Safety Before Style: How to Choose a Good Quality Biker Jacket

Leather is one of the most popular materials used by bikers worldwide and there is a very good reason for this. The increasing demand for leather products has increased competitors which can drive prices down (great for the buyer but not for the seller). But when looking for leather to wear for riding purpose, never look for the cheapest price, look for quality and what will keep you the most protected! Look for an investment!

What Leather to Buy?

There are many different leather used for different purposes, below are different types of hides and what they are best used for:

●     Cowhide/buffalo- One of the most durable hides used in the leather industry, used for furnishing and motorcycle leather jackets. It is one of the more expensive hides but offers the best thickness and is long lasting. This leather is usually stiff and heavy.( Image by jacketsusa )

●     Lambskin- A lot more softer and supple, lightweight and used in the fashion industry forfashion wear. It will still last longer than fabrics.

●     Split- This leather is what most manufacturers calls budget leather, top layer of leather is sliced and two thinner layers are used.

These are the main leathers used, there are a lot more which available but the listed above are mainly used for leather jacket. When buying online look for trusted sellers and for jackets made in cowhide or buffalo hide. These hides will offer the best protection on the biker as they are the thickest hides available. The thickness can vary depending on what sellers are offering but 1.1-1.3mm is a good thickness for a biker jacket.

There will be a lot of sellers who only use the terms real leather, or full leather! email or telephone in and ask what leather is actually used. This is because sellers may be selling split leather which is a lot cheaper than cowhide but not as thick or durable. So always look for a seller who states what hide the jacket is made of.

Added Features:

Below are the main added features which make up great motorcycle leather jackets:

1.     Protectivearmour pads- the most key feature to look for, check to see if the jacket comes with armour and/or has pockets to place armours into. These are typically in the shoulders, back and elbows. CE approved armours are the pads which you should search for as these have been tested.

2.     Extra external padding- Some jacket come with extra padding on the outside

3.     Double lining- This will help keep you insulated, most sellers who sell jackets with double lining usually have one which is removable and can be easily zipped out.

4.     Air vents- This helps to circulate air around the jacket.

5.     YKK zippers- These are heavy duty zips

These are the main things to look out for when purchasing leather jacket online, once you’ve looked at the leather used, the safety aspects that the jackets have then look at the style and colour you refer. Once again note that it is key to buy from a seller who has stated what leather is used and to be sure always email or telephone to confirm. ( Image by jessica )

Leather is pricey, so if for a great biker jacket but at a cheaper budget, there is lots of fabric jackets which are ideal for biking. These jackets can sometimes offer more features such as reflective piping to help keep you visible to other drivers at night. These jackets can also be very well insulated if purchased from the right person. 

Kelly Richards- Leather expert has studied different hides, focusing on safety for bikers. 

History of the Historical leather jackets

We are in the 21^st century and we still like good old fashioned leather jackets don’t we. They are and will be one of the greatest hits that the fashionable clothing industry ever produced and they are pretty tremendous too when it comes to riding a motorcycle with them on. Back in the day we could see only punks from the hood sporting such jackets but today it has become a trend that most of the people cannot afford or envy these days. Basically they’ve been around for centuries but became globally renowned when Marlon Brando wore it in “The Wild One”. (Featured image by : Paul Townsend )

From its first sighting and to this day, these jackets have stormed their way into the fashionable world and today they have become a symbol that every individual looks at like something that brings out an effective style statement. There are many brands and companies that specialise in providing authentic leather jackets and one such company is the Lewis Leathers, based in London. It has been in existence since1892. These leather jackets have always been associated with Rock & Roll and are described by many as an iconic symbol of pride & glory.

The leather jackets that we see today have revolutionised a lot and you realize this when you view some of the contemporary ones. They are now manufactured along with many accessories on them such as studs, spikes, fringes and many more. These things indicate that today they are made for more of a cultural statement rather than a mere functional value. Most of the jackets that you will find today are made from pure jet-black materials with clean and sharp lines on them. The type of jacket that you intend to wear will also reveal a lot as to who you are and what you believe in.


Let us now see as to how they’ve been associated with Motorcycles. Well those who love riding Motor bikes will love fashionable clothing too and nothing can beat motorcycle leather jackets in terms of style and safety. The idea was initially adopted from soldiers and their gears from the World War 1. Hence today, most of the bikers view them with respect and they are an iconic status among the youth. They have now been popular for over 60 years as they have a classic appeal and a rugged look.

Most of the motorcycle leather jackets were designed as safety gears in order to protect the passionate bike riders out there. When you get one for yourself, you will find them to be much thicker and heavier than the fashionable ones as they have armour that will protect you from serious and immense injuries. You can absolutely be sure of them being a popular protective gear as well as fashionable apparel for years to come.

The author is one among those people who have developed passionate love for such leather products as he believes that they will keep growing and will keep revolutionising the fashion industry forever. Stick with us for more unbelievable insights on Leather & motorcycle jackets.