Knit biker jackets

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Knit biker jackets

— by Angie

on January 15, 2009

The knit biker jacket is a super option for those who like the biker look, but prefer the comfort of a sweater jacket. Stretchy and cozy like knitwear but with lots of spunk and edge.

You’ll find these types of knit biker jackets in woolen knits and cotton knits. They’re definitely more casual and less crisp looking than their woven counterparts but a nice product all the same. Wear them in the same way bring out the rock chick in you.

Winter 2008/2009

27 comments · Add a comment

Tanya

I am absolutely in love with this type of garment! I have been watching a couple of them, and will definitely be purchasing one or even maybe two next month. Would more than one be an overkill, if thy are different colors and not literally the same?

I adore the CV charcoal one. The white Esprit one is intriguing, but it looks that the material *might* be kind of sweat shirt type. Would it still get your approval in that case Angie?

I am so excited about this type og jacket!

January 15, 2009 at 9:09 am

lori

So cute!

January 15, 2009 at 9:11 am

Laura

Is it just me, or does the model in the short-sleeved jacket look a little bit like Patience? Maybe this means Patience is destined for this jacket …

January 15, 2009 at 9:13 am

Ana

Tanya, one of the reviews said it is essentially a fleece jacket on the inside, so I think you’re right about it being made of sweatshirt material. I love the CV one as well!

I’d love to find a real/woven motorcyle jacket, but still no luck. The search continues (maybe it will have to wait until next Fall/Winter).

January 15, 2009 at 9:15 am

Laura

Oops, maybe not … I see that the short-sleeved jacket is sold out in most sizes. Well, I am sure there will be more of the same coming for spring!

January 15, 2009 at 9:15 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Ana is right Tanya. The Esprit style is made of fleece. But I trust the Esprit product. It’s a sweet little casual look for a younger gal and 100 times better than a sloppy fleece hoodie. If you’re older like me, I’d suggest a pukka knit. More polished. Personally I’m sticking to wovens because that’s still my preference, but I highly recommend the knit biker jacket version, especially if you’re on the bustier side.

That model DOES look like Patience, Laura. My goodness.

January 15, 2009 at 9:24 am

jean

I am not sure about this look, it somehow seems forced. I never really like biker jackets when they venture too far away from the original. I know that the biker jacket is classic but do you think a biker sweater will become a trend that looks silly a year from now?

January 15, 2009 at 9:41 am

Nicole

…..bustier gals??? Is it true, Angie? Could I wear something like this???

January 15, 2009 at 10:23 am

Sal

(website)

I adore this look. Had a wonderful knit biker jacket in grass green that said “machine washable.” Now it’s a potholder. DANGIT!

January 15, 2009 at 11:35 am

eternalvoyageur

(website)

Love these !!! Thanks for putting these up. I have always loved the cut of biker jackets, but I dislike leather. And now I have a great alternative !

January 15, 2009 at 11:45 am

Antje

I guess I’m the odd one out, but I do not care for this look. I think the softness of the knit is not a good match for the biker jacket look. Mind that I am all for “softening” the look of a leather/fake leather biker jacket through combining it with pieces like skirts, ruffles, jewelry etc; I just don’t like the softening to be achieved through the choice of material. The knit wear (or fleece?!) “biker” jackets look kind of “floppy”, which to me is counter-intuitive. Not a good match (nor a successful mis-match) in by book.

But of course I look forward to seeing them on some of the stylish gals in the forum and I might just be pleasantly surprised.

January 15, 2009 at 12:00 pm

Fabulously Broke

(website)

So THAT is what they call it! I have one just like it but couldn’t figure out why I loved all the hardware on it while being so knit-y

I do however, need to get a real leather biker jacket.. maybe one like Serena van der Woodsen from Gossip Girl

Fabulously Broke in the City
“Just a girl trying to find a balance between being a Shopaholic and a Saver.“

January 15, 2009 at 12:04 pm

Lisa

I prefer the actual biker jackets LOL…I have a very cute vegan one that is feminine without all the chains (although I like the metal stuff!)…very cute with a pair of jeans or a sundress

January 15, 2009 at 12:10 pm

Linda

(website)

could the over 40/50 woman get away with look?

