BELSTAFF CLASSIC TOURIST TROPHY, WAXED JACKET [TRIALMASTER]

Every rider needs a Belstaff Tourist Trophy jacket, especially if you ride a classic, vintage or neo-retro motorcycle.

In fact, every biker deserves to have Belstaff’s iconic waxed-cotton jacket hanging in his or her cloakroom.

Not just in an effort to channel the ‘King of Cool’ or other famous Belstaff ambassadors.

Not just because it’s the culmination of over seventy years of expertise in all-weather, outerwear by Belstaff. But more so because it’s this vintage-inspired piece is the epitome of style and function.

Appearing within Belstaff’s ‘Pure Motorcycle’ line, the Tourist Trophy is an evolution of the Trialmaster jacket that first appeared in the late 1940s.

LUXURIOUSLY UNDERSTATED & DEMURE

The distinctive brass/gold Phoenix emblem, (introduced in 1969 as the symbol of the Trialmaster jacket), is visible on the contrast black patch on the left shoulder and clearly identifies the heritage of the Tourist Trophy jacket. In true Belstaff fashion, the emblem is demure and understated. Just enough contrast to stand out — however not so much as to be crass.

In an era that’s filled with ‘shouty’ people and brands that plaster garish logos, on anything that stands still for long enough — there’s something refreshingly satisfying, about a logo that forces you to take a closer look at the details — to confirm what you already know. Details such as the embossed branding, on the brass buttons.

“Yes, it’s a Belstaff.”

It’s a dignified silence in a boisterous world.

That combined with Belstaff’s understated styling, underlines that the Tourist Trophy is a outwear garment made for true ladies and gentlemen. Gentlefolk, who seek peace within adventure, and silence away from the deafening crowds, will gravitate towards Tourist Trophy.

Silence is the element in which great things fashion themselves together; that at length they may emerge, full-formed and majestic, into the daylight of life, which they are thenceforth to rule.

BELSTAFF CLASSIC TOURIST TROPHY

BELSTAFF CLASSIC TOURIST TROPHY HERITAGE

Amelia Earhart [Left], & Amy Johnson | Aviation Pioneers & Belstaff Ambassadors

BELSTAFF — SUPPLIERS OF ADVENTURERS

Belstaff has a rich tradition of supplying outerwear garments to adventurers, explorers thrillseekers, men and women in extreme environments — in addition to creating garments to protect front-line troops from harsh weather, in both major conflicts of the 20th century.

In the late 1940s, decades of research and development in these areas were consolidated to create Belstaff’s (arguably), most celebrated garment — the Trialmaster.

TRIALMASTER — DEVELOPED FOR HIGHLANDS MOTO TRIALS

With Great Britain emerging from the tumultuous and destructive conflict of World War II, attention soon began to turn to lighter pursuits. 1948 heralded the launch of the distinctive four-pocket, mandarin collared, belted, waxed-cotton Belstaff Trialmaster jacket.

The Trialmaster was developed specifically to endure the grim conditions of the gruelling Scottish Six Days Trial — the highlands moto event that continues to this day. The jacket came to be lauded by riders, for its functional and stylish design. Allowing plenty of room for freedom of movement while looking spiffing off the bike. The Trialmaster soon became the apparel of choice for the tough and brave few who participated each year and a firm favourite of motorcyclists around the world — including Mr Steve McQueen in the 60s.
You can still purchase the Trialmaster jacket however it appears in Belstaff’s fashion line and doesn’t come equipped with the internal lining, to accommodate CE approved, D30 T5 EVO X back protector, as well as shoulder and elbow armour.

A CLASSIC INVESTMENT

With winter in full swing (at least in the Northern Hemisphere), now is the perfect time to invest in this classic. The word invest is not used lightly. This is a jacket that you should expect to last for years. Also, it’s not an inexpensive item. Well at least in comparison to other waxed-cotton motorcycle jackets. Actually, it wouldn’t be fair to use price as a comparison with respect to this jacket. Belstaff’s Tourist Trophy is really in a class of its own.

DRY & BREATHABLE

All Belstaff jackets have an interwoven modern, seam-sealed, Miporex membrane, between the shell and the lining of the jacket. This makes Belstaff jackets exceptional, at keeping out the elements but pleasantly breathable.
The skin of the Tourist Trophy is made from 10oz waxed-cotton, which will protect you in the heaviest of downpours, as long as you protect it. In other words, if you decide at some stage in the future, to buy a Belstaff Tourist Trophy, make sure that you look after it. Regular waxing is the key.

WOULD-BE USURPERS

In recent years following the success of Belstaff Tourist Trophy and relaunch of ‘The International’ by Barbour, many new waxed-cotton jackets emerged from a number of brands. And sure, most are of high-specification and look great on and off the bike, but none surpass the specifications of Belstaff's flagship jacket.

If you look at the finer details of Trophy, it’s clear that the quality of materials and construction of the Tourist Trophy is superior in all if not nearly all aspects.
The embroidered Pheonix emblem on the belt buckle cover, which prevents the scratching of your tank. The two vulcanised rubber buttons at the bottom of the jacket, that do the same but are quite exquisite to touch. The slanted breast pocket that allows easy access are all designed with the motorcyclist at the front of mind.

THE KING OF WAXED JACKETS

The Belstaff Classic Tourist Trophy is, without doubt, the King of all waxed-cotton jackets. All other waxed-cotton jackets secretly aspire to be it. And as good as they may be, in the presence of the Tourist Trophy, they’re merely would-be usurpers and pretenders to the throne. Long live the Tourist Trophy!

BELSTAFF CLASSIC TOURIST TROPHY [WOMEN]

BELSTAFF CLASSIC TOURIST TROPHY [MEN]

DISCLAIMER: The writer of this piece, has been a proud owner and wearer of the Belstaff Classic Tourist Trophy since 2015. The views in this piece, can either be viewed as an endorsement from the writer or completely and utterly biased.

Originally published at Renchlist https://renchlist.com/belstaff-trialmaster-classic-tourist-trophy-jacket/