Helstons

Helstons is one of France’s oldest and most respected makers of motorcycle apparel. Back in the day, they were particularly renowned for their leather. In America there was Vanson and Schott, in the UK there was Lewis Leather and the French equivalent was Helstons. The company was probably at its height in the mid-sixties, the name being very much associated with the cafe-racer movement. Refusing to go down the route of off-shore, mass-production, the business faded from view as the family that owned it diverted resources into their highly successful fashion business. But now, Helstons is back in a big way, and we think that their current collection is one of the most stylish and technically interesting on the market.

There’s nobody in the motorcycle world who knows more about constructing leather clothing than the folk at Helstons. It’s all in the detail; the way in which the panels are sewn together, the oils and waxes that are used to treat the leather, the seams, the linings. The guys at Helstons are obsessive and nothing escapes their scrutiny. The end result is a range of clothing that is as beautiful to the eye, as it is exquisite to wear. Not that Helstons should be seen as a fashion business that is merely dabbling in the bike world for credibility. This is a motorcycle company though and through and, on a technical level, Helstons is right up there. All their leather jackets, boots and gloves have a waterproof membrane; jackets come with a back protector as standard and anti-abrasion panelling on the sleeves. Put all these factors together and you’d normally expect to pay a pretty penny, but Helstons’ prices are remarkably reasonable, in fact, they’re pretty amazing.

The truth is that you simply can’t buy this kind of heritage, quality of components and construction, and technical performance, at the prices being offered by Helstons. If you’re looking to stand out from the crowd, here’s a brand that’s got everything you’re ever going to want.