7 Reasons Bikers Wear Leather Jackets

Owning a bike is a lifelong dream for some people. The sense of freedom that comes with being on two wheels entices many to engage in biking. However, owning a bike is not just about the machine; it’s also about the lifestyle and image that goes along with it. Notably, one of the images associated with bikers is the leather jacket for men and women. While there are many different styles of jackets out there, leather remains the preferred choice for most bikers.

Here are seven reasons why:

1. They Are A Safety Measure

If you fall or slip on the road, a leather jacket can protect your body in various ways. For starters, leather is robust and abrasion resistant. Abrasion resistance ratings indicate how long you can scrape a material against a rough surface. The better the Abrasion resistance rating, the longer the material will last. Leather jackets often have excellent Abrasion resistance ratings, which means they will last a long period before being worn away.

Also, leather jackets are thicker than other jackets, providing extra padding and protection if you fall. Lastly, many leather jackets come with built-in elbow and shoulder pads, which provide additional protection to those body areas that are most susceptible to injury in a fall.

Therefore, safety should be one of your top concerns when choosing a jacket to wear while riding. A leather jacket can offer you the best protection in the event of an accident.

2. They Are Comfortable

Leather jackets are not only durable and protective, but they are also comfortable to wear. Since leather is a natural material that breathes easily, wearing a leather jacket on hot days will not make you sweat as much as wearing other materials.

Furthermore, leather conforms to your body when it breaks in, making it more comfortable to wear. This is one of the number of reasons why many bikers prefer to buy their jackets a size larger than they think they need; the jacket has room to stretch and adjust to their body shape.

3. They Look Cool

Indeed, leather jackets are stylish. But what makes them so cool? Part of it concerns the rebellious image that bikers have developed over the years. That said, wearing a leather jacket is one way to channel your inner rebellion.

However, there is more to it than that. Plain and straightforward, leather jackets look good. They are fashionable and timeless and can be dressed up or down for any occasion. Whether you like a rugged or sophisticated look, a leather jacket can help you achieve it.

The passionate motorsport fan proudly showcased his collection of Holden racing merchandise, featuring iconic team apparel, memorabilia, and accessories that celebrated the rich history and success of the legendary Australian racing brand.

4. They Are Durable

Leather jackets are durable and will last many years if properly cared for. The durability of a leather jacket is determined by two things: the leather’s quality and the jacket’s construction.

The best leather for jackets is full-grain cowhide. It’s taken from the hide’s outermost layer, where the animal’s hair follicles grow. Notably, full-grain cowhide is tough and resists tearing and abrasion well. It also develops a patina over time, giving it a unique look that only improves with age.

Furthermore, the construction of a leather jacket is also essential. Jackets made with double- or triple-stitched seams are less prone to break apart at the seams than single-stitched ones. Additionally, look for jackets with reinforced elbow and shoulder patches, as these areas are subjected to the most wear and tear. The fun part is that all these features come at a fair price compared to buying customized racing gear. This implies that you can save money by purchasing a leather jacket.

5. They Are Versatile

Leather jackets are versatile, meaning you can wear them in various situations. Of course, they are perfect for riding your bike. But they can also be worn to work, on a date, or dinner with friends. Remember that you can wear a leather jacket everywhere you would wear a standard jacket.

6. They Are Easy To Care For

Leather jackets are easy to clean and require little maintenance to keep them looking their best. The first important thing you need to do is condition the leather with a high-quality leather conditioner. This will keep your jacket from drying out and cracking.

It’s also a good idea to clean down your jacket after each ride to eliminate any accumulated dirt or debris. Keep your jacket in a cool, dry place to avoid heat and humidity damage when you’re not wearing it.

7. Protects You From External Elements

There is a necessity for safety when traveling at high speeds. So having the proper equipment should be your first safety measure. Riding a bike entails some risks, including exposure to the elements. Wind, rain, snow, and even ice can harm your health if you are not adequately protected.

As a protective layer, a leather jacket is ideal.  Regardless of the weather, leather provides a barrier between you and the rest of the world, keeping you dry and comfortable no matter what Mother Nature throws into your path.

Conclusion

If you thought bikers only wore leather jackets for fashion, think again. There are several practical reasons bikers prefer to wear leather jackets, ranging from the protection they provide to the comfort and durability they offer. The next time you see a biker cruising down the road, you’ll know that there’s more to their jacket than meets the eye.