Racer Jacket: The Dark Horse Of Fashion Weeks Everywhere

During CPHFW (Copenhagen Fashion Week), all eyes were on the fresh summer trends—boho layers of lace and, of course, polka dots in every shape and size. But what caught our attention was a familiar revival that drifts in and out of fashion time and again: the racer jacket.

The racer jacket is a timeless piece of outerwear, one that occasionally surges back into the spotlight more than in other seasons. A good example was the post-lockdown revival in 2021–2022, when people traded virtual meetings for real-life office environments.

It all began on the runways in 2021, when designer houses like Stella McCartney, Celine, Alexander McQueen, and even classics such as Chanel and Dior brought racer jackets into their collections—alongside other racing-inspired elements like padded pants, gloves, and even helmets.

Celebrities like Metro Boomin, Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Julia Fox were quick to embrace the trend, spotted on the busy streets of New York sporting the high-speed staple—the racer jacket. Their influence didn’t go unnoticed; fans followed suit, fuelling demand that soon had fast-fashion giants like Inditex rolling out affordable imitations of the iconic outerwear.

Perhaps the reason so many people embraced this trend goes beyond celebrity influence. It ties in perfectly with today’s fast-paced lifestyle—and also helps explain why it re-emerged so strongly after the pandemic. After months of staying home and living passively, people were eager to hit the streets again, moving through their days in clothes that felt both sporty and elegant.

And after all, the racer jacket was originally designed for function—protecting racers while allowing them to move freely. So it’s no surprise that young people gravitated toward it: it’s comfortable, unrestrictive, timeless, and durable. Made from high-quality leather, eco-leather, or even synthetic fabrics, it’s a piece built to last—and one that won’t let you down, even in rainy weather.

And of course, cultural influences—like the film Fight Club and Netflix’s Formula 1: Drive to Survive—have had a major impact on sport-chic aesthetics. Subcultures in particular were quick to embrace these references, weaving them into their wardrobes as a reflection of their rebellious, fearless spirit.

Speaking of the cultural side of this romanticised Formula One sartorialism—often associated with the glamour of the South of France and Monte Carlo—it’s impossible not to mention the unique legacy of NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing), founded in 1948.

NASCAR helped evolve the racer jacket from a simple, versatile garment into a symbol of loyalty and passion for the sport, signifying respect and allegiance to specific drivers or teams.

By the 1990s and early 2000s, it had gone commercial: jackets were embellished with patches, logos, and sponsor names, and fans could even personalise theirs with a driver’s number, signature, or name.

It’s easy to see how nostalgia for the 1990s and Y2K era also played its part in bringing the racer jacket back—encouraging people to rediscover the piece and take it to the streets once again, in fashion capitals like Copenhagen.

It was especially interesting to see how people in Copenhagen redefined this piece by pairing it with their own classy twists. Some went all in, wearing full leather racing suits styled down with a simple black sports bra and military-inspired boots. Others broke from tradition, using the jacket as the finishing touch—a cherry on top—by pairing it with high heels, knee-high boots, or flowy baby-pink skirts, creating a striking contrast between masculinity and femininity that added real character to their looks.

Speaking of contrasts, the mix of office and sporty style also stood out: a crisp white shirt and tie tucked into cargo jorts, topped with a nylon racer jacket. It’s the kind of styling that proves fashion’s freedom—bringing together pieces that might seem like enemies at first, only to make them work in harmony.

This reimagination—shaped by both fashion brands and personal styling choices—has created a sartorial symbiosis, giving the racer jacket fresh meaning and purpose. In turn, it offers people another chance to showcase their individuality, stepping into the role of the main character who moves through the city with confidence and style.

Words by Dana Shmyha