’ it will begin to rot. The majority of threads that are on the market are made with cotton, so be sure that you get one that does not have any cotton at all.
Also, try to get a thread that will make the border around the patch. If not, get a clear thread if you can find one.
Biker patches are important in the biker world because they allow riders to show off their personality, affiliations, and missions. You can personalize your patches if allowed and choose one that shows the world who you are.