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. 

Why Leather Jackets are worth the money

Leather can be an expensive to buy in all clothing but the price can differ between different hides that are used. For example fashionjackets tend to be cheaper than biker jackets simply because of the different hides used. So what can leather jackets offer that a normal fabric jacket can not? And what makes us so drawn to invest in such products.

Longevity

Leather is a lot more durable and long lasting, it is one of the strongest materials used in clothing, furniture and accessories. The bestthing about leather is that the more you break into the better it looks, giving it vintage look. There are different types of hides which can last longer than others:

●     Cowhide and buffalo- mainly used for biker jackets and is stiff and heavy. This hide will last for an extremely long time.

●     Lamb skin- A lot more soft and supple than cowhide and is mainly used for fashion wear. It feels like fabric when worn on and is very lightweight. This will still last longer than your average jacket.

●     Goat skin- this is not as soft as lambskin and is more versatile.

So it seems that leather itself is a good investment, we purchase leather shoes, belts and furniture. Leather jackets are just as much worth it. Mens designer jackets may have a heavier price tag but note that you are paying for the brand name.

Safety for Bikers

We see a lot of mens leather jackets and women's which are specifically made for biking. Buffalo and cowhide are typically the most used leather for biker jackets and there are many reasons as to why. If you are a biker that you will understand why leather costs more and why it is worth it.

Leather serves as another layer of skin and helps protect you from road rashes and burns. It always helps keep you insulated against the cold air and stop air from hitting your chest. ( Image By:- Will Smith )

Matches with Almost Everything

Mens designer jackets are a must have addition to the wardrobe, in most fashion magazines we see celebrities now wearing leather biker jackets casually with a simple tshirt and pair of denim jeans. It seems that everyone has fallen in love with this look. There are so many different styles such as:

●     The bomber jacket

●     Leather blazer

●     The biker jacket

●     Leather trench coats

●     Aviator jackets

Let’s not forget womens jackets, leather matches with almost anything. Lets take a simple blac biker style leather jacket. This can be worn with:

●     Striped tops

●     Boots

●     Trainers

●     Blouses

●     Skinny jeans

●     dresses

●     casual t shirts

●     heels

●     hats

The list will be endless!!! you can dress down and be casual or you can dress up for an evening out and add a leather blazer or jacket on top. ( Image By :- DGonlinestore )

So in conclusion, there seems to only be positive reasons to pull out your cash and purchase leather apparel. We spend money on nice leather boots, shoes and bags. Jackets are the same investment but will last alot longer than any other piece of clothing or leather accessory. But one last point, look at the label before buying check that it is 100% real leather you are investing in and not faux or split which will wear out easily. If you're going to spend money then spend it wisely!

Leather Jackets for Stylish and Tough Men

Men wearing leather jackets are all about swagger and masculinity. Leather jackets highlight the attitude of the individual and there are many more cultural social aspects of a leather jacket. The advantages are aplenty which have been touched upon in this article.

 Leather jackets can be considered as monsters unto themselves as far as external wear goes. It is normally worn on top of other clothes and is made from various animal products. Leather jackets for men show certain manliness when worn and add a sense of style to the overall dressing. They are available in a wide range of colors but different shades of black and brown are the most popular versions.

These jackets don’t come easy but we do have men craving for more jackets than ever. The reasons of this craze for men’sleather jackets can be many. Some of them are shown as below:

1)      Masculinity and Attitude are the qualities that one associates with these jackets. It is simple men want to look tough and hot. And history has shown that men killed and skinned animals to have the jacket made. It tends to identify things like hunting, swagger, fight and toughness. So, it is the cultural image that the society at large holds about these jackets. They show intensity without much flashiness or show off. Even the Hollywood films tend to follow the same formula. There are countless films which have promoted these jackets and the protagonists wear these jackets to show toughness and style in the scenes.

2)      These men’s leather jackets are one of the long lasting apparel in men’s cloth line. They last for quite a few decades and the charm still stays. The longevity is the result of the raw materials from different skins. The durability of these products makes them a hit among the men. In fact, we can find many museums with warrior leather clothes lasting for centuries. 

3)      The other big advantage is these jackets do not need regular washing or ironing and it makes it even easier for the men. The primary difference between a normal cloth and a leather jacket is it is made up of solid mat of fibers brought together rather than being woven. Even if the jacket is cut, nothing is going to disturb its look. The damage will also not spread to the rest of the area and hence it will last longer despite being torn unlike normal clothes.

4)       Although, it is a cultural idea that these jackets make men look tough, it is entirely true in reality because they can protect you from extreme cold during winter and  can also save you from being hurt during a physical brawl or use of a sharp material. So, it can protect you in many ways. In fact, it is a must for motor cyclists.  Leather can play a role of second skin during motor races as it is thicker. If a motor cyclist encounters a fall, then these jackets will play a pivotal role in reducing the damage to the body. There will be lesser skin bruises for sure.

5)      Apart from the other factors, these jackets are highly water-resistant product and with proper care, the can also be turned into 100% water proof apparel.

So, while the jackets might look expensive upfront, they sure pay for every penny during their long stay as tough companions in your wardrobe. And in the end they come very cheap when compared to other apparel which are damaged in less than an year.

John Morell is a leading commentator on global fashion trends and also an authority on cultural and social impacts and history of clothes and leather jackets for men.