As the iconic Belstaff Trialmaster jacket celebrates its 75th anniversary, Renchlist explores the brand's story.
As the iconic Belstaff Trialmaster jacket celebrates its 75th anniversary, Renchlist explores the brand's story.
1960 - Moto Racer John Lee competes in the Scottish Six Days Trial wearing a custom Trialmaster
1960 - Moto Racer John Lee competes in the Scottish Six Days Trial wearing a custom Trialmaster
Belstaff's heritage is rich, with a legacy that dates back almost a century.
Belstaff's heritage is rich, with a legacy that dates back almost a century.
Today, the brand is celebrated for its iconic waxed cotton jackets, like the Trialmaster.
Today, the brand is celebrated for its iconic waxed cotton jackets, like the Trialmaster.
Belstaff founders Eli Belovitch and son-in-law Harry Grosberg's vision is to produce superior protective outwear for motorcyclists.
Belstaff founders Eli Belovitch and son-in-law Harry Grosberg's vision is to produce superior protective outwear for motorcyclists.
The story begins in 1924, Stoke-on-Trent, England
The story begins in 1924, Stoke-on-Trent, England
1929 - Racing legend Joe Wright (seen here on his Zenith motorcycle) becomes an early Belstaff ambassador.
1929 - Racing legend Joe Wright (seen here on his Zenith motorcycle) becomes an early Belstaff ambassador.
Competitive motorcycling in the early 20th century is a full-contact sport. Belstaff jackets quickly earn a reputation for outstanding durability.
Competitive motorcycling in the early 20th century is a full-contact sport. Belstaff jackets quickly earn a reputation for outstanding durability.
Soon, however, the brand becomes the natural choice for adventurous spirits for its comfortable yet rugged dependability.
Soon, however, the brand becomes the natural choice for adventurous spirits for its comfortable yet rugged dependability.
Aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart ~1927
Aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart ~1927
Created to tackle the harsh conditions of the International Six Days Trial race, the Trialmaster was Belstaff's answer for post-war Britain's most adventurous bikers.
Created to tackle the harsh conditions of the International Six Days Trial race, the Trialmaster was Belstaff's answer for post-war Britain's most adventurous bikers.
1948 Trialmaster Jacket: An Icon is Born
1948 Trialmaster Jacket: An Icon is Born
Sammy Miller (1951) wearing an early Trialmaster at the Scottish Six Days Trial
Sammy Miller (1951) wearing an early Trialmaster at the Scottish Six Days Trial
The Trialmaster's pre-curved sleeves, angled map pocket, pivot armholes, waist belt and neck closure strap tick every box for race-winning wearers
The Trialmaster's pre-curved sleeves, angled map pocket, pivot armholes, waist belt and neck closure strap tick every box for race-winning wearers
Embracing Belstaff in 1963, while filming the Great Escape, actor Steve (King of Cool) McQueen raced off-road wearing his beloved Trialmaster jacket.
Embracing Belstaff in 1963, while filming the Great Escape, actor Steve (King of Cool) McQueen raced off-road wearing his beloved Trialmaster jacket.
The famous phoenix trademark appears at the end of the sixties. There is no shortage of celebrity fans.
The famous phoenix trademark appears at the end of the sixties. There is no shortage of celebrity fans.
Today, as well as being an established motorcycle outfitter for riders committed to pushing the limits, Belstaff is also a prestigious global fashion house.
Today, as well as being an established motorcycle outfitter for riders committed to pushing the limits, Belstaff is also a prestigious global fashion house.
This year sees the release of three limited edition Trialmaster jackets, Tribute, Edition and concept. They mark the brand’s past, present -- and future.
This year sees the release of three limited edition Trialmaster jackets, Tribute, Edition and concept. They mark the brand’s past, present -- and future.