Leather riding jackets came into popularity during the early days of aviation when pilots flew in open-air cockpit airplanes and needed protection from the elements. Motorcycle riders, in the first part of the twentieth century, followed their example and chose leather because it was best suited for the dangers of the road. From there, the designs evolved into today’s classic look, that we call a motorcycle jacket.

Originally, true motorcycle jackets were designed to provide the wearer some amount of protection for their body’s skin and internal organs such as kidneys, with a way to seal the garment from chilling winds and wet weather. The wider belt along the bottom half of the jacket tightens securely around the lower back to provide some amount of kidney protection from the shocks and bumps of the road as well as the chill of the air. This is why the backs of the jackets in authentic ware are cut longer so that they cover and support the lower back of the rider.

The leather used to produce them is usually heavy sheets of horsehide or cowhide. The US has an abundance of cows, so we provide exceptionally tough cowhide. This extra strength and extremely durable material provide a rider with an extra element of protection should the bike go into a skid or crash.

The classic jacket is black leather but don’t let the appearance or name fool you. Some of the jackets may look like the original from afar, but that’s where the similarity ends. They are usually made of soft and supple leather with no reinforcement. These are strictly for looks. Real motorcycle riders avoid them. The classic look is not the only option in motorcycle jackets these days.

The popularity of motorcycles is gaining strength every year. The new riders are likely to be refined professionals, doctors, lawyers and such. They have an image to put forth and manufacturers are meeting that demand with more sophisticated motorcycle ware. They have gone so far as to develop his and hers matching jackets in a variety of leather colors and stunning silk screen designs. The old bikers cringe at the thought of their image being desecrated, but things change.

Not to be left in advancing technology’s wake, some manufacturers offer versions with built in safety features such as turn signals and brake lights, which even die-hard bikers might believe to be a terrific idea.

One can only wonder what the Fonz and Marlon and his buddy James Dean would have to say about the situation.