The soft guy, the macho guy, the nerdy guy – these trends come and go, but the Harley-Davidson guy is forever. That’s what the world-famous brand wants us to believe, judging by the lifestyle they promote. When I lived in America, the Harley-Davidson male was a common sight. Not at Harvard though, but outside the suburbs. On my travels throughout the States, I often saw one or a few pass by. You can picture them on the road, on the bike, just riding off to their adventure where there are no stops nearby.
Ironically enough, the men I described are, more often than not, middle-aged. Living the dream of every young man, who one day wants to just drop their 9-to-5, just don that famous Harley-Davidson-logo leather jacket and go off on that adventure. The adventure in which there’s no risk, but the weird feeling of not having that stress of returning to work the next day, of wondering when your boss will call and disturb your peace of mind, or wondering whether your wife will be upset when you return back home. Yes, perhaps that’s achievable. A dream that the Harley-Davidson lifestyle promises.
Well, I know you’re probably reading this at office, nowhere close to achieving this dream at least for not. But worry not, we’re at least here to make your wardrobe dreams come true. So that you, too, can feel like a free Harley-Davidson male during weekends, or maybe even tonight at drinks! Ready for some fashion adventures? Let’s go!
Understanding the Harley-Davidson Lifestyle
What I described above is, in essence, a grunge lifestyle. If you feel dead in your job and want to break free to a simpler life of buying and owning (read hoarding) less and worrying less about what others think (or not at all) and be able to actually do what you love instead of being a small insignificant peg in the never-ending inescapable cycle of consumerism, then you’re essentially a grunge guy.
Dressing up is no different than speaking or body language in the way it represents us and our whole vibe. It’s an expression that speaks about who we are, much like our attitude or core value system.
That’s why it’s really important to ‘get’ this lifestyle before you dress like a Harley-Davidson male because you embody this lifestyle in your outfits, in your personality and in your whole vibe.
Whatever a Harley-Davidson man wears is designed for the bike road trip. So basically, it’s designed for comfort, cold weather, less stops and more trips. It’s designed for ruggedness, for any age.
The wardrobe is about the experience of adventure that’s just fun, not risky. There’s an escapism about this wardrobe – it’s not fit for your typical desk job, or your boring-to-death networking parties and after-parties. It’s for the ride.
It’s about masculinity that’s more ‘can’t-help-it’, not show-offy. Through plain clothing and functional elements, the Harley-Davidson way of dressing is for a natural cool-guy lifestyle. But through lightning or skull motifs, it also has personality. Like saying, ‘I have interests and tastes too’.
Of course, like all things consumerist, the Harley-Davidson style of dressing is only the modern version of grunge. It’s about living a simple rugged life but without the scruffiness. They call it the ‘utility-inspired style’.
How to Build a Harley-Davidson-Inspired Wardrobe
The brand’s lifestyle is quite iconic, and it reflects in their bikes and gear too. The clothing and accessories are meant to be practical and very functional. There is no place for fluff. If you’re the guy who doesn’t attend the parties of the people he doesn’t like anyway, you don’t have space in your wardrobe for florals and pistachio greens.
Instead, the Harley-Davidson inspired wardrobe is grunge without being scruffy or ripped apart. It’s like a more polished version of grunge. An uber-grunge.
So here are some of the items to plan when building your biker wardrobe.
- Leather jackets, canvas jackets, leather vest
- Puffer jackets, riding jackets, fleece jackets, varsity jackets
- Garage jackets (plain military style all day jackets that are made for casual looks), hoodies
- Plaid shirts, flannel, long-sleeved plain and fade-gradient tees, plain solid tees
- 90s jeans – straight, slightly faded but not too torn, washed denim, leather pants
- Doc martens, leather shoes,
- Beanies, caps
How to Shop for Building Your Own Harley-Davidson Male Wardrobe
Shopping is a craft, much like biking. So make sure you know what to look for before you’re swiping that credit card. Here are some tips so you never buy the wrong product.
- While leather and denim make a large part of the wardrobe, the focus is also on essentials that can be repeatedly worn.
- Clothing should be comfortable, and practical.
- Go for basic silhouettes that are timeless and avoid unnecessary detailing.
- Avoid big logos, instead go for subtle or no branding.
- Avoid prints and patterns.
- Go for clothing with small or medium sized hardware with minimal design elements.
- Skull, fire, lightning, eagle & other masculine (read macho) symbols.
- Go for pieces with pockets, rivets & zippers to showcase the biker’s on-the-go lifestyle.
- Focus on comfort, and functionality when picking out clothing and accessories.
- Also make sure you buy clothing and accessories with durable fabric and quality construction, otherwise your whole look will be that of a fake wannabe.
How to Choose Colors
The color palette of your wardrobe should be majorly black, charcoal grey, faded denim, dark denim. But you can also include white, medium grey, dusty cinnamon, taupe brown, and khaki.
