Leather Vests for the American Biker

There was a day, not that long ago, that men wore denim vests over leather jackets and white collar men wished they could be that free. Today, men of all walks enjoy riding a motorcycle, and they're wearing genuine cowhide or buffalo leather vests that tell the world who they are and what they represent. Not all motorcycle enthusiasts wear vests over their jackets, but in today's growing Harley Davidson biker world, bikers are learning to express themselves in a way that people understand. That freedom is now theirs and they want the wind in their faces and the sun on their backs as they ride into the sunset.

Leather is great for warmth, wind resistance and looks. Many bikers out there are stripping off the 'outlaw biker' look of a cutoff denim jacket and are wearing a leather vest instead. Oh sure, there are outlaw clubs that wear leather vests, but remember, only 1% of the motorcycle enthusiasts in United States are outlaws and only a few of them actually wear leather vests.

There are so many different styles, colors and manufacturers that make leather vests. Leather vest styles range from cut off leather jackets to flimsy ladies business suit vests with matching pants. Colors or I should say dyes for leather are phenomenal, anything from traditional black to white to the full scale of the rainbow. There is nearly any imaginable color you would want and just about as many leather workers out there who would be more than happy to make a dye a vest any way, shape or color you would be willing to pay for.

Manufacturers and supplier of leather vests are listed in the hundreds, many of which are overseas, which makes it difficult, to say the least, for Americans to manufacture quality vests for the same low price. The leather apparel industry has decreased phenomenally over the last decade. A manufacturer in Pakistan can make a leather vest for pennies compared to what Americans can and although the shipping costs are greater, if purchased by the crate load, a supplier here in the US can buy each vest for a little more than $3.00 to $5.00 over cost.

As a wholesaler or supplier looks at things, they can purchase a vest for about $6.00 and sell it to the retailer for $10.00, whom sells it to the public for $100.00 and thus, the reason why leather is so expensive. On the other hand, if you were to go to any leather shop that makes apparel and asked them to make you a leather vest with a collar, two concealed gun pockets, two breast pockets and two hand warmer pockets and be fully lined, it would cost you in the realm of $300.00.

Personally, I've been a 'biker' for quite some time now and have been through many vests, leather jackets and chaps to know what good quality looks like. I am not a fan of leather vests, but if I were to wear one again, I think I would have to spend the $300.00 and buy a good quality, double stitched, heavy cowhide leather. When I did wear leather, I purchased several vests that had various personalities and qualities to them. Many where in the price range of $100.00 and they were good quality leather, but it just wasn't my thing.

I hope, if you're looking for a leather vest, that you look in various stores, try a few on, get you average size or note the different brands and sizes that go with them, then go online and see what's available before making a final decision to purchase. Many store front retailers mark their prices according to what is hot at the time and thus a leather vest may be selling for $125.00 in the store and yet, you may find the identical vest for half the price plus shipping online.

Remember, above all else, no matter where you buy a leather garment, you have to take care of it. Leather must be cleaned, treated and oiled to keep its longevity. It won't last for years if you don't take care of it.