How has your taste in leather jackets changed over the years?

[El Marro]

I mean the number of times I was asked about my bike, even when wearing non biker styles like my bootlegger, was surprisingly frequent. I think the style is just burnt into people’s brains with an M/C.

Maybe it’s different out here in the Bay Area. I wear cross zips all the time and it is very rare that someone asks me about a motorcycle. When it does happen, I always tell them that I would never ride a motorcycle because they are dangerous. That’s usually the end of the conversation right there.

 

[Trouser Bark]

When I ponder the question I don't think much has changed.

When I look in my closet the changes are stark.

In the earlier years it was B-3, CR, and that soft and thin caramel colored jacket that was common years ago. The CR's from that era are loud and not the kind of jacket you could wear into a business setting.

Now it's some blousens, understated but higher quality CR's, a LW leather pea which I suppose is a car coat, etc. The one I wear most is a 50 year old Vanson A tricolor. I've got it on now.

Where it used to be loud, obnoxious, and m/c oriented it's now understated and subtle w/ a stronger focus on quality. I've got nine motorcycles and have ridden all over the world but don't think I've ever worn a leather jacket on any of them. That most of the early jackets in my closet have a m/c theme doesn't make sense but must have been important at the time.

 

[BB1239]

When I ponder the question I don't think much has changed.

When I look in my closet the changes are stark.

In the earlier years it was B-3, CR, and that soft and thin caramel colored jacket that was common years ago. The CR's from that era are loud and not the kind of jacket you could wear into a business setting.

Now it's some blousens, understated but higher quality CR's, a LW leather pea which I suppose is a car coat, etc. The one I wear most is a 50 year old Vanson A tricolor. I've got it on now.

Where it used to be loud, obnoxious, and m/c oriented it's now understated and subtle w/ a stronger focus on quality. I've got nine motorcycles and have ridden all over the world but don't think I've ever worn a leather jacket on any of them. That most of the early jackets in my closet have a m/c theme doesn't make sense but must have been important at the

I'd love to see that Vanson tricolor! I've taken several long riding journeys over the years and the leather has so far only seen local use on the bike. Textile options with well-placed vents and armor are so readily available, I've used those by default. I plan to try my Vanson CSRX Avenger which has the perforated leather under the zip-down flaps on my next moto trip, with rain gear in the side case of course. I may regret that choice on a 90 plus degree humid day, but I've come to love leather for the durability and possible protection. One way to find out lol.

My taste is also understated and simple. It's surprisingly difficult to find jackets that meet that sometimes.

 

[zebedee]

I go for lighter hides now - mid-weight leather I find just as protective, more flexible and easier to wear. Goat, if I could find it in a wider range of colours, would be my preference. Vicenza is also great. Steer hide I find too thick and too squeaky. I've just received an SB Car Coat in Mustang black HH, and it seems to be mid-weight.

In general, I go for simpler styles than I did several years ago: I like half-belts and Maxwell or Work Coat styles: I don't think cross-zips are on the horizon.