Motorcycle leather jackets are not just for motorcycle riders. Motorcycle leather
jackets have become timeless icons of fashion that provide stylish use in any
season. Motorcycle leather jackets can for the most part be classified into three
categories.
Category #1 Traditional motorcycle leather jackets:
These jackets were made popular by the first emergence of non-military pleasure motorcycles from manufactures like Harley Davidson and Indian. The look of traditional motorcycle leather jackets is identified by the jackets made
famous by Elvis Presley, James Dean and of course Fonzi from Happy Days. Traditional
black motorcycle leather jackets are trademark of the fun and freedom that was the
1950′s. Although this style was established by motorcycle riders of the past, today
the traditional look is more of a fashion piece or for someone just wanting to
cruise their Harley Davidson a short distance. They look fantastic and will be in
style 100 years from now but these leather jackets do not offer the
protection or weather resistance that modern technology and materials can provide.
This brings us to the second category.
Category #2 True Motorcycle leather jackets.
Now we are not saying that traditional jackets are not “motorcycle” jackets its just
that technology affords the wearer of more modern true motorcycle leather jackets
protection from impact, road rash, rain, heat, cold and so on that traditional
1950′s style can’t.
True motorcycle leather jackets typically have an extremely recognizable sporty look
made popular in the 1980′s with the emergence of street legal racing bikes from
Japan and Italy. These jackets are known for colorful, fast looks and solid
protection with most having removable hard plate pads for the shoulders, wrists and
back. At first, to wear one of these racing inspired jackets meant you needed to
arrive on a super fast “crotch rocket” now the look is more mainstream and can be
pulled even without the accompanying 2 wheeled horsepower. However, do to expense,
weight, firmness and lack of movement true motorcycle leather jackets are not all
that practical to wear as a fashion statement. This brings us to the final category.
Category #3 Fashion motorcycle leather jackets:
These leather jackets typically are not designed with motorcycle riding
as their primary function. These jackets are more for looks, affordability, and
comfort ability. One could refer to them as “motorcycle inspired leather jackets”
with most of the looks but not the cost associated with the higher end, heavier
leather needed to make Traditional and True motorcycle leather jackets. If you are
just looking for a great jacket you may or may not wear on a ride and you are not
concerned with durability or protection if a crash occurs then fashion motorcycle
leather jackets are for you. The lighter weight makes them easy to wear and the
ability to offer a more tailored look without padding makes them sexy.