When it comes to fashion styles, there is one that stands out. As a matter of fact, the elements of fashion motorcycles adopted are not just some 'style'. They are a bold declaration, an embodiment of the rebellious spirit, and a means of self-expression revolving around the world of motorcycles.
Biker fashion has been thriving for almost a century. It comes as no surprise that it left its mark on various music genres and subcultures-from the electrifying realm of rock and roll and punk, through the thundering arenas of heavy metal, and finally to the gritty streets of hip hop. Along the way, it gave birth to some unforgettable cultural moments. The moments that became iconic chapters in the annals of both fashion and music. Join us as we rev our engines and travel through time, exploring the timeless allure of biker fashion that still resonates in the contemporary music scene.
Revving Up the Past
It all started in the 1950s when the formidable spirit of motorcycles merged with the pulsating rhythms of rock and roll, giving birth to a cultural revolution. From the fierce pioneers who blazed the trail to superstars who became synonymous with rebellion, these echoes of the bygone era are still keeping popular culture in awe.
When it comes to pioneering biker fashion in the music industry, few can match the trailblazing spirit of the legendary Elvis Presley. The King not only revolutionized rock and roll but also set the stage for biker-inspired fashion. Sporting leather jackets, jeans, and boots, Elvis created a look that was simultaneously effortless and untamed. One of his earliest and arguably the most momentous biker fashion moments was captured in Jailhouse Rock (1957). As he belted out the title song, he rocked a black jacket, white t-shirt, black jeans, and black boots-topped off with a chain necklace and his signature pompadour hairstyle. This simple yet striking ensemble swiftly became an emblem of his rock and roll attitude. Before their meteoric rise to worldwide fame, The Beatles honed their craft in Hamburg, Germany. It was during this period that the Fab Four took on a biker-inspired look. Leather jackets, jeans, boots, and sunglasses, accompanied by leather caps or cowboy hats, became their sartorial signatures. They even grew out their hair, styling it in quiffs or pompadours. The band adopted this rugged look from the emerging British rocker subculture, which celebrated both rock and roll and the thrill of motorcycles. One prime example of the fusion between biker culture and music lies in the timeless hit "Leader of the Pack" by the Shangri-Las. This iconic song tells the story of a rebellious teenage girl named Betty, who defies her parents by falling for Jimmy-a biker from "the wrong side of town." Jimmy's leather jacket and motorcycle mirror his edgy and dangerous attitude. In the music video, the girl group introduces Jimmy, who arrives on the scene astride his motorcycle, clad in full biker gear, inviting one of the soloists to embark on a wild ride. Jimi Hendrix, revered as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, not only mesmerized audiences with his unrivaled musical talent but also showcased a distinctive style. The style that mixed biker fashion with psychedelic elements. Hendrix donned leather jackets, pants, and vests, accentuated by vibrant shirts, scarves, and hats. His enigmatic presence reached its zenith at Woodstock in 1969 when he delivered his legendary rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner." Dressed in a fringed jacket, bandana, and aviator sunglasses, Hendrix's performance epitomized the countercultural spirit of the time. In this time and age, it still remains an enduring symbol of both music and fashion rebellion. In the 1980s, which many recognize as the heyday of rock and roll and motorcycle movement, the worlds of biker fashion and music collided with even greater force. This era witnessed the rise of a more defined biker style - the unmistakable leather jackets of the past started being adorned with iconic symbols. Rock n roll skull rings, chains, and crosses became coveted jewelry pieces for daring celebrities, who were rocking them out in music videos, at concerts, red carpet events, and in life beyond the scene. Joan Jett, a true rock icon, is best known for her hit song "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" (1981) and her bold leather-clad style. With her leather jackets and skirts, along with an array of t-shirts, crop tops, and corsets, she exudes confidence and an irresistible spirit of defiance. Joan Jett's biker fashion moment reached its peak in the music video for "I Love Rock 'n' Roll," where she sported a studded black leather jacket then transitioned into a hot-red leather jacket and pants outfit. Interestingly, she flaunted the same biker jacket in the Bad Reputation video. And she remained loyal to it in her daily life, although she decorated it with a number of buttons with political slogans. A true legend and badass! Michael Jackson, an unparalleled musical force, left an indelible mark on both the music and fashion worlds. One of his most iconic fashion moments was in the groundbreaking music video for "Thriller". While his look wasn't entirely biker, we can clearly see a nod to the elements of motorcycle culture. Sporting a red motorcycle leather jacket with black stripes and zippers, a red t-shirt, black jeans, and sleek black loafers, Jackson exuded an air of coolness and sophistication. Accompanied by his trademark Jheri curl hairstyle and white socks, Jackson's