Gangs adopt colors, letters and symbols, which are expressed through art, graffiti, music, clothing and other fashion choices by individual gang members as a way of identifying gang members to each other.

Over the years many of these identifiers have evolved into codes far more complex than a blue-for-Crips or red-for-Bloods bandana. Members follow the shifting trends knowing not just what to wear, but exactly how to wear it.

Hand signs, also called gang signs, are the most visible identifiers to outsiders, and don't seem to have changed much over the years.