Starting in the 1950's and continuing through the 1990's, gang sweaters were worn to represent gang membership. In the 1980's, colors played an important part in representing a gang. Like in the 1988 movie "Colors" Gang members were willing to die for their colors. There were actually two types of gang sweaters worn by Chicago gang members.

The Gaylord sweater on your right represents war colors. When a gang sweater puts emphasis on it's darkest color, this is representing WAR. War sweaters were worn when the member was out gang banging.

Look at the picture to the left. Notice the front contains two Imperial Gangster sweaters (Pink and Black). look at the Imperial Gangster sweater on the first row leftside. It is mostly pink, therefore, a party sweater. The Imperial Gangster sweater on the far right. It is almost all black, therefore, it is an Imperial Gangster war sweater. The Gaylord sweater in the middle on top is a Gaylord war sweater. Solid Color Belts are Pre 1977. Belts with Dual Colors became popular after 1977.