| Worn by members of a patch club. Many groups encourage their members to wear
colors. Unfortunately, the confusion with gang-colors and the reputation of
outlaw bike clubs such as Hell's Angels markedly increase the likelihood
of interest of police in a rider's activities.
Street gangs which are often associated with inner city violence and for
association with organized crime also wear colors. That, however is pretty
much the only point of similarity.
The design of club colors is often striking art. Designs range from military
inspired symbols in black and white to elaborate and beautiful emblems.
Computerized embroidering has resulted in some modern emblems featuring a
range of color and complexity not used in earlier days. A few designs dating
from the 1940's through the present may be found at
http://www.leathercares.com/History/history.htm
In the leather community the earning of colors may be secondary to the more
basic earning of leathers. Traditionally those
who entered the scene were expected to forgo wearing decorative leather
(protective riding gear or boots excepted). A novice would be considered highly
presumptuous to wear a bar vest, harness or especially a cap until being
given his or her first article of leather.
See also:
http://www.leatherquest.com/the.htm
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