January 15, 2009 at 12:25 pm

Style Eyes Fashion Blog

(website)

I love these. I am very much into comfy wear but obviously want to look nice too

January 15, 2009 at 12:39 pm

Julia

Love it! I bought a biker jacket in woven fabric (it’s like silk but it’s synthetic). I think it will become my go to jacket this Spring. However, I have questions about how to wear them, it seems to me that wearing them alone with pants, they are all too short.

January 15, 2009 at 1:17 pm

Ellen

I’m not a fan of this look and will be passing. Somehow, anything with zippers for decoration seems to be too ‘tough’ for my style. To me, they are a utilitarian element that rarely works as decoration.

I do, however, like the look of some leather biker jackets (like the ones in your post a while ago). Perhaps because on the actual jacket the embellishments look less like extra decor and more like they belong.

January 15, 2009 at 2:43 pm

San

I am happy to get the thumbs up on this style because I don’t like the feel of leather jackets. I do like the feel of sweaters though.

January 15, 2009 at 2:53 pm

Joelle

Not having much confidence in the longevity of knitwear, I agree with Antje that a knit biker jacket might end up losing its shape after a while. I love the look of a leather biker jacket but avoid leather clothes of any kind because they are not easy maintenance and I’d constantly worry about scratches or scrapes ruining the leather. I think a biker jacket in woven fabric would be a great option for me.

Sal–I sympathize. I am a chronic knitwear shrinker too.

January 15, 2009 at 2:57 pm

Jane

I Love the Ann Taylor one…too bad it’s no longer available. (looks like it was on sale for $40 too!) but I’m not in love with the others…it feels like a mis-match to me a bit…and I don’t love the combination of hardware with sweatshirty look. The AT one looks like a little bit higher quality material in the picture, but who knows. Just personal opinion. I do like the biker chic look though…

January 15, 2009 at 3:41 pm

kellee

I agree with Jean and Antje on this one.
I think the original leather version is still the best choice for the long haul. I guess I just prefer things in their original form. It is what it is, kind of thing.
Then you can soften it with whatever else you wear with it. Ruffles etc.

That being said ,I just received my Kenna-T leather quilted biker jacket from Nordstrom’s yesterday. It even has a leopard lining.
I will be channeling this Biker/Chanel look for a long time.

January 15, 2009 at 5:21 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Nicole, I wouldn’t leave this stone unturned. If it fitted correctly in the torso and was left half unzipped, it could very well work.

Sal, rotten luck.

Antje, Ellen and Kellee, as I mentioned earlier, I also have a woven preference for this item, but I know of so many women who prefer to wear knits over wovens and this version helps them out. It certainly solves the non-leather issue too.

Linda, a lass between the age of 40 and 50 could sport this look with style for sure. Keep the look sophisticated and polished and you’re in business.

Joelle, I have owned and currently own several leather jackets and they do not scratch. They are surprisingly durable.

January 15, 2009 at 7:08 pm

Maya

I really like the AT one, and was so excited that it was only $39…and then so disappointed to see it was sold out!

I like the look a lot. I was just thinking today about how much I love the structure of jackets but hate wearing them indoors, so I should look for some knit jackets. This is a very timely post.

January 15, 2009 at 7:16 pm

Joy

This is timely as I just bought a black Kenar woven biker at Marshalls from the sale rack and am trying to figure out how to carry it off. The style is very much like the Ann Taylor pictured above with a diagonal front zipper that works from top and bottom. All hardwear is gold toned. I also own a cream knit/leather version that seems dressy and I haven’t yet found just the right top to wear under it.

January 15, 2009 at 9:02 pm

Mary M

Hi! I’ve been lurking around this page for ages. I love the site. Just wanted to say, I like the look of these garments, but if I saw them on the street, it would never occur to me they’re supposed to be a biker jacket. Particularly the gray one on the bottom, it looks to me like a suit jacket to be worn with a matching skirt and pearls. Never in my wildest dreams would I associate it with biker anything! All of them are pretty, though.

January 16, 2009 at 6:39 am

budget babe

(website)

these are adorable with ever the slightest edge, and i love it! hadn’t noticed this trend, thanks for bringing it to my attention

January 16, 2009 at 8:15 am

Linda

(website)

Angie-thanks for the tip!

January 16, 2009 at 12:43 pm

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