How to choose the right motorcycle jacket

Explanatory guide to choosing the right jacket or motorcycle jacket

Jacket or jacket? Leather, fabric, or even mesh? Modular? Our advice for finding the right jacket

With CE-certified gloves and helmets approved on 22.05 and 22.06, the motorcycle jacket is undoubtedly the most popular equipment among bikers, even if it is not - yet - required by French regulations.

If the jacket is the primary means of protection for two-wheeled vehicles today, this is not surprising, because in the event of an injury, one in two bikers sustains upper limb injuries. Hence the importance of the jacket being strong enough and well equipped in terms of protection (and not just the back) to reduce the risk of injury.

The assortment of jackets and jackets has also changed a lot in recent years, so that it is now possible not only to ride well protected with all protective equipment included, but in addition to the appearance in addition to a matching jacket. what is made of it (city, road, highway, all-terrain vehicle), and to weather conditions (waterproof, breathable, warm or, on the contrary, ventilated ...).

In short, you will find that there are many criteria by which to choose the right jacket or motorcycle jacket, from looks (vintage, urban) to comfort, including protection and type of use. And with all the brands historically present on the market - Alpinestars, Bering, Furygan, Helstons, IXS, Rev'It, Segura, Spidi) - equipped with all brands of distributors Dafy (All One), Louis (Vanucci) or Motoblouz (DXR), you spoiled for choice and not always easy to navigate. Therefore, in order not to be mistaken and to help you make the right choice, we guide you from the standards that must be observed to the selection criteria that must be taken into account.

Choosing the right motorcycle jacket

STANDARD YOU

To determine the level of protection provided by a jacket, we can rely on the current European standard EN 13595, which certifies this garment as personal protective equipment in three levels: urban level with minimal protection, level 1 for road use and level 2 for intensive use. To obtain this certification, the jacket undergoes abrasion, tear and perforation tests in 4 zones.

But this standard is a little unclear in its designations, so it will be gradually replaced by the EN 10792 standard, which introduces new test methods that are more consistent with reality, as well as a new, clearer rating system AAA, AA, A, B and C, Triple A offers the highest protection. For this standard, the equipment receives the lowest score among all the tests passed. In other words, a jacket that has AAA in all areas and tests but has an A grade for cut resistance will thus only have an A.

The certification level must be indicated on the jacket label.

To be sure of purchasing a protective jacket, all you have to do is refer to its label and make sure it displays the PPE badge as well as the certification level.

And this is important, because a jacket can be leather and very beautiful, but have fragile seams that quickly peel off when abraded, which makes it ineffective in terms of protection. This is what the standard checks and guarantees. Most European brands are responding to this, which is not the case with motorcycle jackets sold on “cheap” sites.

Jacket or jacket

Before answering this question, it's important to literally remember the size difference between the two. Indeed, the jacket is suitable for short garments that usually end at the waist. Conversely, the jacket is longer and covers the thighs, and for longer ones, even up to mid-thigh.

Thus, jackets are more of a roadster or sports type, while jackets are more of a tourist, adventure or urban type.

Jacket or jacket?

In absolute terms, the choice will largely depend on individual tastes, although in general jackets are more suitable for the mid to summer seasons, while jackets are more suitable for the colder seasons as they provide better protection. However, this is not an absolute rule, as there are a large number of ventilated jackets, for example, in the tourism industry.

You should also consider how you use your motorcycle. The short, close-fitting jacket makes it easier to move and is therefore more suitable for sporty driving. But the jacket will better protect you from the elements. Now everyone is free to choose the style that he likes best and in which he feels most comfortable.

Jacket types: racing, roadster, vintage, urban ...

There are racing jackets in leather or textiles that often have outer protection, or even an outer shell or even a bump that allows you to ride on the track.

More versatile is a leather or textile roadster jacket, often more practical for everyday life. Among them we find the summer version in the net, with good ventilation, allowing you to ride under the rogue, but not melt from the heat.

For those who travel frequently, there is a hiking or adventure jacket made of textiles with many pockets, but above all, able to withstand any weather and all seasons.

