But a leather jacket will protect your back if you pull guard! Without a leather jacket you are going to stab your back full of needles, glass shards and legos!
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Why a Leather Jacket?
- Thread starter Johnny Deadlifts
- Start date
But a leather jacket will protect your back if you pull guard! Without a leather jacket you are going to stab your back full of needles, glass shards and legos!
TheDonEffect
Practically Family
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- 610
But you could get lapel choked! Plus creates a ton of handles to help them pass.
Strictly speaking, from a rational point of view, there is no reason for a leather jacket today.
Heavy, not insulating, actually impractical when compared to high tech materials.
But they look cool and fit differently than fabric jackets. And they last forever. I like to have things that are made to last forever, even if I don't need it.
With Shearlings comes in addition that I have not yet found a synthetic fiber or even down, which gives me such a comfortable climate as Shearling.
And besides, leather jackets are an old man thing and therefore I have to live up to the reputation LOL
Heavy, not insulating, actually impractical when compared to high tech materials.
But they look cool and fit differently than fabric jackets. And they last forever. I like to have things that are made to last forever, even if I don't need it.
With Shearlings comes in addition that I have not yet found a synthetic fiber or even down, which gives me such a comfortable climate as Shearling.
And besides, leather jackets are an old man thing and therefore I have to live up to the reputation LOL
Johnny Deadlifts
A-List Customer
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Lol, I didn't consider the back protection it would provide.
Johnny Deadlifts
A-List Customer
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I know right? Then again some of my jackets are so stiff I could never get arm bared or Americana'd; I'd never get close to tapping.lol
Johnny Deadlifts
A-List Customer
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Very true. Much like there's no comparison between an automatic and a standard car for ease of driving; but when you drive a standard you are part of the vehicle and it's past. I get the same feeling when wearing heavier, older hides; not easy or even necessary but unmatched by modern fabric for feel, weight and presence. And yes they help old guys represent as well.lol
Johnny Deadlifts
A-List Customer
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Well said. I struggle a bit with "kept to the necessary". Though it's good advise, I require more time to figure that out; trial and error growing pains I guess.
Brandrea33
One Too Many
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For me its the intangible … wearing a leather jacket makes me feel a certain way and I like it.
Edward
Bartender
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Totally. It's an extension of Joe's "Like Trousers, Like Brain" manifesto imo. For me, the leather jacket quest began in earnest when I was about fifteen, with all the imagery of motorcycles and rock and roll. I wanted a Perfecto type, like Alice Cooper - a few years later, it was Joey Ramone, then later again Marlon Brando. Same buzz, though. The look, the feel, the smell. Anything other than a bike jacket - and a very narrow range, at that: it had to be in the general lancer-front area - though I did also admire Sid Vicious' Dominator - and it had to be black. And hefty, as 'real' bike leathers were in the eighties. Other Colours only came much later on when I got more into clothes in general. An Indiana Jones thing in part - though I'd been an Indy fan since 1984, it was many more years before he became a style icon for me as well. That opened the door to brown leather, other colours, and all sorts of non-motorcycle styles.
I find leather practical for me - great to throw on, I feel a sense of being 'protected'. Even in a light leather, The fact it's wipe-clean gives a sense of utility that wool or such lacks.
Automatics were not at all common this side of the Atlantic when I last drove (I moved to central London twenty four years ago, so while I have kept my licence up to date, I've not driven since. No need. A car's a money-pit I'd rather avoid, though if I were ever financially secure to the point of not needing to think about it, I would love to run a hobby car. That said, so far I choose to live in London over being able to afford a house with a garage...). My dad had a couple of autos, but I hated driving them. Between the autobox and power steering, it always felt far too easy, like driving a dodgem. Never liked power windows either, but that's a whole nother can o'worms!
Funny thing is, the heavy hide thing, which isn't as big here as it was fifteen or so years ago, is - along with 24oz denim and such - somewhat ahistorical. Some bike leathers (especially old, German bullhide) aside, leather jackets back pre 1960 were actually on average much lighter than some of the hides now popular. I think there are some designs that work much better in a lighter hide - I remember being shown a pleated- back jacket in a very heavy steer where the pleats didn't really operate as intended because of the weight of the hide.
El Marro
My Mail is Forwarded Here
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So true. And people notice as well. A leather jacket elicits comments in a way that no fabric jacket ever will.
Brandrea33
One Too Many
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This happened to me just the other day. I was out for a walk and a young chap, complimented me on my jacket … it was a bit weird and strangely satisfying all at the same time
Worf
I'll Lock Up
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- Troy, New York, USA
It started with me trying to be comfortable in upstate New York winters. I started out with leather car coats. Then I caught the A2 bug and it all flowed from there. I cut an imposing figure without a leather, but in leather with a cap or hat I'm practically terrifying! After losing almost 100 pounds since I began this journey it's now more about style than intimidation. I like leather I suppose (don't take that last statement into the gutter you cretins) and I love TFL.
This is where it all began....
Worf
This is where it all began....
Worf
Johnny Deadlifts
A-List Customer
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Jesus, I'm sure the people in your inner circle have little to fear with you guarding the gate.lol
For me it started with my father being a police officer in Philadelphia wearing leather jacket which made him look cool, in control, assertive and comfortable during the winter. Then when I was in my early teens I got into rock ‘n’ roll and those four guys leaning against the wall, on the album cover, with black leather jackets and ripped leans blitzkrieged bopped and solidified my love for leather jackets. Later I discovered the versatility of the garment. It can be dressed up or down, casual or business and nothing beats leather on a motorcycle. And they last a couple of lifetimes.
I would disagree with @MrProper on the fact that leather jackets are not necessary nowadays. A down jacket or a fleece or any other “modern material” outwear cannot provide the look, comfort, versatility and functionality of a well-chosen leather jacket.
I would disagree with @MrProper on the fact that leather jackets are not necessary nowadays. A down jacket or a fleece or any other “modern material” outwear cannot provide the look, comfort, versatility and functionality of a well-chosen leather jacket.
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I agree 100%. More time I spend in leather, more I realize how horrible it is. Just no benefits over any other material when it comes to functionality but nevertheless, I am glad we all live well enough to be able to prioritize look over all the other aspects our garment should provide us with.
Viking752
Practically Family
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I can only speak for myself but I have to believe others have a similar thought. Pulling on that leather jacket really does give me a sense of confidence, maybe even a bit of swagger. Let’s face it, not everyone can pull off wearing the leather jacket we spent so much time researching and acquiring. I do find it funny how the vast majority of the population has very little idea if your jacket was $100 or $5000, or how much time and energy it takes to find that perfect one. YMMV
Worf
I'll Lock Up
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Like most big guys... I'm pretty peaceful. I NEVER go looking for trouble. As my dad used to say...
"Boy.... don't go looking for trouble... You sit still long enough and it'll find you!"
Worf
Needed a winter coat many years ago and picked up a Sam Walker Barnstormer at a market for £120. Gave it away 20 years later but realized I missed a leather jacket. Bought 2 over the last three years and love wearing them no matter what comments are made. That feel good factor plays a big part. Also love old model trench coats and waxed jackets.
