Jackets

Choosing the Best Motorcycle Jacket for your Riding Needs

When motorcycling was in its infancy, riders wore military clothing. It was tough and gave protection against the elements. In 1928, young leatherworker Irving Schott from New York created the first leather motorcycle jacket. Its design, while based on aviation clothing, had one vital cutting edge addition; the newly invented zip. Leather riding jackets remain the king of cool. Yet, advances in technology mean textile motorcycle jackets have a lot to offer, being waterproof, abrasion-resistant and hardwearing. Here, we will take a closer look at choosing the best motorcycle jacket for your riding needs.

Leather Motorcycle Jackets

The difference between leather motorcycle jackets isn't down to looks only. The thickness of a leather jacket relates to the amount of slide time before a motorcyclist hits skin and bone. Over time, the leather will mould itself to the body shape of its wearer. When choosing a leather jacket, make sure any stress areas are double stitched. It should also be possible to secure collars and neck fastenings in place. Expansion joints are essential if it's a stretch to the handlebars and zips should be sturdy and backed up with an internal or external wind flap. If the leather motorcycle jacket has armour, check if it has a safety rating and is removable. Double-check your size against the manufacturer's chart. Remember, leather is an organic material and will loosen up over time.

Textile Motorcycle Jackets

With the development of fibres such as Aramid and GORE-TEX, modern day textile motorcycle jackets are in a whole new league. These fibres can provide incredible abrasion and impact resistance. What’s more, they make excellent waterproof motorcycle jackets. For extra safety features, textile jackets tend to have more high visibility properties. These may also include reflective panels or hi-viz edging around zips and seams. Due to the cut and style, body armour is often less noticeable. Also, you are more likely to find a removable liner in this type of jacket. Textile motorcycle jackets, by design, require less maintenance than their leather counterparts. Although correct fitting is important, textile jackets can be more forgiving, size-wise.