About Motorcycle Jackets

The motorcycle jacket kicked into high gear in the 1920s, when they were fashioned after the military styles. The motorcycle jackets of today would no way be mistaken for something worn by a military enlistee, but instead are fashioned to outfit racers, no-frills bikers and even cutesy blonds who want a little white jacket with little pink piping. Regardless of the style, the function and care of the jackets should be the same. All can also be spruced up with customized touches.

Types

The main purpose of the motorcycle jacket is protection. All should fit snugly enough to keep the wearer firmly protected and warm but not too snugly that he cannot move. The outer material should also be thick and durable, with the ability to ward of scrapes and cuts if the cycle should fall and the driver skid across the highway. The leather should be treated to insure it is waterproof and easily cleaned of oil, grime and other filth that collects on a cruising motorcyclist.

Types

Leather is of the most common material for motorcycle jackets. Although many are plain black, others can come in a variety of hues. The biker jacket is usually black, often with large, pointed lapels. Racing jackets often come in a bright yellow or red with black accents and no lapels. Several women's jackets are available in white. Some styles are boxy and square, usually cut off at the waist or just below, while the racing type is usually more form fitting, hugging the body tighter.

Features

Heavy duty hardware is a must on any type of motorcycle jacket. Closures are often made of stainless steel or silver zippers or heavy silver snaps. The wrist bands, too, often offer some type of snap or zipper closure, as do the pockets to protect things from falling out of them. Some motorcycle jackets sport patches, rivets, decorative buttons or studs. Buckles are another common feature on many jackets, often closing off a belt around the waist area or buckling adjustments across the back.

Prevention/Solution

Tough as motorcycle jackets may be, they can be made even tougher with proper precautions. Spraying a new jacket with leather protector will give the jacket an additional defense against dirt, grime and the elements. Patching or repairing holes immediately will deter edges from growing or fraying. Regularly wiping the jacket down with a damp cloth after use and allowing to air out after a thunderstorm are other ways to keep it in top shape.

Considerations

In addition to any patches and hardware the wearer adds to the jacket, they can be painted to further customize the look. Either fine brushes or airbrushing techniques may be used to apply water-based acrylic paints to the back, sleeves or anywhere on the jacket. Some of the most common paintings include group or club insignia, skulls, flags or scrolls using a stencil. Some of the flashiest include flames, band logos, dragons and tribal art.