by Jennifer Smith September 11, 2018 4 min read 1 Comment

The genuine leather biker jacket is one clothing item that you’ll instantly fall in love with. It’s practical, fashionable, and allows you to experiment with shape and color according to the pieces you have in your wardrobe. Though first introduced as a menswear essential, the biker has revolutionized into something that’s suitable for the ladies too.

With the ability to take any outfit up a notch, this leather jacket can also be casually slung over your shoulder for the most cracking casual look. No matter what your style or taste, you’re sure to find a biker jacket that’ll look great and compliment your personality.

Available today as bombers, classic, shearling lined and pilot, this leather jacket is the one item you’ll need to make any outfit shine.

However, while we’re all in awe of the effortless way this cool item can make anyone look like a superstar, there are a few things you have to know about the biker jacket.

Because the season for these jackets is back with a bang, we only thought it was appropriate for us to give you some information about this class piece.

So, let’s get started;

The biker jacket has a rich history

The biker leather jacket has stood the test of time. While’s its history dates back to the early 20th century, it is still one of the most sought-after pieces. So, let’s take a brief look at its timeline and history.

Timeline of the biker jacket:

Early 20th century: The first people to have been spotted wearing biker jackets were aviators and men of the military. Originally worn on the field of World War II, it was appreciated for its warmth and quality.

The bomber was made a part of the military uniform and was liked for its heavy-duty protection against the elements. While the jacket was previously rendered in brown, its iconic black color leather jacket became popular across borders too.

With time, this essential uniform item made its way to the mainstream and was appreciated for its durability and sturdy construction. Not long after, Schott, a well-known jacket brand began to experiment with these newly discovered coats and tapped into a market that no other label had thought of touching.

This is when the iconic, NYC Perfecto Leather jacket came into being and became one of the most popular clothing items on racks throughout the world.
marlon

1950’s to 80s: With the advent of Schott’s new leather jackets, more and more labels started to experiment with leather, and this is when the item revolutionized. In 1953, Marlon Brando wore the leather biker jacket in his debut movie, The Wild Ones, and this was when Perfecto’s jacket reached far and beyond.  

Everyone from actors to singers jumped on the bandwagon and began using the jacket as their statement pieces. It became essential for punk bands and rock subcultures and was responsible for some of the most classic looks of The Beatles, Steve McQueen, and Elvis.

These fashion leather jackets became essential for any wardrobe all around the globe and established their image as a rebellious, ‘bad boy’ item.  Later, in the 1970’s, the bassists of the Sex Pistols, Sid Vicious popularized the concept of personalized Brando style leather jacket which is why many celebrities and singers customize their jackets.

During this same time, punk rock and leather became synonymous, and elements such as studs, spikes, patches, and images of favorite bands began appearing with the jacket.

mens in biker jacket

 

The 1980s, 90s and today: While Schott’s traditional biker jacket was all the rage in 1950s and beyond, things started to change a little in the 1980s.

Because this was also a time when other trends were hot and heavy, Schott reimagined the biker jacket and came out with a borg collar design and named it the NYC Pilot.

This jacket, like its predecessor, was worn by a Hollywood star, Tom Cruise, in his worldwide hit, Top Gun. This then gave way to the jacket becoming a sensation before and after the movie was released.

Looking at its rich heritage, we can all agree that the biker leather jacket is a timeless piece that broke through cultures and traditions to end up in our everyday wardrobes.

What you should look for in a biker jacket

Now that you know all about the rich heritage of the bomber or motorcycle jacket let’s go through a few tips and tricks that’ll make it easier for you to pick one that’s suitable for you.

Decide on the functionality

The first thing you have to do when buying a biker jacket is to know what you’ll do with it. Will it serve as protection while you’re on the road with your biker boys or will it be something you slung over your shoulder when heading to the club?

The way you’re going to use the jacket will not only determine the type of material you should go for but also help you choose the style or design you should pick.

It’s all in the details

While you may think that black is the only classic color available, there are tan biker jackets for men that you could purchase too. Remember to select a color that compliments your personality as well as your style, so you don’t become tired of it quickly. Also, pay close attention to how well the jacket fits and how sturdy the seams are and if the zippers work okay.

Don’t compromise on the fit

When purchasing any kind of fashion leather jacket, whether biker or otherwise, you need to focus on the fit more than anything else. Make sure you take measurements before ordering the jacket and ensure that it fits you more or less like a glove. Biker jackets aren’t meant to be loose fitting, so you have to make sure that everything from the chest and waist to the sleeves fit your body perfectly.

Conclusion

If you have your grandfather’s biker leather jacket stashed somewhere in the house, make sure that you take it out and get it treated. The classical trend of biker leather jackets is never going out of fashion, so you have to make sure that you have at least a couple of them in your wardrobe.

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1 Response

Dean M. Boyd
Dean M. Boyd

April 28, 2019

Bikers Loves the biker jackets I’m also and leather Bomber Jackets.

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