Bikers’ lifestyle has a huge impact on their appearance. Their look is a mixture of functionality and fashion. For example, a leather jacket, despite its popularity among fashionistas, is a functional wardrobe item, while skull rings are purely fashionable. If you want to put together a cool biker look, you need to know more about its building blocks.
Leather Jacket
A leather biker jacket debuted in the 1920s when an owner of a sewing company and avid motorcyclist Irving Schott adapted a military raincoat for riding. Over the next 20 years, the jacket went through minor changes, for example, acquired a slanting zipper as well as small zippers on the wrists. These modifications were made for fighter pilots but bikers fancied them, too. Since the very first motorcycle clubs consisted of retired military men, it comes as no surprise that leather jackets quickly spread across the biker community.
Vest
A sleeveless jacket (cut-off) quickly became a staple of biker fashion, especially in southern regions of the United States where wearing a full-blown jacket is too hot, to say the least. Therefore, instead of windproof leather outerwear, motorcyclists opt for lightweight vests. They put them on a naked body or a T-shirt. Such vests are often constructed from denim, although leather models are not uncommon.
A distinctive feature of biker vests are patches. Patches on the back carry information about the club a biker belongs to, its location, and logo. Together, these elements are called the colors. In addition to colors, a vest can have patches with the name or nickname of a biker, his rank in the club, as well as various biker symbols.
Durable Thick Sole Boots
The prototype of modern biker footwear is engineering boots. Originally, they were created for railway engineers but bikers liked their sturdiness and functionality. They sit tight around the foot thanks to lacing, and a thick sole with a deep pattern prevent a foot from slipping from a footpeg. These boots are easy to maintain and they are durable enough to not fall apart even after years in service.
Rings
The king of all biker accessories is a biker ring, especially adorned with skulls. At one time, bikers did not wear any jewelry at all but everything changed in an instant when motorcyclists discovered Mexican rings. For jewelry of this size and respectful weight, they were amazingly cheap. In the middle of the 20th century, an economic crisis was raging in Mexico. The local currency lost more than half of its value. Small coins became virtually worthless. Sharp-witted artisans started melting them into crafts and jewelry. Rings made of Centavos became the very first biker jewelry.
Bikers loved Mexican rings not only for their bold appearance but also for their ability to substitute brass knuckles. The Johnny Law banned brass knuckles in many states but heavy and massive rings became a great alternative. Now few people consider rings as a replacement for brass knuckles. Instead, bikers value them for their symbolism and a touch of masculinity they add to their look. Along with rings, motorcyclists benefit from necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and pendants, especially if they are cast from silver and feature audacious symbolism.
Chain Wallet
You definitely saw chains hanging from biker belts. Many wear chains without a particular reason - it is just a fashion accessory. But not bikers. Chains perform an important role for them. They help keep the wallet in the pocket. It would be a tragedy to ride a thousand miles and find an empty pocket. However, if a wallet is literally tied to its owner, there is no chance that it can evaporate.
Essentially, a chain wallet is two individual items. Wallets are usually made of leather, especially leather of exotic animals as it is a champion in durability. Chains can also be crafted of leather – it is inferior in sturdiness to metal but it can create a unique image with a touch of the wild west. Nevertheless, the most popular chain options are made of silver and steel. They are strong and eye-catching. Plus, if a biker is engaged in a brawl, they can pass for a makeshift weapon.
Protective Gears
Once upon a time, rebellious bikers did not wear helmets. However, huge fines and the possibility of losing their driver's license made them change their mind. Now, a helmet is an obligatory element of a biker look. To give it uniqueness, bikers customize it with stickers or drawings featuring club symbols or totem animals.
Among other protective gears, goggles and gauntlets are a must. Motorcyclists ride their mean machines in rain, snow, wind, and heat, so they just need a means of protection from all natural phenomena. This stuff is not needed when you’re off the bike but many motorcyclists utilize goggles as accessories.
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