During my recent series of posts on Levi’s bespoke jeans, a reader commented that he didn’t like denim because it didn’t drape like wool, linen or other materials commonly used for suiting. He’s not wrong, but denim and other cotton materials have a beauty all of their own. That beauty is more similar to leather than to wool. Like leather, these cottons adapt to the shape of the wearer. They take on his physique, become unique and personalised, and are more precious as a result. A structured suit jacket, of course, does this too. But leather reflects the wearer on the surface as well as inside – in the patina that builds up through use, shape and circumstance. This is the first of a handful of posts demonstrating that beauty. Although part of the ‘How great things age’ series, they focus on vintage items and those not normally associated with tailoring, such as denim, leather and waxed cotton. The first piece is my 1960s Barbour motorcycling jacket. Originally part of a suit, it still has the internal buttons that would have attached the matching waxed-cotton trousers.

It has clearly seen a lot of user over the years, with darning in several places. The great thing about cotton, of course, is that even the outside can easily be darned when it frays or rips. Note the original cycling club patch, with has also been carefully sewn on by hand. As owners of more modern Barbour and Belstaff jackets will know, waxed cotton is unique for the speed with which it ages, developing a vintage look very quickly. It’s one reason that artificially aged versions haven’t really caught on – unlike jeans and leather jackets. But a waxed jacket that has been worn, beaten and rewaxed several times also develops a deeper hue that is particularly attractive. The photos here give some sense of that. (As ever, click images to enlarge.) This Barbour is from the excellent Vintage Showroom in Covent Garden, which I recommend (also Josh Sims’s book on the same store). However, as with most vintage jackets be aware that they will be cut shorter and squarer than any modern piece, and it may therefore take quite a while to find one that fits well.

The only advantage of models like the Trialmaster is the belt, which can be cinched to deal with some of the squareness. For more on vintage pieces, see my post on RRL. And my recent feature for The Telegraph contained more about the history of the motorcycle jacket and other pieces.Motorcycle RidersBrown MotorcycleVintage MotorcycleMotorcycle JacketsMotorbike ClothingMotorcycle EquipmentMotorcycle ClothingMaster BrownJungle ClothForwardMulholland Master BROWN motorcycle riders jacket. t rex motorcycle for sale in san diegoAn original MFSC, inspired by our vintage influences. ducati monster for sale ebay ukFABRIC: Originally developed for the US Navy and officially called “Jungle Cloth”. motorcycle swap meet illinois 2014

A sturdy 100% cotton ‘gros grain’ type cloth, tightly woven for wind proofing and with water repellent qualities. It can be individually waxed with adequate wax dressing, to add to the water proofing quality.Have a look at our selection of motorcycle jackets that just look timelessly good. They exude the vintage style that works so well with the styles of bike we all know and love, without skimping on their protective properties. BestsellersNamePrice: Low to HighPrice: High to LowNewmotorcycle shop gateshead BELSTAFF MOJAVE BROOKLANDS WAX JACKET - BLACKThis iconic jacket was updated in 2013 and remains unchanged for 2014.  motorcycle shops sierra vista azNow with it's waterproofing membrane and lightweight D3o body armour, this is a jacket that can be used for anything, whether for a short city ride or trekking across Africa on an enduro.  motorcycle shops in murrieta

In assocation with Wild Trax Africa, Urban Rider are taking this jacket through the most thorough road test ever - Edinburgh to Cape Town and the jacket has proven more than up to the task.  Video overview available - click beneath main image to view. BELSTAFF TRIALMASTER TOURIST TROPHY LADIES WAX JACKET - BLACKThe iconic Belstaff jacket now with a tailored ladies cut and lighter waxed coating. BELSTAFF TRIALMASTER TOURIST TROPHY WAX JACKET - WOODLAND GREEN BELSTAFF CROSBY 6OZ WAX COTTON JACKET - BLACKbmw r50 motorcycles for sale BELSTAFF TRIALMASTER TOURIST TROPHY WAX JACKET - NAVY BLUEnew colour in the all time best seller BELSTAFF BROOKLANDS JACKET - NAVY BLUE new colour in the ever popular brooklands BELSTAFF CROSBY 6OZ WAX COTTON JACKET - NAVY BLUE BELSTAFF BROOKLANDS MOJAVE LEATHER JACKET - BLACK BROWN BELSTAFF BRADSHAW LADIES WAX COTTON JACKET - BLACK

BELSTAFF RALEIGH WAXED LEATHER JACKET - BLACKTimless design from Belstaff, new for the 2017 Pure Motorcycle Collection BELSTAFF TURNER HAND WAXED LEATHER JACKET - ANTIQUE BLACK Premium leather Belstaff biking jacket BELSTAFF NEW SNAEFELL WAX CORDURA JACKET - MILITARY GREEN BELSTAFF MOJAVE BROOKLANDS WAX JACKET - BROWNThis iconic jacket was updated in 2013 and remains unchanged for 2014.   BELSTAFF TRIALMASTER TOURIST TROPHY WAX JACKET - BLACKAn updated classic - same great look, now completely waterproof!   BELSTAFF TRIALMASTER TOURIST TROPHY WAX JACKET - BROWN BELSTAFF CLASSIC LEATHER TRIALMASTER JACKET - LIGHT BROWNA stunning new leather Trialmaster based on the deisgn of the best selling wax cotton Belstaff Tourist Trophy jacket. BELSTAFF XMAN RACING JACKET 2015 - BLACKStunning detailing on a retro short cut racing jacket. BELSTAFF XMAN RACING JACKET 2015 - VINTAGE GREENStunning detailing on a retro short cut racing jacket. BELSTAFF TRIALMASTER TOURIST TROPHY LADIES WAX JACKET - REDThe iconic Belstaff jacket now with a tailored ladies cut and lighter waxed coating.