Vintage 1980s Redskins Buffalo Leather Motorcycle Jacket, Made in France

A Redskins buffalo leather motorcycle jacket, made in France during the 1980s. The label reads Cuir Leder, leather in both French and German, typical of French brands distributing across European markets at the time. The arm carries the Redskins 1984 patch, placing this within the brand’s early output.

Redskins emerged in France in the early 1980s and quickly built a following through the decade, known for producing jackets with real weight and presence. Their pieces were closely tied to moto and street subcultures of the period, defined less by fashion and more by material, construction and attitude. This is a clear example of that.

The buffalo leather is the defining feature. Heavier and more textured than cowhide, it wears differently. The surface breaks and lifts over time, creating variation and contrast rather than simply softening. On this jacket, that process has developed naturally across the body and sleeves, giving it a worn-in look while the underlying structure remains strong. Nothing artificial, just years of proper use.

The construction is direct and purposeful. A full-length front zip runs clean through the body, with twin chest pockets and inset vertical zip compartments. Ventilation zips sit at the sides and cuffs, and there is a small snap pocket on the sleeve. The contrast stitching in natural cream thread gives the jacket its definition, a signature detail of the period that remains crisp and intact.

Inside, the jacket is lined in cotton denim, printed with the Redskins lion graphic, wings and lettering in the brand’s red and grey. The original label is present and clearly legible.

Condition

This piece is in excellent vintage condition for its age. The buffalo leather remains strong and structurally sound throughout, with no cracking or weakness.

The wear across the surface is entirely natural and consistent, giving the jacket its character without compromising its integrity. Seams are solid, all zips run cleanly, and the lining remains intact.

It has been specialist cleaned and lightly conditioned in our workshop, carried out with restraint to preserve the original surface, tone and feel of the leather.

A first-generation Redskins jacket in buffalo leather, carrying decades of genuine wear exactly as it should.

Key Details

• 1980s Redskins buffalo leather motorcycle jacket
• Made in France, label reads Cuir Leder
• Redskins 1984 arm patch
• Buffalo leather with natural wear and patina
• Full-length front zip
• Twin chest patch pockets with inset vertical zips
• Ventilation zips at hem sides and cuffs
• Snap pocket on left sleeve
• Contrast cream topstitching throughout
• Cotton denim lining with Redskins lion graphic print
• All zips functional, all seams sound
• Specialist cleaned and lightly conditioned in workshop

Measurements (Laid Flat)

• Chest (armpit to armpit): 21.5"
• Shoulders (seam to seam): 18.5"
• Sleeve length (underarm to cuff): 18.5"
• Sleeve length (shoulder to cuff): 25"
• Back length (collar seam to hem): 25"