Where to Buy Vintage Motorcycle Clothing: A Complete Guide

There are lots of great vintage motorcycle clothes available out there, whether it be for collectors, classic bike riders, or just lovers of retro riding gear. This blog will highlight the best places to purchase vintage motorcycle clothing, key features to look out for, and tips for the right purchase.

Best Sites to Buy Vintage Motorcycle Clothing

Before we get into where to buy, let’s take a look at why vintage motorcycle clothing is so sought after:

Timeless Style – Nothing beats classic leather jackets, retro helmets, and vintage gloves, for a unique look modern gear rarely achieves.

Durable Construction – A lot of vintage motorcycle clothing was made with top-notch materials and construction, offering durability.

History & Authenticity – Using vintage gear allows you to share in the collective history of motorcycling and offers a more authentic experience while you ride.

Collectible Value — Certain vintage motorcycle clothing (particularly vintage from legendary brands) can collect value over time.

Where to Buy Vintage Motorcycle Clothing?

Online Marketplaces

Hunting for vintage motorcycle clothing online is one of the simplest methods. Here are some of the best of those:

eBay: You can find just about anythging on eBay, particularly great vintage motorcycle gear, jackets, helmets — you name it, from different decades!

Etsy: Perfect for one-off, artisanal, and vintage motorcycling gear, including hard-to-find items from private listings.

Facebook Marketplace: Good for sourcing local gear, especially vintage motorcycle clothing so you avoid shipping.

Craigslist: Another classic for finding local vintage motorcycle gear, though availability varies by region.

Vintage Motorcycle Specialty Stores

You can even find stores that specifically sell vintage motorcycle apparel. Here are a few notable ones:

The Real McCoy’s – A brand that specializes in reproducing excellent quality vintage motorcycle jackets and gear.

Lewis Leathers – The world’s first & oldest motorcycle clothing brand providing authentic vintage style leather jackets.

Red Wing Heritage – Red Wing is known for boots but they offer vintage-inspired leather motorcycle gear.

Revival Cycles – Specialty custom apparel and vintage motorcycle gear.

Thrift Stores & Flea Markets

If you enjoy digging for treasure, a vintage motorcycle aesthetic also means exploring thrift stores and flea markets and discovering second-hand (possibly bargain priced) vintage motorcycle clothing, inspired by the past. Look for:

Local thrift stores – Visit regularly, inventory is always changing.

Swap meets – Events during which riders buy, sell, and trade vintage gear.

Estate sales — Estate sales of passionate motorcyclists sometimes include rare vintage apparel.

Motorcycle Shows & Events

If you go to motorcycle rallies, vintage bike shows, and swap meets there are often vendors with classic motorcycle clothing. Some popular events include:

Barber Vintage Festival (USA)

Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (Worldwide)

Sturgis Motorcycle Swap Meets (USA)

Classic Bike Shows (UK, USA, Australia)

Online Communities for Vintage Motorcyclists

CCM had evidently known of the issue for some time, with stickers being applied to older bikes during service to alert new owners. Some notable ones include:

ADVrider Vintage Forum

The Jockey Journal

Reddit’s r/motorcycles & r/VintageMotorcycles

How to Buy Used Vintage motorcycle Clothing

Know What is Real – A sign of authentic vintage or old pieces as opposed to new reproductions.

Check for Signs of Damage – Check for any damage, including cracked leather, missing buttons, and worn zippers.

Know Your Size — Vintage sizes can differ from modern ones, so check measurements carefully.

Request Detailed Photos — If purchasing via the internet, ask for sign of condition in several images.

Look for Repairs & Restoration – Some vintage items may require minor repairs, which can add to their character.

Final Thoughts

While vintage motorcycle clothing does take time to find, it pays dividends with a historical piece packed with character and style. There are some good places to source classic riding gear, whether it’s online, at thrift stores, or at motorcycle events. Use your time, do your due diligence and enjoy the process of hunting down vintage motorcycle gear!