Biker Wallet Chain: More than Jewelry

Did you know that motorcycling enriched our lives not only with powerful two-wheelers but also a bunch of iconic accessories? We should definitely thank bikers for popularizing slanted zipper jackets made or leather. However, jackets are not the only fashion contribution made by motorcyclists. They basically invented modern wallet chains and turned them into an item craved by subculture followers and fashionistas alike.

 
A Tad Bit of History

 
Technically, bikers were not the first to attach a wallet to the body. Cave people crafted little bags for food supplies and hanged them on the neck. The first bags for money were invented around 640 BC in Lydia (Turkey) but the idea to affix them to the body came to people in the Renaissance era. In Europe, merchants tied little leather bags with money and small items to their belts.

 
In the 19 century, cowboys discovered that a pocketbook chained to a belt is actually a convenient and secure solution, especially when they spent 12 hours a day in a saddle. A few dozens of years later, people replaced horses with two-wheelers but kept rocking wallets in the same handy way.

 
Although bikers didn’t really invent a wallet chain, they gave it the look we know today. A solid metal chain and two clasps to attach it on the go – this is what we should thank motorcyclists for. Besides, bikers improved their wallets by equipping them with a ring or grommet to add a chain. Before that, people had to figure out how to marry a wallet with a chain and solutions they came up with were neither practical nor reliable.
 

Wallet Chain as a Fashion Staple

 
A couple of decades after bikers had put dangly chains to use, this accessory caught the eye of other leather and metal aficionados, punks. They didn’t really need a wallet but a massive, jiggling, and, at times, intimidating item was exactly what they were looking for to make their look complete. So, they started sporting a metal chain as a standalone accessory. It didn’t carry any utilitarian function but was an eye-catching and impassive jewelry item. Besides, they could use a solid chain as a weapon when having beef with the police or other rebellious groups.

 
Gradually, wallet chains (often without wallets) have spread across subcultures followers and rock music fans. Metalheads, Goths, glam rockers, grunge musicians and their admirers, all of them had chains hanging from a belt. Not only rock buffs adopted this formidable accessory but also artists playing different music genres such as rappers, hip-hoppers, pop singers, etc. Since musicians have always been fashion influencers, chains made their way to fashion shows, beauty and style magazines, and, eventually, our lives.

 
Wallet chains have experienced heydays and total oblivion but it seems like they are making a long-expected come-back these days. Read more about it in this article.

 
Awesome Biker Chain Designs

 
The classic of a biker wallet chain is an all-metal silver piece. Why do bikers love silver? It’s simple, because accessories cast from this metal look grand and possess incredible durability. Out of all silver alloys bikers prefer sterling silver with 92.5% silver content. Sterling silver chains carry a reasonable price and are not prone to tarnishing.

 
If you’re tight on money, a stainless steel is a more affordable yet still ass-kicker option. Models executed in steel require minimum maintenance and are very hardy. If you are looking for an inexpensive every-day piece, a basic metal wallet chain is a spot-on pick.

 
Brass biker chains carry a stand-out appearance thanks to the light yellow hue. They are a compromising option between noble silver models and bauble steel styles. You should know that brass is quickly oxidized if not treated with an anti-tarnishing coating. Tarnished finishing loses its lustrous shine but instead, it acquires a vintage look. So, if you’re into retro style, then a brass wallet chain will be right up your street.
 

Retro fans will be pleased with another awesome biker wallet chain design that utilizes leather instead of metal. It is not exactly chain since it doesn’t feature any links. Instead, these models are made of leather stripes intertwined together like a braid. Often, leather wallet chains carry loose leather cords that resemble a tail or a whip. There is no particular utilitarian function in this design but it enhances a piece with undisputable Western and cowboy vibe. Leather options are, of course, less sturdy than metal ones but they get the job done when it comes to securing your wallet.
 

Symbolism

 
Biker wallet chains are not exactly traditional chains we are used to. Well, some models indeed feature large heavy-duty Curb or Figaro weavings but available biker product ranges go beyond the perception of traditional and commonplace.

 
Bikers like placing their symbols on everything their hands can get to and wallet chains are no exception. Often, these models carry links shaped like small skulls. Besides the links, a skull may adorn a clasp. Another popular biker symbol is the Iron Cross. A chain comprising of small iron crosses look startling and strikes the right note. You might also enjoy motorcycle-themed items – wallet chains that look like genuine motorcycle chains or models with piston-looking links.