The Metalhead Battle Jacket, also known as the denim or kutte vest, is a defining feature of metal culture. These jackets are often adorned with patches, pins, and other embellishments, serving as a form of self-expression and a way for metalheads to display their identity and affiliations within the metal community.
In this article, we will explore the significance of the Metalhead Battle Jacket in metal culture and the process of creating one. We will also discuss the history and evolution of the Battle
Jacket in the metal community and examine notable Battle Jackets and their owners.
Finally, we will consider the future of Battle Jackets in metal culture and their enduring significance as a symbol of rebellion, identity, and metal culture.
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History of the Metalhead Battle Jacket
The History of the Battle Jacket can be traced all the way back to WW2 and like the jackets themselves, which undergo an evolution throughout their lifetime, the history of the battle jacket itself has seen it evolve over many years.
WWII Battle Jackets
The origins of the Heavy Metal Battle Jacket can be traced back to American pilots during World War 2. American pilots would decorate the back of their flight jackets with symbols of their life and culture back home.
At war, these symbols gave the American pilots a family in a place where there were none. The Battle Jackets gave the pilots a way to recognise each other in a world a million miles away from the comforts they were used to; and like the jackets of today, the ones that returned from war had so many stories to tell.
Biker Battle Jackets
The end of the war and subsequently the pilots returning home saw the next stage in the evolution of this iconic piece of clothing.
With no more wars to fight and pilots being grounded, those still seeking the thrill of man v machine took to riding motorcycles. The pilots created social clubs that subsequently became the first bikers and the biker culture was born.
It wasn’t long before the sleeves were removed and the artwork on the back of the jackets came to represent the affiliation one had to a certain club.
As the biker culture itself evolved, so did the battle jacket and battle jacket patches were born. Biker patches can have many meanings; some of them are known only to the wearer.
Motorcycle clubs now have a long history which is heavily linked to their jackets and their patches. There are many rules associated with biker “colours” but we will not go into those as we are here to look at the evolution of the Metalhead battle jacket.
Mods & Rocker Battle Jackets
In the UK in the early 60s, youth culture had evolved with 2 distinct and often opposing styles; The Mods & The Rockers.
The Mods (modernists) named after their musical preference for modern jazz, were a group of youths also known for their obsession with fashion and riding scooters.
and…
The Rockers; like the Mods, the Rocker’s name came about due to the musical taste at the time with the Rockers listening to 50’s rock and roll. The Rockers were also known for riding motorcycles and therefore they wore leather jackets.
In a similar way to the biker sub-culture that had evolved; the Mods and the Rockers would decorate their clothing with pictures and patches. The Mods would decorate their parka jacket with patches and the Rockers added studs and designs to their leathers.
As this period began to fade, another sub-culture was on the horizon – Punk!
Punk Battle Jackets
Punks and Punk music were as anti-establishment as any movement could be at the time. The characteristics of the look, the style and the music were all a big “Fuck You” to popular culture.
The “in your face” look was often completed by the leather jacket with safety pins and studs as the decor. Like metalhead Battle Jackets of today, the punk jacket could not be purchased in the shops and was completely DIY.
Heavy Metal Battle Jackets
Although we cannot pinpoint the exact moment that the modern battle vest was born; it began creeping into heavy metal via the likes of Judas Priest and Motorhead, and then it was made even more popular by Thrash bands of the 80s.
It was also during the early 80s that metalheads began to use denim for their Battle Jackets. Denim “cut-offs” named due to the jacket having the sleeves and collars cut off was another thing borrowed from biker culture.
Denim is easier to paint and sew than tough leather so bikers would wear denim over the top. When worn over the top of the leather, the sleeves and the collar were removed as they were too restrictive and also caused rubbing.
Modern-Day Battle Jackets
These days battle jackets come in all sorts of prints and materials as it is up to the wearer what they choose. Many people still wear denim although many people will opt for something a little different.
I have seen camo vests, trench coats, sleeveless shirts, shorts and even dressing gowns. It is up to you!
Creating a Battle Jacket
Process of Creating a Battle Jacket
Creating a Metalhead Battle Jacket is a highly personal and individualized process. Typically, metalheads start with a denim or leather vest and begin adding patches, pins, and other embellishments to customize the jacket to their liking.
