By Scott Woolf | January 30, 2019

Back in 1974, ABC thought leather jackets were too edgy for primetime television. The network decided Arthur Fonzarelli could only don the rebel outwear while standing next to his beloved motorcycle or while riding—otherwise loafers and a windbreaker would have to do. Fortunately, Happy Days' producers found a loophole: safety. Concerned the audience would worry about Fonzie getting too cold while riding around Milwaukee, ABC decided the leather jacket could stay. Probably a smart move because the jacket garnered enough pop-culture significance to become item #1980.0094.01 in the Smithsonian Museum of American History.

The Fonz wasn't the only character/icon/badass to wear a leather jacket, but his rule-breaking piece is definitely one of the more memorable jackets in sartorial history. Of course, Steve McQueen, numerous James Bonds, and countless other leading men have owned the look, but luckily for us regular guys, leather jackets have found a role as a more accessible, everyday look. And bonus, they're now available at more affordable price points than ever before.

In addition to the timelessness, their multi-purpose seasonality is another positive when you weigh the pros and cons of dropping money on one. With the right layering and care they'll survive most of winter's temperatures, and with jeans, canvas sneakers and a t-shirt, they're the simplest spring transition piece. It's never been a better time to step into the spotlight ,and at $500 or less, it's worth giving the classic look a chance.