Leather jackets are pretty stylish and can be worn all year round, but they also protect you – a crucial thing for drivers.
You might like wearing a wool jacket while driving, but the timeless leather jacket has great connections with drivers and is an integral part of their driving gear. However, protection is only one reason the drivers wear leather jackets.
This comprehensive article will list the various benefits of leather jackets for drivers. So, let’s run through why leather jackets are best for drivers and answer the questions that might be lingering in your mind.
How A Driver Leather Jacket Became A Necessity
The history of driver leather jackets is long yet simple. It all began in 1913 when two brothers named Irving and Jack Schott founded the company Schott NYC to chase their aspirations.
They started with raincoats, and many years later, Irving came up with a new type of coat intended for comfort, coziness, and protection during driving.
He named this coat after his favorite cigar – the Schott Perfecto. This is how the first genuine leather jacket for driving was introduced. It was also the first jacket to have zippers rather than buttons for closure.
It had an asymmetrical front closure, a belted tight fit, and a double layer of material on the front side for extra insulation. Since the Perfecto was durable and rugged, people immediately embraced it.
This jacket is still a statement of adventure and excitement to this generation. Every driver candidly acknowledges that the iconic leather driving jacket is a crucial part of their driving gear. In case they don’t have, their wardrobe would be considered incomplete.
5 Benefits of Leather Jackets for Drivers
A leather driving jacket has many incredible plus points. Below are five top benefits of wearing a leather jacket:
#1. Protection Against Falls and Crashes
Most people put on leather jackets on bikes to look stylish. But what about safety? Isn’t it important? When driving a motorbike, there is always a risk of falls, crashing, or sliding down the road.
A genuine driving leather jacket will protect your skin by preventing road rash. It has armor pockets to shield your chest and back. Some jackets also include shoulder and elbow pads for extra protection.
But remember, fake leathers are never a substitute for the real one; they won’t deliver the same level of protection as authentic ones.
#2. For Bad Weather
Leather has rigid properties, which make it an excellent choice for dealing with harsh weather conditions.
Although it is not waterproof, a leather driving jacket repels water. It doesn’t allow water to creep into your clothes or skin. The only thing you need to do is to cleanse and condition it if it gets wet.
Most of the time, wind is the culprit when you catch the cold while driving. A leather jacket will keep you cozy and insulated during those frosty winter journeys.
In case you are worried about overheating in the summer, you can find exclusive leather jackets designed for better ventilation.
#3. More Space
Drivers, particularly bike riders, often worry about space when driving. A leather driving jacket can be a practical solution for drivers because it has multiple pockets.
Leather driving jackets have external and internal pocket options. Some of them also have sleeve pockets. Driving jacket pockets will keep your things safe because they have zippers or a button closure.
#4. Cool and Comfortable
There is no reason you cannot look stylish and be comfortable simultaneously. Not only a leather jacket is easy to put on, but it is also easy to take off when you’re done driving.
Although it requires time to break in, the beauty of a leather jacket is that it forms around your body for a good fit.
Poor-fitting clothes on long drives can make you feel exhausted. So, make sure you get a jacket of a tailored size.
#5. Leathers Last Longer
Unlike other fabric materials, leather is built to last longer. If you take proper care of your leather driving jacket, it might last your whole life.
But to be more realistic, it usually remains suitable for 10 to 20 years, unlike jackets of other fabrics that only last 5 to 10 years.
Well. It also depends on what you spend. Buying an expensive leather driving jacket might initially hurt your wallet, but it will be a wise investment. It will last approximately 20 years, saving you money in the long run. So, be careful of those cheapest options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question No. 1: Is A Leather Driving Jacket Abrasion-Proof?
Answer: Driving accidents, like motorcycle crashes, often involve sliding on rough surfaces, which can cause severe abrasion wounds. CE-certified leather jackets undergo rigorous testing for how well they can hold up against cut injuries.
Question No. 2: Can A Leather Driving Jacket Be Worn Casually?
Answer: Leather driving jackets have armored paddings, so they might look strange when worn casually. However, some leather jackets come with removable padding.
Remove these paddings when you want to use your jacket as casual fashion wear and reinstall them when ready for a drive.
Question No. 3: How Do I Choose A Driving Jacket?
Answer: When choosing a leather driving jacket, ensure it aligns with your preferences. If you drive a cafe racer bike, go for a cafe racer leather jacket.
Check if all the zippers are working, and select a jacket that fits around your body tightly. But don’t choose a too tight jacket since it could suffocate you.
Final Word
A leather jacket is not only a fashion clothing piece for drivers; it is a necessity for them. It offers a trio of protection, comfort, and durability that no other gear can provide.
Leather is not trendy; it is a timeless classic. Despite its history dating back to a century, people still feel captivated by its beholding charm. They keep your skin safe on the go, tough as nails, and form around your body like a tailored fit.