Some metalheads may choose to create a themed jacket, such as one focused on a particular band or subgenre, while others may opt for a more eclectic mix of patches and pins.
Types of Patches, Pins, and Other Embellishments
The patches, pins, and other embellishments used on Battle Jackets come in a wide variety of styles and designs. Metal bands, logos, and album artwork are common themes for patches, as well as horror movies and comic book characters.
Pins may feature band logos, album covers, or other metal-themed designs. Other embellishments, such as studs, chains, and buttons, can also be used to add a personalized touch to the jacket.
Personal Significance of Patches and Embellishments
Each patch or embellishment on a Battle Jacket has personal significance to the metalhead who wears it. Some patches may represent a favourite band or album, while others may represent a particular subgenre or ideology within metal culture. The placement of patches and embellishments on the jacket can also have symbolic meaning.
For example, a back patch featuring a particular band may be placed in a prominent position on the back of the jacket, while smaller patches and pins may be placed on the front or sides of the jacket.
Overall, the process of creating a Metalhead Battle Jacket is highly personal and individualized. Each jacket is a unique expression of the metalhead who wears it, featuring a mix of patches, pins, and other embellishments that hold personal significance and meaning.
The Significance of Battle Jackets in Metal Culture
Form of Self-Expression and Affiliation
The Metalhead Battle Jacket serves as a powerful form of self-expression and a way for metalheads to display their identity and affiliations within the metal community.
Each jacket is a unique representation of the metalhead who wears it, featuring a combination of patches, pins, and other embellishments that represent their favourite bands, subgenres, and ideologies within metal culture.
The jacket can serve as a conversation starter and a way for metalheads to connect with one another, even across language barriers or other differences.
Rebellious and Countercultural Significance
The Metalhead Battle Jacket also has a rebellious and countercultural significance within metal culture. The jacket is a symbol of individuality and nonconformity, reflecting the ethos of heavy metal music itself.
The patches and embellishments on the jacket often feature provocative imagery, such as satanic symbols or violent artwork, which can be seen as a challenge to mainstream society and its values. In this way, the Battle Jacket serves as a powerful statement of rebellion and resistance against the status quo.
Overall, the Metalhead Battle Jacket holds significant cultural and personal significance within metal culture. It serves as a powerful form of self-expression and affiliation, allowing metalheads to display their identity and connect with others in the metal community.
Battle Jackets hold a rebellious and countercultural significance, reflecting the ethos of heavy metal music and its challenge to mainstream values and norms.
Notable Battle Jackets and Their Owners
Musicians and Other Prominent Figures
Numerous musicians and other prominent figures in the metal community have sported notable Battle Jackets over the years. Some examples include:
- James Hetfield of Metallica, has been photographed wearing a Battle Jacket featuring a mix of Metallica and other band patches.
- Kerry King of Slayer, is known for his extensive collection of Battle Jackets featuring a variety of patches and pins.
- Fenriz of Darkthrone, is often seen wearing a Battle Jacket adorned with patches and pins featuring his favourite bands, including Bathory and Black Sabbath.
- Scott Ian of Anthrax, has a signature Battle Jacket featuring patches from bands he has toured with and other metal-themed pins and embellishments.
Reflection of Personalities and Identities
Each notable Battle Jacket and its owner reflect the personality and identity of the metalhead who wears it.
For example, James Hetfield’s Battle Jacket, featuring a mix of Metallica and other band patches, reflects his broad taste in metal and his status as a founding member of one of the most influential metal bands of all time.
Kerry King’s extensive collection of Battle Jackets reflects his passion for metal and his dedication to the culture and community surrounding it.
Fenriz’s Battle Jacket, featuring patches from his favourite bands, reflects his deep knowledge of and respect for metal history and his commitment to the genre’s values and aesthetics.
Scott Ian’s signature Battle Jacket, featuring patches from bands he has toured with and other metal-themed pins and embellishments, reflects his status as a respected and influential figure in the metal community.
Overall, notable Battle Jackets and their owners reflect the rich diversity and individuality of the metal culture and community.
