Can a older men wear a motor( double rider) jacket As a fashion jacket?

[TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead]

Interesting that, at the time I am posting this, there are five "no" votes in the poll; yet, every written response is a definitive "yes."

IMHO, it depends. Certain people rock cross-zips regardless of their age. And, certain people look out-of-place in a cross-zip regardless of their age. I have seen people here on TFL who are plainly younger than 50 post photos of themselves wearing a cross-zip and, IMHO, it does not work for them (in some cases, it really does not work for them and begins to look downright cosplay).

I cannot cogently set forth the defining characteristics that enable one person to rock a cross-zip, and that preclude someone else from doing so. As Justice Stewart wrote in relationship to pornography, "I know it when I see it." @tmitchell59 rocks cross-zips -- so does @MrProper (I only mention them because they posted photos in this thread). They have the overall presence and presentation that melds perfectly with a cross-zip. I, on the other hand, do not have that presence/presentation. When I strap on a cross-zip, I look like I am going to a costume party -- I look like a nerd desperately trying to look cool, and woefully failing. Me wearing a cross-zip is the functional equivalent of a morbidly obese woman wearing a bikini.

Many here believe that anyone can successfully wear any jacket regardless of age or other considerations. I respectfully disagree. I personally believe that, in order to successfully wear certain garments, your overall personality, presence and presentation must jibe with the garment. Otherwise, there is a disconnect that renders even the coolest garments remarkably uncool. Age is certainly one of the relevant considerations, but there are many other factors. People younger than 50 also must consider whether a cross-zip works for them.

Everyone looks good in a well-fitting half-belt. Not everyone looks good in a cross-zip. I certainly do not.

I think it's more than fair to say that certain people look better in certain styles and even go so far to say that maybe certain people don't look as good in certain styles.

Photography is tricky. I don't think most are capturing "a picture is worth a thousand words" or at least not as they intended. I can tell you I have many pieces of clothing that make me feel "different" when I put them on. Figuratively and maybe even literally in some cases, I feel taller, feel more confident, feel like I'm unstoppable. And in no way am I capturing that in my dirty mirror selfies LOL.

I think you're right with the I know it when I see it. But I think it's more about the person themselves and not what others are saying. It's a bit of a parallel quandary to say don't wear something unless you look good in it. It's true if you feel that way, but not so much if others feel that way. And the vice versa is true. People can tell you all day long something looks good, but if you don't feel that way, you won't wear it.

And I think that's why some of us said if you wear something, you have to own it. If you're just doing it to keep up with the joneses, it'll show. It doesn't mean it "looks good" but again, I don't think that matters, so long as you think it looks good.

 

[jonbuilder]

These threads come up often. Being well over 50 I can't resist. I had the jacket on so I just took a pic.

The Hercules is from 1951 I'm from 1952, the Nissan Truck from 1996.

not much of a fashion shot, but it is real.

View attachment 410193

View attachment 410191

View attachment 410192

worn well

 

[MGfan]

I generally only wear my motorcycle jackets when riding my motorcycle. The bugs have a tendency of grossing people out. The only one I do wear out and about is my 1960s Barbour International and that’s because with a lack of armor I don’t ride in it.

 

[Zombie_61]

...It's a bit of a parallel quandary to say don't wear something unless you look good in it. It's true if you feel that way, but not so much if others feel that way. And the vice versa is true. People can tell you all day long something looks good, but if you don't feel that way, you won't wear it.

That would be me every time I've ever worn a suit. People tell me that I "clean up nice" and look good when I'm wearing one, but when I look in the mirror what I see is a junkyard wreck with a new coat of paint--a little better, but not by much.

 

[Bfd70]

This again?

 

[nattevagten]

Interesting that, at the time I am posting this, there are five "no" votes in the poll; yet, every written response is a definitive "yes."

IMHO, it depends. Certain people rock cross-zips regardless of their age. And, certain people look out-of-place in a cross-zip regardless of their age.

