What Do Black Leather Jackets Symbolist?

[Brian117]

So I’ve watched the rise of the footsoldier films, gangster films set in the 80s/90s London. Most of the gangsters wore black leather jackets in the film and I’m wondering what it symbolises and why they’re appealing to those kinds of men? Thanks guys

[Buenchico]

Leather jackets have long been associated with biker culture, with big motorcycles (with large, throbbing engines between their riders' legs) being seen as macho symbols. So a link between wearing leather jackets and being seen as 'macho' was inevitably formed.

[Brian117]

Buenchico- so do gangsters wear them to appear more intimidating?

[Buenchico]

^^^ Possibly partly. There's a 'uniform' element to it, with the type of clothing being worn often indicating either membership of an organised gang of some sort or, at the very least, an indication that the wearer wants to be associated with the ethos of some particular group. (Think of the Mods and Rockers of the mid-60s to see what I mean).

[andy-hughes]

As Buenchico advises, leather jackets have always had an 'outlaw' image.

It probably started with Marlon Brando's 50's biker movie 'The Wild One', where he led a gang of leather-clad bikers who terrorised a small town.

The film was banned from cinemas, in case it gave any biker gangs ideas.

[douglas9401]

Men stopped wearing hats so the baddies, previously in the black hats, had to be identified somehow.

[gingejbee]

Good grief...I have two black leather jackets - I didn't realise that I was one of "those kinds of men".

[Canary42]

Remember all cats are animals, but not all animals are cats.

[davebro]

I think bikers took to leather jackets because they are hard wearing, weather resistant & protect against "gravel rash" if you fall off & scrape along the road. Purely practical - no macho or otherwise statement intended.

[lisanclark]

The black leather jacket has become an iconic symbol of the gangster subculture, especially in movies set in the 80s and 90s. The rise of the footsoldier films depict a time when gangs ruled certain parts of London with an iron grip, and their fashion choices were reflective of their tough exterior.

Black leather jackets are often associated with rebellion, power, and danger. This may be why they became popular among bikers and eventually spilled over into other subcultures such as rockers, punks, and ultimately gangsters.

In conclusion, the black leather jacket worn by the gangsters in The Rise Of The Footsoldier film represents power, danger, rebellion - which aligns perfectly with their rough lifestyles- as well as practicality and anonymity on dangerous streets where life could end at any moment. If you are searching for such leather jackets, you can go through the website https://www.leatherfads.com.