Each jacket serves as a unique expression of the metalhead who wears it, featuring a mix of patches, pins, and other embellishments that reflect their personal taste and identity within the metal community.
The Future of Battle Jackets in Metal Culture
Evolving and Changing in the Metal Community
As metal culture continues to evolve and change, so do Battle Jackets. New bands and subgenres will emerge and along with it, new patches and embellishments will be created, and new trends and styles will emerge.
Battle Jackets continue to be a powerful form of self-expression and affiliation, but the ways in which they are created and worn are constantly evolving.
One trend that has emerged in recent years is the use of social media and online communities to share and showcase Battle Jackets. Metalheads from around the world can connect and share their creations, swapping tips and advice on everything from patch placement to stitching techniques.
This has allowed for a more global and interconnected metal community and has expanded the ways in which Battle Jackets can be seen and appreciated.
Shifting Significance Over Time
The significance of Battle Jackets may also shift or change over time. As metal culture becomes more mainstream and accepted, the rebellious and countercultural significance of Battle Jackets may become less important to some metalheads.
Alternatively, Battle Jackets may become even more important as a way of preserving and celebrating metal culture in a world that can be hostile to it.
Ultimately, the future of Battle Jackets in metal culture is uncertain, but their enduring significance as a symbol of rebellion, identity, and metal culture is clear.
As long as there are metalheads who are passionate about the music and the culture, there will be Battle Jackets serving as a powerful form of self-expression and affiliation within the metal community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Metalhead Battle Jacket is a symbol of rebellion, identity, and metal culture. Each jacket is a unique expression of the metalhead who wears it, featuring a mix of patches, pins, and other embellishments that reflect their personal taste and identity within the metal community.
The Battle Jacket serves as a powerful form of self-expression and affiliation, allowing metalheads to display their identity and connect with others in the metal community. It also holds a rebellious and countercultural significance, reflecting the ethos of heavy metal music and its challenge to mainstream values and norms.
As metal culture continues to evolve and change, so do Battle Jackets. New bands, subgenres, and trends emerge, and new ways of creating and showcasing Battle Jackets are constantly being developed. Yet despite these changes, the enduring significance of Battle Jackets in metal culture remains clear.
They serve as a powerful symbol of the passion, creativity, and nonconformity that define metal culture, and as a way for metalheads to connect with one another and celebrate their shared love of heavy metal music.
FAQs
What is a battle jacket called?
A battle jacket is sometimes called a kutte or cut-off vest in the heavy metal and punk subcultures.
Why is it called a battle jacket?
The term “battle jacket” comes from the practice of military personnel wearing denim or leather jackets adorned with patches and insignia during times of war. In the heavy metal and punk subcultures, the term has been adopted to describe a similar type of jacket adorned with patches and pins representing the wearer’s musical tastes and affiliations.
Why do people wear battle jackets?
People wear battle jackets as a way of expressing their musical tastes and affiliations. The patches and pins on the jacket often represent favourite bands, albums, and genres, as well as political and social beliefs. Battle jackets are also a way of displaying individuality and standing out in a crowd.
What is a battle jacket made of?
A battle jacket is typically made of denim or leather and is adorned with patches, pins, and other decorative elements. The patches and pins are often sewn or pinned onto the jacket, with each piece representing a favourite band or album.
Do you wash your battle jacket?
Whether or not to wash a battle jacket is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer to leave the jacket unwashed to preserve the integrity of the patches and pins, while others may choose to wash the jacket to keep it clean and fresh.
Why do punks wear vests?
Punks wear vests as a way of expressing their individuality and nonconformity. Vests can be adorned with patches, pins, and other decorative elements, and may represent favorite bands, political beliefs, and social causes. Vests are also a practical choice for punks, as they are lightweight and easy to move in during concerts and other high-energy events.
About the Author
Mark Nye is a writer and guitar teacher with a passion for heavy metal and hard rock. With years of experience playing and teaching guitar, Mark has developed a deep appreciation for the music and culture of the genre. In addition to teaching guitar, he enjoys writing about heavy metal and hard rock music and sharing his knowledge and insights with others. When he’s not teaching or writing, you can find Mark listening to his favourite bands and discovering new music to add to his collection.
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