If you want to add color, go for hints of color like orange, shades of blue and green. You can include color subtly in your accessories or t-shirts that are worn under jackets.
Must-Have Essentials for a Harley-Davidson-Inspired Wardrobe
Here’s the place to start. I have listed some must-have items to start with, which will help you create loads of basic everyday outfits.
- Garage Jackets: Choose plain military-style jackets for a casual yet sharp look. Ideal for pairing with straight-cut jeans and sturdy boots, this jacket suits casual Fridays, weekend outings, or even a date.
- Classic Leather Jacket: A quintessential black leather jacket is a timeless addition to your wardrobe. Go for a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down, offering both style and protection on the road. Try a minimal silhouette and a small logo and obviously, pockets.
- Motorcycle Gloves: Select a pair of high-quality leather gloves to protect your hands while riding, and also to protect your bike from getting scratched by your rings. They should offer both comfort and a firm grip and can be a stylish accessory as well.
- Graphic Tees: Include a couple of plain and graphic t-shirts for a relaxed and effortless style. You can have a long-sleeved plain black tee, a half-sleeved classic grey tee, and a black tee with graphic like a skull or fire. They’re easy to throw on for a day out and can reflect your personal interests or artistic taste.
- Durable Jeans: Invest in a pair of durable, high-quality jeans with a comfortable fit for long rides. Go for a classic 90s straight-cut or boot-cut silhouette in 90s blue, washed blue or deep blue that is faded but not too ripped. Something that says it already withstood the wear and tear of the road.
- Plaid Flannel Shirt: A soft plaid flannel shirt is the grungest essential you need. And it’s popular for a reason. For its versatility, that is. It can be worn on its own or layered under a jacket, perfect for changing weather conditions.
- Denim Jacket: A well-fitted denim jacket is a staple for any casual wardrobe. You can also opt for an added layer of warmth. Perfect for college or weekends, and can be worn over a variety of outfits.
- Rugged Boots: Try sturdy leather boots or Doc Martens. A great pair makes a strong fashion statement, so look for a comfortable fit and good tread design for both walking and riding.
- Harley-Davidson Ring: Go for a bold statement ring, in silver or steel. A ring can serve as a striking accessory to complement your biker aesthetic. Look for skull ring designs or Goth rings that speak to your personal style, for example it could be a classic band or one with intricate details. A small addition can make a big impact, adding individuality to your overall look.
How to Dress like a Harley-Davidson Male: 7 Outfit Ideas
To get your biker fashion inspiration going, here are 7 outfit ideas to try for different occasions or looks:
The Classic Rider: Pair a black leather jacket with straight-leg jeans, a white graphic tee, and black motorcycle boots. Accessorize with a silver statement ring and leather gloves for a timeless look that’s ready for the road.
Urban Explorer: Layer a plaid flannel shirt over a dark t-shirt, coupled with durable cargo pants and lace-up combat boots. This outfit is practical for city navigation while exuding a rugged charm. Add personality to your look with a couple of skull rings.
Weekend Casual: Combine a soft, fitted Henley shirt with relaxed-fit jeans and sturdy leather sneakers. This laid-back combination is perfect for a casual meet-up or a leisurely weekend ride.
Summer Cruise: For warmer days, opt for light-wash denim shorts, a vibrant sleeveless tee, and high-top canvas sneakers. Add a bandana and aviator sunglasses for a carefree, summer-ready vibe.
Winter Gear-Up: Layer a thermal long-sleeve shirt under a heavy-duty garage or fleece jacket, paired with insulated jeans and waterproof riding boots. A knit beanie and a fleece-lined leather glove set will keep you warm during chilly rides.
Airport-Ready Rugged: A black mandarin collar shirt tucked into dark jeans, topped with a tailored leather blazer and finished with dress boots, creates a sophisticated look with an edge, suitable for more formal events or a night at a concert.
Date Night Cool: Dress up a dark denim jacket with a black button-up shirt, slim-fit khakis, and polished Chelsea boots. You can also opt for a plain black or grey garage casual jacket with a grey tee and a dark wash jeans paired with white or black sneakers. The clean lines and fitted silhouette create a smart-casual look ideal for an evening out.
Now I know this whole biker vibe can get attractive (and addictive) so I’m sure you’d wanna try these outfit ideas out. But if you have a day job, don’t forget to keep a reality-check too (although this article I’m sure it made you forget about all the worries for a minute there!). And remember, the Harley-Davidson male is not a clothing hoarder. This lifestyle isn’t about consumerism, but about the adventures, the carefreeness of it all. So focus more on having fun, on being the guy you dreamed about becoming.
So I hope you found my article helpful, and inspirational. Don’t’ forget to share your outfits with me on hOwls!
Happy biking!