Leather jackets and motorcycle rides just belong together. Leather has been the most commonly worn fabric by biking enthusiasts for decades. Whether on big screens, an imaginary description of a leading man in novels, or a passionate rider near you, they all wear leather jackets. But why?
Leather has unmatched capabilities compared to other textile materials, so it has stood out all these years. Tuff Gear breaks down the crucial advantages of leather motorcycle jackets and throws a few top picks in the end.
What are Leather Motorcycle Jackets
Leather motorcycle jackets are specifically designed motorcycle gear, manufactured with leather. Several kinds of leather are available, including cowhide, aniline, and buffalo hide. They are stylish, keep you safe, and are weather-resistant.
These jackets stay by the rider's side on and off-road, often worn during heavy outdoor activities, and age beautifully with every wear. They are deeply rooted in almost every culture, where each generation has carried it with their own stylish innovations.
5 Benefits of Wearing Leather Motorcycle Jackets
Regardless of age and gender, people across the globe swear by leather jackets. From fast-fashion lovers to aesthetically invested people, leather fits every category. Let’s see the topmost benefits of wearing a leather jacket;
Shields against impacts
Leather jackets can protect from sudden blows, and that is why riders from different backgrounds, including adventurers, daily commuters, or casual ones, rely on them. Whether you have hit the brakes too hard and got a high-speed slide, leather can absorb shock and protect your skin and joints.
Keeps you at ease
Leather comes with natural breathability and helps to regulate your body temperature, making it an absolutely amazing choice for cold rides on Australian trails like the Gibb River Road and the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. If you invest in a mesh lining in the leather jacket, it can help keep the moisture away and maintain airflow. A high-quality leather allows your skin to breathe and feels pliable and soft on the skin.
Moulds to your body shape
Leather has this exceptional characteristic to contour to your body shape, but only if you have chosen the right fit. Too loose or too tight will create mobility issues or restrictions in hand movements. Over time, leather conforms to your body shape. It’s often said that the old leather jacket is worth holding onto. It outperforms most of the textile jackets in durability.
Handles bad weather conditions
Leather is strong enough to face bad weather situations, from chilly winds to heavy rainfall. Some leather jackets are engineered with perforated leather panels to manage moisture and reduce distractions. It has a dense and durable structure to withstand sudden changes in weather or unexpected downpours. It is capable of resisting winds, so the rider keeps going.
Available in Fashionable Aesthetics
Leather is tough and equipped with a lot of useful characteristics. But that doesn't make it any less fashionable. From plain, easy-going style options to intricate and complex designs, leather motorcycle jackets offer all. For different riding needs like city commuting, off-trail adventures, or long-distance tours, leather jackets can provide comfort and come in many varieties.
Popular Alternatives to Leather
Though leather is irreplaceable in terms of its features and style options, there are other fabrics available that are heavily popular in motorcycle jackets, such as textile, Cordura, synthetic leather, mesh fabric, microfiber, and neoprene. Where textile fabric is lightweight and bought by riders for its breathability and affordability, Cordura is tough, giving the wearer a rough and tough look. It's an abrasion-resistant fabric.
If you want to buy a real leather alternative that looks and feels like real leather on the skin, synthetic leather is the one.
It's affordable and readily available. Mesh motorcycle jackets offer exceptional airflow and allow your skin to breathe, no matter what the weather is. It comes with all the protective features that one would look for in a motorcycle leather jacket. Microfiber is a soft and lightweight option, and a good choice for daily commuters. If you are looking for an alternative to wear in wet weather, neoprene will not disappoint. They are waterproof and flexible for any kind of riding.
Also Read: Leather vs. Textile Motorcycle Jackets: Which One to Choose?
Our Top Picks
1. Tuff Gear Motorcycle Leather Classic Retro Jacket - Black
This is a retro-inspired jacket made with a premium quality cowhide leather that feels soft on the skin and offers durability. This jacket has a mesh liner and ventilation zippers at the back, front, and arms for optimal airflow. It features CE-Level 2 approved armours and a removable quilt liner.
2. Motorcycle Leather Armour Jacket - Red
Ride in any weather condition with Tuff Gear's lightweight motorcycle jacket. It is manufactured with supreme quality, premium quality Matt Finish Milled Plated Buffalo hide leather and feels soft and strong on the skin. This jacket regulates your body temperature and allows air to flow to your skin freely. To wick the moisture away, it is equipped with a nylon-based mesh interior and a detachable quilted nylon inner/vest.
3. Motorcycle Leather Armour Jacket - Sport
This motorcycle leather armour jacket is built to withstand challenging riding conditions and provide impact protection. Whether sports or adventure, you can rely on it for extended durations on the trail. It has perforated leather panels at the front, dual front and rear vents to increase ventilation, and a detachable quilted nylon inner liner to make it easy to wear in any season.
The Endnote
Leather jackets have held their position in the motorcycle gear industry for decades, all credit goes to their outstanding features, from long-lasting durability and impact protection to offering a rugged, stylish look. You must know that a fake one cannot replace a real leather. If you are looking for all these benefits, only pure, genuine leather can deliver them.
Mohammad Akhtar