The classic leather motorcycle jacket is ingrained in motorcycle culture like nothing else. It’s featured in films and permeated American culture in ways that no other garment has in decades. It has practically defined what a motorcycle jacket is or should be.
And it’s still going strong. While this classic design might not have the clout in the motorcycle world that it once did, it’s still a popular item, and because of that, I wanted to take a closer look at it and makes some recommendations.
What Is a Classic Leather Motorcycle Jacket
The motorcycle jacket manufacturer Schott developed the first real motorcycle jacket. The company made a unique double-breasted design with a belt at the bottom that became a motorcycling and honestly an American Icon.
When you think of this style jacket, you see Marlon Brando in The Wild Ones. You see images of the Hells Angles and Harley-Davidson. The Schott leather jacket became synonymous with the overall image of the biker.
Now that identity has shifted and changed. New styles have entered in and helped reshape what it means to be a motorcyclist and the images that come to mind when you think motorcyclist.
However, this design has lived on. The large lapels, classic side-zipper design, and even the leather belt in many cases stayed. It’s still a popular design today, and for good reason.
What to Look for in a Classic Leather Motorcycle Jacket
When it comes to what you should expect in a classic leather motorcycle jacket, you really need to think about quality. Sure, there are plenty of cheap versions out there, and if you just want the style and no substance, they can be an okay option. But the real biker should look for the best.
Look for top-quality full-grain leather, YKK zippers, plenty of pockets, good ventilation, and zippers and snaps that are easy to use with your gloves on. All of these things matter and will help keep you comfortable, happy, and safe.
The true classic jackets forgo the armor in the elbows and shoulders for either padding or just really thick and sturdy leather. The current Schott leather jackets get 1.2 to 1.4 mm thick. Go with that thickness or thicker. Or if it is that thick or thinner, then go with something that has reinforcements or additional padding.
The 5 Best Classic Leather Motorcycle Jackets
I scoured the web looking for the best classic leather motorcycle jackets out there. I found hundreds of them. Thousands if you count the options that aren’t really made for motorcyclists.
If however, you want a biker jacket in this style that is built for motorcycle riding, and you want the best classic leather motorcycle jacket out there, then the five options below are perfect for you.
1. Schott 118 Perfecto Jacket
The Original, the one-and-only. The Schott 118 Perfecto leather motorcycle jacket is the jacket that started this design almost a century ago. Honestly, not much has changed. You get a double-breasted side-zipper design with multiple exterior pockets and a leather belt at the waist. There is no armor in this jacket, but the thick super high-quality cowhide leather makes up for it.
Check it out at Revzilla
Check it out at Amazon
2. Fox Creek Men’s Classic Motorcycle Jacket I
Fox Creek has its own version of the classic leather motorcycle jacket, and this is one of them. It features many of the same features as the iconic Schott jacket, but with some modern updates. It has some additional vents for airflow and pockets for armor if you would like to add it, which I do highly recommend.
Check it out at Fox Creek
3. Men’s Classic Motorcycle Jacket II
If you’re looking for an even more modern version of the classic side-zip motorcycle jacket, then you should check out this option from Fox Creek. Called the Classic Leather Motorcycle Jacket II, this one is a whole lot more streamlined and loses some of the additional pockets and the belt. It has adjustment on the sides and plenty of vents for airflow.
Check it out at Fox Creek
4. Fox Creek Traditional Motorcycle Jacket
Are the two Fox Creek options still not quite what you’re looking for? This one may be the answer. It features a minimal design, only a couple of pockets, adjustments on the sides of the jacket, a removable vest liner, inside pockets, and full-grain cowhide leather. It’s simple and lacks some of the vents and armor pockets of the other jackets, but it’s less expensive, too.
Check it out at Fox Creek
5. First Manufacturing Enforcer Jacket
Last but not least, I want to point to the First Manufacturing Enforcer Jacket. It has the traditional style, but offers quite a lot. There are chest vents, side pockets, a snap pocket for your keys, grommets under the arms for some additional airflow, two inner pockets, perforated action back, and a full-sleeve zip out liner.
Check it out at Revzilla
Check it out at Amazon
Do you own a classic biker jacket like this? What are your thoughts? I’ve always thought they were cool, but I’ve never owned one. A jacket like this is on my list of must-own pieces of gear for the future. If you have a thought about these jackets, leave a comment below.
