Why do Bikers Wear Black?

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Nothing has changed much over time, and even today it is quite common for metal workers to wear dark work clothes, such as the dark blue and sometimes black clothing worn by maintenance workers in industrial plants. The vast majority of the mass population imagines that bikers and other so-called 'undesirables' and 'social misfits' usually adopt black attire to make some kind of social statement. Many believe that this choice in black clothing reflects the horror of Hitler's infamous Schutzstaffel, the SS, who wore black uniforms adorned with lightning bolts and skulls as their hallmark. Others think that bikers wear black clothing deliberately to project a tough and sinister image. In contrast to how conventional society views white shirts as a sign of success, it is assumed that the 'underclass' chooses black to stand in opposition, simply to be different. However, it may surprise many, including a lot of bikers, to learn that the adoption of black clothing has historical roots and has absolutely nothing to do with social statements. It was merely an adaptation to environmental conditions. People working with 'dirty' machinery traditionally wore black or dark clothing to conceal dirt and grease. The common term 'blacksmith' referred to a craftsman working with metals, with 'black' specifically indicating iron. It was standard practice for smithies to wear dark clothing to hide soot, slag, and grease accumulated during their daily work. Nothing has changed much over time, and even now, it is typical for metal workers to don dark work clothes, similar to the dark blue and black attire worn by maintenance workers in industrial settings. Regarding bikers, who may not engage in metal work, the preference for dressing in dark colors was popularized due to the notorious 'dirty' nature of old motorcycles, which would fling oil and grease in all directions when ridden; thus, light-colored dusters were hardly practical for bikers. Moreover, many motorcycle enthusiasts also enjoy camping, and anyone who has spent extended time outdoors will understand that white clothing isn’t the best choice for days on end. Ultimately, dark clothing is simply a matter of practicality for those who work on or operate machinery generating a lot of oily dirt. There is no social statement being made, and there never has been, except in the minds of those who mistakenly believe that wearing black means something special, which it does not. The Hollywood crowd, however, loves black T-shirts emblazoned with anti-social chopper logos and black leather chaps, which are all the rage these days. Personally, I'm a bit suspicious of folks sporting black 'outers' paired with white 'inners,' if you catch my drift.