Youtube video - why older men shouldn't wear leather jackets!

[SydneyCollectorGuy]

I try to be mate I try
I look at the ones that call me an old fart as jealous of the fact my cheapest leather jacket is probably worth more than their entire outfit

 

[colekwok]

I am literally watching the video right now. This is just basically a click bait kind of opinion video, pretty much like what they write on DailyMail or the Sun. The more people talk about it, they more clicks and views they have. On.... by the way, I was expecting the clip to be a bit longer...... and 956 up votes vs 1.8k down votes? We know the verdict.

 

[Greg Gale]

I just watched it....it's ridiculous in a way, and it really is clickbait. They should check this forum and find 100s of pics of "older" people looking awesome in leather jackets.

I give them that it CAN look bad too, like someone is trying too hard, some of the photos they showed reflect this.

They're also right that lighter brown shades tend to work better with age - I always thought that as people get older, russet A-2s fit them better than they would fit a younger person. But I always thought it was just in my head. Maybe it is.

 

[MaydayWei]

Our generations had it a lot easier mate. All the stupid shit we did and said wasn't posted on the internet for eternity ;-)

As a younger man in my early 20s, I think I may well be one of the younger members on this forum.
Oddly enough, I am one of the few who deliberately avoid the drivel that people such as the aforementioned fashionistas propagate every single day on the internet.

In my humble opinion, I think old guys are badass. There's an air of relaxation, there's no need to prove yourselves; you let your past achievements and your actions speak for themselves - I envy that greatly. You've seen it all, done it all; and, most importantly, you no longer feel that chip on your shoulder that most of the young generation feel; which, even I admittedly feel from time to time.

With regards to leather jackets, I honestly do not think it is too difficult for anyone (young or old) to pull of a well-fitting, quality-made leather jacket. It is difficult to argue that a leather jacket is any different from any other non-leather jacket; and even more so to argue that because it's made of leather or styled in a 'cool' way that necessarily precludes the older generation from wearing one. It's a non-sensical assertion because its their (the fashionistas) personal opinion.

That being said, I'm not going to take the stance of 'apologising' for 'my generation'. It's silly. Old or young, it doesn't matter. Everyone is entitled to their own view be they entitled spoilt young kids or the hard-earned older gentleman; different strokes for different folks.
However, I must say that (generally) I am of the humble opinion that my generation really do not learn and listen from the wiser and the older as much as we should.
Everyone talks about 20/20 hindsight and doing things differently if we had known then what we know now; well, shit, older people have 20/20 hindsight and know what they would've done differently at our age; so why the hell don't we listen?
Probably, because we are stubborn or unconvinced; either way, as with all advice, we should take it, consider it critically, and choose which parts to accept and reject. Don't just take what people say (older generation, or younger generation) point blank; you can think for yourself, so do it!

Finally, regarding @Smithy's comment and at the risk of stepping on a few toes, I must express that the older generation did have it objectively 'easier' than the younger generation. Perhaps, not for all things; for example, we now have the internet (a great resource for learning) that the older generation did not have. What I mean, is the objective pressures and prices of the ordinary costs of living. I do not know where you all live, but generally, housing prices, post-secondary education, medical care insurance (just to name a few) are all becoming increasingly unattainable.
It is not an opinion, but a fact, that the cost for a house or a university degree is now is far higher than it was back in your day (inflation accounted for).
Even as many of my parents' generation would admit, things today are much much more unattainable for the young; irrespective of how hard we work.
I am not saying that hard work and perseverance won't pull us through; I am just saying it is a reality that the cards are stacked against the younger generation today; and I hope that the older, more learned and respected members of this forum can see and acknowledge that that is a fact; and, as arrogant as it may sound, hopefully respect our struggle, even when my generation may not have respected yours.

Alas, I may have taken this all too seriously; and perhaps this thread was all in good jest.
Just thought I would stir the pot a bit and throw in a controversial young(er) opinion in there hehehe.

 

[Silver Surfer]

jeezelouise, what was easy about getting your ass out of your mom and dads home at age 17, or taking all of that acid, or getting brained for protesting the nam war, and..........

