Fashion history

Leather jackets biker jackets

Became a symbol of freedom in the 50s and 60s, biker jackets remain popular today. Leather clothing has become familiar to us for a long time, because every girl has in her wardrobe not one, but several items. leather clothes... And leather clothing appeared at the beginning of the last century, when the legendary Harley-Davidson motorcycle was created. After all, it was when riding motorcycles that leather clothing was the most necessary. Then leather coats and jackets came into fashion.

Motorcyclists initially recognized a long double-breasted jacket with large pockets and a belt that could protect against rain and wind. The image was complemented by leggings and heavy boots. The American company Schott, founded by the sons of a Russian emigrant in 1913, proposed using a zipper for outerwear in the 1920s, and a biker jacket appeared in 1928.

The jacket had three pockets, fake shoulder straps, an adjustable waistband and an off-center zipper. The jacket was changed several times, some details left, some appeared.

To call a jacket a biker in our time, one must see certain features in it - elements that distinguish a recognizable silhouette. First of all, a biker jacket is made of durable and thick leather. The silhouette is distinguished by a voluminous shoulder line and a tapered waist. When cutting for free movement, a fold is made on the back, the sleeves are so long that they cover the arms. The zipper is located obliquely - from the left hip to the right shoulder. And, as you guessed, for this she was nicknamed "leather jacket" in Russia.

The biker jacket we wear today is the biker and rocker uniform. But she originally appeared not in their midst. The peak of popularity of the biker jacket occurred in the 50s. Military aircraft of those years were blown through by all the winds, so the pilots needed such clothes that would protect. Such a jacket was created especially for American pilots.

Gradually, its practicality was noticed and appreciated by many, and not only this property attracted attention, but also the combat past of the jacket, which was associated with masculinity. When motorcyclists became interested in the jacket, it simply had to enter their personal wardrobe. The jacket has become a cult item for all bikers in the world.

In the 50s, the movie "The Savage" was released. A jacket was created for Marlon Brando, the primary source of which was the pilot's jacket. The jacket of the protagonist of the film was decorated with shiny rivets, the emblem was sewn on the back - a skull with crossed pistons. Further, her fate was decided - she became an integral part of the youth wardrobe. The young rebels of the 50s and 60s did not follow the fashion of their time; they themselves became models of style.

In jeans and leather jackets, Marlon Brando and James Dean became trendsetters and influenced generations to come. The black leather jacket and blue jeans became the uniform that expressed the discontent of the young rebels. After the release of the movie "Savage" the jacket became popular all over the world, and the tragic death of James Dean in a car accident only increased its rating.

The jacket was borrowed by rockers who also appreciated freedom, and therefore tried to reflect this in their image. So there was a fringe on the back and sleeves, like the wings of an eagle, a symbol of freedom. And then other variations on the theme of leather jackets followed. Gradually, the biker jacket began to be supplemented with other elements, mostly metal, and in addition, it was supplemented with leather trousers.

The silhouette of classic biker jacket models is more free, but now you can find models that are fitted, and are elongated, and shortened.

Today, the biker jacket has not stopped in its improvement.Designers constantly come up with something, changing the color, then the emblems, sewing on shoulder straps or quilting the shoulders, while adding volume. But with all the changes, metal fittings always remain - zippers on pockets, zippers on sleeves, oblique zipper, metal rivets, buttons, buckles.

Stylish biker jackets with a distinct masculine character are also loved by girls. The jacket proved to be popular and became a unisex item. She gives a man masculinity, and a girl - independence and at the same time emphasizes her fragility. The leather jacket plays a major role in any set. It is appropriate with both a mini-skirt and a dress, it looks interesting with a knitted dress, not to mention a T-shirt and jeans.