Western Leather Jacket

[nevadapd]

I hesitate to complicate this discussion, but couldn't that "western" jacket really be called "rockabilly"? I think any of these fellows would feel comfortable wearing it.

 

[nevadapd]

Just spotted this on the Denimbro site.

Very nice!

Just to make it easier to imagine these guys wearing such a jacket (which I think is best described as a rockabilly jacket), here's the pic again.

 

[majormajor]

I hesitate to complicate this discussion, but couldn't that "western" jacket really be called "rockabilly"? I think any of these fellows would feel comfortable wearing it.

"Rockabilly" is (at least in its current usage) a relatively modern term to describe a mash-up of early rock music with country music. In terms of style, it basically means a Gretch Guitar, a loud suit, and a quiff.

So the short answer to your question re the jacket - NO, IT COULDN'T....

 

[nevadapd]

No doubt an apt description, majormajor - a young Brian Setzer springs immediately to mind. Personally, I like the "blues done cracker style" definition of rockabilly. Style-wise, sites have sprung up to "instruct" rockabilly wannabees on how to look the look (see link below for one example). As for leather jackets, Lost Worlds describes the Roadmaster jacket as rockabilly, and the closure at the bottom of the Roadmaster's zipper stands out as a similarity to the "western" jacket depicted here. I'll stand by my claim that this is a rockabilly jacket. What do others think?

http://rockabilly-style.com/

 

[ButteMT61]

Just about everyone here wearing any vintage style is a wannabe? Hmm, I'm not sure I'd buy into that mindset too quickly. As long as someone's not hurting others, let 'em have fun. What do you suppose many WWII vets think of A-2 wearing guys here? I think it's more a tribute or compliment. Well, I choose to think that way 'cause what's the point giving anyone a hard time for their style? Don't get me wrong, I dislike much of what I see out there, but whatev's lol

 

[majormajor]

No doubt an apt description, majormajor - a young Brian Setzer springs immediately to mind. Personally, I like the "blues done cracker style" definition of rockabilly. Style-wise, sites have sprung up to "instruct" rockabilly wannabees on how to look the look (see link below for one example). As for leather jackets, Lost Worlds describes the Roadmaster jacket as rockabilly, and the closure at the bottom of the Roadmaster's zipper stands out as a similarity to the "western" jacket depicted here. I'll stand by my claim that this is a rockabilly jacket. What do others think?

http://rockabilly-style.com/

As Frank said, and I agree with him, the most un-western feature of the jacket I posted at the top of the thread is the belt closure.

But yes, a "Rockabilly", who in the UK, is basically aping the look of the old "Teds" and "Greasers" would indeed wear a jacket with that kind of closure - and lots of zips - and almost certainly in black. In others words, a regular 50's bike jacket.

Something like this (courtesy of Aero), which is NOTHING like a "western" jacket

With regard to the "rockabilly style" site, the unfortunate thing that the guys who took to it in the 80's overlooked was the fact that the term "rockabilly" was originally an insult.

The 50's music establishment in the US could (and did) dismiss the early R&B crossovers as "race music", but when white guys like Elvis & Carl Perkins came along singing the stuff, the term "rockabilly" was a back-handed way of dismissing it as Hillbilly Music. A bit like calling someone an "Okie".......

The 80's revival was a purely English thing, started by London Clubs and Fashion Designers who were running out of Punk and Mod-revival ideas. Mr Setzer has alot to answer for........:eeek:

 

[Sloan1874]

It's like the people down the road from me at the Grand Ole Opry - we're talking in Govan, Glasgow - standing outside having a fly ciggie, dressed in full C&W regalia: tasseled shirts, ten gallon hats and all. Would a dyed in the wool GOO veteran from Nashville laugh at them? I don't think so, I think they'd feel a warm glow of appreciation at the tribute being sent to them thousands of miles away. Better a questionable Nudie shirt than yet another fight-inducing footie shirt, I say. Not entirely sure of my point, but I think MMs Western-inflected jacket is entirely in line with what I'd describe as 'western' - whether or not it's ever seen the back of a horse - just as the Govan cowboys outfits could be justifiably described as the same. I suppose the intent of the designer is as much to do with how we view something as the manner in which it is used.

 

[nevadapd]

Just about everyone here wearing any vintage style is a wannabe? Hmm, I'm not sure I'd buy into that mindset too quickly. As long as someone's not hurting others, let 'em have fun. What do you suppose many WWII vets think of A-2 wearing guys here? I think it's more a tribute or compliment. Well, I choose to think that way 'cause what's the point giving anyone a hard time for their style? Don't get me wrong, I dislike much of what I see out there, but whatev's lol

I don't mean to give anyone a hard time for their style. Heck, as I was checking out old Elvis pictures today, I ran across one of him wearing a polka dot shirt and a sharkskin jacket. I have similar items in my personal wardrobe, so guess what I wore to work today. I'm as guilty as the next guy of a wannabe mentality. Actually, if the price was right and the jacket fit, I might even go for that western/rockabilly jacket we've been discussing.

 

[ButteMT61]

No, it's cool. Like I said, western wear is open to interpretation. It varies regionally in said interpretation too. Not to mention what era one is from.
I saw an artist at an opening last night dressed - swears to gawd - like an extra from Bonanza. Gotta say, his gear was kick-ass, but all I could think was WTF? lol

 

[majormajor]

Hey Butte,

I remember watching Bonanza when I was a kid. Compared to "The Lone Ranger", I thought "Bonanza" was realistic!!

Explains all the Denim, I guess!!:eeek:

 

[ButteMT61]

lol
The guy had a great denim/leather jacket. I really wanted to know what it was. Looked like expensive gear. Just out of place.