Where do you fall on the functionality continuum?

Superfluous · Aug 19, 2018

Some here buy leather jackets primarily for utilitarian / functional purposes – for example, as protective gear when riding a motorcycle. Others here purchase leather jackets for purely aesthetic reasons, with no purpose other than to look good when worn. Many – perhaps most – fall somewhere in between pure functionality and pure aesthetics.

Personally, I purchase jackets purely for aesthetic reasons – I like the style/look of certain leather jackets. Other than the inherent warmth factor, functionality is not a consideration for me. I do not care one iota if the jacket provides adequate protection, or any protection at all. That is not to say that the robustness of the leather is not a factor – it is. However, the robustness of the leather is only relevant to me for aesthetic and experiential purposes (e.g., how it feels when worn).

Disregarding warmth considerations – which are largely climate driven – where do you fall on the functionality continuum? Disregarding warmth, do leather jackets serve any purpose or function for you beyond aesthetics? If functionality plays a role, how so, and how do you balance your particular functionality requirements versus the aesthetics of the jacket?

belfastboy · Aug 19, 2018

Superfluous said:
Some here buy leather jackets primarily for utilitarian / functional purposes – for example, as protective gear when riding a motorcycle. Others here purchase leather jackets for purely aesthetic reasons, with no purpose other than to look good when worn. Many – perhaps most – fall somewhere in between pure functionality and pure aesthetics.

Personally, I purchase jackets purely for aesthetic reasons – I like the style/look of certain leather jackets. Other than the inherent warmth factor, functionality is not a consideration for me. I do not care one iota if the jacket provides adequate protection, or any protection at all. That is not to say that the robustness of the leather is not a factor – it is. However, the robustness of the leather is only relevant to me for aesthetic and experiential purposes (e.g., how it feels when worn).

Disregarding warmth considerations – which are largely climate driven – where do you fall on the functionality continuum? Disregarding warmth, do leather jackets serve any purpose or function for you beyond aesthetics? If functionality plays a role, how so, and how do you balance your particular functionality requirements versus the aesthetics of the jacket?

I have a modest collection of mid range price point jackets in a wide variety of hides. All of them purchased purely for aesthetic reasons. I like how they look and feel. For warmth and functionality (I am not a moto rider) I have a selection of wool (Filson) jackets and overcoats.

zebedee · Aug 19, 2018

Functionality plays a large part for me- I have a Highwayman with modified inner pockets that will fit a couple of paperbacks on each side or an ipad. I tend to select jackets that- sometimes with alterations- will act as a piece of small luggage so that I do not need to lug a bag around. I work in different climates, so I have a lighter, goat jacket for Hong Kong and chose a Stockman for Shanghai (and potentially Korean) winters, but these are also 'storers'. Generally, jackets that I have bought for aesthetic reasons I wear less than ones that have 'storage space', but that is because I don't like having to carry a small bag with things I might need for work. If I were in Ho Chi Minh, I'd wear a lighter (non-leather) jacket with big pockets.

Willybob · Aug 19, 2018

Great question.

Carlos840 · Aug 19, 2018

IMO this is impossible to answer.

As a functional garment the leather jacket is pretty much obsolete, there is nothing it does better than modern fabrics apart maybe protecting you from abrasion and to some extent fire.
Other than that, modern fabrics are lighter, warmer, more breathable, more waterproof and cheaper, outside of a motorcycle safety context leather cannot win a functionality contest.
Thus if we really cared about functionality outside of motorcycle safety, all of us would chose to wear something else!

I don't think functionality as in "can i fit all my stuff in the pockets" is relevant, since it really is unique to each of us, and isn't why we wear leather either. Personally when i am out of the house i am either carrying only wallet, keys and phone which all fit in my pants, or i am carrying a bag if i need more. My jacket pockets are empty and zipped up 95% of the time.

I think the question should really be do you buy leather jackets for protection, or for nostalgic aesthetics.

In my case it is 100% for nostalgic aesthetics, with the useful bonus that i can wear some of them on the bike.
If i want real protection/functionality on the bike, i wear a leather power ranger suit.

zebedee · Aug 19, 2018

I rarely wear jackets that don't have storage space, and the Highwayman has been both that and a weather beater for 7 or 8 years, long after most other material jackets have worn through. Put another way, I wouldn't wear a leather jacket to be fashionable or look sharp (I am not overly bothered)- I have overcoats for that, and sport coat-type things. If I'm comfortable and can lug things around, I'm happy.

