Hi new here. Is wearing a leather jacket basically an invitation for trouble?

[TheBigTimeBecks]

I think this says (to me anyway) that you shouldn't be wearing either. (And there's nothing wrong with that.) If you feel like a particular kind of jacket would require you to play a role, even just to yourself, I don't think you'll ever feel at home in it.

And anyway, I think motorcycle jackets are really overrepresented, even as someone who owns several. There are so many interesting types of jackets that go overlooked–I particularly like the ones with a bit of a western or outdoorsy theme. Aero's Wilderness jacket is a firm fave that I often pull out of the closet. Likewise, half-belts are extremely flattering, and are perhaps the most versatile jacket to dress up and down as leather goes.

The Schott Perfecto is a timeless silhouette, clothing pattern imo. Same with the denim trucker jackets and a good sportcoat/blazer. All 3 are timeless looks and goes well with most types of clothing imo.

 

[soundwavvves]

Not trolling, just leather is a different kind of beast to wear. The amount of used black Perfecto/cross-zips I see on Grailed and eBay is overwhelming, but I can see what happened. Many have failed to wear it well or don't feel confident in it, and likely sold at a loss to recoup some money back-- and lesson learned personally for them. I just don't wish to waste money and have decided to make this topic in order to get some responses.

This is a totally valid point, and I think most here would agree there are certain material risks involved when trying out a new style of clothing, leather or not.

But if you're seriously concerned that wearing leather somehow carries the risk of violence and new aggressive tendencies, well I just don't know what to tell you. Maybe go try one on in a store first and see how it makes you feel. If you become inclined to assault the salesperson while wearing it then perhaps just opt for a sweater instead, or something you feel more psychologically stable in. But there's no need to invent bizarre scenarios in your head about strangers challenging or attacking you because of your leather jacket. That is just nonsense.

 

[Nykwil]

Consider me trolled, for this thread has made irrationally annoyed more than anything. Maybe I'm getting old and annoyed of people who don't do some base level research, I dunno. OP, how can you live your life in naivety?

Look at this family. Look at the old man in his sweet CROSS ZIP jacket, you think this guy was going around looking for trouble in the 40s? No. They were polite as they were shipped off to interment camps across the US.

Do some research, Iconic styles originate someplace, and not in the world of stereotypes and way beyond the world of Hollywood media. I would say your schott perfecto isn't iconic at all compared to the jacket below.

Look through the "what jacket are you wearing", or "vintage jacket" threads on here and you will see that your mindset is skewed. Anyone can wear a leather jacket without cosplaying being a "tough guy"

I suggest you educate yourself on the history of leather jackets, maybe get Rin Tanaka's leather jacket book or the lightning leather archives magazine, so you can have a base level knowledge. You'll then realize a lot of these jackets started out as salary jackets where you would buy it with your monthly salary in hopes of having something last. Not to intimidate and thrash about. That only came later.

Look at this guy in a depression era leather sports jacket that he prob spent a month salary on.
Doesn't look like the kind of stereotype you're imagining in your head does it?

Here's me in the same 30s Sport jacket style

And a 50s style racing shirt repro of the Buco J100...neither looks make me look for trouble or people looking at me for trouble.

That said, I'm outta this thread, cuz I cant believe anyone has the mindset that OP has in this day and age at whatever age they are.

 

[TheBigTimeBecks]

Consider me trolled, for this thread has made irrationally annoyed more than anything. Maybe I'm getting old and annoyed of people who don't do some base level research, I dunno. OP, how can you live your life in naivety?

Look at this family. Look at the old man in his sweet CROSS ZIP jacket, you think this guy was going around looking for trouble in the 40s? No. They were polite as they were shipped off to interment camps across the US.

Do some research, Iconic styles originate someplace, and not in the world of stereotypes and way beyond the world of Hollywood media. I would say your schott perfecto isn't iconic at all compared to the jacket below.