I’d say there's a difference between a 'cross-zip' and a 'cross-zip'. The Schott Perfecto type of cross-zips look too aggressive on most people (especially on someone older than 50), whereas Aero’s bootlegger has a fairly casual look; most people can pull it off.

Another thing is the hardware - brass hardware loses or neutralises some of the 'edge' of the jacket, so it might be worth to consider.

 

[GHT]

The "older men should dress appropriately" mentality enrages me. What does it even mean, that one shouldn't wear something? To me, this sort of reasoning, so to call it, translates to please start slowly giving up on life by taking all the appropriate steps to die before dying.

You shouldn't be doing this at your age, you shouldn't be doing that at your age and you definitely shouldn't be wearing that, good grief, how old are you?

There's an unprintable profane reply to those sort of critics, I tell what. My life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body because of naysayers, but rather to skid in sideways, whisky in hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming: "WOO-HOO what a ride!"

 

[ton312]

Age shouldn't be a consideration for any style leather jacket. I gave up cross zips because I simply don't find the style fits the occasions that I choose to wear a leather jacket in. Could I? Sure could, but I've found more subdued patterns just fit my personal style more suitably.


...later that day... buys cross zip...

 

[Monitor]

Definitely.
Is this supposed to be some sort of de facto rule? I would laugh at that and do it anyway.
The term "midlife crises" is insulting and condescending. Anyone who uses that term seriously is basically telling someone to know his or her place and submit to some imaginary category just because they are older. Hell no. "You have lost your right to wear and use that! You're old." Got to be kidding me. I mean, I'm 39, but I'm following no such rules later in life, if I make it to that stage.

I couldn't possibly agree more. It is a phrase I deeply hate as well, not just because of what originally implied but because it, in a way, became a go-to term for even the smallest unexpected alteration toward improvement of ones life(style). It is rude, it is condescending and it is primarily a lie.

No need to point out of course that any such transition isn't truly a change or anything nearly as dramatic as crisis; It is simply that the person finally mustered enough courage to step out of their comfort zone (which rarely is a choice to begin with).

Interesting that, at the time I am posting this, there are five "no" votes in the poll; yet, every written response is a definitive "yes."

IMHO, it depends. Certain people rock cross-zips regardless of their age. And, certain people look out-of-place in a cross-zip regardless of their age. I have seen people here on TFL who are plainly younger than 50 post photos of themselves wearing a cross-zip and, IMHO, it does not work for them (in some cases, it really does not work for them and begins to look downright cosplay).

I cannot cogently set forth the defining characteristics that enable one person to rock a cross-zip, and that preclude someone else from doing so. As Justice Stewart wrote in relationship to pornography, "I know it when I see it." @tmitchell59 rocks cross-zips -- so does @MrProper (I only mention them because they posted photos in this thread). They have the overall presence and presentation that melds perfectly with a cross-zip. I, on the other hand, do not have that presence/presentation. When I strap on a cross-zip, I look like I am going to a costume party -- I look like a nerd desperately trying to look cool, and woefully failing. Me wearing a cross-zip is the functional equivalent of a morbidly obese woman wearing a bikini.

Many here believe that anyone can successfully wear any jacket regardless of age or other considerations. I respectfully disagree. I personally believe that, in order to successfully wear certain garments, your overall personality, presence and presentation must jibe with the garment. Otherwise, there is a disconnect that renders even the coolest garments remarkably uncool. Age is certainly one of the relevant considerations, but there are many other factors. People younger than 50 also must consider whether a cross-zip works for them.

Everyone looks good in a well-fitting half-belt. Not everyone looks good in a cross-zip. I certainly do not.

I voted "No". I don't recall why though, I had my reasons at the moment but either way, that's four.

Regardless, I get your point but I do believe that you might be dismissing the fact that as a form of expression, fashion is an art. Art requires skill and skill takes time.

Was your first straight-zip leather jacket a banger? I'll take a guess here and say no, considering the time and work you invested into this particular area of your life. And you have improved it.

I can promise you, the people you think look great in a cross zip, the ones that rock the piece. . . Their first coupla attempts probably weren't all too glorious.