What probably saved me from large-scale mickey-taking is the fact that there isn't much of a dress code in what I do and I work with a fair bunch of eccentrics, anyway.

jacketjunkie · Aug 19, 2018

I think it was Albert Einstein who said something along the lines that buying a leather jacket solves a man's need for a coat for a long while. This aspect, the longevity, the overbuiltness of a well constructed leather jacket was what got me first hooked up when I bought my first Aero Teamster some years ago. This longevity thing is an aspect which probably belongs in the functionality section. (Carlos is right that leather is outdated as a material but let's for the sake of the argument assume that the question is not leather or no leather jacket but which leather jacket.) So for my first jacket, it certainly was mostly a functionality thing.. I wanted a sturdy coat that would serve me for many years. But I guess it would be illusional to claim any of the 48573758682818 jackets I bought after this first one was bought for any reason better than "I saw it and I wanted it" which translates to aesthetics in your equation.. now, if I'm doing the math correctly, on the functionality-aesthetics scale I bought for 48573758682818/48573758682819 or 99,9999999999% aesthetic reasons and 0,0000000001% functional reasons.

Carlos840 · Aug 19, 2018

jacketjunkie said:
I think it was Albert Einstein who said something along the lines that buying a leather jacket solves a man's need for a coat for a long while. This aspect, the longevity, the overbuiltness of a well constructed leather jacket was what got me first hooked up when I bought my first Aero Teamster some years ago. This longevity thing is an aspect which probably belongs in the functionality section. (Carlos is right that leather is outdated as a material but let's for the sake of the argument assume that the question is not leather or no leather jacket but which leather jacket.) So for my first jacket, it certainly was mostly a functionality thing.. I wanted a sturdy coat that would serve me for many years. But I guess it would be illusional to claim any of the 48573758682819 jackets I bought after this first one was bought for any reason better than "I saw it and I wanted it" which translates to aesthetics in your equation.. now, if I'm doing the math correctly, on the functionality-aesthetics scale I bought for 48573758682818/48573758682819 or 99,9999999999% aesthetic reasons and 0,0000000001% functional reasons.

I don't think leather is outdated as a material. In shoes, wallets, belts, desk cover, couches, saddles, it still makes sens! But in garments it really doesn't outside of the motorcycle scenario.
This means that if we wear a leather jacket outside of riding we are already making a concession to functionality, whether we admit it or not.

To me this is most obviously seen in bags.
I would love to use a nice Saddleback duffle, but they cost $800 and most importantly they weigh 8.3lb empty.
That's almost half of the allowed weight of a carry on gone, just with an empty bag.
An equivalent sized North Face bag will cost you $120 and weighs 3lb. Everything about the North Face Duffel is better, it is lighter, easier to pack, will keep your things dry, will not need any care, and will probably last just as long as the Saddleback.
It won't look as cool in the end, i'll give you that, but I still travel with a NF duffel. IMO it is the most functional/efficient way to carry stuff around.

The same logic applies to leather jackets, although there i am ready to pay the price of outdated technology because the way it looks/feels is more important to me than its function. But i wouldn't try to argue that a leather jacket is more functional than a north face one.

red devil · Aug 19, 2018

It started as a purely aesthetic consideration for me, as a teenage, I got a cross zip because that's what many rock stars wore, and I liked the style.
Later as I got a motorbike, I found it to work well enough for riding as well. And that goes for functionality. Of course, that jacket was nowhere near as good as a pure riding jacket with armour, but still good enough for riding. I had no plans whatsoever to invest in a specialised suit back then.
I also found it to be a versatile jacket for everyday wear, I could layer under it if it got really cold, so that goes for personal functionality?
After this period, I got interested in fashion jackets (thought that they were high end), and went full on for aesthetics again.
Later on, I discovered workwear and fell again into the rabbit hole, deeper than ever

And recently, got back to riding, and found out that most of my jacket can be worn adequately on a motorbike, some better than others... But I ordered a full on riding suit with armour this time (in leather of course).
So I guess I went full circle?

In conclusion, if there is any conclusion to this, I have been fluctuating between both ends of the scale, and own jackets in the full range as well. So am I doomed?

ton312 · Aug 19, 2018

My preference is clearly for heavy leather but I can't lie and say it's for it's functional capabilities. Haven't had my HD out in 4 years, and even when I did I seldom wore a leather jacket. So I think I fall on the aesthetic/style side for sure.
I originally purchased leather jackets for a purpose and that has guided my opinion of what makes a quality jacket ever since. I can't claim that a 10lb plus jacket is something I need in daily life. But I will say I need it to enjoy life (a bit more).

Seb Lucas · Aug 19, 2018

Aesthetics? A group of women under 30 where I work were talking about men in leather jackets. Their view was that leather jackets were mainly an older guy thing - possibly as an attempt to look youthful or cool. I've heard this kind of opinion from women over the years. I wonder if a guy in his fifties wearing a leather jacket is just the modern equivalent of a comb over?

I like leather jackets because they develop a good look as they wear and can be kept clean with a warm soapy cloth. Can't do that with too many other garments - they are wonderfully practical and long lasting. Not sure any of the modern fabrics really can compete with leather yet as a kicking around town garment. Will I be able to wear a North Face bionic for 25 years and will it look better with each passing year?

Fanch · Aug 19, 2018

I don't think I wear my leather jackets to look cool, or even to feel cool. For whatever reason I have just liked leather jackets ever since I was issued my USN G-1 in 1967.

