Adventure. Innovation. Endurance. Welcome to the world of Belstaff.

To celebrate 75 years of the iconic Trialmaster jacket, we’re taking a trip down the dirt road and through the history of the legendary British brand, Belstaff. From the brand’s beginnings to their legion of celebrity fans, and of course, the history of the iconic Trialmaster jacket, which has now been re-imagined in three limited-edition styles, as seen on artist Goya Gumbani, shot by Cal McIntyre for NOTION. This is everything you need to know.

Belstaff was founded in Stoke-On-Trent back in 1924 by Eli Belovitch and his son-in-law Harry Grosberg. A perennial innovator, Belovitch had a dream: his mission was to create waterproof jackets for motorcyclists. He travelled the world searching for the best waterproof jackets and what he found would change the course of outerwear history.

Belovitch was travelling through Egypt when he discovered wax cotton. And he saw potential (spoiler: it would go on to be revolutionary). Belovitch returned to the UK to work on developing his own version of the wax cotton. These were the days before Goretex and a fabric like this, which was both breathable and waterproof, was groundbreaking. Lightweight and durable, it quickly became clear that Belovitch had struck gold and soon, Belstaff was designing jackets for motorcyclists that were completely unique; made to survive life in the fast lane. The jackets quickly became the style for adventurers. And then came the birth of the Trialmaster…

The iconic Trialmaster jacket was first produced by Belstaff in 1948. Made for the Scottish Six Days Trial, which is now the oldest Trial competition in the world, it was a gruelling off-road motorcycle event that needed hardworking gear. The result was a jacket crafted from waxed cotton, a weatherproof design made to be water-repellent and wind-resistant, keeping the elements at bay during the harsh conditions of the motorcycle competition.

The Trialmaster jacket has evolved so much since its inception back in 1948. The jacket is characterised by its waxed cotton, belt and angled map pocket, which make it an instantly recognisable style. Over the years, the jacket has been redesigned in bold colourways with vibrant green and red iterations released in the ‘70s; and in the ‘90s, the jacket was reimagined in statement leather. In 2023, the Trialmaster keeps reinventing itself…

To celebrate 75 years of the jacket, Belstaff have launched three limited edition versions of the jacket: the Trialmaster Tribute, the Trialmaster 75 Edition and The Trialmaster Concept. The jackets are limited edition collectors’ items, with only a hundred of each style being released and each coming with a limited-edition anniversary pin badge. The styles speak to the past, present and future of the brand.

The Trialmaster Tribute is inspired by the Belstaff archive, circa the 1950s. The design captures the style and spirit of one of the earliest iterations of the four-pocket jacket. Paying homage to the original Trialmaster design, the Tribute is crafted from a resin-coated outer and developed to mimic the look of a well-worn (and well-loved) vintage waxed cotton jacket. The style comes in a short, boxy cut and features a vintage checked lining, a wool liner with herringbone binding and a signature archive label. It is a true tribute to modern heritage and the Belstaff brand.

The Trialmaster 75 Edition is a contemporary take on the iconic design. The new style includes special lining, labels and hardware. Cut from 6oz black waxed cotton, the jacket features blue accents, referencing the signature blue of the Belstaff check lining. The style features a blue corduroy trim and a phoenix patch, a Union Jack flag label and an internal Trialmaster label in a limited-edition blue colourway.

The Trialmaster Concept is a forward-thinking interpretation of the Trailmaster. Ft. a reworked construction, form and fabrication, the jacket has a semi-transparent look and a signature check print and inner mesh lining. The blue colourway of the jacket references the iconic Belstaff blue colour that’s been used in their check lining throughout the brand’s history. The style is complete with black corduroy trim and modern black hardware, a phoenix patch and a signature Trialmaster label.

The brand has undergone a journey from the racetrack to the runway. Today, Belstaff is a certified fashion powerhouse, producing some of the most recognisable garments in the world. And, loved by some of the biggest names in fashion…

Brad Pitt, Kate Moss, David Beckham…. The Belstaff hall of fame is filled with some of the most iconic figures in fashion and pop culture. But the one who's most deeply associated with the brand? Steve McQueen. The star of The Great Escape and Papillion has long been known for his bond and devotion to Belstaff. McQueen purchased a Belstaff Trialmaster and it quickly beamer one of his most prized possessions, wearing the jacket everywhere, including at endurance races. He quickly became synonymous with the brand. McQueen’s loyalty to the brand is why today, Belstaff is so often associated with the glamour of Hollywood. In fact, David Beckham, another loyal fan of the brand, was initially drawn to Belstaff because he idolised McQueen.

Fearlessness. Exploration. Persistence. A true British icon, Belstaff is a brand with a truly rich history, forever linked to the spirit of adventure and always with its eyes on innovation. It’s hardly surprising that Belstaff has become one of the biggest names in global luxury. We’re willing to bet that we’ll be celebrating Belstaff on the Trialmaster’s hundredth birthday (and hundred and twenty-fifth, and hundred and fiftieth…) This is the kind of legacy that lasts a lifetime.