Gang sign

This can take many forms including slogans, hand signs, colored clothing, and graffiti to indicate that the signaller favors, or is a member of, the associated gang.

It is used in many situations where other identifiers may not be possible or appropriate, and it can also show that a gang member is in the area to "do business"[clarification needed] as opposed to just passing through.

Usually, these signs are made by formation of the fingers on one or both hands to make some sort of symbol or letter.

[1] It can also serve to relay more specific information, such as what set they represent within a larger gang or in which activities they are currently taking part.

Gangs such as the Latin Kings would wear long yellow T-shirts, baggy pants, and either a bandana or a hat, sometimes both.

The most popular mask colors are red, blue, black, white, grey, pink, and yellow.

This trend however eventually died out due to gang members in the Chicago area being robbed, beaten, or even killed by rival gangs due to the increased status of having a rival's varsity jacket, the implication being that the victim was too weak or cowardly to keep it.