Over 50 wearing leather jackets

[jonesy86]

I drive a Prius and wear leather jackets on a tropical island, even shoes (kind of), and long pants sometimes. Go figure.

 

[Coriu]

I think he is obsessed with the 'tough guy' persona who care nothing about how they look and you better not mention it or the bad *** comes out. Even though he is browsing and posting in the outerwear section of a forum that cares about their appearance and could care less who thinks they are biker bad.
HD

Firstly, I am here to learn from others, yourself included, and possibly contribute. I am a former executive. People who don't care about their appearance don't have $5k+ suits and $25k worth of Italian dress shirts hanging in their closet. But now I enjoy dressing down and hanging out with a diverse bunch, including some hard-core bikers.

I grew up with a Korean War air force vet and an old school biker, so that's my paradigm as it relates to leather jackets...military and bikers. When I think of leather jackets, I think of the tough, blue-collar guys who wore them before leather was fashionable. For them it was utilitarian.

Today there are people who want to make a fashion statement with leather apparel, which is fine. My previous point was not that one should go out of there way to look like a slob when wearing a leather jacket. I read a rather negative comment in another thread implying that a guy with a gut looks terrible in a cafe racer. Since this thread is about older folks, I would think there would be an appreciation for the fact that many middle-aged Americans will never be able to meet the "standard" some set concerning how one should look when wearing a leather jacket...no different than with other types of clothing. Just as that fellow in the cafe racer might be trying to pull off a look that doesn't suit, a younger person wearing a jazzed up, period flight jacket while sipping cappuccino at the cafe looks a bit silly to a combat pilot who used to wear that same jacket while dodging MiGs.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Yeah I guess.

 

[ABCD]

I am a former executive. People who don't care about their appearance don't have $5k+ suits and $25k worth of Italian dress shirts hanging in their closet.

Money can't buy taste. Also, I don't care about your former occupation or the amount of money you've invested in building your wardrobe.

If you've got some cool outerwear you'd like to show, doesn't matter whether it's a $100 or a $1000 jacket, you're more than welcome to share it in the 'what jacket are you wearing' thread :

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/thr...ou-wearing-today.82949/page-1434#post-2751171

If you'd like to learn more about jacket makers and the different kinds of leathers they use, browse the forum or ask questions.

If you're looking for 'standards' concerning what people should or should not wear, this is probably not the right forum.

 

[MrProper]

Firstly, I am here to learn from others, yourself included, and possibly contribute. I am a former executive. People who don't care about their appearance don't have $5k+ suits and $25k worth of Italian dress shirts hanging in their closet. But now I enjoy dressing down and hanging out with a diverse bunch, including some hard-core bikers.

I grew up with a Korean War air force vet and an old school biker, so that's my paradigm as it relates to leather jackets...military and bikers. When I think of leather jackets, I think of the tough, blue-collar guys who wore them before leather was fashionable. For them it was utilitarian.

Today there are people who want to make a fashion statement with leather apparel, which is fine. My previous point was not that one should go out of there way to look like a slob when wearing a leather jacket. I read a rather negative comment in another thread implying that a guy with a gut looks terrible in a cafe racer. Since this thread is about older folks, I would think there would be an appreciation for the fact that many middle-aged Americans will never be able to meet the "standard" some set concerning how one should look when wearing a leather jacket...no different than with other types of clothing. Just as that fellow in the cafe racer might be trying to pull off a look that doesn't suit, a younger person wearing a jazzed up, period flight jacket while sipping cappuccino at the cafe looks a bit silly to a combat pilot who used to wear that same jacket while dodging MiGs.

That seems to me to be a very simplified view and is stereotyped thinking. Somehow does not fit into a more tolerant 2020.

Maybe you could think about why you are being triggered in this way. Obviously you associate a certain idea with leather jackets and if this is not met, then it seems strange/wrong to you.

