Belstaff - A British icon reborn in Italy

 

Belstaff have been going strong since the 1920s, creating innovative wax-coated jackets for British motorcyclists. Founded in 1924 by Eli Belovitch and his son in law Harry Grosberg in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, Belstaff created the first ever waterproof and breathable fabric, a waxed cotton, with which they specialised in producing their all-weather motorbike jackets. Naturally progressing into making technical garments, windproof, waterproof and capable of withstanding heavy friction they were the pioneers for the rapidly growing trend of aviators and bikers alike.

As always though, the stylish jackets filtered into the mainstream, with fans of the brand obsessively collecting 'Trialmasters', 'Roadmasters', 'Trophies' and even 'Panthers' (jacket model names) and trading them like fine wine and stolen diamonds across the globe. Taken over by an Italian fashion firm in the 90s, the Italians have continued to uphold the values of the Belstaff brand, still imparting that lasting quality the jackets loyally bring to their owners. Over the years everyone from Steve McQueen to Che Guevara has worn them, with the jackets becoming their trusted companions on their heroic quests.

If you've seen a Hollywood action film recently, you've seen the leading actor wear Belstaff. Indeed, at the last count we have Will Smith in 'I AM LEGEND', John Connor in 'Terminator Salvation'... even BATMAN wears Belstaff! How can you not want one after knowing that?

The Belstaff 554 and 556 bags are particularly sought after in the 'Mountain Brown' colour since featuring in I AM LEGEND and the latest Batman films with Belstaff releasing only small batches of them at a time.

You may also like to read our Belstaff Style Guide where we explain the different jacket types, their names, their histories and Belstaff's jacket sizing.