Cycling Lovers ArenaFor all your cycling needs and information!

The History Of Leather As A Man's Fashion Statement

Men have always had somewhat of a love affair with leather as a supplement (or even as the whole article) to their clothing. The use of leather as a clothing material, in fact, is probably nearly as old as humans themselves. It probably came into use in the ancient world and back then was mainly used to add to the bottoms of sandals or as wrist guards for archers and the like.

It wasn't until humans began to form into complex societies that leather makers began to turn out utilitarian leather goods such as belts and even complete shoes. The next time a pair of leather brown boots are being considered for purchase, then, keep in mind how many thousands of years have gone into the art and craft of fashioning that leather into a stylish boot, for one thing.

Certainly the world of entertainment in the arts has been full of people who have looked at leather as almost a mandatory article of clothing, if only to give the impression that they are somehow wild and untamed. This is been the case for at least half a century, especially among hard rock musicians. This is to say nothing of motorcycle riders and their love of leather going back nearly a century.

Not only is this material good-looking but -- for motorcycle riders -- it serves a very utilitarian purpose in that it acts as an effective and very tough barrier against the road, should an unfortunate cyclist happened to dump his bike and go skating along the pavement. Even something as simple as a leather watch strap can sometimes serve a very useful purpose due to its ruggedness and durability.

And this is where leather is probably the most useful and where it's probably the most widely seen; in watch straps. Even something like a men's sport watch can feature a strap made of the hardy and durable material. Truthfully, most such watches feature some other kind of band material, but swapping it out for a leather strap can turn a sport watch into something a bit more elegant.

The types and kinds of leather are as varied as the processes that have been developed to manufacture it. All share similar characteristics, though, especially in the fact that they are made from the skin of one kind of animal or another. Look around at any baseball player and note that his glove is made of leather, as are many different kinds of shoes and car interiors, where the seats may be swathed in it.

For a fact, there doesn't seem to be an area of fashion or sport where leather has not made its mark. Whether it is for utilitarian and functional purposes or whether it is purely as a fashion statement, leather can be said to have a long and distinguished history going back to when people first clothed themselves in it. This is something that many people may not have even considered, as a matter of fact.

Transformer vs Man Bike

Waring SB10 Professional Immersion Blender, Black $89.99 This immersion blender features 2 speeds and a multipurpose blade to blend, whip and mix a variety of food. The compact design and contoured grip provide easy and comfortable use....

Bike Chain Bottle Opener $10.00 These bottle openers are ingeniously green. They're made from recycled parts of the millions of bicycles thrown away each year. Perfect for poppin' and good for the soul....

Sons of Anarchy Stainless Steel 8 oz. Hip Flask A true outlaw finds the balance between the passion in his heart and the reason in his mind the outcome is the balance of might and right....

Little Deuce Coupe / All Summer Long $5.66 2001 HDCD remastered BMG club release. 2 full LPS on one CD plus 4 bonus tracks....

The Legendary Jerry Collection (The Bellboy / Cinderfella / The Delicate Delinquent / The Disorderly Orderly / The Errand Boy / The Family Jewels / The Ladies Man / The Nutty Professor / The Patsy / The Stooge) $59.98 This 10-DVD boxed set is a delight for anyone afflicted with a susceptibility to the fractured antics of Jerry Lewis, or "Le Roi du Crazy" to the French. This set emphasizes Lewis's busy period after the breakup with Dean Martin, when he was exerting more influence over his vehicles (six of the titles are directed by Jerry himself) and almost single-handedly keeping Paramount Pictures propped up ...

Manitou Marvel Pro 26 Fork 100mm White QR Tapered $411.87 Manitou Marvel Suspension ForksAll 2012 Manitou forks are convertible to MILO remote lockout lever by using FK5510Item SpecificationsColorWhiteBrake Usage F/RFrontCrown Race30.0Steerer Tube Length265mmBrake TypeDiscWheel Size26"Fork Travel100mmFront Hub Spacing100mmFront Axle Type9x1SpringAirWheel Mount Center Offset0mmLockoutCrown MountedDefined ColorWhiteS.H.I.S. Clamp Diameter28.6Item NameMarve...

Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man [VHS] $1.99 Sheathing itself in bad taste, this film flaunts its tackiness, its machismo, and its very stupidity, which of course makes for a lot of dopey fun. Harley Davidson (Mickey Rourke) returns to his roots, the LA of 1996 (the film was set in the near future, as it was made in 1991). Burbank has become an airport, a new drug called Crystal Dream is all the rage, and Harley's favorite bar is being torn ...

Terrafirma Box Set [VHS] $39.95 Featuring the same technical details you?re used to but with a sleek thigh logo, this Fox Giant Demo Short is perfectly paired with any of the shirts and jerseys in our popular Giant line. Durable main body fabrics for maximum abrasion resistanceLaser perforations throughout ensure maximum ventilation & airflowActive bottom hem ensures proper coverage & pedaling performanceIntegrated front mesh p...