Have you ever stopped to consider the number of everyday clothing items which were designed for a different purpose? The motorcycle jacket immediately springs to mind, but what about aviator sunglasses or even your humble jeans? Here we look at five of the most iconic items of fashion that started life with another purpose.
Biker Jacket
One of the earliest purpose designed biker jackets is the lace-front Perfecto from Schott, which went on sale on 1928. The style was quickly adopted by pilots who valued the garment for its ability to keep them warm in drafty airplanes. The nickname “bomber jacket” dates from WWII and conjures up images of a high neck protective jacket that is sealed at the waist and wrists to protect the wearer and keep them as warm as possible. The 1950s saw it become a virtual uniform for biker gangs, giving it a rebellious edge it still carries today. Even respectable bikers like those at Carry on Biking harbour a deep seated lust to be an Easy Rider.
Jeans
Some people think Levi Strauss was responsible for inventing the jean but the fabric originated in Genoa, Italy, where sailors used it to protect good from the weather. Being cheap and sturdy, it was used to make clothing for workers who valued its long lasting qualities. The French tried to replicate Genoa’s fabric, coming up with a very similar cloth we know today as denim. Levi Strauss set up shop in San Francisco in 1853 and started selling his style of trousers in 1873. It’s a fitting home as American’s love their jeans, being responsible for 39% of worldwide sales.
Aviator Sunglasses
Ray-Ban designed the original aviator sunglasses in 1936. Though created with pilots in mind, they were soon being sold to civilians who liked the practical design that blocked more light than any other style available at the time. Fans of Ray-Ban’s aviator design include Tom Cruise, Freddie Mercury, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.
Chelsea Boot
Rather than merely dating back to London in the swinging sixties, the Chelsea Boot was designed and created in 1851. In fact, the original celebrity endorsement came from Queen Victoria, who wore them daily and liked the ease with which the elastic of the walking boot allowed them to be pulled on and off. They fell out of fashion in the early 1900s but were revived again by the Beatles. They’re now worn in various styles by active people all around the world, from jockeys to labourers.
Pea Coat
Also known as the reefer jacket, the pea coat was developed for European sailors in the late 1600s. The name comes from the Dutch pijjekker, used to describe the type of fabric it was made from. The pea coat has a slight military feel, and it’s double breasted design provides an additional layer of warmth across the chest. The large collar could be worn up to give sailors protection from the elements without impeding their vision, though modern styles are sometimes seen with a hood.
The next time to don your favourite jeans or zip up your jacket, spare a thought for the hard grafting original wearers who would envy the choices you have today.