Riding in Style: The Iconic Men's Biker Leather Jacket
From James Dean to modern rebels, the classic biker jacket has been a symbol of cool for generations. This rugged leather piece not only protects riders, but also makes a powerful style statement with its edgy, timeless vibe. If you're in the market for this wardrobe staple, read on to learn all about the history, styles, and how to choose the perfect men's biker jacket for you.
A Look Back at the Birth of an Icon The biker jacket traces its roots back to the early 20th century and the daredevil groups of riders that began appearing across America. In 1928, Irving Schott designed the first motorcycle jacket for the Long Island-based bike club "Bronx Garmet Corporation." Made from tough, flexible leather to protect riders from spills, this jacket's distinctive looks sparked a cultural phenomenon.
From the Rebels to the Runways Biker jackets really cemented their cool factor in the 1950s thanks to cult classics like Rebel Without a Cause starring James Dean in his iconic red bomber jacket. Rockers like Marlon Brando and punk groups of the 70s continued popularizing this bad-boy look. Flash forward to today and biker jackets remain closet essentials, walking high fashion runways and city streets alike.
Classic Biker Jacket Styles While updated versions hit the market each year, a few timeless designs reign supreme:
- Bomber/Flight Jacket - With a fitted shape, shirts/snap collar, and elasticized waist and cuffs
- Perfecto - Longer, belted jacket with a diagonal zipper and lapels
- Motorcycle Jacket - Zip-up with diagonal studs, shoulder epaulets, and a belted shape
How to Choose Your New Biker Jacket Now that you know the iconic history, how do you pick the right biker jacket for your style and budget? Here are some tips:
Leather Quality For a jacket built to last, invest in top-grain, full-grain, or genuine leather which gets better with age. Avoid lower-quality options labeled "genuine leather" or made with a plastic coating.
Fit Biker jackets should have a fitted yet flexible shape through the shoulders and sleeves. Be sure to try on different sizes and choose one that allows you to comfortably move your arms.
Budget You can find quality leather biker jackets anywhere from $100 to over $1,000. We recommend budgeting $150-$500 for a well-made jacket from a reputable retailer.
Our Biker Jackets: Affordable Quality Meets Bold Style At Crush on Retro, we pride ourselves on offering an outstanding selection of genuine leather biker jackets for men - combining premium materials, expert craftsmanship, and eye-catching looks. Our jackets start at just $145, with most styles around $200.
Crafted from buttery-soft, top-grain leather that only gets better with age, our collection features both classic and modern takes on the iconic biker aesthetic. With plenty of sizes, colors, and designs to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect jacket for making a standout statement on the road or downtown.
Check out your loved biker jackets, Rebel style starts here.