What Patches to Avoid?

As we’ve explained, you shouldn’t wear a patch that belongs to another motorcycle club. Also, as a club member, you shouldn’t wear a variant of MC patch that you haven’t earned yet, i.e., a three-piece patch if you’re not a full member.

In addition to these rules, stay away from patches that resemble official MC patches, even if they’re not direct copies. If your patch displays a logo or style of text similar to a club insignia, it’s probably best to just take it off. If you’re not sure, check out a local COC (Coalition of Clubs) or “Motorcycle Rights” association.   This applies to colors as well – many MCs brand their logos / lettering using gold, red, or black colors, and those three colors are considered off-limits for any rider NOT affiliated with an MC.

Finally, don’t wear any patches that could be mistaken for the initials or logos or lettering of some other MC. It’s best to just avoid confusion. The same applies to the two letters “MC” themselves – bikers wearing “MC” are recognized as members of a club.

Choose Your Patches Carefully

If you’ve decided to wear a motorcycle patch, it’s always best to decide on its style and design with utmost attention. Even innocent mistakes can lead to misunderstandings and serious consequences.

But that doesn’t mean you’ll have to give up on patches completely.

Although choosing the right patch is like shopping in a pharmacy. There’s lots of options for everyone – like vitamins, lip balm, toothpaste, and so on.  But there’s just certain things that require approval before putting it in the cart and taking it home. The safest choice for just that is to buy patches at a motorcycle event, a reputable website like www.EagleLeather.com, or your local motorcycle store. Those will be crafted with care to avoid any potential pitfalls associated with MC patches and will make your vest look impressive without any risks.

Once you get your patches, you’ll be ready to get on the road with pride and in style.  One great way to make sure you’re looking as good as good can be – and save wear and tear on your fingers - is to work with Eagle Leather’s Sewing Services. 

Read "The Inside Scoop on Motorcycle Patches" or "MC Patch Rules" for more information.

Did we miss anything, please comment below.

Comments

• I am a full member of a motorcycle association, CVMA, Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association. We are intentionally an Association and not an MC. Our colors are Red, Gold and Black same colors worn by some MCs. We mean no disrespect to any MCs that wear these colors. These colors have significant meaning within the military community. Red, blood shed on the battle field, Gold represents all military service organizations, Black sorrow for those that gave their life on the battlefield, POWs (prisoners of war) and MIAs( missing in action). In our circle is the Ace of Spades representing the sorrow, horror and loss that war brings. Our patch is a circle with No top or bottom rocker as we are a motorcycle association and NOT an MC. We intend no disrespect to the MCs that wear the Red,Black and Gold. Our other patches will reflect our chapter, and reflect our military medals/awards, the theaters of war in which we participated. We are a nationwide association and some foreign countries in which our troops are stationed. We wear our patch and colors with pride and respect the MCs that wear like colors and all other MCs that wear other colors. We all share the love of being on the road with wind and bugs in our face sitting astride a bike of our choosing. My respect and brotherhood to all those that ride and feel the bond that we all share, we live to ride! Phoenix (CVMA)

• Back in the 60s and 70s the patch information you all have provided is spot on. However today clubs are springing up rapidly! No protocol being followed or notification!

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