ensemble became an emblematic style statement. Notably, the jacket itself, designed by Deborah Nadoolman Landis, fetched a staggering $1.8 million at auction in 2011. Do we need to say more about its iconic status? Prince, an innovative and multifaceted musical genius, boasted a flamboyant style that artfully blended biker fashion with elements of glam rock. Embracing leather jackets, pants, and suits, as well as fun ruffled shirts, lace, and sequins, Prince was an emblem of boundary-pushing fashion. His signature high heels, dazzling jewelry, and makeup added to his captivating stage presence. One of his most memorable biker fashion moments occurred in his film "Purple Rain" (1984), where he donned a regal purple leather jacket adorned with studs and chains, a white ruffled shirt, black lace pants, and eye-catching purple boots. Riding a purple Honda motorcycle and playing a white Cloud guitar, Prince masterfully blended some iconic elements of biker culture with his own unique style. The Queen of Pop has always been a trendsetter, unafraid to push boundaries and challenge societal norms. In her groundbreaking music video for "Like a Prayer," Madonna fused religious, biker, and Gothic motifs to create a visually provocative narrative. She wore a black clingy dress, clearly visible bra straps, and a cross on her chest while dancing in front of burning crosses. The result is a bold statement that stirred controversy. If were to coin a term for her look, it would be Daring Chic for a Biker Chick. Axl Rose, the charismatic frontman of Guns N' Roses, epitomized the gritty and untamed spirit of rock and roll during the late 1980s and early 1990s. On stage, to his flowing hair, bandanas, and signature aviator sunglasses, Rose often added a leather jacket, torn jeans, and biker boots. His look became synonymous with the band's raw energy and unapologetic attitude. Captivating his enormous audience, he inspired a legion of fans to embrace the biker aesthetic. As we venture into the modern era, music stars continue to find new and exciting ways to incorporate biker fashion into their personal styles. Under their influence, biker-inspired trends penetrate deeper and deeper into our daily lives. And thanks to brands like Bikerringshop - check them out at Bikerringshop - they're also becoming more affordable. Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood" music video is a testament to the enduring influence of biker fashion on contemporary pop culture. Swift and her all-star squad rocked sleek black leather outfits, complete with jackets, pants, and boots, resembling a formidable gang of motorcycle-riding warriors. The video showcased the power and allure of biker fashion in a modern context, infusing it with Swift's signature pop sensibility. In BTS' music video for "Dope," the members showcased their energetic and edgy style, prominently featuring biker-inspired outfits. Leather jackets, ripped jeans, and combat boots added a rebellious edge to their dynamic and captivating performances. Harry Styles, known for his boundary-pushing fashion choices, showcased his love for biker fashion during his "Fine Line" album era. Mixing colorful suits with statement boots, as well as leather jackets and bandanas, Styles effortlessly combined rockstar aesthetics with his own unique flair. His acute sense of fashion and bold vision are what made him a trendsetter and inspiration for fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Machine Gun Kelly, known for his rap-rock fusion and notable sense of style, has embraced biker fashion as an integral part of his image. With his bleached hair, tattoos, and penchant for black leather jackets, skinny jeans, and chunky boots, MGK channels the rebellious spirit of the biker subculture into his music and personal style. Thanks to the fusion of variegated styles, be it fashion or music, he garnered attention and admiration from fans and fashion enthusiasts alike, solidifying his status as a modern-day icon. The Weeknd's Super Bowl Halftime Show performance took the world by storm. It all thanks to a vibrant red jacket that paid homage to both Michael Jackson and biker fashion. The Givenchy creation featured leather-like texture and intricate detailing, which testified to the fusion of music and biker aesthetics on one of the world's grandest stages. As the worlds of music and fashion continue to evolve and intersect, modern-day supernovas, just like their predecessors, use the elements of biker style to make bold statements and convey a sense of rebellion. The thrilling fashion moments they create today will undoubtedly become the iconic snapshots bound to shape the future of mainstream fashion along with its niche for bikers. 
Elvis Presley in Jailhouse Rock (1957)
The Beatles in Hamburg (1960-1962)
"Leader of the Pack" by the Shangri-Las (1964)
Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock (1969)
Cruising into the Egregious Eighties
Joan Jett in I Love Rock 'n' Roll (1981)
Michael Jackson in Thriller (1983)
Prince in Purple Rain (1984)
Madonna's "Like a Prayer" Music Video (1989)
Axl Rose of Guns N' Roses (1980s-1990s)
Accelerating into the Present and Beyond
Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood" Music Video (2015)
BTS' "Dope" Music Video (2015)
Harry Styles' Fine Line Era (2019-2020)
Machine Gun Kelly's Style Transformation (2020-present)
The Weeknd's Red Suit at the Super Bowl Halftime Show (2021)
* This is a contributed article and this content does not necessarily represent the views of musictimes.com
