What do you do in your leather jacket, what lifestyle does it inspire? Tell us a story! (keep it clean)

[leatherbikescarsnwatches]

Schott Vandals 568

This brings out the old school biker in me. Oil leaks, imperfections, zip ties, make do. It's a look but it's also an ethos and a slice of lifestyle.
Add a little devil may care and you got the whole scene it inspires..
From the Double Rider style to the legendary A2 , these jackets represented something. What does your jacket inspire in you?
(The following photos were from celebrating a safe return home from work on a dark 32° night on the Harley wearing the Schott Vandals)

 

[zebedee]

Travel, mainly. Mostly between Asian countries and the UK. Then, I walk around in jackets up and down the various countries, particularly in bad weather. Sometimes, I travel to work in them. For any seriously outdoors stuff, leather isn't useful and is more of a hindrance and I'll wear something like a Carhartt Detroit or Rogue Territory Supply jacket, but I learned that through experience and I used to wear an Aero Highwayman, Stockman and lastly a Café Racer to just about anything in. A description of my Highwayman's functions from another post:

It initially went with me to a few UK pubs and then I took it with me to Shanghai. It's been scraped over by a chair, saved me from an arterial wound (also pub), rained on, snowed on, baked in California sun, lashed by Hong Kong monsoons, shat on by birds, vomited on by one daughter, used as a pillow and a blanket, worn by both kids in cold winters overseas, coveted by friends, scorned by enemies, carried paperbacks, folding knives, official documentation, unofficial documentation and worn in or on just about every vehicle I can think of except a tractor.

I've drunk far too much wine, whisky and beer in all of the leather jackets I've had and, before I quit smoking, rolled far too many ciggies.

 

[leatherbikescarsnwatches]

Travel, mainly. Mostly between Asian countries and the UK. Then, I walk around in jackets up and down the various countries, particularly in bad weather. Sometimes, I travel to work in them. For any seriously outdoors stuff, leather isn't useful and is more of a hindrance and I'll wear something like a Carhartt Detroit or Rogue Territory Supply jacket, but I learned that through experience and I used to wear an Aero Highwayman, Stockman and lastly a Café Racer to just about anything in. A description of my Highwayman's functions from another post:

It initially went with me to a few UK pubs and then I took it with me to Shanghai. It's been scraped over by a chair, saved me from an arterial wound (also pub), rained on, snowed on, baked in California sun, lashed by Hong Kong monsoons, shat on by birds, vomited on by one daughter, used as a pillow and a blanket, worn by both kids in cold winters overseas, coveted by friends, scorned by enemies, carried paperbacks, folding knives, official documentation, unofficial documentation and worn in or on just about every vehicle I can think of except a tractor.

I've drunk far too much wine, whisky and beer in all of the leather jackets I've had and, before I quit smoking, rolled far too many ciggies.

This is totally awesome! Exactly the sort of thing I was looking for!

 

[tweedydon]

Schott Vandals 568

This brings out the old school biker in me. Oil leaks, imperfections, zip ties, make do. It's a look but it's also an ethos and a slice of lifestyle.
Add a little devil may care and you got the whole scene it inspires..
From the Double Rider style to the legendary A2 , these jackets represented something. What does your jacket inspire in you?
(The following photos were from celebrating a safe return home from work on a dark 32° night on the Harley wearing the Schott Vandals)

View attachment 748778

What vest is that?

 

[leatherbikescarsnwatches]

What vest is that?

It's a throw away from Amazon. I needed a lighter weight layer for my leather at one point. I think I also bought the one with a bunch of studs on it LOL

 

[leatherbikescarsnwatches]

What vest is that?

Here's the one with the studs on my 118 with detachable faux collar

 

[TLW '90]

Just living my normal life, walking my pup, running errands, grocery shopping, eating out at my favorite chain restaurant, sometimes out trail hopping on my minibike and shooting ( my wool or denim is often more preferred during shooting ).
I don't necessarily baby my leather jackets intentionally, they just aren't appropriate for things I do that would mess them up.
I was wearing my Lesco yesterday and when I started the engine swap on my minibike I had to take it off because I needed more arm dexterity, I swapped it with one of my beater denim jackets.
Doing random projects in my workshop I could keep the cooper A2 on and have, but usually I will go with one of my denim beaters again because of my hobbit of wiping my hands on my shirt.
My jacket purchases are inspired by me and the life I live, not the other way around.
I'm just a blue collar guy living in a small rural town in the middle of nowhere, I manage to fund my hobbies in a lower cost higher value manner thanks to Ebay ( doesn't hurt that I just prefer vintage things in general) and don't like to look or act like I have more money than I do.
I buy the best I can get for my budget ( often better than I could new ) and try to take care of it, but also don't like my stuff looking new even if I bought it new because that just doesn't suit me.

