In the mid-1950s, D. Lewis produced the Bronx leather jacket, one of the first products aimed directly at the post-war teenage fashion market, which was widely adopted by the Ton-up Boys and Rockers of the 1960s, becoming associated with the 59 Club[5] and sponsoring leading motorcycle and TT racers of the day.

It was during the 1910s that the company started making and retailing specialist clothing for what was then considered the "gentlemen's" auto sports of aviation and motoring producing their wares in Watford.

At the time, Great Portland Street was known as "Motor Row", the primary location for purchasing automobiles and related accessories in the early years of the 20th century.

It went on to produce clothing for the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II including made to measure outfits for officers.

[3] This brand name was introduced on a new range of leather jackets aimed at the youth market and, in 1962, it aligned itself with the burgeoning 59 Club in London, Hackney Wick.

[6] Aimed at the teenage market, following the effect of the banning of Marlon Brando's movie The Wild One, the Bronx was to become the British equivalent of the Schott Perfecto.

[24] Coinciding with the huge increase in popularity of motorcycling and the Mods and Rockers era, the company continued to expand its range of black leather jackets which also started to appeal to fashion conscious rebels.

[12] Other products included helmets, wax cotton waterproof clothing, boots, T-shirts, gloves, goggles and other motorcycle related items such as scarves and face-masks.

[10] It advertised widely in the USA, selling via mail order, becoming popular amongst leading motorcycle journalists,[28][29][30][31][32][33] and achieved a legendary status for its connection to the 'folk devil' Ton Up Boys and the 59 Club.

[12] Lewis Leathers jackets have been worn by leading British Punk and Rock musicians and fashion icons such as the members of The Damned, The Sex Pistols, Arctic Monkeys, [7] The Clash,[7] Motörhead, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Prodigy, Eric Clapton, Ewan McGregor[38] and Kate Moss,[5] as well as iconic Americans such as Lou Reed,[38] Joan Jett, Johnny Thunders, The Ramones,[23] members of Suicide, The Hives[39] and others.

[23] Other sportsmen who were either sponsored by or endorse Lewis Leather clothing include Derek Minter,[47] Giacomo Agostini, John Cooper, Phil Smart, Mike Hailwood,[23] Colin Seeley,[48] Bill Ivy,[20] The company has also collaborated with Royal Enfield Motors, and Triumph Motorcycles to produce a range of jackets.