Bikers are a proud lot. And rightfully so, and it takes a certain kind of guts to strap on the helmet and hop on the hog, especially in this town where more people ride bikes than drive cars.
But there’s one thing that bikers all have in common: their leather jackets. They’re tough as hell, make you look like a badass, and can go with anything from jeans to khakis for work or play. But if your jacket looks faded or frayed around the edges, it might be time to take it up a notch with some new style ideas.
Here we’ll show you how to mix up your wardrobe with just a few new things–the right way–and bring your tired old biker back to life.
Biker jackets are an instant style upgrade, even if it’s just your old one from high school. But there are some key things to keep in mind, so you don’t wind up looking like a tween at his first rock concert. Here are our top tips for how to wear your biker jacket the right way.
Layer Up Other Leather
Non-leather jackets are all the rage these days, but sometimes they’re not exactly riding weather–and they definitely can’t take the place of a leather bomber or biker when it gets rough outside. So layer up with other leathers that look great together and won’t make anyone think you raided your little’s closet.
For a classic look, go with a black leather jacket under a brown leather bomber. But if you’re going for something a little more vintage, throw on a distressed black biker under a slimmer brown car coat.
Patches
Patches are a great way to add a distinct personality to your jacket without getting too crazy–you can get motorcycle vest patches collection anywhere, especially online. The trick is to know where you want your patches and how many you want. We recommend just one or two on the front or back of your jacket for a classic look that isn’t overwhelming. Whatever you do, please don’t go overboard with more than three patches.
Amp Up Your Accessories
Bikers are built to stand out from the crowd, and even if that means getting stopped for speeding, there’s no reason not to do up your jacket right. So don’t be afraid to let your accessories play off each other in some cool ways, but leave it at that. You want people looking at you face-to-face, not down at your shoes or over their sunglasses.
Up top, you can go all out with a pair of metallic shades–just make sure they aren’t too big. And down below, feel free to bring it all together with a huge belt buckle–just make sure it’s not too flashy; we’re talking metal here, people!
Let Your Personality Shine
The great thing about biker jackets is that they really let your style shine through. So don’t be afraid to do you when rocking your leather jacket. It shouldn’t look like you tried to do the latest trends but wound up looking like everyone else at the party. That might work for jeans and t-shirts, but real styles stand out from the crowd, like these three simple tweaks that can take any old biker into modern territory without breaking a sweat:
A bolder color: Go bright with lime green, royal blue, or even a fire engine red–just make sure you can pull it off.
A bolder style: Feel like getting artsy with your biker? Take it outside the box with something creative like adding leather sleeves or studs (round or pyramid-shaped).
More pockets: Bikers practically scream practicality but don’t be afraid to push your jacket’s boundaries if that’s what makes you feel good. Adding more pockets is always in style and adds some serious personality to any old jacket.
Keep It Simple
If you’re going for a classic look, keep it simple by sticking to the basics: black and brown leather mixed up with other neutral colors like gray and dark blue. But if you want to make your jacket stand out from the rest, go all-out with some color or alternative styles (a graphic panel on the back is always a good idea). Just remember to stay true to yourself and what makes you feel good. Don’t do anything that seems too trendy just for the sake of being different–if it doesn’t reflect your personality, then the chances are high that you’ll simply be losing style points rather than gaining them!
Mix Up Your Fabrics
Leather jackets look great with denim, but when it comes time to switch things up, try swapping out your jeans for chinos or corduroys. And if boots are more your thing, then add some flair by switching into suede instead (just make sure you don’t overdo it).
Conclusion
Style is all about expressing yourself and what makes you feel good. So don’t be afraid to push your biker’s boundaries a little bit with the perfect mix of edge and sophistication. And remember, even if it looks like a trend, the chances are high that your unique twist will have people stopping in their tracks when you walk into a party, so rock on!
