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Posts Tagged ‘Jackets’

Since the dawn of the age of motorcycling, it was apparent that something was needed to protect the exposed human body from the elements. The natural solution was leather. The leather motorcycle jacket, a style made popular by movie icons such as James Dean. It not only serves as a fashion statement, but is an essential piece of equipment to any serious biker for keeping warm, dry, and in one piece. A good leather jacket combined with leather pants would be the perfect choice.

Strong leather jackets are a must for motorcyclists – and not just because to look extremely cool. In addition to keeping you warm and ventilated, they’ll protect your skin better than any other material if you hit the ground. The most common material for motorcycle leather is cowhide, chosen for its strength and durability.

Tips on how to find the perfect motorcycle jacket

1 Find motorcycle magazines or motorcycle sites on the Web for leather jackets in your vicinity. Keep in mind that department stores, motorcycle dealerships and motorcycle parts shops tend to charge more for quality leather wear.

2 Get price quotes and visit the establishment that offers the most reasonable rates. Decent jackets start at around $90, while fringed, vented and stylized coats can cost up to $600. Keep in mind that a custom jacket may not be ready for months if it’s from a popular shop.

Leather jackets are jackets made of leather, but they are also more than that. Leather jackets have been a significant part of American and British pop culture for decades.

Depending on their make, purpose, and placement in time, leather jackets have had a variety of styles. The most familiar subculture associated with the leather jacket is that of the ducktails of the 1950s and early 1960s, such as depicted in the movies The Lords of Flatbush and Grease, as well as by “The Fonz” in Happy Days, aired during the early 1970s. These leather jackets, made light and intended for casual wear, were used to convey an image of “toughness” or “coolness” as well to serve as a badge of independence and/or brotherhood among buddies.

Another subculture featuring the leather jacket was that of the bombardiers in the 1940s and early 1950s, but the style was distinctively different, as seen by the sheepskin collar to protect the neck. As a matter of fact, “bomber jackets” were typically interlined all the way through with sheepskin. This kept its wearer warm as well. The leather jackets worn by the police—yet another subculture identified with leather jackets—are also protective, but these are made thicker and heavier with a design to facilitate safety equipment and armor wherever needed, as well as to bring across an intimidating image.