Lace Up Motorcycle Leather Waistcoat
This lace up leather waistcoat closes at the front and laces down both sides, which is what makes it the most adjustable vest we make. Leather does not stretch, so a sewn vest has to be exactly right or it either gapes at the chest or will not close over a jacket. Side lacing removes that problem entirely — loosen it to go over a leather jacket, tighten it to sit close over a shirt.
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Material: Real leather with leather side lacing
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Fit: Regular fit, adjustable through side lacing
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Closure: Front fastening with laced sides
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Color: Black
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Care: Dry cloth, condition twice a year, dry naturally away from heat
What the lacing actually does
The side seams are left open and closed with leather lacing through metal eyelets. That gives you a couple of inches of adjustment at the chest and waist — enough to change how the vest sits across a season, or to take it from close over a t-shirt to comfortably open over a jacket.
It also means the vest keeps fitting if your build changes, which is not true of a sewn one. And if you carry a bit more in winter than in summer, the vest follows.
Build details
Eyelets are metal, set through reinforced tabs so the lace does not cut into the hide over time. The lacing is leather rather than cord, which lasts far longer and does not fray or shrink when it gets damp.
Seams are double stitched with heavy polyester thread. The back panel is left plain and uninterrupted, which is what you want if patches or club colours are going on it later. There are hip pockets outside and an interior pocket inside the front.
Fit and sizing
Take your normal size to wear over a shirt or t-shirt. Size up if you plan to wear it over a leather jacket — the lacing gives adjustment but not a whole size worth. Armholes are cut to clear a jacket sleeve rather than binding on it.
The hide is chosen firm enough to hold its shape at the shoulders. A vest that sags at the shoulder after a year is a vest made from too soft a leather, which is why we do not use lambskin for these.
Wearing it
Jeans, boots and a plain shirt or tee is the default. Over a leather jacket it becomes the classic riding layer. On its own over a shirt it reads considerably quieter, which is why plenty of buyers who never go near a bike own one.
See the rest of our Men Leather Vests, or our Men Leather Jackets to wear underneath.
Sizes and made to order
Each waistcoat is cut after you order, in the size you choose. Standard sizes are XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL and 5XL, plus Custom — send chest, waist and back length after checkout at no extra charge. Eyelet work adds a little production time over a plain vest. Free worldwide shipping and secure checkout are included.
Shop Related Styles at Leather Outlet
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the side lacing adjust?
A couple of inches at the chest and waist. Enough to allow for layering, not a full size change.
Is the lace leather or cord?
Leather. It lasts longer than cord and does not fray or shrink when damp.
Will the lacing cut into the hide?
No. The eyelets are metal and set through reinforced tabs, which spreads the load.
Can I add patches to the back?
Yes. The back panel is left plain with no seam across it, and the hide is heavy enough to take stitching.
What size should I order?
Your normal size over a shirt or tee, one size up to wear over a leather jacket. Custom sizing is free.
Is this certified riding protection?
No. It is a leather vest, not protective equipment, and it has no armour or armour pockets.
How do I care for it?
Wipe with a dry cloth, dry naturally away from direct heat if it gets wet, and condition twice a year. Never machine wash.
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