 

[B-Man2]

Here's me with my son and band (not shown) after they did a show. I never felt like I shouldn't be wearing torn jeans and a leather jacket. I'm friends with all their pals and always have fun hanging out. Not to mention, the dad's are the ones that can afford the drinks

Three years back, wearing the GW Ventura with pride!

View attachment 44927

Now that’s a photo these two dipshits should see. It blows their comments right out of the water!!
Nice one Scott!

 

[foster]

The video is basically an opinion, painted with a very broad brush. They did throw in the little 'disclaimer' that 'there are exceptions, of course' in a feeble attempt to inoculate themselves against scrutiny. Given the number of likes vs dislikes, they appear to have failed.

Adding a 2-minute timer only adds to the broad generalizations, as there is simply not enough time to properly go into detail. If you resort to leather mall jackets, of course the older generations will look bad in those (because nearly EVERYONE looks bad in a leather mall jacket).
This is not new news. If the jacket has character, then it transfers to the wearer. If the jacket is 'leather' but lacks character, then there is only function, without fashion.

And function is underrated these days. First and foremost, one wears a jacket for practical (functional) reasons. If the jacket is well-made and of a good quality hide, the character develops as a result of it being a functional garment. But if you are focusing on seasonal fashion "Fall 2020" as example, then the character will not develop and you're left with something not intended to last beyond one season before it is discarded into fashionista prison.

So, looking at the photo Centaurus added:

This photo is literally on Ashley Weston's site. This is how she thinks men should wear a leather jacket.
View attachment 44926

In addition to the observations he shared, I also think the sleeves on this leather jacket appear much too short (or will be, if he wears it for more than two days).

 

[ButteMT61]

Finally, regarding @Smithy's comment and at the risk of stepping on a few toes, I must express that the older generation did have it objectively 'easier' than the younger generation. Perhaps, not for all things; for example, we now have the internet (a great resource for learning) that the older generation did not have. What I mean, is the objective pressures and prices of the ordinary costs of living...

You had some good points until you said that. I think that's the problem with generations comparing themselves to others. While the adjusted cost of things has indeed gotten toxic - I know, I have three kids all grownup - life was not easy nor given to me and I'm sure, most here. We all have challenges in any generation. I keep my grandparents' WWII ration stamps hanging on my wall to remind me that my problems are not that bad. Others have had even worse to contend with. Let's just leave it with "life's a bitch". We all mostly try to do our best and get by. Dissing others who are older or younger doesn't solve any of the real problems we all face.

 

[B-Man2]

Well said Scott!

 

[London Cabbie]

Style, not fashion takes time...

 

[London Cabbie]

This photo is literally on Ashley Weston's site. This is how she thinks men should wear a leather jacket.

It doesn't look bad, but I've never seen a tie and leather jacket working, unless you were in khakis on a fricken naval ship.

Again, it's neutering the masculinity of the leather jacket. I think there's a happy medium. Yeah, Most of us can't pull off Marlon Brando and his Durable (not Schott) double rider in The wild one. We shouldn't. He was still in his 20s when he made that movie.

But i just can't get down going GQ with a sweater and a tie either.

That's why she made the comment that older men could wear a suede Harrington. Well, that's basically a "de-balled" leather jacket. I have a vintage Ian Mankin G9 variant. I know. I invariably go for a Ledbury button up shirt and Barker chukkas when i wear that thing.

View attachment 44926

I don’t swear much but I personally detest the ‘skinny’ look. Unless you are a 60’s Astronaut.

 

[MaydayWei]

You had some good points until you said that. I think that's the problem with generations comparing themselves to others. While the adjusted cost of things has indeed gotten toxic - I know, I have three kids all grownup - life was not easy nor given to me and I'm sure, most here. We all have challenges in any generation. I keep my grandparents' WWII ration stamps hanging on my wall to remind me that my problems are not that bad. Others have had even worse to contend with. Let's just leave it with "life's a bitch". We all mostly try to do our best and get by. Dissing others who are older or younger doesn't solve any of the real problems we all face.

