Leather jackets are fashion pieces that are never going to go out of style. Whether it’s a casual birthday party or a date that you have been able to go on after many struggles, the leather jackets will also be there to solve your outfit selection problem. They have this charm of creating such looks that inspire many by giving the perfect combination of style and functionality. No one can say not to jackets, especially if it’s about the Jackets for Men!
These universal top layers are generally classified into three groups; motorcycle jackets, bomber jackets, and racing jackets. They have now become the icon of styling, but initially, it was all about their functionality in a very practical way. It takes us back to the start of the 1900s at the time of WWI, where they solely serve the purpose of protection.
STARTING WITH THE 1900s:
The origin of these rocking top layers should never be forgotten. They have traveled a long journey from being just an essential clothing item to the symbolism of modern fashion. They were the most favorite pick in outerwear among the soldiers fighting their hearts off in WWI. The German soldiers from the Airforce began to go towards the brown-hued leather jackets and then became their forever fans. These jackets then stayed with them till WWII with a new name — a bomber jacket.
These leather jackets were initially very warm, durable, and the experts are enduring the cold of high altitudes. They then became a part of their uniform, which then, out of surprise, became the fashion statement of the youth in the coming years.
A FASHION GARMENT IN THE LATE 1920s:
Irvin Schott is the man who stepped up in 1928 to introduce the leather jacket in the fashion world. Many designers then followed in his footsteps and came up with a lot of styles and designs. The one put forward by Irvin was the same as what a biker leather jacket is nowadays. He termed it ‘The Perfecto,’ inspired by his beloved cigar brand.
The jacket was just as its name. From the design to the stitching — everything was perfect. It then became an icon of street style fashion. Schott worked hard on it, which was evident from the bold zipper closure he used instead of the traditional buttons.
THE EVOLUTION IN DESIGN IN THE 1950s AND 1960:
The bomber jackets then made a fan following of their own over the passage of time. They then started to come in cowhide or horsehide materials, mostly in brown and black. Almost every guy who loves to drive a car or ride a bike started to wear them to feel their youth years. Leather protected them from extreme winds and the outside elements, and that’s the main reason these jackets invaded the households in the 50s and 60s.
The rebellious teenager made leather biker jackets their identity. Many alterations and modifications were made to the classic jackets with an off-center zipper, pockets on the chest, flap pockets with slash and button, and a belt on the bottom. This jacket became the iconic styling for all the rockabilly lovers.
The jackets then became an identity of gangsters in Hollywood, ‘The Wild One.’ It starred Marlon Brando as the lead who got the honor of donning the leather jacket on the screen while being an attractive yet fashionable criminal. Then came another rockabilly movie, ‘Rebel Without A Cause’ starring James Dean. He also rocked the classic black jackets in the film, depicting the same ‘bad-boy’ appearance. These jackets then became the iconic style of all the hip hop artists of that time, and Beetles’ fans know that.
THE GAME WAS AMPED UP IN THE 1970s AND 1980s BY WOMEN:
Then came the ladies who stole the show from all the guys. The jackets then became a way of asserting the basic demands of women in the ‘70s and ‘80s — equality, peace, and harmony. Many feminist singers started to rock them with the prominent names of Joan Jett and the very talented; Blondie. They moved a step further than everyone and added many embellishments like studs, metal pieces, and pins to create the perfect rockabilly outlook.
The style that was initially made and adopted by men only became a hit among the ladies. They started to feel confident and equal to other genders in the jackets designed on their own!
LEATHER JACKETS NOWADAYS:
Over the years, leather jackets have matured like a fine wine. Entering the music industry and the fashion runways, streets, parties, and even in the offices. The material of these jackets became softer to be worn daily. Many celebrities can’t even go out without a leather jacket, including Demi Lovato, David Beckham, Dwayne Johnson, Tom Cruise, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and the list goes on.
From being aesthetic, grunge-themed, rock n roll to come up in various colors, the Jackets For Men and women are the only fashion pieces that sit perfectly with all the occasions.