Purchasing one of the best beginner’s motorcycle jackets or getting a replacement one when the jacket is worn out has its pros and cons.
Turn the pages of any store and you’d find that there are groups of jackets in all ranges that promise to be the best jackets you need. Others have a tough outer appearance, but are uncompletable after the one season. Some enjoy wearing their clothes in the fitting room, but sweatboxes on the way. What exactly sets the difference between you wearing that jacket for years and having it stored in your closet?
The answer is specific features that do mean a lot when you’re on your bike. Whether you’re looking for a men’s leather motorcycle jacket or women’s leather motorcycle jacket, this guide is for you to find out what features will distinguish true riding apparel from those that don’t quite cut the facts.
1. Abrasion-Resistant Material in Key Impact Zones:
The main reason for any motorcycle related garment being a motorcycle jacket is to protect the skin if a crash does occur. It is not a characteristic of all materials. Full-grain or top-grain cowhide is great for abrasion-resistance leather. Some high performance fabrics such as Cordura, Kevlar or ballistic nylon can be used, particularly where their shoulders, elbows and back are strengthened for contact with the road.
Pay attention to the following points on a jacket that you want to purchase:
- Shoulders: They should be thicker fabric or multi-layer.With shoulders: They should be multi-layer / thick fabric.
- Elbows: Rather than a decorative patch, a reinforced piece that covers the whole elbow area.
- Back panel: Continuous protection over the back and shoulders.
- Forearms: One part everyone forgets, but one very important part of a slide.
Jackets that “forget” to reinforce these areas may appear good looking but will leave you uncovered when you need it the most. The quality of materials in impact areas has a direct link to reduction in injuries in motorcycle accidents, says motorcycle safety research covered.
2. CE-Rated Armor Pockets:
Any protection doesn’t equate with added foam padding; it requires added CE-rated impact protectors. Check these areas of motorcycle jackets for armor pockets:
- Shoulders: CE Level 1 or Level 2 rated
- Elbows: Same rating standards
- Back: CE-rated back protector pocket (armor often sold separately)
- Chest: (optional but valuable), Front impact protection for riders
Pockets need to be able to contain the armour in place. Riding these with moving armor will never protect the areas they are meant to shield will not be. Quality jackets will provide jackets with hook-and-loop straps or compression systems to keep protectors to where they belong.
Some jackets have basic armor and can be upgraded to provide higher protection levels at a later time. As you evolve as a rider, that adaptability is crucial.
3. Proper Fit Adjustments:
A shirt that was a great fit at the store might feel totally different an hour after riding on the bike. Adjustability rectifies this issue. The following are key points to consider when adjusting:
- Waist straps or side adjusters: cinch up to keep the jacket down at the right speed
- Arm adjustments: Cuffs that cinch down seal out wind and keep armor positioned correctly
- Collar closure: Adjustable neck closures prevent wind from funneling down your chest
- Shoulder adjusters: Some jackets include these for fine-tuning upper body fit
Leather motorcycle jackets for slender models are even more important since the female figure, in general, features well-defined proportions, such as waist to hip ratios and bust to waist proportions, compared to that of a man’s. These proportions are adjusted by features that can be made to adjust.
4. Pre-Curved Sleeves:
Wipe that item of clothing down in a fitting room while standing straight up, and it’ll look just peachy. When you get ready to ride, lean over and you’ll be able to tell if they’re cut correctly. Pre-curved or articulated sleeves are a sleeve that conforms to the natural elbow bend into which your arm fits when holding your handlebars.
This eliminates the pulling entrance they bring to your arms when they’re extended forwards. The sleeves should not be perfectly straight, but should show a curve or bend in the structure. When wearing it the jacket should relax over the shoulder and the sleeves should extend naturally (not back on shoulders or down at wrists).
