1940’s French Double Breasted Motorcycle Leather Jacket

Built during the late 1930s through the 1940s, this French double-breasted motorcycle jacket sits firmly within the tradition of pre-war and wartime motorcycling outerwear. Jackets of this type were worn by civilian riders, couriers, and those operating motorcycles during periods when transport, utility, and personal protection were essential. The cut, materials, and construction reflect a time when leather jackets were built for endurance rather than fashion, offering authority, weather resistance, and long service life.

The jacket is constructed from firm-grained vegetable-tanned cowhide, originally stiff and protective, now naturally softened through decades of wear. The leather has matured into a rich, complex patina with tonal variation, surface creasing, and light abrasions consistent with age and use. These changes sit within the grain rather than through it, leaving the hide structurally strong and fully wearable. The body retains its shape well, while the sleeves show gentle softening, a common characteristic of jackets that have been worn regularly rather than stored away.

Design details are unmistakably motorcycle-led. The double-breasted front with leather-wrapped buttons offers effective wind protection while seated on a bike, supported by wide lapels and a sharply angled breast pocket for accessibility. Flapped hip pockets provide secure storage, and button-tab cuffs allow adjustment at the wrist. Reinforced seams throughout underline the jacket’s utilitarian intent, while the overall silhouette carries a restrained authority typical of French workwear and motorcycling garments of the period.

Inside, the plaid wool body lining sets this apart from later civilian copies, offering warmth and durability, while rayon-lined sleeves improve comfort and ease of movement. This balance of practicality and refinement is characteristic of French outerwear from the era and suggests a jacket intended for regular use rather than occasional wear.

The jacket has been professionally cleaned and conditioned using specialist methods, ensuring the leather remains supple and stable without altering its original surface character. Stitching, seams, and components are sound, and the jacket remains fully wearable. Overall condition is excellent vintage, with no structural issues and only honest signs of age.

Key Identifying Features

• Late 1930s to 1940s French double-breasted motorcycle jacket
• Firm-grained vegetable-tanned cowhide with natural patina and tonal depth
• Double-breasted front with leather-wrapped buttons for wind protection
• Wide lapels and angled breast pocket
• Flapped hip pockets and adjustable button-tab cuffs
• Plaid wool body lining with rayon-lined sleeves
• Reinforced seams throughout
• Professionally cleaned and conditioned in-house
• Excellent vintage condition with preserved structure and character

Garment Measurements (Laid Flat)

• Chest (armpit to armpit): 24 inches
• Shoulders (seam to seam): 20 inches
• Sleeve length (shoulder seam to cuff): 25 inches
• Back length (collar seam to hem): 31.5 inches

Best suited for a large frame, approximately a 44 inch chest. Please compare with a similar jacket for accuracy.