 

[leatherbikescarsnwatches]

Just living my normal life, walking my pup, running errands, grocery shopping, eating out at my favorite chain restaurant, sometimes out trail hopping on my minibike and shooting ( my wool or denim is often more preferred during shooting ).
I don't necessarily baby my leather jackets intentionally, they just aren't appropriate for things I do that would mess them up.
I was wearing my Lesco yesterday and when I started the engine swap on my minibike I had to take it off because I needed more arm dexterity, I swapped it with one of my beater denim jackets.
Doing random projects in my workshop I could keep the cooper A2 on and have, but usually I will go with one of my denim beaters again because of my hobbit of wiping my hands on my shirt.
My jacket purchases are inspired by me and the life I live, not the other way around.
I'm just a blue collar guy living in a small rural town in the middle of nowhere, I manage to fund my hobbies in a lower cost higher value manner thanks to Ebay ( doesn't hurt that I just prefer vintage things in general) and don't like to look or act like I have more money than I do.
I buy the best I can get for my budget ( often better than I could new ) and try to take care of it, but also don't like my stuff looking new even if I bought it new because that just doesn't suit me.

Love it

 

[Steve S]

Schott Vandals 568

This brings out the old school biker in me. Oil leaks, imperfections, zip ties, make do. It's a look but it's also an ethos and a slice of lifestyle.
Add a little devil may care and you got the whole scene it inspires..
From the Double Rider style to the legendary A2 , these jackets represented something. What does your jacket inspire in you?
(The following photos were from celebrating a safe return home from work on a dark 32° night on the Harley wearing the Schott Vandals)

View attachment 748778

This is great. Never actually thought of layering a vest OVER the leather jacket. Looks awesome!

 

[Steve S]

Travel, mainly. Mostly between Asian countries and the UK. Then, I walk around in jackets up and down the various countries, particularly in bad weather. Sometimes, I travel to work in them. For any seriously outdoors stuff, leather isn't useful and is more of a hindrance and I'll wear something like a Carhartt Detroit or Rogue Territory Supply jacket, but I learned that through experience and I used to wear an Aero Highwayman, Stockman and lastly a Café Racer to just about anything in. A description of my Highwayman's functions from another post:

It initially went with me to a few UK pubs and then I took it with me to Shanghai. It's been scraped over by a chair, saved me from an arterial wound (also pub), rained on, snowed on, baked in California sun, lashed by Hong Kong monsoons, shat on by birds, vomited on by one daughter, used as a pillow and a blanket, worn by both kids in cold winters overseas, coveted by friends, scorned by enemies, carried paperbacks, folding knives, official documentation, unofficial documentation and worn in or on just about every vehicle I can think of except a tractor.

I've drunk far too much wine, whisky and beer in all of the leather jackets I've had and, before I quit smoking, rolled far too many ciggies.

My thoughts exactly.

I long stopped caring what other people thought of what I wore. Wear the clothes you love for You and not for others.

Leather jackets have been a significant investment for me so I aim to get maximum cost per wear. The more I wear them at playgrounds with the kids, on the motorbike, at home, to work, during travel - the better they look and the more memories they hold.

 

[Steve S]

Although a question for the masses re travel and leathers - I am going into a Shanghai winter this year after xmas and was wondering what a could layering situation would be. I have jackets that fit trim (eg RMC shinki type 1) that I could layer a wool coat over or jackets that are slightly larger (eg LL Dominator regular fit) where I could go do a thermal henly and sweatshirt. What would be most versatile? Welcome any thoughts although I am leaning towards the latter option as we are also spending some time in HK which wont be anywhere near as cold and I dont to bring a wool coat just for Shanghai.

 

[zebedee]

Although a question for the masses re travel and leathers - I am going into a Shanghai winter this year after xmas and was wondering what a could layering situation would be. I have jackets that fit trim (eg RMC shinki type 1) that I could layer a wool coat over or jackets that are slightly larger (eg LL Dominator regular fit) where I could go do a thermal henly and sweatshirt. What would be most versatile? Welcome any thoughts although I am leaning towards the latter option as we are also spending some time in HK which wont be anywhere near as cold and I dont to bring a wool coat just for Shanghai.

