Everyone agrees that a biker’s life is incomplete without a proper leather motorcycle jacket. It is part and parcel of biker fashion and biker culture, and this has been the case for decades. Check out our extensive collection below for the classic men's leather jackets!
The iconic motorcycle leather jacket has been a staple in biker culture for many decades and continues to define the boundaries of fashion. Popularized in films and pop culture, it continues to pick up more cultural significance even today. But a leather jacket is not only a fashion icon but a necessary safety gear that all riders must-have when riding. The beauty of it all is that you can have the coveted killer look while riding safely on your motorcycle.
There are many leather brands out there turning out leather jackets and other accessories but many do not meet the safety requirements that we recommend for riding gear. While fashion is part of being a biker and all that, safety should be the priority. That’s why it is important to choose a leather jacket that will not only make you look good but also provide warmth, safety, and comfort.
A leather jacket is not only a fashion accessory but also a crucial part of your safety while on the road. In case of a collision, it provides the first layer of protection against wear and tear. Your skin is overly exposed and this can be dangerous if you happen to fall. Painful injuries and skin abrasion could result.
But with a biker leather jacket, you are likely to escape unscathed. Adverse weather conditions like rain can be easily coped with since most men’s leather jackets are practically waterproof. If you are looking for a protective motorcycle leather jacket, here are the factors to consider.
Choosing the right size of a leather motorcycle jacket is essential for the protection of your skin and flexibility. If your jacket is too small, you may have a problem with movement on your motorcycle. It also feels very uncomfortable if the jacket is too tight. Apart from restricting your movement, it also restricts airflow. On the other hand, if the fabric is too large, it becomes a liability. The excess material can be a liability in case it gets caught up in an accident situation. Ideally, you should choose a jacket that allows at least an inch or so of excess room between your body and the jacket material. If the men’s leather jacket has an additional quilt or inner lining, you should consider that too when choosing the perfect size for you.
Besides looking cool, you want a motorcycle jacket that will protect you in case of an accident. The quality of construction and type of leather goes a long way in determining the level of safety that you get. You are always protected when you choose a leather motorcycle jacket that is specifically made with a rider’s needs in mind.
What about the type of leather? Nowadays, you can buy men’s leather jackets made from a variety of leather including cowhide, lamb, buffalo leather, kangaroo, and deer and so on. Ideally, you want a jacket made using stringent quality control to guarantee the highest quality. Full-grain leather should be your preferred choice as it is supple and strong. Other variants such as bonded leather and corrected leather do not come close to the level of comfort and protection that you get from full-grain leather. Ensure that the jacket has few panels and pieces and seams. Multiple seams increase the chances of your jacket bursting upon external impact.
Another important thing to look for is the quality of zippers and closures. These should be easy to close and open and firmly stitched on both ends of the jacket. It is important to test whether the zippers are good enough by moving them up and down. Do they close and open smoothly without snagging?
While not all leather motorcycle jackets are waterproof, they should provide you with a decent amount of protection from the elements; keep you warm when it’s cold and keep you cool on the hotter days. A high quality piece should also be breathable to keep away the sweaty ordeals when you are on the trail. A good option would be the perforated leather motorcycle jacket. Most importantly, the biker jacket that you go for should be comfortable, durable and provide a layer of protection in case of an accident.
Don’t all leather motorcycle jackets look cool? But not all leather riding jackets are designed equally. Some have a very niche-specific use that suits the type of motorcycle and style of riding. For example, racing jackets are more oriented for the racing track than perhaps the street. They have unmistakably curved arms and seams that are made for the riding position. Harley riders may want to go for regular cruise-type leather jackets with an upright posture. The design, durability and overall quality of construction is more geared towards a relaxed riding position.
Other design elements like zipper placements indicate the style that you want. For example, most motorcycle jackets have half or full zipper circumference at the waist position for easier compatibility with other riding leathers. When buying, ensure that the waist position is compatible with where you would like it to be comfortable.
Other modern design tweaks like the use of carbon fiber armor continue to dominate the market with newer jacket models. Also, newer brands have sleeker fits compared to the icon fashion staples of the 1960s, like the classic Marlon Brando types. Just be careful not to fall for the fakes which can be quite confusing to try and distinguish from the genuine leathers.
