11/06/2026
No leather, no worries
Funny thing about being a leatherman, people often apologise to me before they've even finished introducing themselves.
"I'm curious about leather, but I don't own any gear."
"I only have a wristband."
"I'm not sure if I'm leather enough."
And every time, I find myself giving the same answer. No leather, no worries.
Because leather isn't measured in kilograms of cowhide. It's a state of mind. The gear helps, of course. We love the jackets, the boots, the vests, the uniforms. They carry history. They help us express ourselves. They connect us to traditions that came before us. But leather has never lived solely in the gear. I've met men dressed head-to-toe in expensive leather who carried none of the values I associate with leather. I've also met men wearing nothing more than a simple wristband who were unmistakably leathermen.
You could see it in how they carried themselves. How they treated others. How they showed respect to the people around them and how they looked after the community that welcomed them. Because leather is more than appearance. It's conduct.
If you're new to the scene and wondering what to wear, don't overthink it.
A black t-shirt with plain jeans and a pair of sturdy boots. That's already enough.
You're not attending a costume party. You're entering a community. The goal isn't to impress people, it’s to be present.
As for behaviour, the rules are surprisingly simple. Observe before performing. Listen before speaking. Respect boundaries. Ask questions.
Most leathermen are far more approachable than they look. Many of us remember exactly what it felt like to walk into a leather bar for the first time…we've been there too.
Watch how people interact, notice how consent is communicated, and soon you'll stop worrying about what you're wearing. You'll start noticing that the people who leave the strongest impression are rarely the ones with the most gear. They're the ones who make space for newcomers, the ones who offer guidance without condescension and the ones who understand that leather is as much about community as it is about identity.
Because at its heart, leather isn't a dress code. It's a way of showing up.
And if all you own is a wristband, but you are willing to carry those values with you, most leathermen will recognise you long before they notice what you're wearing.
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The views shared here are my own, you might see things differently, and that’s perfectly okay. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to DM me or come find me at The Laird on Thursdays.
