History of Hideout

Peter Hamlett started out making and developing quality motorcycle clothing in Cambridge over 26 years ago. He was lucky enough to have worked closely with Dr Woods, who set the criteria for the Cambridge standard of performance for motorcycle leathers at Cambridge University, together with prominent racers of their time such as Steve Parrish, Dave Potter and Kenny Irons to produce superior leathers.

Kate Jennings joined him in 1995 having completed a fashion and textiles degree, majoring in marketing and design and therefore offering a service to Hideout that complemented Peter’s excellent craftsmanship.

'Together we have manufactured in the region of 6000 suits, every one of those different from the next. Over this time our manufacturing of motorcycle suits has completely changed. The first suits we manufactured were made only of tough leather, with double leather areas on the shoulders, elbows, hips, seat and knees, no armour or stretch panels. Since then the bikes have got quicker and the need for safer garments is vital. The improvement in the tanning of leather means the suits are now lighter and more supple, plus the development of modern materials such as keprotec has allowed for greater movement on the bike, and pioneering materials are constantly being developed to help absorb impact. We have also learnt as we have gone along, watching what has happened to the suits in crashes which allows us to constantly improve our garments and we will continue to do so.

During this time we have also had the opportunity to work on a lot of different manufacturer’s leathers in our repair and alteration department. This has also taught us what not to do, how easily some seams have burst, how inferior leather has abraded and injures have occurred that in some cases could have been avoided.'

Kate Jennings, Director

In May 2006 Peter Hamlett retired from Hideout to persue his musical and artistic persuits leaving Kate Jennings as sole proprietor. Hideout wishes Peter sucess and happiness for the future.