Maybe the young flight jacket wearer drinking cappuccino is really a pilot/soldier/MMA or fire fighter or Batman? So a tough one? Would it be ok to wear this jacket then? Or is it maybe the drink? Would beer be ok?
So when is something okay for you and when is it not? Such a point of view often comes about because one believes that the status that one associates with it is being devalued.
E.g. if you associate leather jackets and tough guys and then all those wimps come here and wear these jackets too, then your status would be in danger because you don't want to be perceived as a wimp. And the easiest way to distance yourself from it is to devalue the others.
At least from your comment on the value of your wardrobe, I understand that status is important to you.

So, if the fat old man wears a Cafe Racer and feels comfortable in it and is happy, then I should be happy for him instead of devaluing him.

But maybe I just got it all wrong and am completely wrong.

 

[AbbaDatDeHat]

Firstly, I am here to learn from others, yourself included, and possibly contribute. I am a former executive. People who don't care about their appearance don't have $5k+ suits and $25k worth of Italian dress shirts hanging in their closet. But now I enjoy dressing down and hanging out with a diverse bunch, including some hard-core bikers.

I grew up with a Korean War air force vet and an old school biker, so that's my paradigm as it relates to leather jackets...military and bikers. When I think of leather jackets, I think of the tough, blue-collar guys who wore them before leather was fashionable. For them it was utilitarian.

Today there are people who want to make a fashion statement with leather apparel, which is fine. My previous point was not that one should go out of there way to look like a slob when wearing a leather jacket. I read a rather negative comment in another thread implying that a guy with a gut looks terrible in a cafe racer. Since this thread is about older folks, I would think there would be an appreciation for the fact that many middle-aged Americans will never be able to meet the "standard" some set concerning how one should look when wearing a leather jacket...no different than with other types of clothing. Just as that fellow in the cafe racer might be trying to pull off a look that doesn't suit, a younger person wearing a jazzed up, period flight jacket while sipping cappuccino at the cafe looks a bit silly to a combat pilot who used to wear that same jacket while dodging MiGs.

Welcome to the lounge.
Introduction received.
Why not just post some pics wearing your jackets and let them speak.
B

 

[AbbaDatDeHat]

85’ Langlitz “Biker” jacket.
Not tryin too hard to look like anything. I just dig the hat and jacket.
Also wearing carhartts...not a farmer, and brown military jump boots from @53’...not a paratrooper.
Just over 50, wearing stuff=me.
B

 

[Coriu]

Maybe you could think about why you are being triggered in this way. Obviously you associate a certain idea with leather jackets and if this is not met, then it seems strange/wrong to you.

Maybe the young flight jacket wearer drinking cappuccino is really a pilot/soldier/MMA or fire fighter or Batman? So a tough one? Would it be ok to wear this jacket then? Or is it maybe the drink? Would beer be ok?
So when is something okay for you and when is it not? Such a point of view often comes about because one believes that the status that one associates with it is being devalued.
E.g. if you associate leather jackets and tough guys and then all those wimps come here and wear these jackets too, then your status would be in danger because you don't want to be perceived as a wimp. And the easiest way to distance yourself from it is to devalue the others.
At least from your comment on the value of your wardrobe, I understand that status is important to you.

So, if the fat old man wears a Cafe Racer and feels comfortable in it and is happy, then I should be happy for him instead of devaluing him.

But maybe I just got it all wrong and am completely wrong.[/QUOTE]

I mentioned wardrobe for perspective. If enamored by status, I would not live in a rural area, drive a beat up pickup, and wear $10 Dickies jeans in town. To answer your question, there is nothing right or wrong about clothing. Because I see someone and think "that's odd" does not mean I think less of them as a person or feel threatened by them. If that's the case, there are a lot of people in the fashion industry who feel threatened by overweight people.
I would look out of place and pompous wearing expensive clothing in a community where people are literally starving, so I don't. Likewise, I think some people look a bit out-of-place at times wearing certain clothing that screams "look at me." That's what I meant previously about people trying too hard. Now, if it makes someone happy, that's great, and I appreciate your comment concerning that.
I read a comment elsewhere implying most leather jackets look like "leather balloons" on people. This person seemed to have a vision in their head of what someone "should" look like when wearing a leather jacket. I wear a leather balloon and didn't take his comment as being demeaning. He has a right to his opinion..one that is based upon his life experience and personal tastes. Likewise, I have a vision in my head of what works and doesn't work for certain people in certain settings. It doesn't mean I am right or wrong.

