The 1910-40s was a special era that marked the birth of leather as a form of jackets. The inception of leather jackets wasn’t a need for style, as it is today, but a medium of utility.

During the time of World War 1, the U.S. aviators needed a warm layering against the freezing temperatures of high altitudes during open air cockpit fights. Think about it, you are fending off the enemy at a 10,000 feet altitude where temperatures went drastically down to -46°c! The best guise to prevent cold from freezing to death were leather jackets.

Nothing changed in WW2 but the iterations of leather jackets as contemporary gear was disposed of and was replaced with more thicker and durable options that helped the soldiers fighting at many fronts including trenches and open-air cockpit fights. This war was when the tailoring department of the U.S. army really needed to respond to the ‘survival of the fittest’ phase and thus A-2 bomber jackets were born.

Leather jackets have a lengthy lore to them that extends the course of time. From what was deemed as defiance and valiance would be revolutionized to rebellious if not fashionable. Tune in to explore the amazing evolution of leather jackets—what they were and what they are now.

Vintage Styles

Rebellious styles (1950s–70s)

Leather jackets are durable and rugged, and that is the reason why they started to be associated with gangs. It, however, wasn’t just their thick skin that attracted legions but also the classy black/brown shade that evoked a sense of badassery in the outside world. The rockabilly style was unmatched for its time being.

After the end of the war, these outerwears felt like a souvenir from the old but soon they found their own personality. True leather jacket devotees know that the first ever time a leather jacket took the screens was back in 1953 when the iconic outlaw biker movie The Wild One was released and it was the first ever time we saw Marlon Brando don a Schott Irving leather jacket. Although it wasn’t the debut of Brando in the filming industry, it sure as hell felt like it, especially with the rugged “cool guy” aesthetic that could be seen in the outerwear. Who’s idea was it to dress “bud” in a leather jacket? Believe it or not, it was Marlon Brando’s very own idea to don a biker jacket that added depth to the actor’s portrayal as Johnny Strebler.

Pop Culture Era (1980s–90s)

In other words, this was the ‘look good, feel good’ era. It was a time when we realized that leather jackets can be dressed up and down, and around a versatile outfit, which unlike rebellious styles didn’t require a strict adherence to dress codes.

As music and TV became more domesticated, new styles started to sprout in the name of leather jackets. Singers like David Bowie, The Ramones and oh, yes, Joan Jett had donned leather jackets as a part of their personality. And as the eighties started to kick-off, new designs came on the blueprint of leather jackets that were defined by the Brando era.

Designer Transformations

Design tweaks like symmetrical zippers, button studs, pins, elasticated waistbands, cuffs and oversized fitting started to take on the classy silhouette of leather jackets in the peak of leather jacket era. 

Gender-Neutral Fashion

Further on this trend, we got to see unisex designs that removed the need for specific zipper placements, epaulets and tailoring that broke the barriers between men’s and women’s wardrobe.

Tech-Integrated Jackets

Features like Dri-Fit technology, quilted lining, breathable membranes are some of the advancements that have enhanced the appeal of leather jackets. Even today, leather jackets are pushing the boundaries of leather to their fullest extent. 

Sustainable Reinventions

With sustainability practices taking over a plethora of industries, leather industry have also taken over ethical practices by providing options that are less cruel to animals such as faux shearling and vegan leather that are sustainable, yes, but also affordable.