Lethal Threat \ Why do Bikers have Embroidered Patches on their Jackets and Vests?

Besides a black T-shirt and jeans, a biker usually sports a jacket or vest with some kind of embroidered patch or many patches. The embroidered patches often show off club membership, make a political statement or show patriotism. They can also record places visited or designs depicting the biker lifestyle.

Many of our customers ask us about the origins of this unique, living form of art. How did this tradition start?

The origins of motorcycle patches date back to the 1920s, when the American Motorcyclist Association was founded. Members of the group would gather at AMA events. They wore jackets with their club logo and name and the region they were from. These patches were embroidered by hand on their jackets.

In 1947, a rowdy bunch of veterans from World War II rode into the small town of Hollister, Calif., on their motorcycles. These bikers caused a disturbance with their drinking, fighting and loud motorcycles.

Soon after the ruckus, the AMA issued a statement saying the bikers who caused the problems only represented1 percent of motorcycle enthusiasts. Thus the patch and term 1%er came to be associated with outlaw motorcycle clubs that formed in the late 1940s

These clubs came up with their colors, or patches. The motorcycle jacket patches and motorcycle vest packages were only worn by members of a particular club. Motorcycle club patches showed the club's territory and served as riders' proof of membership.

Different types of motorcycle club jackets showed the wearer's status. A full member, known as a patch holder, would have a curved patch known as a top rocker on the back of their jacket. The top rocker stated the club's name.

A lower rocker showed the club's territory, while a central patch displayed the club's insignia. A fourth, smaller badge carried the initials "MC," for "Motorcycle Club".

The patches worn by these MCs were and still are earned. They are taken very seriously by their members. People who disrespect club patches have been severely injured.

Our Lethal Threat biker patches depict designs, art and colors that do not violate or interfere with known club colors or patches. We are very particular about the art we create for our embroidered patches.

We get requests all the time from people who want to use one of our designs for a new club patch, but these patches are not to be used or adopted for new club patches. Although you cannot use any of our copyrighted patches, we do offer a design service. For a fee, we can create a custom design based on your idea or concept.

This design will be unique and exclusive to your club. You and your club can use this custom design for any purpose you want. We can design a motorcycle club patch that is one of a kind. Shirts and stickers are just a sample of the many other possibilities for your custom design.

Where to put motorcycle patches can be important, and not just for looks and fashion. Riders who do not belong to any MC clubs can wear patches on their jackets with no concern as long as they are not laid out on the jacket like a traditional MC's club patches. So if you are wondering about "where to put motorcycle patches on my jacket?" do a little research beforehand to avoid encroaching on another club's design turf. It could save everyone a lot of aggravation.

Our Lethal Threat patches offer countless design options. Just some of the categories include skulls, pinup girls and eagles. You can also choose Second Amendment or biker lifestyle themes.

Each one of our embroidered biker patches has highly detailed embroidery. On average, each patch takes two to three hours to embroider.

All our embroidered patches have a sewer-friendly border for sew-on application for leather and a heat-seal backing for ironing onto denim. Sew-on application is always recommended regardless of the base garment.

Check out our Lethal Threat Biker patches, will last you for many years of enjoyment. CLICK HERE