Don’t be quick to go out and just buy any jacket, look before you leap. You will want to try on several different styles of jackets to get the best fit. There is a lot to consider when it comes to a jacket alone. Different bikes will place you in different riding positions. This means a jacket should run a little long in the sleeves, it should have a little extra room in the shoulders, and needs to come down a little further so there's no gap between the top of your pants and the bottom of the jacket. You can squeak by with a pair of chaps whose fit is less than perfect but I guarantee that to ride in a jacket that is comfortable is not a fun ride. When trying on a leather jacket, look for plenty of room in the shoulders because your riding posture will be different than your standing posture. You’re passenger posture will be different than those of a rider too. Make sure that you’re not buying a man’s jacket as they will not fit the same. Guys have “straight aways” where we have “bumps and lump”.
The sleeves should be long to meet your gloves and reduce wind gaps.
I generally make sure that that sleeves end just above my knuckles when my hands are at my sides and I make darn sure that when I stretch my arms out in front of me the sleeves are not shorter than the top of my hands. A good quality jacket sleeve is cut with a “bow” in the elbow as if the arm is already slightly bent. Decide just how tight you want the sleeves around the wrist. It can be like night and day when it comes to cold wind going up your sleeves. Stay away for a shirt style cuff that only snaps, a leather riding jacket can double for just hanging around but a plain leather jacket is not constructed for riding on a bike and you won’t be comfortable in it. Zipper cuffs are my favorite cause the can let cool air in on a hot day and make it easy to take gloves off and on.
Around the neck, you will want a snug fit when zipped. Different styles fits different necks differently, it’s as simple as that. A sport collar will fit you differently than the traditional lapel collar. Make sure that if you purchase a leather jacket that has lapel, these puppies can be snapped down, a flapping collar will drive you buggy going down the road. Also, a very loose fitting collar is a one way ticket to a lot of cold wind down your back.
Because your jacket is a part of your performance gear, a proper fit includes careful attention to the armor. 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. It won't do you any good if it doesn't stay in place. If you go into a skid and hit the pavement, these parts of your body are most likely to hit the ground. The proper fit for you will place all of the armor on the body parts you mean to protect. Check the fit with and without the zip out lining, there can be a big difference. Take the time to research the materials used for the amour and don’t be “cheap”, spend money on quality.
If you plan to wear a layer of street clothes underneath your leathers, have them with you when you try on your jacket. It’s important that you do not have your movement constricted when you have to “layer up” as this can pose a problem with your circulation.
Pockets are more a science than you think. Look for an inner pocket to put your license, wallet, or cash in. Outer pockets are of little use if they can't be closed tight. Pockets with cover-up flaps are best. Wind has a way of finding its way between the teeth of a zipper, so a small patch of material in front or back of a zipper will help keep wind penetration to a minimum.
Removable liners and vents can be your best friends! Buy a jacket
on sale without these two and you’ll regret it on a warm to hot day! Vents should be found in front and in back and if you’re lucky under the arm…..ah cool, now we’re talking! The photos at the right show zipper closure front and rear vents. Together with a Techniche International Evaporative Vest….life on a bike is good
Another good thing to look for is reflective materials on jackets. Black can be slimming but turn out the lights and you can’t be seen. In the daylight the stripes may not look like much but they will when you’re heading down the freeway at night.  Many companies are even making there logos reflective.
You might be under the impression that one jacket should suffice for all riding seasons. Think again. A thick summer jacket in 95 degree heat and a bit of humidity can spell disaster. Even with the vents open and the liner removed, you can still end up with heat exhaustion by end of the ride. The accompanying nausea and headache can prove that black leather absorbs lots of heat and doesn't breathe well. A good summer jackets is light and breathable to help keep riders comfortable during hot days, but it still should provide adequate protection. They are often called 'Ballistic jackets'.
Keeping the sun off of your skin is not only a good idea but tones down the dehydration brought on by the dry wind and remember, don’t forget your cooling vest!
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