Look through the "what jacket are you wearing", or "vintage jacket" threads on here and you will see that your mindset is skewed. Anyone can wear a leather jacket without cosplaying being a "tough guy"

I suggest you educate yourself on the history of leather jackets, maybe get Rin Tanaka's leather jacket book or the lightning leather archives magazine, so you can have a base level knowledge. You'll then realize a lot of these jackets started out as salary jackets where you would buy it with your monthly salary in hopes of having something last. Not to intimidate and thrash about. That only came later.

Look at this guy in a depression era leather sports jacket that he prob spent a month salary on.
Doesn't look like the kind of stereotype you're imagining in your head does it?

Here's me in the same 30s Sport jacket style

And a 50s style racing shirt repro of the Buco J100...neither looks make me look for trouble or people looking at me for trouble.

That said, I'm outta this thread, cuz I cant believe anyone has the mindset that OP has in this day and age at whatever age they are.

To be fair even the guy on the bottom is dressed well. Buying power was different back then, so even this poor person is not dressed like crap. Very nice jacket as well.

The Japanese man in the photo looks good in the jacket, but also doesn't look weak at all. He can definitely pull off the cross zip.

 

[TheBigTimeBecks]

This is a totally valid point, and I think most here would agree there are certain material risks involved when trying out a new style of clothing, leather or not.

But if you're seriously concerned that wearing leather somehow carries the risk of violence and new aggressive tendencies, well I just don't know what to tell you. Maybe go try one on in a store first and see how it makes you feel. If you become inclined to assault the salesperson while wearing it then perhaps just opt for a sweater instead, or something you feel more psychologically stable in. But there's no need to invent bizarre scenarios in your head about strangers challenging or attacking you because of your leather jacket. That is just nonsense.

Look at bike clubs or gangs, and most wear leather jackets or leather vests. Not just me, but many people associate leather jackets with tough guys/gals and associate leather jackets with bikers (gang related and everyday/normal riding clubs).

 

[One Drop]

do you have a good comeback? People have asked me that several times. I just say something along the lines of “I don’t have one, I just like the style.”
But I’d like to say something fun and snappy

In response to being asked where your bike is, how about :

How should I know, she's YOUR mom !

That's fun, though your neck might end up being the snappy part.

 

[One Drop]

I wanted to add that I am not a big dude or even a tough dude, hence why I made this post

IME you'll attract more trouble 'acting a bit tougher' than just being yourself, neutral, and not acting anything. The people who are looking for a fight usually will find one, but not from ordinary people minding their own business, n matter what they're wearing.

Perfectos have become so common and acceptable in so many settings I don't think anyone would act differently to anyone wearing one. The question remains, will you be comfortable enough in it to act naturally when wearing it? If not, it's probably the wrong choice.

 

[Marc mndt]

do you have a good comeback?

 

[soundwavvves]

Look at bike clubs or gangs, and most wear leather jackets or leather vests. Not just me, but many people associate leather jackets with tough guys/gals and associate leather jackets with bikers (gang related and everyday/normal riding clubs).

As One Drop and countless others have said over the last 6 pages of this silly thread, motorcycle jackets are everywhere these days and nobody cares and nobody wants to fight you.

 

[Aloysius]

The Schott Perfecto is a timeless silhouette, clothing pattern imo. Same with the denim trucker jackets and a good sportcoat/blazer. All 3 are timeless looks and goes well with most types of clothing imo.

I own (multiple of) all of the above, but I think the Perfecto and other motorcycle cross-zips enjoy an outsized reputation today. If you look at old photos, they were never the go-to leather jacket.

A bit analogous to how hobbyists now refer to the Rolex Submariner as the most iconic watch but really Rolex’s big staple was and is the Datejust.

 

[barnabus]

Look at bike clubs or gangs, and most wear leather jackets or leather vests. Not just me, but many people associate leather jackets with tough guys/gals and associate leather jackets with bikers (gang related and everyday/normal riding clubs).

So what though? When I ride my motorcycle, sometimes I wear a leather jacket because it's practical and protective. I'm not in a gang or club.

When I'm not riding my motorcycle, sometimes I still wear a leather jacket.

Wear what you want. Or, if you're this worried about it, don't.

