Original Story of Bikers and Leather Jacket

The origins of the leather motorcycle jacket can be traced back to the times of World War I when it was worn by soldiers and pilots during combat operations. Generally associated with thrill-seeking pursuits, the early motorcycle leather jacket sported a commonly used goatskin style with most of them resembling the A-1 Bomber Jacket used by the Army Air Corp. All of these were military or aviator-style jackets with a button front coat style and a mandarin style collar. The abundance of horses during the world war era popularised another version of leather jackets made from horse hides.
        The widespread popularity of the leather jacket in the world war era notwithstanding, its attainment of cult status can be attributed to Hollywood. Remember Marlon Brando from the 1953 movie Wild One? The scenes depicting him riding a 1950 Triumph Thunderbird 6T with a suave-looking leather jacket really stuck in the minds of the people back then. It appealed to the adventure-seeking enthusiasts who were fascinated by the idea of a measured show of aggression, that had erstwhile been invested in the business of war-making. For many war-ridden nations, Hollywood symbolized hope and the promise of a new future for mankind bereft of war. Hollywood had a tremendous effect on the psyche of individuals. The celebrities, their associated styles and the accessories they used (leather jackets included) became fashion symbols, and everybody was keen to ape it.
            Figuratively speaking, there were definite junctures in Hollywood history when the leather jacket suddenly shot into prominence. In the aforementioned case of the movie Wild One, the novelty factor did play a big role; the character that Marlon Brando personified, that of, Johnny Scrabbler's (a delinquent gang leader wearing a leather jacket) was not something people were accustomed to seeing.
            The next major milestone in the leather jacket's sojourn through Hollywood was the James Dean movie "Rebel Without a Cause" based on a similar gang-war theme. The subsequent death of James Dean in an accident fuelled even greater interest in the movie, and all things associated with it (leather jacket included) became synonymous with danger and rebellion.
        The leather jacket evolved to the rocker jacket and became the jacket of choice for rockers and greasers in the 1950s and 60s. There on, it continued to be used by metalheads, punk rockers, hipsters, etc. In general, it became the attire of choice for anyone wild by nature.
        Nowadays, wearing a leather jacket is considered to be fashionable and stylish. The motorcycle leather jackets tend to be thicker than the normal ones and come with a lot of extra padding to protect riders from injury. Style apart, the motorcycle leather jacket also doubles up as protective gear, making it a versatile accessory in today's times.