What we wear is a way to describe, identify, and define ourselves to others.
When someone belongs to a motorcycle club, they express their club affiliation through clothing. By wearing club attire or a vest with MC patches.
1. Club Attire
Club attire for motorcyclists is specifically designed for its members, including the emblem/logo of the respective club. It can be applied to clothing such as vests, t-shirts, hoodies, etc., and also to accessories like helmets, bandanas, etc.
2. Vest with MC Patches
As the most distinctive and valuable piece of clothing for an MC (motorcycle club) member, this is the vest. Most often, the vest is leather or denim. MC patches are attached to the vest MC Patches. These are rectangular or arc-shaped pieces of fabric on which text is embroidered, and then sewn onto the vest for exceptional durability.
MC patches can be placed on the front and back of the vest. The patches on the back are commonly known as “the back patch.”
MC patches are an important distinguishing element within the motorcycle community.
Let’s explain what these patches are and why they are so valuable:
– They show a person’s affiliation to a particular club.
– They also provide identification information for the members of the motorcycle club. In motorcycle communities, there is the following hierarchy: President; Vice President; Secretary; Treasurer; Road Captain; Sgt. at Arms; Member. Additionally, each one fulfills their function within the club.
Placement and Meaning of MC Patches
As previously mentioned, MC patches are placed on the front and back of the vest. Let’s now look at the elements that make up MC patches and what their significance is:
⦁ “The Back Patch” or MC patches on the back:
The highest rank (the full set) MC patches consist of 3 elements: central logo, top rocker, and bottom rocker.
1. The Central Logo (Center Patch) – depicts the club’s emblem. The shape and size are individual according to the club’s logo. Once the club logo is created, it should not be changed. Additionally, it should be the same for all its members. The club’s emblem is considered the most important patch for the club.
2. The Top Rocker (Top Rocker) – contains the club’s name.
3. The Bottom Rocker (Bottom Rocker) – contains the club’s location: country, city, or region of the club’s location.
+ A small square with the letters “MC” (Motorcycle Club Patch) – usually on the right side of the back, below or beside the club symbol and above the bottom rocker. It can only be worn by registered clubs.
⦁ MC patches on the front:
The front patches show the club’s name (Club Patch), function (Rank Patch), and club’s location. They are rectangular pieces of fabric on which text is embroidered. Usually, these patches are placed one below the other.
Every member has a role, duty, and function in the club: President; Vice President; Secretary; Treasurer; Road Captain; Sgt. at Arms; Member.
* There are also additional patches, usually used by “Free Riders” (Non-club members), providing coded information:
1% – is used as a sign that they belong to 1% of the people/riders who are outlaws.
There are also patches with deep slogans against the police, authorities, and expressing political views.
Rules for MC Patches
MC patches need to be earned
MC patches show a person’s pride in being part of a motorcycle club. Before they are given, they need to be earned. This happens after the person goes through a process of checking their loyalty. It takes time to earn each patch one by one until the full set is achieved. This is similar to how it was in the military, based on merit.
Vests with MC patches should NOT be worn everywhere
- Wearing a vest with the club’s emblem and patches is mandatory during club meetings and events.
- It is mandatory to wear them at events (motorcycle rallies, conferences, etc.) where club members identify themselves as part of the club.
- When driving a car, DO NOT wear the vest with club patches.
- By wearing the vest with club patches, you identify yourself with the club. Your actions build the club’s image, so you need to be careful.
To avoid tarnishing the club’s reputation, never wear the vest when engaging in inappropriate actions (driving under the influence, inappropriate, rude, or rowdy behavior in public places, criminal actions, etc.)
If membership is lost, MC patches must be returned to the club
- If club membership is lost, all MC patches must be returned to the club.
- Members who disgrace the club in any way are required to return the MC patches and all other symbols of affiliation, and tattoos are removed (similar to how a disgraced soldier would have their insignia removed).
On our website, you can find specialized clothing and accessories for motorcyclists
We at Hooligans1312 offer a variety of specialized items for motorcyclists: Patches; Bandanas; Buffs; Motorcycle Helmets; Motorcycle Leg Bags; Vests; Hoodies; T-shirts; Windbreakers, and more.
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If you have any questions or want to contact us regarding a specific project, you can reach us at +359 88 7878 553 on Viber or WhatsApp.
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