The quality of the interior finish of a men’s classic leather motorcycle jacket is something that you should consider. However, this boils down to personal preference and style when it comes to choosing between quilted and non-quilted interiors. Some jackets come with a soft interior lining which is absolutely useful when riding in the cold winter months. Some bikers prefer leather jackets without the interior lining. Generally speaking, men’s motorcycle jackets with interior lining are more comfortable and cozy especially if you plan on riding during cold weather. Inside quilted leather jackets, you will find soft material like wool and cotton for better warmth and comfort.
The realm of colors is pretty much anyone’s taste. You can find leather jackets in a variety of colors to suit your personal style and taste. The traditional black and brown leather jackets represent the classic appeal that continues to dominate the market and still very popular. But nowadays you can find yellow, green, red and blue jackets to go with your mood and taste. With so many different colors to choose from, you may consider going for a color that matches your motorcycle. For example, black riding gear does well with a black motorcycle. To enhance your personal style and bring out a balanced appearance, it is best to stick with these simple color matching rules.
Finally, you’ve gotten hold of your cool biker jacket. The next thing is to keep your motorcycle jacket nice and polished. The level of care that you provide for your leather biker jacket will go a long way in ensuring it stays in top condition for a long while. Besides keeping it clean, you also need to inspect it regularly for cracks and road grime. While this sounds pretty obvious, we see a lot of neglected leather jackets that end up so grimy and smelly because of neglect. The first step in leather care is to wipe it often with a moist cloth.
This brings us to the crucial steps of leather treatment and care. As a rider, you come into contact with road grime, bird droppings and plenty of bugs that end up stuck on your leather jacket’s surface. Using a damp cloth with water will help clean the jacket lightly. If the dirt is dried up, you might have to wipe the surface several times with a moist cloth for better results. Check for cracks and chaffing and inspect the stitching between the panels. Ideally, there should be no apparent gaps between the panels, and the thread stitching shouldn’t be loose.
The best way to clean a leather jacket is by using a moist cloth and then using a specialized cleaner like Lexol for advanced cleaning. Use a polishing pad after cleaning is done for a more uniform look. Regular cleaning and treatment of leather ensure that the fabrics are well lubricated to avoid chafing or cracking when exposed to the sun or airborne pollutants which can damage it. It also helps with local lubrication especially on the flex zones where friction is high.
The next step is conditioning. Apply the conditioner and allow it to soak into the leather for about 30 minutes.
Once you’ve finished the whole cleaning process it’s time to rock your new pristine-looking leather jacket.
There’s no denying the fact that motorcycle riding is a dangerous hobby. It’s a passion that many are willing to risk their safety for. But the freedom and adrenaline is worth it. So you might be wondering why motorcyclists prefer leather to other type of clothing. The reason why bikers in general prefer wearing leather gear, like a leather jacket, is because of the protection that comes with it. While most people would assume it’s because of style or a cultural thing among bikers, the technical reason is because of safety.
Also, the type of leather used for motorcycle jackets is much tougher than your regular leather jacket. They are designed for impact protection and abrasion resistance. A leather motorcycle jacket is therefore tougher and made for specialized riding use.
While at it, the leather motorcycle jacket needs to be classy and stylish. That’s part of what a biker is made of: class and sophistication.
Other qualities that come with leather jackets like ventilation, interior lining and padding are great additions that contribute to overall convenience and safety.
Men’s leather jackets are also durable and suitable for use in almost all weather conditions. You can wear your leather jacket during winter and still opt for a perforated leather jacket in the summer. This level of flexibility cannot be found with other types of riding gear or outfits.
Investing in a motorcycle leather jacket is one of the wisest decisions you can make in the present and long term. It will not only ensure you are protected against all perils on the road, but also helps to set you apart from the rest of the crowd.
Remember one thing – your safety comes first and choosing the right leather jacket will guarantee protection— the safer you will be.
With so many leather brands out there, finding a trusted name from which to buy your biker jacket can be a daunting task. That’s why you need a proven name like American Legend Rider for all your leather needs.
Check out our collection above for the best men’s leather motorcycle jackets today. Enjoy great deals and special discounts on individual orders!