 

[Downunder G Man]

Saturday 19th Harley ride. 35C. At the pub stop with 'Captain Sensible" pale ale
Jackets off by this time , almost all textile , denim or canvas today in any case.
Left to right 67,80,62(me),74,67. And YES we are all "bikers" and I don't think we are "trying too hard"....

 

[Monitor]

That seems to me to be a very simplified view and is stereotyped thinking. Somehow does not fit into a more tolerant 2020.

Maybe you could think about why you are being triggered in this way. Obviously you associate a certain idea with leather jackets and if this is not met, then it seems strange/wrong to you.

Maybe the young flight jacket wearer drinking cappuccino is really a pilot/soldier/MMA or fire fighter or Batman? So a tough one? Would it be ok to wear this jacket then? Or is it maybe the drink? Would beer be ok?
So when is something okay for you and when is it not? Such a point of view often comes about because one believes that the status that one associates with it is being devalued.
E.g. if you associate leather jackets and tough guys and then all those wimps come here and wear these jackets too, then your status would be in danger because you don't want to be perceived as a wimp. And the easiest way to distance yourself from it is to devalue the others.
At least from your comment on the value of your wardrobe, I understand that status is important to you.

So, if the fat old man wears a Cafe Racer and feels comfortable in it and is happy, then I should be happy for him instead of devaluing him.

But maybe I just got it all wrong and am completely wrong.

This is well said. That's all.

 

[MrProper]

I mentioned wardrobe for perspective. If enamored by status, I would not live in a rural area, drive a beat up pickup, and wear $10 Dickies jeans in town. To answer your question, there is nothing right or wrong about clothing. Because I see someone and think "that's odd" does not mean I think less of them as a person or feel threatened by them. If that's the case, there are a lot of people in the fashion industry who feel threatened by overweight people.
I would look out of place and pompous wearing expensive clothing in a community where people are literally starving, so I don't. Likewise, I think some people look a bit out-of-place at times wearing certain clothing that screams "look at me." That's what I meant previously about people trying too hard. Now, if it makes someone happy, that's great, and I appreciate your comment concerning that.
I read a comment elsewhere implying most leather jackets look like "leather balloons" on people. This person seemed to have a vision in their head of what someone "should" look like when wearing a leather jacket. I wear a leather balloon and didn't take his comment as being demeaning. He has a right to his opinion..one that is based upon his life experience and personal tastes. Likewise, I have a vision in my head of what works and doesn't work for certain people in certain settings. It doesn't mean I am right or wrong.

I think we can leave it that way.
Just live and let live.
Have fun in the forum and enjoy the pictures

 

[Mark R]

Maybe you could think about why you are being triggered in this way. Obviously you associate a certain idea with leather jackets and if this is not met, then it seems strange/wrong to you.

Maybe the young flight jacket wearer drinking cappuccino is really a pilot/soldier/MMA or fire fighter or Batman? So a tough one? Would it be ok to wear this jacket then? Or is it maybe the drink? Would beer be ok?
So when is something okay for you and when is it not? Such a point of view often comes about because one believes that the status that one associates with it is being devalued.
E.g. if you associate leather jackets and tough guys and then all those wimps come here and wear these jackets too, then your status would be in danger because you don't want to be perceived as a wimp. And the easiest way to distance yourself from it is to devalue the others.
At least from your comment on the value of your wardrobe, I understand that status is important to you.

So, if the fat old man wears a Cafe Racer and feels comfortable in it and is happy, then I should be happy for him instead of devaluing him.

But maybe I just got it all wrong and am completely wrong.

