Vintage Cafe Racer Jackets

[rocketeer]

I think the term 'Cafe(pronounced Kaff and not Cafay as in hooray) racer' jacket is fairly modern, when referenced to a jacket, lets say 21st century though I may be wrong. Most old Rockers from the 1960s wore 'Lancer' style motorcycle jackets or straight zip with A2 style collars and also the collarless jackets referred to as Cafe racer. The collar style is also referred to as 'Mandarin' as in Chinese.
The collarless motorcycle jacket is also common to racing leathers, whether 1 or 2 piece. I have bought and sold many sets of racing leathers and personally have never seen an A2 style collar on a one piece set. The collarless jacket goes way back to the start of motorcycling when the clothing crossed over with early aviation.

 

[Baron Kurtz]

And all that aviator/motorcycle crossover stuff comes straight out of workwear of the era.

This is why I asked for clarification - i'm just not entirely sure what people mean by "cafe racer". I suspect they're talking about a very slimline jacket with two zipped chest pockets, central zipper, a stand collar, with a collar strap and snaps. BUT, they could equally well be talking about anything not Cyclechamp style, and lacking a collar.

 

[trapp]

I suspect they're talking about a very slimline jacket with two zipped chest pockets, central zipper, a stand collar, with a collar strap and snaps.

This is what I think of when I think of a cafe racer. And regardless of true origins, I always think of vintage Buco, Brimaco and, especially, Brooks jackets when I think of cafe racers. This is likely because a 60s Brooks was my own first leather jacket and is still a personal favorite for kicking about.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Of course the other problem with cafe racers is that they became fashionable and there are some bloody ugly ones around. The Brooks (two chest pockets no side entry pockets) was based - I read here - on an early Buco design. One of the best. The first cafe racers were called "shirts" usually unlined horsehide. Fairly certain we're talking late 1930's.

 

[ButteMT61]

Of course the other problem with cafe racers is that they became fashionable and there are some bloody ugly ones around. The Brooks (two chest pockets no side entry pockets) was based - I read here - on an early Buco design. One of the best. The first cafe racers were called "shirts" usually unlined horsehide. Fairly certain we're talking late 1930's.

Indeed. In the 80's, there were some just awful "biker jackets" (I guess most clothing in the 80s was awful).Even respectable fellas like Joe Strummer and Brian Setzer were seen in some bloody wack jackets lol

 

[trapp]

The Brooks (two chest pockets no side entry pockets) was based - I read here - on an early Buco design. One of the best.

Yup, I think that's right.

Even Brooks started making some less well-designed jackets after the 60s. They pop up on eBay. Fortunately, plenty of the earlier classic jackets can still be found on the 'bay and often for a bargain price. All or most are steerhide but they're wonderful jackets. I have a dark brown one that I wear 2-3 times a week. The only drawback from a practical standpoint is the lack of useful/usable pockets. Whenever I wear the Brooks I have to stuff my jeans.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Here's my favorite Cafe style. A friend I rode with around 1969 had one in black that I thought made a great riding jacket. I looked for one for years...and finally found it on eBay about six years ago. I've worn it often on the bike..and will do so during the cool nights this weekend at my hometown James Dean Festival blowout....

Then I found another in black...

HD

 

[too much coffee]

Good looking jackets HD.......classy vintage.

The last time I visited my old hometown, I got to stay about a half hour then the police gave me an escort out of town.

coffee

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Good looking jackets HD.......classy vintage.

The last time I visited my old hometown, I got to stay about a half hour then the police gave me an escort out of town.

coffee

Well..my small hometown swells from around 3,000 to many more thousands on this festival weekend each year. The main streets are closed off and packed with JD fans.
If it was a normal weekend the citizens would most likely light torches and chase me screaming with pitchforks beyond the city limits with the very first HD sighting. Yep..I did make a lasting impression.
HD

 

[Dinerman]

Canadian made Aljac


Brooks?

 

[technovox]

Here's an interesting quote lifted from Himel Bros. "Art of Vintage Leather Jackets" blog that might shed some light on the origin of cafe racer jackets: "Cafe racers refer to a British or European style of simple sleek leather jacket particularly functional for racing. Minimal pockets and impediments were left off, and tight fitting military style cuts, with a mandarin collar were the norm. This type of jacket appears very early in Canada and Britain."

 

[Dinerman]

The jacket above in action

 

[Dinerman]

Canadian made Score Sporing Goods/ Shields Sportswear.

 

[technovox]

Canadian made Score Sporing Goods/ Shields Sportswear.

Nice score! I love those old Shields Cafe Racers. I have one in blue too (but with two chest pockets.) It's one of my favorites. Enjoy!

 

[Dedrick]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Etsy. From time to time there are some nice vintage cafe racer jackets up there. Here's a Beau Breed I sold a while back, 1960s I think. I wear my father's '70s Schott and a Yamaha cafe racer that I LOVE, also from the '70s. I'll have to post them later.

 

[IXL]

Well, my old brooks shrank, so I got this:

It's a discontinued, I think, style from Belstaff called the Montana.

Better pic:

I wear it on the Guzzi's and the old beemer. For a higher quality jacket, try searching for Vanson on e-bay.

John

I know this is a very old post, but the Montana is still available from the U.S. company "British Motorcycle Gear."

 

[leather-monkeys]

Can someone please sugguest any stores/shops in the greater Los Angeles or Orange Country area that has a decent selection of old vintage mototcycle jackets to choose from. I know this jacket will not be cheap but I more concerned with selection and finding the right one. Any info would be greatly appericated.
Thank you everyone!

Please take a look at my online store as we have loads of cool vintage leather biker jackets and cafe racer jackets: www.leather-monkeys.com
We ship worldwide so I could get a jacket to you in LA in a few days time.

 

[Tomasso]

Please take a look at my online store as we have loads of cool vintage leather biker jackets and cafe racer jackets:

Just bookmarked it. BTW, love the name.

 

[leather-monkeys]

Just bookmarked it. BTW, love the name.

thanks! glad you like it!

 

[Dinerman]

Beau Breed