Men's Motorcycle Red Braided Cowhide Leather Hook Clip Vests Motorbike Rider Vest Side Lace

The Blacktop Gear Braided Clasp Vest is a men's motorcycle vest in 1.3mm milled cowhide, heavier than most riding vests, closed with four metal clasps rather than a zip, with braided trim around the edges, lace-up sides, a deeper V neckline and a full satin lining. Eight braiding colours. Handmade to order in sizes S to 6XL at $155, with free delivery within the USA.

Design & Build

The four metal clasps are the reason to buy this vest. A zip needs two hands and a bit of patience, which is exactly what you do not have at a fuel stop in gloves. Clasps open and close with one hand, one at a time, and you can leave the bottom two done up and the top two open when it warms up. It is also the traditional MC closure, the look most riders picture when they picture a club vest.

The hide is 1.3mm milled cowhide. Most vests, including most of ours, sit at 1.1-1.2mm. That extra fraction is noticeable in the hand: it hangs heavier, holds its shape across the shoulders instead of collapsing, and takes a patch better. Milling softens it first, so it does not need weeks of breaking in despite the weight.

Braided trim runs around the edges in your choice of eight colours, red, blue, green, yellow, purple, white, black or orange. The braid is what stops a plain black vest reading as plain, and eight options means most club colours are covered without a custom order.

The deeper V neckline is a practical choice as much as a style one: it clears a helmet strap and sits flat under a collar. Lace-up sides let the vest out by a couple of inches when you layer. Inside, a full satin lining and an internal pocket. Everything is double stitched.

Specifications

Who buys this vest

• Riders in gloves, clasps work one-handed, a zip does not
• Anyone who wants a vest with some weight to it, 1.3mm hangs and holds its shape in a way thinner hides do not
• Clubs matching colours, eight braid options cover most sets without a custom order

How riders wear it

Over a black tee or a hoodie, dark denim, boots. The braid is the only colour, so keep the rest flat. Because the hide is heavier it sits well over a jacket too, size up one if that is how you plan to wear it.

Size Chart, Men's Vests

Measure your chest at the fullest part over your usual riding layer, then pick the row your measurement falls into.

Chest (garment) is the finished vest measurement, it sits above your body chest to allow for layering. For centimetres and the full measuring guide see our Size Guide. If you fall between sizes we build to your own measurements at no design charge.

Frequently asked questions

Why clasps instead of a zip?
Clasps open and close one-handed, which matters in gloves. You can also leave the bottom two fastened and the top two open when it warms up. It is the traditional MC closure as well.

How thick is the leather?
1.3mm milled cowhide. Most riding vests sit at 1.1 to 1.2mm, so this one is noticeably heavier in the hand and holds its shape better across the shoulders.

Is 1.3mm stiff to wear?
Less than you would expect. The hide is milled, which softens it before it is cut, so it does not need weeks of breaking in despite the weight.

What braiding colours are available?
Red, blue, green, yellow, purple, white, black and orange, eight in total.

Why is the neckline deeper?
It clears a helmet strap and sits flat under a shirt or jacket collar instead of bunching.

Can it be worn over a jacket?
Yes, and the heavier hide suits that. Size up one if you plan to wear it over a leather jacket rather than a tee.

How much do the side laces let out?
A couple of inches, which is enough to go from a t-shirt to a hoodie underneath.

Can I add club patches to the back?
Yes. The back panel is patch-ready, and the heavier hide takes a patch better than a thin one.

What sizes does it come in?
S through 6XL as standard, or built to your own measurements at no design charge.

Where is it made?
Blacktop Gear is a US brand. Every piece is designed in the USA and handmade in our own factory rather than outsourced to a third-party manufacturer, which is how we control the leather grade and the stitching on every order. Delivery within the USA is free.

Make it your own

Different braid colour, custom sizing, lining choice or pocket layout, every Blacktop Gear piece can be built to your specification. See our Custom Leather Gear page.

Shipping
Allow 1-2 weeks for this product to be shipped..
We offer express worldwide shipping on all orders.
Returns
We have a hassle-free return policy of 30 days.
If you don't like the item or find any issues, you can request a return for a refund or exchange within 30 days of receipt.
Standard size orders can be returned for a full refund or exchange.
Made-to-measure or other customized orders can only be returned for alteration.

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Do's
Use a soft, dry, or slightly damp cloth to clean your leather bag.
Apply a dedicated quality leather cleaner once or twice a year.
Use leather conditioner to moisturize & prevent flaking and wrinkling.
Store your leather bag in a dust bag to avoid scratches.
Don'ts

Do not wash, bleach, or tumble dry your leather bag
Do not use cleaning products containing alcohol to prevent discoloration.
Do not keep your bag near direct heat sources.
Avoid plastic bags for storage. Use a ventilated soft fabric case.