Colors are the insignia, or "patches", worn by motorcycle club members on cut-off

Cut-off

A cut-off, also known as a kutte or "battle jacket" in heavy metal subcultures, is a type of vest or jacket which originated in the biker subculture and has now found popularity in the punk and various heavy metal subcultures...

s to identify membership of their club and territorial location. Club patches have been worn by many different groups but, since the 1960s, have become largely synonymous with Outlaw bikers. They are regarded by many to symbolize an elite amongst motorcyclists and the style has been widely copied by other subcultures and commercialized.

Colors are considered to represent "significant markers of the socialization" of new members to clubs, rank and present a dominant symbol of identity and marked with related symbolism. They can be embroided patches sewn onto clothing or stenciled in paint, the primary symbol being the "back-patch" of club colors. Wearing such clothing is referred to as "flying one's colors".

Colors identify the rank of members within clubs from new members, or "prospects" to full members known as "patch-holders" and usually consist of a top and bottom rocker stating the club name and location and a central logo with the acronym 'MC' standing for "Motorcycle Club". They are used to create social bond and boundaries and, generally, belong to the club's involved rather than the individual wearing them. The wearing of them can often lead individuals to be refused service at related businesses and bars.

Many motorcyclist wearing colors are from "family oriented" motorcycling clubs chartered by the American Motorcyclist Association

American Motorcyclist Association

The American Motorcyclist Association is an American not-for-profit organization of more than 300,000 motorcyclists that organizes numerous motorcycling activities and campaigns for motorcyclists' legal rights...

 and wear one-piece patches to differentiate themselves from three piece patches of Outlaw bikers. These generally do not state a territorial location. The motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson notably adopted the style in its branding and community-building effort, the Harley Owners Group

Harley Owners Group

The Harley Owners Group is a sponsored community marketing club, operated by Harley-Davidson for enthusiasts of that brand's motorcycles. The HOG is "the grandaddy of all community-building efforts," serving to promote not just a consumer product, but a lifestyle...

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The term has its roots in military history.