The History and Evolution of the MC Vest

Adorned on the backs of bikers is the ultimate badge of honor, their calling card, their business suit in this lifestyle, their sacred vest. The cut, along with the back patch that flys in the wind, symbolizes a commitment to something far greater than yourself. It is the uniform of your profession and an acceptance letter into a world of iron and rubber. It shines like a becon of light and acts as a passport into the culture of those who live and die for two wheel freedom. It's a symbol of rebellion and a cornerstone of history. It's a guardian. A sentinel standing firm over the repository of your heart where all the passion for those lifestyle is stored. It's the check word into our fraternal order of bikers and a secret handshake amongst non-conformist to societies restrictive ways. This is its evolution.

Early motorcycle clubs wore sweaters and varsity jackets for protection as well as coveralls with their club name stenciled on. As time advanced, so did the power and capabilities of bikes. Harley Davidson manufactured the flathead, knucklehead and pan head engines which propelled the rider faster and faster. In turn, bikers began to look for alternate forms of protection. After the end of the World War, the bomber jacket made its introduction into the MC culture. This look was popularized by early bikers and quickly became the universal symbol of youth rebellion. The bomber jacket offered a superior level of protection that appealed to bikers but it also had its share of set backs. The leather jacket was cumbersome and restrictive in the arms. It also kept the rider extremely hot and offered little in the comforts of keeping cool in the heat. Bikers wanted something that was practical, protective and unrestrictive.

During the section of time known as the Formative Period (1945-1957), we bear witness to the conception and birth of the outlaw motorcycle club. By this time, many clubs had already been wearing the denim clothing from a company called Levi Strauss. The popular jeans of the time were known as 501s and club members would pair this with a t-shirt and denim jacket. After the fallout split from the AMA, several clubs cut off the collar and sleeves of the denim jacket in an act of rebellion, thus creating what is now known as the cut.

The American cowboy was already a legendary, hero like figure and closely associated with vast freedoms, courage, the open plains lifestyle and the rebellion against humanities outlaws. Cowboys wore the black or brown leather hide vest for protection from the elements and the fall of a rider from his steed. It was tough enough to last many years against the harsh elements of the high plains. It also was close fitting to help keep the core warm while allowing free movement of the arms. Additionally, cowboys wore chaparajos, commonly known as chaps for protection also, which the MC culture soon adopted.

Bikers adopted the brown and black vest also for the same reasons as the American cowboy. Clubs continued the tradition of displaying their club back patch and rockers and this practice transcended right over to the leather vest. Like the denim jacket and leather bomber jacket, the leather vest took on a life of its own as it became sacred. A bikers vest is to a biker what a cowboys hat is to a cowboy and to all who shall bear witness to either, it is to be treated with the utmost respect. Respect being the cornerstone of our culture, given and earned. Your cut isn't just a piece of leather, but rather, it's a piece of history. (C)

Отредактировано HOLYLAND1%er (2013-12-09 14:09:32)