Proper Fit for M/C Jackets

Before you purchase a jacket, it is important to spend some time trying on different styles.  Decide first if you will be wearing the jacket year around or during a particular season.

Tips on fitting a motorcycle jacket:

  1. Jacket sleeves must be longer than normally worn
  2. There should be extra room in the shoulders for flexibility
  3. Jacket length should be long enough to not ride up above your pants while riding.
  4. Jackets should not be tight and should allow room for extra layers of clothing.
  5. Men’s jackets are not cut to fit women comfortably.
  6. Jackets should be comfortable around the hips will sitting down.

When trying on a motorcycle jacket:

  1. Sleeves should end just above the knuckles when hands are at your sides.
  2. The jacket sleeve should be cut with a “bow” in the elbow as if the arm was slightly bent.
  3. Cuffs should be snug as cold wind can easily go up the sleeve with loose fitting cuffs. If you prefer loose cuffs then gauntlet style gloves will come in handy.
  4. Zippered cuffs are excellent as they can let cool air in on a hot day and make it easy to take gloves off and on.
  5. Check to make sure the front zipper has a flap behind it to keep cold air out.
  6. Make sure the jacket liner zips out for added comfort on hot days.

Neck collars will vary:

  1. A sport collar will fit you differently than the traditional lapel collar.
  2. Lapelled collars should always snap down.

Jackets with armor:

  1. Research armor as there are several different types of armor.
  2. Strategically reinforced armor is usually found on the elbows, spine and sometimes the chest area. Check to make sure the protective armor doesn’t shift around when you put the jacket on.
  3. Check the fit with and without the zip out lining, this may affect the fit.

Textile vs. Leather:

  1. Leather by itself will not keep you warm or cool you down; it must be accompanied by a thermal liner.
  2. Leather is about 95% wind proof but seams do leak air.
  3. Leather is not waterproof and cannot be made to be completely waterproof as it is a very porous material.
  4. To be strong leather must have the top grain intact must not have been over processed, sanded down to thickness or “split”.
  5. Textile may or may not hold up on an impact.  Check with the manufacturer.
  6. Without an insulated liner textile allows a substantial amount of airflow and is excellent on hot days.
  7. Textile can be treated to be almost completely water proof.