I lived in Shanghai for years and years and now live in HK. In Shanghai, winter is cold and humid. It can be hard to dry things. You will want a t-shirt, a wool layer and a decent jacket. Something that covers your belt. Something like a Plainsman is ideal.

Hong Kong's winter is warmer, but does have cold and windy snaps. It is generally colder than people think. A jacket, a t-shirt and a long sleeve shirt should be fine. I'd definitely want a pair of Carhartts or jeans in either place in the winter. In terms of Shanghai, I'd suggest a set of thermals (which you can buy everywhere there).

 

[Steve S]

I lived in Shanghai for years and years and now live in HK. In Shanghai, winter is cold and humid. It can be hard to dry things. You will want a t-shirt, a wool layer and a decent jacket. Something that covers your belt. Something like a Plainsman is ideal.

Hong Kong's winter is warmer, but does have cold and windy snaps. It is generally colder than people think. A jacket, a t-shirt and a long sleeve shirt should be fine. I'd definitely want a pair of Carhartts or jeans in either place in the winter. In terms of Shanghai, I'd suggest a set of thermals (which you can buy everywhere there).

Great insights!

I’m well covered for bottoms as I have been breaking in 21 and 25oz iron hearts for years.

I have some thermal tops and bottoms which I can dig out. Cold and humid is not something I have experienced coming from Australia. We either have hot and humid or cold and dry!

Packing list so far:
Thermal top
Waffle Henleys
T shirts
Iron heart flannel
Sweatshirt
Leather jacket (tbc)
Wool cap
Wool beanie
Engineer boots
Heavy outer jacket (not sure yet on USN peacoat, A2 deck or Tanker jacket)
Wool socks

 

[zebedee]

Great insights!

I’m well covered for bottoms as I have been breaking in 21 and 25oz iron hearts for years.

I have some thermal tops and bottoms which I can dig out. Cold and humid is not something I have experienced coming from Australia. We either have hot and humid or cold and dry!

Packing list so far:
Thermal top
Waffle Henleys
T shirts
Iron heart flannel
Sweatshirt
Leather jacket (tbc)
Wool cap
Wool beanie
Engineer boots
Heavy outer jacket (not sure yet on USN peacoat, A2 deck or Tanker jacket)
Wool socks

All good for SH - peacoat sorted me when I was there.

 

[Steve S]

All good for SH - peacoat sorted me when I was there.

Great! Worst case I can borrow some clothes off family I have when I arrive.

Any cool shops I should check out in Shanghai or HK? Not really looking to buy anything in particular but always nice to have a browse. Years ago when I was last in Shanghai I stumbled into a shop in the french concession which sold some nigel cabourn stuff.

 

[zebedee]

Great! Worst case I can borrow some clothes off family I have when I arrive.

Any cool shops I should check out in Shanghai or HK? Not really looking to buy anything in particular but always nice to have a browse. Years ago when I was last in Shanghai I stumbled into a shop in the french concession which sold some nigel cabourn stuff.

MidWest Vintage is interesting in HK, although it’s been years since I’ve been on the Mainland. For vintage, nothing beats Tokyo - I haven’t done much vintage shopping in HK, but Causeway Bay has a few places.

 

[Steve S]

MidWest Vintage is interesting in HK, although it’s been years since I’ve been on the Mainland. For vintage, nothing beats Tokyo - I haven’t done much vintage shopping in HK, but Causeway Bay has a few places.

I agree Tokyo is the best with the prices to match. When there last year it was like going to wonderland in some of the curated vintage shops. You saw the best G-1, A-2 etc with immense price tags.

I tried Midwest vintage at the K11 and Tin Hau shops (picked up a cool USN chambray and CWU-36P) years ago but will definitely stop by again. And from memory there was also a place in Causeway Bay hidden upstairs somewhere (I forget the name) but sold some Jap brands and also had a selection of used role club engineers.

I'll do some more research on Shanghai shops but thanks @zebedee

 

[zebedee]

… there was also a place in Causeway Bay hidden upstairs somewhere...

Yup, this is the one I mean, but I can’t think of the name. Might be Luddite. **** Kok is also good. Here’s a link:

http://[URL]https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/shopping/best-vintage-stores-in-hong-kong

[/URL]

 

[Monitor]

Nothing.

 

[Bfd70]

I buy jackets to keep warm. I choose leather because i think they look cool. They’re not my personality. I wear them on the bike but they’re not inspiring me to get on the bike and I‘d fight Germany's WWII-era leaderships wether or not i had the perfect Wested.