Hi @ButteMT61 ,
Thanks for your reply.

Please understand that I meant no offence in what I had said and I certainly did not intend to diss any generation, younger or older.
If I had caused offence, or appeared to have 'dissed' anyone, I apologise.

To clarify, I am by no means suggesting that the older generations did not have it difficult.
What I am suggesting is that there are generally certain aspects of life (i.e. educational costs, medi-care, increasing housing prices) for which it is tougher for the younger generation; much as I am sure there are certain aspects of life which was tougher for the older generations.
As you rightly pointed out, we should leave it as 'life's a bitch' for both the young and the old; I am simply highlighting that life's more of a bitch to the young in certain respects; and more of a bitch to the older generation in other respects.

Perhaps, I am not being very to the point; but my main underlying sentiment is that you're completely correct; life's a bitch for all of us, so please don't judge us younglings too harshly; even despite the fact that 'my' generation judges the older generations too harshly too (RE the 2 fashionistas).
A little generosity, understanding, and empathy on both sides (young and old) could go a long ways; with the over-arching idea being that at the end of the day (old or young) we are in this together.

By no means do I intend to diminish or talk-down the sufferings of the older generation; in fact, I am grateful for what can be learned by engaging with older more learned gentleman such as yourself. Although, admittedly, I do not always express that gratefulness.
Nonetheless, I shall try; so, for as little as my words are worth, thank you for taking the time to properly engage with what I have said.

 

[ausreenactor]

I'm lucky.......i left home when I was 18 for military service.....I ended up buying a apartment in the better section of Sydney
I get called a "old fart" by people in their younger 20's because I was one of the rare kiddies that saw "the long view" and didn't want to do a fine arts degree,a massive HECS debt and still be stuck working at Maccas

Knew there was something about ya mate!
By military you mean Army right? The other two are kinda.... you know?

 

[SydneyCollectorGuy]

Knew there was something about ya mate!
By military you mean Army right? The other two are kinda.... you know?

I originally wanted to join with the RAN (Dad's family had a proud tradition in the RN)
I ended up going down the Army path through....... and RAAfies are...... well they are a strange breed

 

[Thomas Koehle]

i'm 57, i just started a new position as GM of a company and i f...in' wear leather or whatever i want where- and whenever i want without listening to some stupid youngsters (ok - sometimes i listen to the "missus" but noone else and she ain't a youngster anyway ...)

 

[Edward]

i'm 57, i just started a new position as GM of a company with more than 400 employees and i f...in' wear leather or whatever i want where- and whenever i want without listening to some stupid youngsters (ok - sometimes i listen to the "missus" but noone else and she ain't a youngster anyway ...)

See now, you ROCK it! you wear it well and it works! very cool!

 

[Silver Surfer]

lookn fine, thom. class, real class.

 

[B-Man2]

Lookin smooth Thomas !

 

[ButteMT61]

Hi @ButteMT61 ,
Thanks for your reply.

Please understand that I meant no offence in what I had said and I certainly did not intend to diss any generation, younger or older.
If I had caused offence, or appeared to have 'dissed' anyone, I apologise...

Much of the intent of my post was not pointed your way, but generically as the terms suggest to all. I'm not butthurt by your post at all. Just leave out the generalizations based on groupings and I think everyone's OK. Substitute for "old" Black, Asian, gay, etc. it wouldn't fly. Dissing older folks remarkably is OK in this age of over-sensitivity. If you're hiding in your safe space (not you specifically) don't lob stones at us older folks.
I was a dumbass in many ways in my 20's, and tell my wife all the time that "men" don't even begin to mature until 30. I'll own that. But I never dumped on the older guys I worked with and admired. I just tried to learn what I could from them.

 

[kirova]

I originally wanted to join with the RAN (Dad's family had a proud tradition in the RN)
I ended up going down the Army path through....... and RAAfies are...... well they are a strange breed

lol you guys..........

I have friends from the Army and Navy as well, the usual rivalries aside, the one thing they could agree on was their opinion of the RAAF, one of the most memorable quote was "they try to out-British the British", my apologies to our British friend here