I mentioned wardrobe for perspective. If enamored by status, I would not live in a rural area, drive a beat up pickup, and wear $10 Dickies jeans in town. To answer your question, there is nothing right or wrong about clothing. Because I see someone and think "that's odd" does not mean I think less of them as a person or feel threatened by them. If that's the case, there are a lot of people in the fashion industry who feel threatened by overweight people.
I would look out of place and pompous wearing expensive clothing in a community where people are literally starving, so I don't. Likewise, I think some people look a bit out-of-place at times wearing certain clothing that screams "look at me." That's what I meant previously about people trying too hard. Now, if it makes someone happy, that's great, and I appreciate your comment concerning that.
I read a comment elsewhere implying most leather jackets look like "leather balloons" on people. This person seemed to have a vision in their head of what someone "should" look like when wearing a leather jacket. I wear a leather balloon and didn't take his comment as being demeaning. He has a right to his opinion..one that is based upon his life experience and personal tastes. Likewise, I have a vision in my head of what works and doesn't work for certain people in certain settings. It doesn't mean I am right or wrong.[/QUOTE]

I just wear what makes me happy, don’t really worry about anyone else’s choice of clothing. If it also makes them happy and feel good it’s ok with me. I think by now at age 59 I know what works for me ( just about all my clothing is quite fitted). Honestly I don’t really care if anyone else likes my style or not. I need to get my wife to take a couple of photo’s of me in my jackets over Christmas.

 

[galvestonokie]

agree that the problem with trying to fit into milspec flight jackets is that we often don't have milspec dimensions any more. here's a pic of me wearing a Ralph Edwards G-1 7823B, size 46. very comfortable jacket. age was late 60s and maybe a bit sloppy with the t-shirt out. since i was in the Arabian desert, the pic was taken early in the morning in the winter at a petrol station and the jacket removed shortly thereafter.

 

[Yamahana]

Sears Oakbrook for New Years Friday night date with my gal. It’ll be 42 years this month and to think they said it wouldn’t last.

I had conditioned it earlier with some Bick 4 which softened up the dry stiff cuffs. I also found that the Bick 4 refreshed my dry 63 year old winter chapped hands better than anything I’ve tried. Think I’ll start moisturizing my hands with it in the winter.

 

[tmitchell59]

Sears Oakbrook for New Years Friday night date with my gal. It’ll be 42 years this month and to think they said it wouldn’t last.
View attachment 297183
View attachment 297184
I had conditioned it earlier with some Bick 4 which softened up the dry stiff cuffs. I also found that the Bick 4 refreshed my dry 63 year old winter chapped hands better than anything I’ve tried. Think I’ll start moisturizing my hands with it in the winter.

such a Beautiful picture, Congratulations.

 

[Harp]

... the "standard" some set concerning how one should look when wearing a leather jacket...no different than with other types of clothing. Just as that fellow in the cafe racer might be trying to pull off a look that doesn't suit, a younger person wearing a jazzed up, period flight jacket while sipping cappuccino at the cafe looks a bit silly to a combat pilot who used to wear that same jacket while dodging MiGs.

In my sixties, occasionally wear an Aero A2 with 101st Airborne, chest name tape, and crest sewn,
a souvenir from the US Army many moons ago. Last year at Starbucks one dawn the kid at the counter
asked if I was in during Vietnam. Told him yes, and he inquired, "That was what, forty years ago sir?"

Thanks, kid.

 

[Downunder G Man]

Today's jacket of choice my Simmons Bilt J100. Fine for the 18C outward journey , but too hot for the 33C return !
Same jacket and photo in the WJAYWT thread so spoiler alert ! 'Phone snap from the pub closest to the Fremantle docks.

At 62 (almost !) I was the youngest member of today's riding crew.

 

[MrProper]

 

[Seb Lucas]

View attachment 297209

Awesome photo Mr P. Awesome.

 

[Monitor]

View attachment 297209

Dunno why I don't follow you on IG yet but this has been fixed. Wish there was a scenery like this anywhere near me but then again, how would I get there...