Archive for November, 2009
The Evolution of the Leather Motorcycle Jacket
While both men are better known for the cars they produced, Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach designed the first motorcycle in 1885. The design, simple enough, was constructed from a motorized bicycle and the inventors called it the ‘riding car.’ In 1894, the first motorcycle that was available for purchase was built by Hildebrand & Wolfmuller.
Many companies at this point came out with their own two-wheeled vehicles. Most began to include the internal combustion engine that had just been invented as well. Leather motorcycle jackets began being seen by riders going to the countryside. They gained fashionable currency in the 1920 when motorcycles became used by a subset of society.
Ladies Can Be Thrill-Seekers Too
While it’s unfortunate that a gender barrier still exists to some extent in the motorcycling world, it didn’t take me long to establish myself as a true biker chick. Some ladies just wear the clothes, get tattoos and hang out in biker bars, but I feel a genuine need to have the wind blowing through my hair at 70-plus miles an hour. Riding a motorcycle is a unique thrill that no other mode of transportation could hope to match.
Like any other, this hobby calls for specialized supplies and a standard wardrobe. Along with my women’s leather motorcycle jacket, I wear leather chaps, durable boots and padded gloves. For safety reasons, I like to finish off the look with a helmet, even though it isn’t required in my state. When I’m on my bike, the world is my oyster and my only destination is the open road.
What Makes a Leather Jacket So Cool?
In order to understand the undeniably cool mystique surrounding leather jackets, one must consider all the cultural giants who have worn them over time. In one of his few movie roles before his life was cut tragically short, James Dean wore leather for “Rebel without a Cause.” Of all the memorable characters in television hit “Happy Days,” Fonzy is probably the most beloved. There’s no questioning his coolness.
Even famous musicians like Bruce Springsteen have adopted biker garb as their uniform of choice. Still, a men’s leather motorcycle jacket looks and fits best on a true bike-riding rebel. Pretenders can do all the posing and posturing they like, but when push comes to shove the motorcycle jacket was tailor made for real bikers. When you’re riding down the highway on your souped-up hog, the dress code is practically set in stone.