Leather jackets are the most popular types of coats for men’s and women’s wardrobe of today. The first ever use of leather as a full-fledged outerwear was in 1917 during World War 1 when the U.S. aviators wanted something that could sustain high air pressure and altitude during open air cockpits and thus bomber jackets were born. It was an essential part of military uniform, as seen among elderly people’s war memorabilia and Hollywood movies. Leather has transformed. What was once a choice of clothing became a cultural statement. Explore the complete story of leather jackets from past to present down below. 

Early Origins (Prehistoric To Medieval)

The use of leather dates back 4,000 years when hunters and gatherers use to skin animals for leather that they utilized for shelter, tools and you guessed it, clothing. It’s one of the rarest forms of material that has been preserved in fossils, dominating in neolithic ages and even before that era.

With the advancements in technology and ever-changing needs of humans, leather has seen one too many iterations throughout the course of time. One of the most well documented evidences of leather craftsmanship can be found in the Middle Ages, specifically in the Roman Ages, who took the leather blueprint from Egyptian and Greek civilizations with their signature spin in crafting armors, sandals, and everyday items like shoes, belts, etc.

Military adoption (WWI & WWII)

WWI

As we already gave you a quick sneak peek into history about leather’s use during the World War, let us expand the grainy hide on that and rewind the clocks to 1915. During the winter of 1915, the U.S. army was handed leather jerkins (a special type of leather made outerwear with contrasting sleeves) to battle the weather at the trenches. This was one of the earliest adaptations of leather among British military personnel, which was later caught on by international armies. What really made it a favorable guise was its construction. Made with a blend of oiled oxhide and khaki wool, it had the properties of both materials—exceptional durability and incredible warmth.

Once the war was over, it formed a rich patina as a memento of the past.

Later, in 1917, the U.S. Aviation had sought to find a solution for impoverished aviators who flew high altitudes in open-air cockpits as they had to curb the weather in mid-air. To curb this, the U.S. Aviation created bomber jackets, took carvings from young lambskin and created bomber jackets (they did experiment with horse hide and sealskin but the most functional proved to be leather). One of the earliest bomber jackets was the B-3 flight bomber jacket, a marvel of leather jackets worn by heroes. Having a shearling construction, they featured a wide wool collar, cuffs and deep front pockets that let you store/preserve your essentials. A compact design that offered rugged shell and superior comfort.

WWII

The B-3 bomber jacket was professionally brought into service in 1934, sixteen years after the first world war and roughly five years prior to the second world war. After the success of B-3 bomber jackets, the U.S. Aviation continuously expanded on the ‘leather for war’ conquest and brought updated designs like A-2 leather jackets and so on. 

Post-War Civilian Use

Leather jackets saw an overwhelming success in the not so militaristic lifestyle. The non-military leather jackets came with certain edits such as the commercial use of zippers instead of buttoned fasteners and the notorious use of epaulets. It gave leather jackets a second life and made it an everlasting fashion statement.

Hollywood influence (1950s–70s)

The credit goes to Irving Schott for bringing leather jackets to the silver screen. The first ever recorded instance of leather jacket worn by Marlon Brando who donned a biker leather jacket in the 1953 cult classic Wild One.

Once streamlined in the screen-scene, it became a contagious wardrobe choice handed to movie stars like James Dean in Rebel Without A Cause, Arnold Schwarznegger in Terminator, John Travolta in Grease and the list goes on.

Rise Of Subcultures (Punk, Biker)

With phases like punk culture, y2k and grunge, leather jackets became a cultural phenomenon. With a variety of music genres—pop, rock and rap donning the classic leather jacket silhouette, it’s no wonder that an animal hide could get so much love.

Modern fashion history

In the modern era, leather jackets have seen some revolutionary metamorphosis with revolutionary additions to their classic blueprint. Have a look at the classic B-3 flight jacket that once had a wool blend collar, can be found in raccoon fur trimmed collar.

That’s not all.

Leather jackets can now be found in multiple colors and differing tailor-work that fits the versatile mindset of fashion enthusiasts. 

The Leather Jacket Reign Continues

To this day. Despite being heavier and more expensive than synthetic garments like fleece and nylon, leather stands unmoved. Who would’ve that something that was once worn by heroes can be a civilian must-have.