Biker patches aren’t just decorative flair that can make jackets stand out. Patches meant to be worn on biker jackets also send a message loud and clear to everyone that views them. In essence, patches are a way to communicate what club a biker belongs to and the achievements or activities they may have participated in. Most people also believe that to be seen as a true biker, you have to be a club member and wear the appropriate patch to show your membership. Below, we will attempt to shed a bit more light on biker patches.
What Is The Purpose Of Biker Patches?
As mentioned above, patches for biker jackets are worn to signal membership to a particular motorcycle club. These patches are traditionally worn on the back of vests and jackets. Embroidery patches for jackets are popular among bikers. Though it is certainly important to wear patches to show membership, patches are also ideal for showing off the biker’s personality and character.
Motorcycle clubs not only adhere to strict guidelines and host regular gatherings, but they often become a meeting ground for like-minded individuals. For example, clubs may include only veterans, fire-fighters, law enforcement, or any other group of people who share a sense of community.
When looking at biker patches’ design, there are generally very few rules or guidelines that designs must adhere to. However, that’s agreed upon because clubs typically have two patches to represent them, and associations will have one recognizable design.
Did you know that the American Motorcycle Association does not recognize clubs that have three-part logos? These clubs are seen as the so-called outlaws of the motorcycle community.
Identifying the club or community a biker belongs to is easy when you look at the patch. Usually, the logo will be inside a small rectangle or square. Apart from showing membership, many patches are earned while some can be purchased as an added flair for clothing. Patches vary from one club to the next, so there is no set of rules what one can expect in reality.
Back Patches: What Are They?
Back patches are often considered one of the most prominent biker patches, and they set the stage for the smaller patches a biker earns through membership. These patches are available in a wide array of sizes, shapes as well as designs. Embroidered patches are preferred for jackets.
A biker’s back patch is often seen as a way to illustrate their character. It is also sending the message the person wishes to convey to the world. To some, a back patch may show their lone wolf attitude, while for others, it is a way to show they belong to an established biker community.
It is also worth noting that regardless of how coarse or confrontational a back patch may seem, it does not symbolize gang alliance. It is a sign of a biker’s character, a mission statement, and a way to show what they truly stand for.
The Safe Way To Install Patches
Biker patches are, for the most part, meant to be a permanent addition to biker attire. It is important to take care and ensure that the patches are properly put on. First and foremost, everyone agrees that the best policy is to have an embroidered patch on the jacket. It is the only way to ensure that the patches are permanent and do not harm the jacket. Though patches can also be applied with glue, they are easily removed and cause the leather to discolor.
Good quality patches are made from synthetic fibre thread. Believe it or not, cotton thread causes the tannins in leather to rot. This means that polyester or nylon is the safest option for bikers when stitching patches. Most patches do contain some form of cotton thread, so it is imperative to choose a patch that has none.
Biker Patches: What Are They Made From?
Heavy cotton or denim is often the choice for biker patches as a base for the embroidery. These fabrics are hard-wearing, keep their shape well, and ensure that the patch remains functional for many years.
The designs will often range anywhere from 50-100 percent embroidery. A 100 percent embroidered design will mean that the patch is fully embroidered, including the background; therefore, the material underneath is not visible. On the other hand, a half embroidery design means that the original fabric serves as a background, and an image or text is embroidered.
Are Custom Biker Patches An Option?
Granted that a club is okay with it, many bikers choose to order custom patches representing their personalities. Custom patches are made in all shapes and sizes, but more importantly, they show a person’s ability to belong somewhere. They can be found in various price ranges, and even if someone is on a budget, custom patches are not out of the question.
Companies manufacturing biker patches use the highest quality standards to ensure their work is long-lasting and vibrant. Custom work is always a possibility, and when ordering in bulk, most companies offer a significant discount.
Your biker patches should represent how you feel and your statement. When you belong to a club or an association, you feel a sense of pride and community that only high-quality patches for biker jackets can provide!