So I learned something new today while researching biker jackets for another column I had to write. What was it, you ask? I learned that the biker jacket has a long history that can be traced back to World War I and the U.S. military. Maybe you already knew this, but it was news to me.
Apparently there was a lot of left over leather following World War I because the leather garments being made for American servicemen were lasting so long. A clothing manufacture out of New York (Schott Brothers) needed a new way to use up their excess inventory so they came up with the idea of the biker jacket. The rest, as they say, is history.
As for the embroidered patches, that idea also came from the minds of former military personnel. Many of the earliest members of motorcycle clubs were former service members who brought their uniforms and patches home with them. Desiring to continue displaying the patches, they started sewing them to their jackets so they could be seen every time they went for a ride. From there a couple of clubs got the idea of coming up with their own specific patches to clearly identify their group. Thus, the idea of displaying the colors with embroidered patches was born.
Today patches, leather jackets, and vests are all synonymous with the biker community. In fact, it's very difficult to find any organized club that does not utilize all three. Even groups like the Patriot Guard and Bikers for Christ use them.
Thanks to some great clothing manufacturing 100 years ago, and the creative thinking of some men returning from war, the entire complexion of the biker community has been forever tied to leather and patches. Long live the leather jacket!
