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Finding the Perfect Motorcycle Jacket

June 01, 2020

A motorcycle jacket is one of the most important pieces of gear when you’re going out for a ride. Aside from your helmet, boots, and pants, a good-quality motorcycle jacket that fits well is essential. Whether you pick a textile or leather jacket, what matters most is quality, impact, and abrasion protection, and, last but not least, the right fit.

So what to look for when buying a motorcycle jacket? There are several components to it. First off, you’ve got to make sure the jacket offers lots – and we mean, lots – of protection. Look for the CE-approved label to ensure the jacket meets current safety standards, and don’t just go for generic textile or denim. Make sure your jacket is made from tough, abrasion, and burst-resistant materials such as Cordura, Kevlar, or Dyneema, or a blend of all three. Next up, check if your chosen motorcycle jacket has good-quality, well-placed armor in it. Normally, there should be protective pads at your back, elbows, and shoulders.

Finally, you need to know how a motorcycle jacket should fit. Let’s dig a little deeper into the fit and sizing of motorcycle jackets because this is where people often get confused.

How Should a Motorcycle Jacket Fit?

First things first: style matters, but safety matters more. That’s why, when it comes to fitting a motorcycle jacket, you need to be as picky as necessary. Don’t go for a jacket that is too big or loose: this is a common mistake riders make when they’re buying a four-season jacket and want to leave some room for warm layers when the weather turns cold. Your motorcycle jacket should not be too big, because the protective armor pads may not sit correctly when the jacket is loose. Equally, it should not be too tight as it may impede your movements when you’re riding.

What Is the Right Fit for You?

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