Classical British leatherwear.
1892 | LONDON, UK | David Isaacs
Founded in 1892, Lewis Leathers is one of the oldest motorcycle wear brands in the UK.
Initially, the company operated as a tailor shop called D LEWIS LTD. However, its reputation for cold-weather clothing for pilots, drivers, and bikers grew, and in 1926, it began producing specialized motorcycle wear. During World War II, it expanded its scale by supplying flight jackets to the RAF (Royal Air Force) and continued to develop highly functional clothing.
Incidentally, the word "AVAKIT," which is still embroidered on Lewis Leathers' logo tags today, is a portmanteau of "AVIATION" and "KIT." It's well-known among enthusiasts that these tags and zippers change over time.
From the 1940s onward, Lewis Leathers also began producing bespoke racing jackets, and at its peak, it was said that there wasn't a single motorcycle racer in Britain who wasn't wearing Lewis Leathers. This led to them gaining support from motorcyclists who would later be known as rockers, and solidifying the image of Lewis Leathers as synonymous with British rebels.
The photo shows the popular Lightning model, accented with four adjusters and five zippered pockets. Other classic and popular double rider jackets include the simpler Cyclone and the Bronx, which features a buckle belt with a distinctive zippered pocket placement.
The leathers used include lightweight and soft sheepskin, horsehide with its unique sheen that develops a beautiful patina through wrinkles, and thick, durable cowhide. The wide range of colors is also a major draw. In addition to the classic black, blue and turquoise, with their distinctive character, are also popular colors that are characteristic of Lewis Leathers.
Incidentally, and perhaps surprisingly contrary to their image, former Beatles member John Lennon favored the Lightning model, while Paul McCartney was known for the Bronx model. Many other musicians, including Joe Strummer of The Clash and Slash of Guns N' Roses, also wore their products, making it a brand popular among both motorcyclists and fashion enthusiasts.
However, starting around the 1990s, the "Lewis Leathers-ness" began to disappear from the designs, causing fans to drift away, and at one point the brand faced a crisis of survival.
However, when Derek Harris, an avid Lewis Leathers collector, took over as owner, the brand returned to its roots, reviving popular models and collaborating with brands such as COMME des GARCONS, UNDERCOVER, and HYSTERIC GLAMOUR. It has truly made a complete comeback as a brand worthy of the phrase "a lifetime investment."