Gang members reinforce their sense of gang membership by adopting a style of dress. Most members are proud of their gang and therefore openly display signs of membership.
There are two basic types of gang clothing. The first type of gang clothing is designed to make observers believe the individual belongs to a gang without specifically identifying which one. This clothing may indicate the type of gang, but not name the particular gang. The second type of gang clothing identifies a particular gang. A gang name, color, or logo may appear on jackets or sweatshirts.
Members of gangs often identify themselves with specific colors of clothing. Members of the Bloods use the color red, while members of the Crips use the color blue. Colors can be represented on headgear, earrings, shoelaces, belts, handkerchiefs, bandannas, and even vehicles.
Gang members may wear a rival gangs colors, but will show an obvious sign of disrespect to that color. This is often accomplished by wearing a band-aid on the garment or having a safety pin through the shirt.
The baggy clothing commonly referred to as "sagging" is a popular fashion trend. Remember this is a fashion trend that was made popular by gang members. When the circumstances are appropriate do not overlook "Officer Safety"
GANG CLOTHING AND DRESS IDENTIFIERS – CIVILIAN CLOTHES
Right/Left Rule
One side is adopted by a gang, and many things are used to identify that side (such as a belt buckle to left or right of center, bandanna hanging from pocket, tied to belt loop, or tied around leg on that side). One side is adopted by a belt buckle to left or right of center, bandanna hanging from pocket, tied to belt loop, or tied around leg on that side).
Colors
Color combinations are chosen by a gang and often used by members (such as gang colors in friendship beads, clothing, shoes, hair decorations, or earrings).
Clothing
Clothing choices common for gang members include:
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Jogging suits - in gang color
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Sweatshirts - hood out over jacket to show gang colors
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Hats - direction tilted left or right
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One glove - left or right hand (also popular with non-members)
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Gym shoes - color of shoe combined with color of laces, two sets of colored laces in both or left or right shoe, one colored lace in one shoe only, tongue turned up in left or right shoe and down in other, one shoe laced only halfway in either right or left shoe
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Pockets - insides dyed with gang colors
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Pants legs - rolled up on right or left
Jewelry
Symbolic jewelry used by members include:
Earrings - left or right ear, specific symbol
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Rings - specific finger, gang symbol
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Necklace, bracelet, or key ring - with symbol or color
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Jelly Bracelets - plastic loops in colors and manner worn
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Buttons - imprinted with the gang's symbol or slogans
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Gold Caps on teeth with gang symbols
Hairstyles, Eyebrows & Fingernails
Hair, eyebrows or nails can signify membership:
Hair - designs cut into the hair, colored beads or barrettes worn in the hair, colored streaks on different sides of the head, pony tail rubber bands of different colors
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Combs - in bear or hair, front or back, left or right
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Nails - two nails with gang colors on left or right hand
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Eyebrows - look for number of lines shaved into eyebrows
CRIP STYLES OF WEARING CLOTHING OR BANDANAS
Wearing right pant leg up
Wearing jewelry to the right
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Bandana's tied around right leg/arm
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Girls using bandana as substitute for scrunchie
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Bandana's tied "ancient momma" style
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5 point star cut off bandana's
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Wearing blue, black, or gray, everyday
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Girls painting finger nails and toe nails gang colors
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Wearing hats where the bill points to the right
GANG CLOTHING – THE CLOTHING BRAND NAME CONNECTION
This is an explanation to why certain gang members will wear certain clothing. It DOES NOT mean that everyone who wears these brand names or this sports attire is a gang member.
Click on the hyperlink to view Gang Related Clothing and Insignias .
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