| The choices of motorcycle jackets available today | | | | boy image, a rebel type personality, or even a |
| are varied and plentiful. Styles are as unique as their | | | | criminal element, consequently gaining or loosing cool |
| designers, and modern synthetic materials give the | | | | points, depending on your side of the fence. |
| biker an added option over the standard leather | | | | While fads and fashion trends go in and out of style, |
| jacket, a tried and true material for protection | | | | for the biker community, the classic motorcycle |
| against the elements and the road | | | | jackets popularity is based not on its cool good looks, |
| When making a decision on the purchase of a new | | | | but on its practicality |
| motorcycle jacket, there are basically three areas of | | | | Traditional style motorcycle jackets have become |
| consideration that come into play, with various | | | | classic mainly because the material they are made of, |
| degrees of magnitude: | | | | leather, is and remains one of the best form of |
| - the style of jacket preferred by the individual | | | | protection from the elements. More importantly, it |
| consumer | | | | provides a second layer of skin between the biker |
| - the comfort and durability of the style and material | | | | and the rough surface of an asphalt road, reducing |
| used | | | | the likelihood of painful skin grafts in the event of an |
| - protection against the elements of wind, water, and | | | | unfortunate skid across the road. |
| temperature, as well as against the road | | | | Of course, leather jackets can be made into many |
| By today's standards, most of the major motorcycle | | | | different styles, but what makes the classic |
| apparel manufacturers have come to agree on a | | | | motorcycle jacket unique for bikers is that it tends to |
| common set of characteristics that tend to the | | | | the bikers needs. Plenty of storage is provided for |
| specific needs of bikers as learned over the years. | | | | with cargo pockets, inside pockets, and the generous |
| Many of these needs vary with personal taste, and | | | | use of zippers and snaps in the form of pockets, air |
| will vary with the type of riding being done, and the | | | | vents, sleeve cuffs, and snap downs. |
| individual priorities of the discerning consumer. | | | | The modern motorcycle jacket is designed with an |
| To begin with, lets discuss the different styles of | | | | eye on the various positions a biker might find himself |
| motorcycle jackets that have made the biker culture | | | | in. Slightly longer arm length provides for a more |
| into a sub category of the fashion industry. | | | | comfortable ride when leaning forward, and the |
| For Motorcycle Jackets, Style Counts | | | | backs of the jackets provide for some extra length |
| While it may seem frivolous compared to the dire | | | | so they dont ride up in the same position. |
| consequences of safety and protection, motorcycle | | | | The option of side laces makes for a snugger, |
| fashion has evolved into distinct styles that offer the | | | | warmer fit in the cold months, and the better |
| consumer choices based on just what kind of riding is | | | | traditional motorcycle jackets will have an insulated |
| being done, how often, and in what kind of weather. | | | | zip out lining, making it a jacket for all seasons. |
| As is its nature, the fashion industry has come up | | | | One particular aspect of most traditional motorcycle |
| with just the right piece of clothing, tailored to fit | | | | jackets that pretty much defines the look, is the |
| your kind of riding, and making sure you are looking | | | | inclusion of a belt. Classic motorcycle jackets that |
| good doing it! Lets look at some of the general styles | | | | include a belt opt for a half belt more often than not, |
| available. | | | | with a large buckle in the front. Full removable belts |
| The Traditional Classic Motorcycle Jacket | | | | complete with belt loops are available on some |
| The traditional motorcycle jacket first came on the | | | | jackets. Practically speaking, a belt is good for |
| scene in 1928 in the form of the double sided | | | | tightening up the jacket, and to keep it from flapping |
| Perfecto, manufactured by Schott NYC. Through the | | | | around at high speeds. |
| years the Perfecto style has been improved upon in | | | | Throughout the years, the traditional style |
| many ways, but the basic traditional style remains a | | | | motorcycle jacket has catered best to the needs of |
| constant. | | | | the biking community by providing a tough and |
| The traditional motorcycle jacket has enjoyed wild | | | | durable jacket that conforms to the unique positions |
| bouts of popularity in the fashion world. In 1958 | | | | only a biker would find themselves in. With the use |
| Marlon Brando debuted the style in the film The Wild | | | | of heavy duty hardware, this classic style provides |
| Ones, and subsequent appearances in films by James | | | | for plenty of places to put things (to counter the |
| Dean and others have brought the jacket in and out | | | | lack of such on the motorcycle itself), and includes |
| of style throughout its history. Perhaps because of | | | | multiple options for your comfort and protection year |
| the kind of films it was portrayed in, the traditional | | | | round. |
| motorcycle jacket has taken on a somewhat bad | | | | |