Someday in the evening, while I was on the way riding my bike back home, I saw a gang of bikers on the other side of the road. We see it almost everywhere. It is very often we see riders out there wear black attire, I do have my bike attire in black too. I came up with this question in my head, why do they always wear black?
Well, it wasn’t just to look badass. Black outfit for bikers was just an adaptation to environmental conditions, simply a matter of practicality, hiding soot, oily dirt and grease. There is really no social statement being made.
Simply, adopted from the pass
As a matter of fact, the practice dark coloured bike attire was popularized because motorcycles in the old time were notoriously dirty machines, you’ll probably get slingged with oil and grease in all directions when riding. Definitely a big no-no to wear light colored attire while riding.
You wouldn’t want your bright color jacket to turn all Dalmatian spotted. (he’s cute, btw)
Most motorcycle jackets are made out of leather, and it is very often black in color. This iconic black leather motorcycle jacket tracks back to many years, popularized in the 50s and the 60s, bringing close resemblance to the leather jackets worn in WWII.
The simple answer to why it’s made out of leather is generally for its practicality and safety. It definitely does better at resisting abrasion than other clothing materials made out of wool, cotton, or denim. So, it helps a little to protect bikers’ skin when they are dropped down. Additionally, leather is windproof, it also can be zipped up for additional warmth.
Note: Leather isn’t waterproof. It actually doesn’t like water that much. Make sure to not wet it too often.
Fashion-and-Protection
I just found out about this recently. If you want to wear a cool denim jacket or pants when you’re riding, and also want more protection. Manufacturers thought about it too. Check them up online! Denims designed for motorcyclists, with abrasion resistant paddings and impact protection.
Usually, leather motorcycle jackets are noticeably on the pricier side. I would go for a textile motor jacket, not just because it is more flexible, it just won’t make me sweat as much on a longer ride. Safety-wise, it does quite well on abrasion resistant, and leather jackets need to be thicker to achieve this.
I’m not really biased on either side, to be honest. Leather jackets are good when you’re doing short trips, and in good weather when it’s not raining and cooler out there. To cruise in all kinds of weather, pick the textile ones. But really, regardless of which you pick, it’s always good to have protection gear on the ride. Remember, when it is raining, fashion goes out the window.
Don’t be shy to wear loud colors
Dress to be seen, dress to be safe.
Adding some colors does actually save lives. A lot of bikers think they look like a “traffic cone” when they wear bright colors gear. The most common reason had to do with styles, they think that they’re not fitting right in style as a “cruiser”, and they think it’s not that effective, safety-wise.
Dress to be seen, dress to be safe. It is very important when you wear all black, make sure to add reflective material on your sleeve and to your back, or wear a bright color helmet. You’ll still get head turns, because they see you!
Black and other dark colors blend, it really can make it as if you’ve disappeared or invisible. The colors you wear when riding a bike matter when it comes to safety and visibility. Try your best to not blend in to the surroundings and be seen!
READ MORE: Are more expensive bike helmets safer?
Final thoughts
Personally, I think black bikers’ outfits are bitchin’! Black is simple, easy to coordinate, and matches well with almost everything. It makes perfect sense to wear loud colors that make you stand out. Black is cool, but don’t wear all black, you’ve got to be seen. Add a little reflective material on you so other drivers can see you, especially in dark areas.