 

[ton312]

No one has ever asked me where my bike was wearing a m/c jacket. I wish they would’ve. I could spend an hour going over the build and how I’ve now let it decay in my garage as fatherhood took me right out of the saddle. I still want to park it in my living room with a fan in front of it so I can “ride” it with little risk to anything other than my ego for becoming a complete pussy.
Edit: this is the last time I rode it:

Wore M/C jackets off the bike way more than on.

 

[Benny Holiday]

Sure I'm serious!

This site, alongside with all the people I've met on this journey, proves my point - We're all mega-nerds. Vintage inspired fashion has certainly picked up and entered mainstream in the decade that I've had an active interest in it but I can tell you one thing with absolute certainty and that is whenever I'd see a toughest, meanest looking dude that was dressed in this TFL stuff, he turned out to be a weeb of epic proportions.
We count creases here. And that's fantastic! I love that! But we're nerds & I'm one, too.

I think I understand what you mean a bit better now. In my teenage/young adult years, a nerd was a bookish, kinda socially-inept person without many friends, which is the antithesis of the greasy-haired hot rod builders I know in the Rockabilly scene. But, yeah, the crease-counting thing, I get what you mean there!

 

[soundwavvves]

No one has ever asked me where my bike was wearing a m/c jacket. I wish they would’ve. I could spend an hour going over the build and how I’ve now let it decay in my garage as fatherhood took me right out of the saddle. I still want to park it in my living room with a fan in front of it so I can “ride” it with little risk to anything other than my ego for becoming a complete pussy.
Edit: this is the last time I rode it:
View attachment 565478
Wore M/C jackets off the bike way more than on.

Killer bike man, I feel your pain. I'm more into classic road racers and GP bikes myself, but my wrists and back would love a chopper. I don't think I've seen clubman bars on a build like this before either and I like it.

Edit: 9 YEARS

 

[Madhouse27]

Hey Beck, I think it would be a good idea to watch the movie “The Loveless”. It’s currently on either Netflix or Prime (can’t remember which). It’s got some good leather jacket action and guys who wear them properly. It’s a real classic.

 

[navetsea]

Look at bike clubs or gangs, and most wear leather jackets or leather vests. Not just me, but many people associate leather jackets with tough guys/gals and associate leather jackets with bikers (gang related and everyday/normal riding clubs).

They also wear jeans would you stay away from jeans too and only wearing slacks and khakis. Trust me the way you post this thread and your concern, i think other people can sense your vibe from across the street that you are not looking for trouble no matter what leather jacket you wear, if you put on black leather jacket you dont automatically transformed into though guy, biker dude, gangster looking for trouble menace of the society other people either want to fight you, arrest you, or run away from you NO, you just be you perhaps 10% cooler than without your jacket if your jacket fits well or minus 10% if the jacket doesnt fit ... just that

 

[ton312]

Killer bike man, I feel your pain. I'm more into classic road racers and GP bikes myself, but my wrists and back would love a chopper. I don't think I've seen clubman bars on a build like this before either and I like it.

Edit: 9 YEARS

The bars give the classic monkey humping a football riding posture. LOL. It’s definitely a younger man’s rig. But I could easily sit on it and drink myself silly in the comfort of my own home.
No front brake, weak rear drum, rigid frame…I dodged death a time or two for sure.

 

[navetsea]

Mannerism is the biggest factor in picking up trouble, somebody can be wearing garfield tshirt and cargo shorts but if he walks certain way, stare at people certain way, stare at their girlfriends certain way , then trouble will find him. Especially when alcohol is involved. Just be normal and friendly mind your own business, and stay away from drunk people or angry mob of losing sport team supporters then no trouble will find you. Leather jacket or not.

 

[ton312]

Mannerism is the biggest factor in picking up trouble, somebody can be wearing garfield tshirt and cargo shorts but if he walks certain way, stare at people certain way, stare at their girlfriends certain way , then trouble will find him. Especially when alcohol is involved. Just be normal and friendly mind your own business, and stay away from drunk people or angry mob of losing sport team supporters then no trouble will find you. Leather jacket or not.

Garfield shirt and cargo shorts is serial killer kit. LOL.

 

[TheOldFashioned]

The leather boots would be too much imo, if it matches the jacket.

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