5. Ventilation Systems:
Think of riding in a tin foil hat all day. Great quality jackets will feature practical breathing systems which facilitate breathing both within the fabric and additionally through the opening of the garment. The desirable properties of a good ventilation system are:
- Chest vents: Zippered openings that channel air across your torso
- Back vents: Exhaust vents that let hot air escape
- Arm vents: Zippered panels on the biceps or forearms
- Pit zips: Underarm zippers for maximum airflow
There are some jackets that incorporate decorative zippers with a similar function as vents but no in-between zipped or perforated areas. In the case of real vents, backings made of mesh, such as plastic, steel, aluminum etc are used so that air flows through the vent but does not destroy any armor or structure. Go ahead and test vents before purchasing.
6. Weather Protection Options
Riding conditions change. If you can only ride in a jacket when weather conditions are just right, you are on DVD only a certain percentage of the time. When choosing an office chair, check out these weatherproof characteristics:
Removable Liners: Built-in removable or zip-out thermal liners are also included in good jackets to increase warmth during the colder months and can be removed when the temperatures are high. This makes two jackets out of one.
Water-Resistant or Waterproof Layers: Leather resists light rain, but doesn’t hold up to heavy rain or stream over time. Several leather motorcycle jackets for men feature removable waterproof liners which keep the rider dry without sealing the jacket for good. A lot of the time, textile jackets come with a built in waterproof layer such as Gore-Tex or even proprietary waterproof-breathable fabrics.
7. Secure, Functional Pockets:
You require pockets that will not spill your phone, wallet or keys when you stoop forward over the bike. Quality jackets include:
- Zippered exterior pockets: At least two, placed where you can access them while wearing gloves
- Interior secure pocket: For wallet, phone, or documents
- Deep pockets to hold things: Shallow pockets are useless on a motorcycle
Test pockets by placing your wallet or phone in them then leaning forward into the riding position. If there is an item which slides out or feels like it may, the pockets are not designed properly.
8. Durable Hardware:
Zippers, snaps and buckles are subjected to repetitive stress. Sourcing poor quality hardware will lead to a quick demise – and often not easily repairable. Try to find the following quality indicators:
- YKK zippers: Industry standard for reliability
- Metal snaps: Solid brass or nickel-plated, not lightweight chrome-plated snaps that corrode
- Reinforced zipper pulls: Large enough to operate with gloves on
- Metal buckles: On waist straps and collar closures
Unwind the zip a number of times prior to purchasing. They should be smooth, free of catching, etc., and forceful. Snaps must fit tightly and click when closed – not a soft click.
9. Reflective Elements for Visibility:
The prevention of collisions is greatly decreased when other drivers see you. Quality jackets come fitted with reflective materials judiciously placed for maximum visibility.
Reflective placement consists of:
- Shoulders and upper arms: Visible from the side
- Back panel: Large reflective strips or piping visible from behind
- Chest area: Catches headlights from oncoming traffic
10. Reinforced Stitching at Stress Points:
Even the best leather or cloth won’t save the day in case seams fail. Quality this doesn’t just mean the jacket is strong, it means it is reinforced at the points where it is going to be most stressed. Look for double or triple stitch at the following points:
- Shoulder seams: Where sleeves attach to the body
- Armhole seams: High-stress area that takes constant movement
- Side seams: Where body panels join
- Pocket edges: Prevent tearing from weight and use
- Zipper tape: Keeps zippers attached securely to the fabric
If possible, turn a jacket inside out and inspect the workmanship of the seams. Multiple row stitches should be visible, not single-stitch seams which show poor value construction.
The Features That Keep You Riding
A motorcycle jacket with all these 10 features will cost more than one without these features. However, the difference becomes apparent every time you ride in comfort, in protection and when the jacket needs to be replaced. If you’re looking for a women’s leather motorcycle jacket or leather motorcycle jacket for men, focusing on these essential features instead of brand names or pretty nickel hardware will lead you to a riding jacket that can be used on the road.
With all First MFG Co jackets, functionality will be built before style, so the protection is maintained beyond the fashion parade. Test every item when considering a purchase. Try the jacket in a riding position. Test the zippers, vents, and adjustments. Ensure that armor pockets are installed and placed in the proper position. Then select the jacket that has the best construction giving it the function and style will come along.
