Whether its the bomber Blouson, the silver studded biker or the alternative sheepskin lined airman, Leather lovers during the 1940’s and 50’s had jackets to cater for every tough guy and military man in town.

Notorious during the 1950’s for being the essential outerwear for fiesty Greasers, bad boy Bikers and the hot-rodding teen culture.

while popular, these jackets were of course not the chosen style for every gent in town….

So if you are a modern reveller of rockabilly culture, but you don’t own a leather, let me tell you..its ok!….

It’s safe to say not everyone in the 1950s was wearing one, and those key pieces that are often pumped out today as being the ‘essentials’ for the true rockabilly look, are not necessarily accurate, so vintage lovers, if you like it…wear it, if you don’t….dont!

 Because back in day not every man had one, nor did every man want one!!

Although i must say, they can look simply….. slick!!!

If you are considering a leather jacket, then its good to know that it would have been worn with….

A pair of pegged slacks work perfectly for best, or a pair of cuffed jeans (we will get to the bottom of the cuff myth in the jeans section) with some good quality engineer boots for when working on that old car!

 Although more commonly believe it or not….Penny loafers! These loafers were the most popular choice, and any other leather shoes that a guy had kicking around that would be hardwearing and oil resistant would have fit the bill!

Eventually evolving into signature cult look, The leather laden characteristic was originally adopted for its resistance to the grease often gained from the teens constant tinkering with cars and straddling of bikes.

This signature style was worn for the practical purposes as well as a look to stand you out from the ‘norm’, almost used as a uniform and not totally for the ‘cool’ purposes we love to believe in today, I guess we have hip cats like Happy Days Fonzy and Grease’s teen gang The T-Birds to thank for that!!

As this signature cult style, these fierce looking leathers were famously embodied by the handsomest of hollywood hunks….

‘My one, My only’… king of Rock & Roll Elvis Presley, ‘The wild one’, Mr Marlon Brando and ‘The rebel without a cause’... Mr dreamy James Dean.

Original 1940’s/50’s jackets are fetching a hefty price and are highly sought after by collectors,  so opportunities to own one are rare, but if you are considering an authentic item then you will get a lot of leather for your money.

Crafted from quality leathers and horsehide, in black and brown, these really are a gents garment of beauty!

Many vintage reproduction styles are available online, with specialist companys that pride themselves in getting the detailing…. just dandy!

check out –

http://www.aeroleatherclothing.com

http://www.eastmanleather.com

These guys make some of the finest examples of reproduction leather created to date!