Unlike those who travel frequently, we find an urban jacket, usually textile, often with a hood that looks like a ready-to-wear jacket, but with excellent weather protection as well as protection in the event of a fall.

Finally, for style, there are retro or vintage jackets that are stricter than 70s-inspired roadster jackets.

Vintage jacket in the style of an old motorcycle

Material: leather or textile.

Historically, a motorcycle jacket is made of leather, whether it's cowhide, kangaroo leather, whole grain or not. It's simple, while only the thickness and quality of the leather provided enough abrasion resistance to provide real performance and protection in the event of a fall onto a motorcycle. Except that times have changed a lot and this technology has evolved in terms of textile materials that have clearly strengthened over time and can now compete with traditional leather such as Kevlar, Cordura or Armalite.

Thus, the base material of the jacket no longer necessarily lets us know which equipment protects best. Suddenly, it's best to go to the jacket's certification to find out which one is the best protection. We can indeed find textile jackets that are more resilient than the very thin entry-level leather. Likewise, we should avoid ready-to-eat leather that is too thin and not designed for motorcycle falls (especially due to the complete lack of protection at all levels).

Leather or textiles? Both materials now provide a significant level of protection.

Therefore, the choice will be primarily a matter of taste, comfort and budget.

A textile jacket is always lighter than leather and has better ventilation, so it is more pleasant in hot weather and more waterproof in case of rain (except for a mesh jacket).

Also keep in mind that leather models tend to be heavier, and especially that leather is a living material that needs regular maintenance to keep from wearing out. In addition, it is quite warm here, even very hot, and a good ventilation system is required in summer. Finally, leather is never truly waterproof, it can get waterlogged and take a long time to dry after that compared to a textile jacket.

Finally, there are now leather jackets with stretch zones offering more flexibility and comfort, sometimes a little cheaper because with less leather. It is also a key asset that we find in leather suits now, as these areas offer a lot of flexibility from the very beginning of the suit and without waiting for it to happen.

Textiles offer an advantage in terms of practicality because they can be machine washed, which will NEVER happen to leather. We insist: never wash your leather in a washing machine! (in response to numerous emails asking how to do this after the leather was placed in the car).

This will allow you to select the best skin for your protection.

Which skin is best to protect

Lining: fixed or removable

There are two types of earbuds: fixed and removable. The fixed liner is usually made of cotton or mesh, and can also include a laminated membrane between the outer material and the liner.

Conversely, the removable earbuds can be removed using a zip system or buttons. Here we find thermal pads for cold protection and waterproof / breathable membranes. Be careful, padded liners are sometimes just vests and therefore do not provide hand insulation.

We will give preference to the removable thermal pads, which allow you to get a jacket that can be worn both in the off-season and in the summer.

Membrane: waterproof and breathable

The membrane is a lining layer that makes the jacket waterproof from wind and rain, allowing moisture to escape from the body. We're also talking about a waterproof and breathable insert.

Please note that not all membranes are the same and therefore have different qualities. Depending on the brand, the membranes are more or less breathable and therefore may be too hot to ride in good weather. Goretex is the most famous, but now there are many equivalent, if not identical.

On this jacket, the membrane is laminated and therefore cannot be removed.

Whereas in the beginning membranes were most often added using removable gaskets, today they are regularly integrated in a fixed manner, and their systematic removal is no longer possible. If you plan to wear a jacket all year round, it is better to clarify this point in advance.

Finally, any membrane will find its limit if it is exposed to heavy rain for a long time. The waterproofness can always be enhanced with an optional rain cover that slides under the saddle like a very compact nano indeed.

Ventilation: zip openings and mesh

Unlike fall / winter models, mid-season and summer jackets and jackets can be fitted with waterproof zippered vents for better air circulation inside. The leather models also have perforations that perform the same function, but without the possibility of adjusting its ventilation.

To emphasize this ventilation, jackets are most often supported by a mesh lining. Some equipment even has vents in the back to further speed up cooling.

Large zip panels for maximum ventilation

Conversely, for winter models, some manufacturers add elasticated cuffs at the end of the sleeve of the jacket where you insert your thumb to hold it in place, preventing air from entering the sleeve.

