Young adults have always been the leaders in creating new fashion combinations. For many decades, they have used the leather jackets as a way to express their own unique style. In the seventies, the jacket of choice was the suede leather style designed with fringes hanging off the arms, back and sometimes front of the garment. The jacket was made as a thin lightweight garment used to oppose the harsh or more masculine style of the motorcycle jacket. The fringed style was available in a natural shade of brown, which embodied the type of natural effect these young people wanted to express.

In the eighties and nineties, the demeanour of young adults changed as did the styles of the jackets made of leather. The natural laid back attitude for fashion the seventies had, gave way to the more flamboyant and outrageous designs of the eighties. The new designs for the women’s leather jacket included extremely fitted waists and large puffy sleeves. The new style also brought new ways of using leather to create jackets. Incorporating patchwork designs into these garments was a popular way to create new and interesting textures. Many of these jackets combined patches made of smooth and suede leather as well as lavish embroidery and sequin and bead accents.

In contrast to the flamboyant style of the eighties, the nineties saw a rise of opposition with the Goth moment among young people. This type of fashion became a statement where young adults would dress in garments made of black. The black leather jacket designed in the classic motorcycle style, made its fashion come back during this time. The heavy leather combined with the large silver zippers and metal fasteners were perfect for the type of apparel these young adults were looking for. This classic jacket became a fashion accessory for many young girls who often combined the heavy metal design of the jacket with lacy black stockings and short skirts.

Today, people can find all sorts of jackets available in leather. The range of styles is as diverse as the personalities of the people who wear them. Once considered a trendy symbol of expression, this jacket has become part of the everyday fashion world for both young and old. People looking to the future of this garment will already see signs of a new trend on the horizon. The sleek form fitting style of the motocross jacket is becoming popular with many young adults.