Biker jackets are one of the most iconic outfits in the men’s fashion space. Sporty vibes, aesthetics, and solid protection in case of a fall make them a masterclass.
Inspired by the evolution of men’s leather jackets, Irving and Jack Schott devised biker-style jackets in 1913. However, it took them another 15 years to finalize their design and release the world’s first motorcycle jacket, the “Perfecto,” for Harley Davidson.
Since then, the biker jacket has been the favorite of bikers and fashion enthusiasts alike. Here’s a brief look into its history and evolution.
The Beginning of Biker Fervor – 1910s
The release of “Perfecto” for Harley-Davidson riders marked the beginning of a new era. Professional riders fell in love with the jacket’s style. Non-bikers envied it as much as those who rode Harley Davidson. And why shouldn’t they when this new style in men’s leather fashion offered everything you could imagine?
The Perfecto was made from durable horsehide leather. It featured an asymmetrical zipper for wind protection and snap-down lapels for added stability. The biker style’s belted waist ensured a snug fit during rides, making the rider look smart and attractive on the bike.
All in all, the first every biker jacket style was a complete package of style and functionality.
The Biker Jacket in Post-War America – Late 1940s
The end of World War II led to a mass return of soldiers to their homes across the USA. Though the war had ended, they were still drawn to the camaraderie and adrenaline rush, and soon, we saw a rise of motorcycle clubs.
Veterans formed groups like the Hells Angels, turning motorcycling into a symbol of freedom. And what did these motorcyclists wear? Yes, you guessed it right, the Perfecto. It evolved into a biker’s uniform, which symbolized the biker’s seriousness towards what some think of as a leisure-time free activity.
Biker gangs popularized the jacket as more than just practical gear. The thick leather and rugged design signaled both physical protection and a hard-edged attitude.
But the biker jacket’s popularity didn’t stop there. It soon broke into Hollywood, disrupting the fashion industry and evolving one step at a time in its design.
Biker Jacket Glittering in 1950s Hollywood Fashion…
Modern-day movies feature leather jackets in a plethora of styles and colors. But this wasn’t the case before the 1950s until the dashing Marlon Brando portrayed Johnny Strabler’s character in The Wild One (1953).
Wearing a Schott Perfecto, Brando personified the tough rebellious biker, linking the jacket with defiance. Just two years later, James Dean, in Rebel Without a Cause (1955), sported the classic biker style with the same cool and rebellious vibes.
And then the trend spiraled. More Hollywood movies featured characters wearing biker jackets, some heroes and some villains, unified by their tough and strong appearance.
As it goes without saying, the viewers were greatly impressed, ready to try the same biker styles that their idols wore while performing jaw-dropping stunts.
Biker Jacket Rhyming with the Music and Pop Culture in the 1970s
After making an iconic entry into Hollywood, the baker jackets were soon loved and endorsed by singers and musicians. It evolved into a symbol of individuality and attitude during the 1970s and 80s, largely due to its adoption by punk and rock icons.
Bands like The Ramones made the jacket a signature part of their image, reflecting the raw, defiant nature of punk music.
Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols also popularized the jacket as it synced with the anti-establishment ethos of the punk scene.
The biker jacket found new life in hip-hop, rock, and pop scenes, and soon emerged as the men’s streetwear fashion.
The Transition to Streetwear in the Early 2000s
The men’s biker jacket’s transition into streetwear initiated in the late 1990s and early 2000s with prominent fashion designers reimagining the classic biker jacket. The aim was to bring it from the road to the runway.
Brands like Saint Laurent and Balmain added slim cuts and embellishments to the biker style. While the early biker jackets were made from horsehide, they experimented with other forms of leather to design men’s biker jackets.
Besides the design and quality improvements, celebrities and fashion influencers played a huge part in popularizing the biker style in mainstream streetwear.
A Wardrobe Staple
The biker-style jacket is a masterpiece when it comes to style, strength, and aesthetics. From its front design to inner comfort and protective elements for fast rides; the biker jacket is a complete outfit for motorcyclists as well as fashion-forward minds.
And if you want to buy one for yourself, TLC is your go-to choice. From quality to variety and affordable pricing for mens leather jackets, TLC’s collection ticks all the boxes.
Add it to your wardrobe and you will have an all-occasion jacket to make a lasting impression!
Fraquoh and Franchomme
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