For motorcycle enthusiasts, a cool motorcycle jacket is essential. In fact, leather jackets have a profound connection with the history of motorcycles. However, many jackets on the market now imitate the style of motorcycle jackets but do not provide the safety features that a good motorcycle protective gear should have. When purchasing a motorcycle jacket, please consider the following points:
Make sure to look for a genuine motorcycle jacket, not just a “motorcycle style” jacket. Look for motorcycle specific design features such as durable fabrics; armor for elbows, shoulders, and back; ventilation points; and good flexibility. Some jackets offer zippered armor pockets that allow you to customize the jacket with additional armor padding.
A good motorcycle jacket should be slightly lower than your waist to minimize its sliding on the track. For optimal protection, consider combining the jacket and pants together with a snap button or zipper.
There is no correct answer to the comparison between leather motorcycle jackets and textile motorcycle jackets. Leather remains the gold standard for durability, with many leather styles now available for those who enjoy a sporty look, in addition to the classic cruiser jacket. However, textile jackets are usually cheaper and more professional, while still providing good performance and offering alternatives for vegetarians and others who do not like to wear leather.
Black is a beautiful color, but even a light black jacket can become very hot in summer. If you are cycling in areas with extremely high summer temperatures and only want to buy one jacket, please pay attention to the color of the jacket and consider choosing a lighter color and/or a jacket with a detachable zipper lining. Brighter motorcycle jacket colors will also help increase your visibility to other drivers, which is a huge advantage for your safety.
There are great all season motorcycle jackets to choose from, but if you live in a very hot, very cold, or a combination of both, they can only do so much. Just like wearing gloves, buying bean season and autumn/winter jackets can make a lot of sense, especially if you’re going on a textile route.
Prioritize comfort and protection over style, but buy a jacket that you truly love to wear. And don’t be afraid to budget more for high-quality motorcycle jackets. It may be the second most important protective equipment after helmets.