The presence, personality and presentation comes from confidence and confidence comes from experience so even if the first attempt turns out to be a failure, should older guys just give up on something as trivial as wearing a leather jacket?

Let them figure that one out, if wearing a cross zip is their thing and should they decide that it indeed is, I think they're only destined to rock it.

 

[steve u]

I didn't vote. I don't no what's "fashionable"
I've been wearing a motor(double rider) leather jacket for 40+ years. I don't see me stopping any time soon.

​

 

[hughesovka]

It's an article of clothing that's existed for 100 years, I wouldn't think twice if I saw an older guy wearing a biker jacket

 

[moktabe]

I don't feel age has much to do with it, If someone feels good wearing one then crack on.

68 here and bought my first MC jacket earlier this year.

 

[Zombie_61]

I’d say there's a difference between a 'cross-zip' and a 'cross-zip'. The Schott Perfecto type of cross-zips look too aggressive on most people (especially on someone older than 50), whereas Aero’s bootlegger has a fairly casual look; most people can pull it off...

Not being familiar with either jacket, I did the research and looked at a few photos and I can safely say that, in my opinion, by comparison Aero's Bootlegger is a boring "appearance" jacket and if the cost was removed from the equation I'd choose Schott's Perfecto every time because it looks far more functional for riders.

 

[Zombie_61]

You shouldn't be doing this at your age, you shouldn't be doing that at your age and you definitely shouldn't be wearing that, good grief, how old are you?

There's an unprintable profane reply to those sort of critics, I tell what. My life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body because of naysayers, but rather to skid in sideways, whisky in hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming: "WOO-HOO what a ride!"

Preach it loud, my Brother!

 

[Gr8Lakes]

You shouldn't be doing this at your age, you shouldn't be doing that at your age and you definitely shouldn't be wearing that, good grief, how old are you?

There's an unprintable profane reply to those sort of critics, I tell what. My life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body because of naysayers, but rather to skid in sideways, whisky in hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming: "WOO-HOO what a ride!"

My father passed 11 months ago. Still a hard pill for me to swallow, especially since I lost my brother unexpectedly within the previous year. They both lived this way. Dad stopped riding his Harley about 3 months before passing, cuz his balance was getting compromised.

With stage 4 lung cancer, I stayed with my father in Florida for his last 5 weeks. Only 3 days of in-patient hospice. I made him ribeyes, lamb chops, tacos, fruit salads… and he drank vodka tonics and white-Russians every day.

Moral of the story: I’ll be “darned” if any WSJ articles are going to alter what I like. I wear what I like to see in the mirror. Sometimes that’s even in a suit! But putting age restrictions on style?! Oh heck’s no!

And everyone that posted a picture looks FANTASTIC! in their leather. Everyone.

 

[TheDonEffect]

Look good, feel good. Feel good, play good. Play good, pay good. If it feels good and it looks good, then do it. No one else should give you a more honest answer than your significant other, but honest does not equal expert. You must know someone who you think dresses well, ask for their opinion if you need another one.

End of the day, you gotta wear things that look good on you, and that doesn't mean wear things that look your age. That said, some things are age specific, like sagging your pants...

 

[AbbaDatDeHat]

I’d say there's a difference between a 'cross-zip' and a 'cross-zip'. The Schott Perfecto type of cross-zips look too aggressive on most people (especially on someone older than 50), whereas Aero’s bootlegger has a fairly casual look; most people can pull it off.

Another thing is the hardware - brass hardware loses or neutralises some of the 'edge' of the jacket, so it might be worth to consider.

????
Please enlighten us all on your insights.
B

 

[nattevagten]

????
Please enlighten us all on your insights.
B

What? Can't you write a coherent post?

 

[Monitor]

Regardless, one has to always keep this in mind because literally...

 

[navetsea]

I believe our taste would shift with time, some people would look cool in MC jacket into their older age, some other won't look as cool. only time and yourself can answer that, surely it won't happen overnight, it has to do with other things your general style, in some way keeping bodyweight on the leaner side would make it easier to look the part in MC jacket.