The Original And Iconic Leather Biker Jacket

Leather biker jackets are an increasingly popular style of leather coat. Originally designed to protect motorcycle riders in the event of a crash, biker jackets are now a fashion icon. Whether identifying oneself with a music subculture, or looking for a hip and edgy way to modernize an out-dated wardrobe, the leather biker jacket makes a great purchase.

Leather biker jackets, as the name suggests, were originally designed especially for motorcycle riding. Biker jackets are typically characterized by a fitted waist and wrist cuffs. These design elements were employed to prevent wind from blowing inside the coat during travel. In addition, biker jackets usually sport a double-zip reinforced collar to protect the motorcycle rider or a banded collar designed fit underneath a helmet.

Furthermore, biker jackets feature embellishments that suggest armour. Shanks, studs and spikes often outfit the shoulders, arms and collars of biker jackets. These embellishments are typically intended as a fashion statement, and have little practical use. They may have originally been added to jackets to intimidate rival gangs in the recent past or identify a  particular group or club of riders. Some embellishment may have reinforced the leather coat at high impact areas, protecting the body of the rider in an accident.

Motorcycle riding is associated with freedom and rebellion. The punk rock music subculture adopted the motorcycle jacket as its unofficial uniform. Consequently, biker jackets have taken on tough, edgy, urban and streetwise connotations.

In contemporary fashion, the biker jacket has become increasingly popular. Although intended for motorcycle riders, given its relationship with music, leather biker coats are now an iconic fashion staple. As the biker jacket has become more fashionable, it has become acceptable dress in a variety of situations. Although not considered professional, biker jackets are a great alternative to an ordinary coat or cardigan on a cold, wet, or windy day.

Fashion designers and celebrities have paired the leather biker jacket with dress clothes to express individual style. It is easy for people to achieve this signature celebrity look. Leather biker jackets look great with soft, flirty feminine pieces, such as a summer dress or blouse. For men, pairing leather with cotton trousers and button-down communicates a care-free independent spirit.

Despite, or perhaps because of, the biker jacket’s functional origins, the style has become a ubiquitous part of today’s fashion industry. No longer for motorcycle riders and rebels, every man or woman needs this iconic wardrobe staple.