History of Motorcycle Clubs & Vest Patches
The American Motorcycle Association (AMA) began in 1924 to promote and support motorcycling enthusiasts. Over the last 100+ years, the origin of the organization and patches worn, most often on a biker’s motorcycle vest, became lost in Hollywood lore. While 99% of bikers are law-abiding, there was 1% of the riding population that was not. At least that’s what the AMA stated in a long ago written article.
How the Outlaw Rider was Born
That 1% stuck and, when the movie, The Wild One, starring Marlon Brando, memorialized these “bad boys,” a popular myth of the outlaw rider began and a clubs’ “colors” emerged as a way to distinguish themselves from the founding organization and AMA-sanctioned activities.
“Colors” refers to a motorcycle club’s patch setup. A motorcycle club wears a three-piece patch as opposed to what a member of a motorcycle club might wear. Note the distinction: a motorcycle club is not a motorcycle organization. They are governed by different rules. A family or riding club, an AMA-approved biker rights organization, for example, might typically wear a one-piece patch, which requires little more than filling out an application and mailing a check.
A motorcycle club member wearing a three-piece patch identifies the club name (top rocker), place of origin (bottom rocker) and the club’s crest (patch) placed in the center. This traditional patch follows established protocols and a code of conduct. The club also follows a rigorous membership process where a prospective member needs to earn the right to wear the full patch.
“Every Picture Tells a Story Don’t It”
If you’re looking to stand out from the crowd and wanting to buy a custom biker patch, then check out motorcycle patches from Leather Bound Online. Motorcycle patches are quick and easy to apply. They can either be sewn or ironed on.
Most people wear the black denim motorcycle vest with zipper when wearing club colors. Check it out.
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