Internal valve

A jacket that closes with a zipper is good. But the air always has time to seep through the zipper. Good airtightness and therefore ensured by a more or less large inner flap over the entire height of the jacket behind the zipper. Its presence guarantees the preservation of heat in winter.

Neck

No two jackets cover the collar in the same way. And especially on a motorcycle, we have a double limitation: do not let air and cold pass through the neck, thanks to the very closed collar, due to the risk of being strangled or too tight and making it too wide, at the risk of allowing wind, cold or even rain to enter there. In other words, you should try it first. At this level, textile jackets are often more flexible and comfortable than stiffer leather jackets.

And there are jackets with a shirt collar, which often makes them more comfortable.

Jacket collar with a button.

Adjusting sleeves and cuffs

There are jackets that can be adjusted on the sleeves / cuffs and in particular on the closures, with a zipper sometimes added with a Velcro pull-tab or button, or even two to adjust the closure and leave freedom to put on. glove inside or vice versa outside. It is important that no air enters the sleeve, which cools the entire body, especially in winter.

Zip fastening and button on the sleeve.

Modularity

Thanks to these ventilation systems, these removable liners and membranes, motorcycle jackets can be more modular. Thus, we find models that can be used for two seasons or even all year round for the most upscale tourist models with the so-called 4-season models (Mission Speedy, women's jacket Büse ...), which actually include several modular and independent layers. So we are also talking about a three-in-one jacket that includes a summer jacket, a windproof softshell lining and a waterproof outer jacket.

Some adventure jackets even have a practical pocket for removing and placing the membrane in the lower back. An important point when traveling, a trip to the mountains in summer (temperature difference at altitude) or when living in a region where weather conditions are changeable.

Comfort

Once these basic elements are identified, we can move on to the comfort elements: the number of pockets, adjustments, gussets, elastic zones and various types of finishes ...

In leather-bound models, the question rarely arises, even though more and more leather models now have elastic zones for greater flexibility and freedom of movement on the motorcycle.

The convenient side zipper is also designed for this, which provides more mobility in the workplace.

For textile machinery, we will look at the number of inserts or even the number of possible openings and other ventilation zippers that provide real comfort at high temperatures. Finally, the presence of fasteners at the waist and on the sleeves effectively prevents the coat from flapping by wind or speed. There are systems of scratches or buttons at this level, the Velcro offers more options but is not easy to hold.

Adjusting straps prevent swimming

Also pay attention to the presence or absence of a neck closure, especially its type and tightness. Some jackets will suffocate me if I close the button, while this should allow you to breathe freely, limiting the flow of air, especially in winter when the cold fits under the jacket.

Storage and practical aspects: number of internal / external pockets

When it comes to storage, ask yourself: Are two side pockets enough? Or do I really need those six front pockets? If you have to ride a motorbike on the motorway (this happens), small pockets on the forearm can be very practical, for example, for storing your ticket and credit card.

There are often internal pockets, but are they waterproof? And yes, some jackets have pockets that turn out to be waterproof, and like this one of my old smartphones died after drowning after a heavy rain.

Some manufacturers have also designed tips to pass the headphone wire inside the jacket or in the back for a camel bag type hydration.

Others include a zip at the back of the collar that covers the hood, which is handy for protection after removing the helmet.

Style of motorcycle jackets and jackets

Postcode

It may seem like a trifle, but it is not in everyday life: lightning and its zipper. There are short zippers that cannot be worn with gloves. And the jacket can be easily closed only without gloves. However, usually during rolling, the opening and, in particular, the closing of the neck are changed, especially when the temperature drops or, on the contrary, increases.

In the case of a low-cut jacket, we value the two-way center zip, in other words, the zip that allows the jacket to be opened from the bottom. Thus, the jacket is noticeably open at the bottom and / or at the top, but tightly closed in the center. Most of the zippers are fixed at the bottom, and in the case of a long jacket, we try to forcefully close this fixed bottom fastener, depending on the type of bike. Finding these two-way zippers is easy: there are two, not one. One that allows you to open at the bottom and the other at the top, two follow each other or not.

