Black leather has become synonymous with the biker community over the last several decades. From jackets and vests to chaps and boots, menswear and women’s biker attire routinely revolve around this natural, durable material. Though it offers ample protection, makes a perfect canvas for patches and happens to look good, it’s not actually a requirement.

Jackets and long pants are standard protocol no matter what type of material they’re made of. Shorts are never a good idea when riding unless they’re worn underneath a full set of chaps. Ask a seasoned biker what type of footwear he or she recommends, and the answer will inevitably be boots. Flip flops just don’t cut it, and sneakers almost always come off riders’ feet when they crash.