Leather jacket
Overview
A leather jacket is an outer garment for the upper body made from the hides of animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, or from synthetic leather. It began as protective equipment for aviators and motorcyclists, but through mid-20th-century Hollywood films and rock music it became a symbol of rebellion and freedom. Today, it has expanded into various silhouettes, including rider jackets, bomber jackets, and trucker jackets, and is an iconic item in fashion history worn across genders and generations.
Main content
History
Leather clothing itself has existed since prehistoric times, but the leather jacket in the modern sense emerged with the development of aviation and motorsports in the early 20th century. The aviator coat developed around 1913 by Britain's Burberry and others was an early form, and the "Perfecto" introduced in 1928 by Irving Schott of the United States is regarded as the first popular motorcycle leather jacket. During World War II, the U.S. Army Air Forces' A-2 flight jacket and the Navy's G-1 were distributed, establishing it as functional clothing. When Marlon Brando in the 1953 film "The Wild One" and James Dean in the 1955 film "Rebel Without a Cause" wore leather jackets, the garment became synonymous with youth culture and rebellion. It was later reinterpreted in the punk and metal scenes of the 1970s–80s, and from the 1990s onward luxury and streetwear brands competed to reinterpret it, cementing it as a classic.
Types
- Rider jacket (Perfecto line): A motorcycle jacket characterized by an asymmetric zipper, lapel studs, and a waist belt.
- Bomber/flight jacket: Characterized by a short length and ribbed bands originating from aviator use, and exists in both leather and nylon versions.
- Trucker jacket (blouson): A simple silhouette with a button or zipper front closure, a form that translates the design of a denim jacket into leather.
- Double rider/blazer style: Implements the structure of a suit jacket in leather, crossing the boundary between formal and casual.
- Mouton/shearling: A warm jacket with the sheepskin lining exposed on the outside, showing strength in winter.
Materials and types of leather
The most widely used material is cowhide, which has excellent durability. Sheepskin (lambskin) is soft and light for a good fit but is vulnerable to abrasion; goatskin is tough and has a fine grain, so it is used in mid-range and higher-end products. Pigskin is inexpensive and breathable, so it is used in casual lines. Synthetic leather (PU, PVC), which replaces animal materials, is an alternative in terms of price and ethics, but it is criticized for inferior breathability and durability. Recently, plant-based and bio-based leathers using mushroom mycelium, pineapple leaf fiber (Piñatex), and grape and apple byproducts have entered the commercialization stage.
Care and storage
Leather is vulnerable to water and moisture, so avoid wearing it on rainy days; if it gets wet, it should be naturally dried in a cool, shaded place, not in direct sunlight or near a heater. Dirt should be wiped off immediately with a dry cloth, and oil should be replenished with a dedicated cream or conditioner every 3–6 months, with waterproofing spray applied when necessary. When storing, use a thick hanger that maintains the shoulder shape and cover it with a breathable cover to prevent moisture and mold. For long-term storage, airtight plastic should be avoided because it dries out the oils in the leather.
Cultural symbolism
The leather jacket functioned as a marker of resistance and individuality across subcultures in the late 20th century. Punk rock's Ramones and Sex Pistols, and metal bands, wore leather jackets embellished with studs and paint almost like uniforms, and from the 1980s onward it became established as the costume of protagonists in Hollywood action films. In Korea, it became popular along with rock and hip-hop culture from the 1990s onward, and after the 2010s it spread to the general public through idol stage costumes and drama outfits. At the same time, leather is also a central material in animal rights debates, and it is frequently mentioned as an item symbolizing the clash between fashion and ethics.
Recent trends
The biggest trend in the leather jacket market in 2024–2025 is sustainability. The vegan leather, upcycled leather, and secondhand/vintage resale markets are growing rapidly, and major luxury brands are reducing the use of animal materials or specifying certified supply chains. In terms of design, oversized and cropped silhouettes are popular at the same time, and collaboration collections with streetwear brands are continuing. In distribution, AI-based body analysis and virtual fitting technologies are being introduced, and attempts to reduce the burden of returns in online purchases are spreading. In addition, as the influence of K-fashion grows, cases of leather jackets from Korean designer brands entering overseas select shops have increased, and as the quality of synthetic leather improves and the price range widens, accessibility as a second outerwear item has increased.
Related topics
- [[Fashion]]
- [[Motorcycle]]
- [[Synthetic leather]]
- [[Denim jacket]]
- [[Vegan fashion]]