Superfluous · Aug 19, 2018

Seb Lucas said:
A group of women under 30 where I work were talking about men in leather jackets. Their view was that leather jackets were mainly an older guy thing - possibly as an attempt to look youthful or cool. I've heard this kind of opinion from women over the years. I wonder if a guy in his fifties wearing a leather jacket is just the modern equivalent of a comb over?

Ironically, many cannot afford a good leather jacket until their fifties, yet wearing a good leather jacket in your fifties is perceived as an attempt to look like you are twenty . . . when you could not afford a good leather jacket. I give up.

WTT: Himel Kensington for Burberry trench coat . . . will include a Good Wear Imperial for a sturdy cane.

ton312 · Aug 19, 2018

I definitely feel cool in my leather jackets, but that's for me. I just love the feel of them...even when a textile equivalent might actually look or fit better. I've always received compliments from men and women alike. I think mainly b/c they've never seen or experienced leather like CXL. It's like going from Bud Light to Half Acre.
I'm absolutely trying to stay young as well. I'm not wearing bedazzled jeans or shiny shirts but I do work hard daily at maintaining my health and fitness levels. I'm determined to maintain the ability to dish out at least 30 seconds of Hell, for as long as possible. Eventually it will pass but I won't go quietly...

Professor100 · Aug 20, 2018

I am in the exact center on the functionality-aesthetic continuum. I have a fqhh aero halfbelt deluxe (sans the patch pockets) that I'm going to put up for sale soon because, while it's gorgeous, it's too heavy for me to pack, or even wear every day. On the other hand I have an Aero 30's halfbelt/cossack hybrid in seal goatskin that is very functional. I've worn it everywhere, doing everything, and it's waterproof, light, and incredibly damage proof, but I would prefer a better color. In other words, I have two perfectly fine jackets but my desire for the marriage of functionality and aesthetics will ultimately lead me to get another leather jacket. That's why we buy leather jackets. Even if non-leather may be more functional in many respects, it isn't as aesthetically pleasing AND functional as leather is.

sweetfights · Aug 20, 2018

ton312 said:
I definitely feel cool in my leather jackets, but that's for me. I just love the feel of them...even when a textile equivalent might actually look or fit better. I've always received compliments from men and women alike. I think mainly b/c they've never seen or experienced leather like CXL. It's like going from Bud Light to Half Acre.
I'm absolutely trying to stay young as well. I'm not wearing bedazzled jeans or shiny shirts but I do work hard daily at maintaining my health and fitness levels. I'm determined to maintain the ability to dish out at least 30 seconds of Hell, for as long as possible. Eventually it will pass but I won't go quietly...

I relate.

ton312 · Aug 20, 2018

Professor100 said:
I have a fqhh aero halfbelt deluxe (sans the patch pockets) that I'm going to put up for sale soon

So um...what size is that there HB deluxe you wish to sell??

Harris HTM · Aug 20, 2018

For me it is 100% aeshetics. The only case I used my leather as a work item was last February during a night inspection, hanging under the deck of the famous Waal bridge in Nijmegen (see operation Market Garden); at such a subfreezing and windy night out in the open I had my B3 on.

Benny Holiday · Aug 20, 2018

It's an aesthetic thing for me too. I'm into the whole Golden Era look and when I saw Tobey Maguire's jacket in Seabiscuit I really, really, like REALLY wanted one (you guys can relate to that no doubt). So In 2005 I bought my halfbelt. I've spent the last 13 winters struttin' around thinking I look like some cat out of the 1930s Great Depression wearing heavy chinos or work pants, chinstrap wool or chambray shirt, eight panel cap, William Lennon work boots and the halfbelt. Everyone else probably thinks I'm a wanker, but in my own mind . . . I'm cool.

ton312 · Aug 20, 2018

Benny Holiday said:
It's an aesthetic thing for me too. I'm into the whole Golden Era look and when I saw Tobey Maguire's jacket in Seabiscuit I really, really, like REALLY wanted one (you guys can relate to that no doubt). So In 2005 I bought my halfbelt. I've spent the last 13 winters struttin' around thinking I look like some cat out of the 1930s Great Depression wearing heavy chinos or work pants, chinstrap wool or chambray shirt, eight panel cap, William Lennon work boots and the halfbelt. Everyone else probably thinks I'm a wanker, but in my own mind . . . I'm cool.

Man anybody that thinks you're a wanker is just a jealous fool. I need to start putting myself together like that! Sadly, after the jacket, it all goes to Hell in a hand basket.

Where do you fall on the functionality continuum?

My Mail is Forwarded Here

One Too Many

A-List Customer

I'll Lock Up

One Too Many

Call Me a Cab

I'll Lock Up

My Mail is Forwarded Here

I'll Lock Up

I'll Lock Up

My Mail is Forwarded Here

New in Town

My Mail is Forwarded Here

One Too Many

My Mail is Forwarded Here

Similar threads

Log in

Forum statistics