How Hip-Hop Popularized Leather Jackets in Fashion

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The leather jacket, the most versatile and iconic piece of clothing in the fashion industry, has always been a keen symbol for representing hip-hop music. We have always spotted DJs, dancers, and rappers wearing chic leather jackets and performing their best with upbeat energy.

Earlier in the 1900s, leather jackets were introduced for military fighter pilots in order to serve them with warmth in cold temperatures. Gradually, leather jackets transformed into an essential fashion necessity. We adored Marlon Brando wearing a leather jacket in The Wild One, didn’t we?

As time kept passing through, leather jackets took over the entire fashion industry, and not only movie stars were spotted wearing leather jackets, but even music artists became a fan of this staple piece of clothing.

Today, we have a vast collection of leather jackets to choose from. Ranging from bomber jackets to biker jackets, you can find everything on Top Gun Maverick Jacket that you’ve ever dreamt of. This clothing brand deals with high-quality leather apparel, inspired by the styles and looks that music artists and movie stars have been carrying on the big screens.

Here, in this article, we will be listing the timeline of how hip hop popularized leather jackets in the fashion industry.

Early in the 1950s

The most dominating genre of music in the 1950s was rock and roll. And our favorite musicians such as Clark Berry were spotted wearing a sporting leather jacket for their concerts and public appearances. He became the pioneer of rock and roll and set up the fashion sense with grace, style, and a cool look. His look was so impactful, that soon many world-renowned musicians adopted the same sleek style by wearing a leather jacket, which turned into an immortal phenomenon.

Pop culture 1960s

The 1960s were all about boy bands, and pop culture. The Beatles had their breakout year in 1962, which literally left the entire world speechless. Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, as the Liverpool legends, are still known as the most influential pop groups in history. With their pop music, they made sure to make a statement appearance to all the eyes on them. They were spotted wearing motorcycle leather jackets for boy band perfect pictures, and soon other known musicians took inspiration from them.

Punk era of the 1970s

It wasn’t only men who were spotted wearing chic leather jackets back in time, the lead singer of Blondie, Debbie Harry, effortlessly feminized rocker fashion with leather jackets in the 1970s. She took inspiration from male-dominated rock subgenres and adopted the style that made her stand out amongst the male crowd in the fashion industry.

Rock style of the 1980s

In the 1980s, leather jackets were seen in colors and who else could’ve represented it better than Prince? He made sure to add color to his music as well as to his outfits. His musical career of rock, jazz, funk, psychedelia, and more was added with a sultry and edgy look.

Fusion music 1990s

Kurt Cobain, the lead singer of Nirvana, laid the groundwork for punk rock and metal. His sonically acoustic music was his essence, which was intense, soulful, and simple. He was often seen wearing a leather jacket during his performances, with a cigarette in his hand and coolness on his face. He soon became a fashion icon, who was known for his punk look, wearing a leather jacket with ripped jeans, tees, and chain staples.

Hip hop 2000s

The 2000s was the era when leather jackets were highly popularized in the fashion industry. These leather jackets were usually oversized and trench coat-like, with a baggy but manly look. R&B sensations including Usher took the chance to wear leather jackets and impact their audience with streetwear style. Soon, his legacy was adopted by other musicians, including Drake and Miguel, and since then, it never stopped.

Continuation of rock style 2010s

The punk, neo-goth, and emo-rock band My Chemical Romance rose with their classic leather jacket style and made sure to gain popularity with aggression. Their leather jackets were usually black with cross symbols and embossments on the external side. Even for their joint tour for their final album, they chose to embrace themselves with classic black biker leather jackets.

Domination of leather jackets in the 2020s

Today, in the era of the 2020s, leather jackets are the most dominating apparel in the fashion industry. These jackets continue to make their mark all around the world, in different styles, colors, and designs. This statement piece of clothing has the audacity and power to make an impactful impression on the crowd, which gives the music artists the potential to continue their significant legacy.

Conclusion:

Fashion history clearly explains how leather jackets are indestructible, and have a strong impact on our minds. With the passage of time, leather jackets have evolved in every term, be it the style, fit, color, or design. Leather jackets have been constant in musicians’ life and legacy, with the assurance of passing their legacy ahead with grace, elegance and style.