FAQ Series: What Type of Motorcycle Jacket Is Best?
By the Motogear Team
If you’re a motorcycle or scooter enthusiast, or even just starting out, you probably understand how important it is to wear proper motorcycle gear when riding. Not only will you be protected from the elements, but also from injuries in case of an accident.
But with so many types, styles, materials, and features available, how do you choose the best motorcycle apparel for you? In this FAQ Series, we will attempt to help you answer these questions in a way that suits your riding needs and style. Let’s start with Motorcycle Jackets:
FAQ 1:
“Which is better - leather or textile?”
Motorcycle jackets are constructed from two main material types: leather and textile (and sometimes a combination of the two). When choosing between materials, it is important to think about what type of riding you’ll be doing, and what you expect from your motorcycle jacket.
Leather:
The OG of motorcycle jackets, leather still ranks highly for comfort, style, safety and durability. Able to soften and mould to your shape over time, a leather motorcycle jacket can end up being the most comfortable apparel piece in your wardrobe – extra points when it hits the style jackpot too!
There’s a reason that motorcycle jackets feature in pop culture and fashion trends, but note that these fashion leather jackets don’t include safety features. CE Certified motorcycle armour, leather quality, stretch panels and safety seams are just some of the important considerations when you want a motorcycle jacket to actually ride in. And if maintained correctly, leather can last a long time, even surviving some minor scrapes and bashes (as long as ambulance scissors aren’t involved).
Of course, leather must have some downsides, otherwise motorcycling textiles wouldn’t have been invented. As a natural material, leather requires a bit of extra care to keep it supple and looking great. It is also less likely to be weatherproof, not as warm, heavier, and pricier than textile motorcycle jackets.
Textile:
Providing an alternative option to leather, textile motorcycle jackets have improved year upon year in both fabric technologies and style options. The biggest benefit of textile jackets in our opinion? Weatherproofing!
With the inclusion of weatherproof fabric technologies such as Gore-Tex® and DRYOsphere, as well as waterproof and thermal liners, textile motorcycle jackets really are the best choice for all-season riding. And even with these extra liners, they are lighter in weight than leather.
Style choices and colour options are varied, with a wider range of price points to choose from. Plus, as well as the standard safety features such as CE Certified motorcycle armour and safety seams, textile motorcycle jackets can also offer a more varied range of comfort features such as mesh, vents, pockets galore, and adjustable straps.
Image credit: flaticon.com for leather icon, textile icon
FAQ 2:
“Which style of motorcycle jacket should I choose?”
Now that you understand the pros and cons of both material choices, the next step is to consider the type of riding you are doing. Do you commute in all weather? Do you dream of unexplored paper roads? Or are you signing up for a track day-or-three next month?
Thinking of your requirements, and your budget, will help narrow down the multitude of jacket choices on offer.
Image credit: Wilko Photo for Motodry
Adventure Jackets:
Made for adventures in all weathers and across all terrains, these motorcycle jackets are constructed from high quality technical textiles, and are practical, durable, and weatherproof. A three-quarter length cut helps further protect from weather elements, and a multitude of useful features such as vents, adjustable straps, and pockets, means you are always prepared and comfortable. Commonly a top-of-the-line offering, adventure style motorcycle jackets can come in at the higher end of the price range.
We recommend: the Scott Dualraid Dryo Jacket, the Motodry Advent Tour Trekker Jacket, and the Motodry Sienna Ladies Jacket
Image credit: Charles Jordan for Motogear
Touring Jackets:
Like the adventure style jacket, touring jackets feature weatherproof textiles and linings, and are a good choice if you need your motorcycle jacket to do ‘mostly everything’. Three-quarter length is the most common option available on our shores. For those of us with shorter torsos, waist-cut touring jackets are an option: just be aware that there’s less protection against wind-chill on your lower back, especially if you are riding a sports-style bike. Touring motorcycle jackets can start at entry-level prices and go all the way up, all dependent on the jacket features that are included.
We recommend: the Motodry All Seasons Jacket, the Motodry Thermo Jacket, and the Motodry Clio Mesh Ladies Jacket
Image credit: Speed and Strength for Motogear
Cruiser Jackets:
A fair-weather option for those seeking style and comfort, cruiser jackets are a more relaxed cut than the sport or vintage style motorcycle jackets and are designed for the upright riding style of cruiser motorbikes. Typically made of leather, older versions were often more fashion- than safety- orientated, but the modern take on the cruiser jacket now includes CE Certification motorcycle armour as standard.
We recommend: the Speed and Strength Band of Brothers Jacket, and the Speed and Strength Throttle Body Ladies Jacket
Image credit: Speed and Strength for Motogear
Vintage/Café Racer Jackets:
These jackets are all about fit and style. Being waist-cut in length, they are form-fitting and feature clean lines, shape, and detailing. A great option between the more racer-spec sports jackets and the relaxed cruiser jacket styles, café racer motorcycle jackets are popular with urban riders who want a stylish weatherproof option while riding to their monthly moto meet-up. Often paired with motorcycle jeans, these vintage motorcycle jackets often come with a pants loop connection to help to reduce lower back wind-chill if riding a more forward-leaning sports bike.
We recommend: the Motodry Clubman Vintage Jacket, and the Speed and Strength Straight Savage 2.0 Jacket
Image credit: @chaotic.blonde for Motogear
Sports Jackets:
Constructed of top grain leather, sports jackets are focussed on protection, fit and race-style aerodynamics. Imagine a one-piece leather race suit cut in two: the top half becomes a sports jacket.
Snug in fit and with a sportive waist-cut length, sports-style motorcycle jackets are constructed with pre-curved arms, jacket-to-pant zipper connections (be sure to check the jacket zipper will marry into your pant zipper, and vice versa), and sometimes even built-in sliders and aerodynamic “race humps”. Inner pockets and thermal liners might be an option, but usually sports jackets represent the pared-back high-spec essence of motorcycle racing, destined for summer rides on a supersports machine.
Image credit: Speed and Strength for Motogear
Urban Hoodies/Shirts:
Welcome to 2024, where modern fabric and protection technologies now allow us motorcyclists to blend into the crowd! Protective motorcycling hoodies and shirts are the newest and fastest growing segment of the motorcycle apparel market, and push urban fashion aesthetics, comfort and safety to the fore. With a range of colours and patterns to express your individuality, motorcycling shirts and hoodies are relaxed in fit and feature pockets, pant connection loops, design details and sometimes even weatherproofing capabilities. Protection is provided by CE Certified armour in impact zones, and interwoven abrasion-resistant threads and stitching in slide zones.
We recommend: the Speed and Strength Hammer Down Hoody, the Speed and Strength Call to Arms 2.0 Moto Shirt, the Speed and Strength Cat Outta Hell 2.0 Ladies Hoody, and the Speed and Strength Speed Society Ladies Moto Shirt
In Summary:
By knowing what you want and need from a motorcycle jacket, and using your newfound jacket and textile wisdom, you will find a jacket that works for you.
Remember, a good motorcycle jacket can save your life in case of an accident, so don’t compromise on quality, protection, or fit. And be sure to check out our next blog post in this FAQ Series: “How Should a Motorcycle Jacket Fit?”