Warning: The zipper or metal button on the bottom of the jacket can damage the paint on the tank of the motorcycle, especially in the case of a sports car where you lean more forward.

The link between jacket and pants is protected and the lower back is protected

Finally, do not neglect the elements at the bottom of the jacket that prevent it from lifting, so as not to end up with your back to the air in the driving position (and freeze in mid-season), or so that the jacket does not come unfastened. rise in the event of a fall. There are two possibilities for this. The first, the safest, is the zip fastening that covers the jacket, which allows pairing with compatible pants (often from the same manufacturer; and beware, zippers are rarely, if ever, compatible from one brand to another. Another).

But there is also a simpler intermediate solution, with small pressure connection loops that slide into one of the belt loops to prevent lifting. However, in the event of a fall, this system remains ineffective, in most cases the pressure of the spot is easily relieved.

Don't forget about the smallest details, such as the connection system of the jacket and pants.

Protection: back, elbows, shoulders ...

We have already discussed the homologation standard for the jacket, but apart from the models classified as B, other PPE from class A to AAA are required to have approved protective covers on the elbows and shoulders. And here the enclosures are classified into two levels 1 and 2, providing more or less protection.

However, the sleeves are always removable, and sometimes even adjustable at the elbows. As a rule, manufacturers provide their equipment with level protection 1 and offer level 2 in as an accessory, except for the most upscale models.

Jackets and jackets most often have level 1 protection.

Likewise, while almost all jackets have a back pocket from the same brand (or buttons like Alpinestars), most jackets are sold without a base model or with a minimum base model. Very little protection. It is also recommended to choose an independent level 2 protection that will cover the entire back, from the cervical spine to the coccyx.

Back pocket for carrying on the back

Finally, over the past years, the means of protection have undergone significant changes. We've gone from hard and uncomfortable protection to softer protection while still providing the same level of protection as Bering Flex or Rev'it protectors. They also need to be well positioned and ideally adjusted to suit the morphology, especially at the elbows. There are now pockets and velcro closures to position them correctly.

We are not better protected because protection causes suffering.

Airbag or not?

Motorcycle airbags have appeared in recent years, but do you need a special jacket to put on an airbag? In the case of the vest, regardless of whether it is triggered mechanically or electronically, but not when worn outdoors.

On the other hand, there are airbags that are worn under the jacket such as In & Motion, Dainese D-Air or Alpinestars Tech Air 5. There you have to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and often provide a larger jacket to order to leave room for the airbag in case of inflation.

There are also jackets with airbags built into the jacket, such as from Dainese, RST or even Helite. This device ensures perfect compatibility between jacket and airbag, but also prevents the vest from being used on another model.

There are jackets with built-in airbags such as Dainese Misano D | air.

Cut

You usually measure your bust size to select your size, and each manufacturer offers their own specific mesh with sizes that vary significantly between French, Italian, European and American sizes. But in general, sizes are fairly uniform from one brand to another, for both M and L. However, the extremes are often different for both small and very large sizes. Note that Italians always tend to be smaller when compared to other brands.

Note that a leather jacket relaxes over time, which is not the case with a textile jacket. Therefore, it is better to choose a leather jacket that initially shrinks, compared to a textile model.

We must especially consider the fact that under a jacket or even a vest with an airbag, we want to put real back protection, sometimes with the obligation to take one size up. However, care must be taken to ensure that the jacket is not too large so as not to float in the wind.

Examples of sizes for bust and waist

XS	S	M	XL	2XL	3XL	4XL
Chest size in cm	88	92	96	100	106	112	118	124
Waist circumference in cm	75	79	83	87	93	99	105	111

In addition to the size of the jacket, the length of the sleeve is not always indicated. Ideally, you should also try on the jacket fitted to your motorcycle. Because, depending on the position, the jacket can be lifted from the back without forgetting to pull the sleeves back, no longer ensuring the docking with the gloves and allowing the wind to pass through.

Try on a jacket on a bike

tips

Manufacturers are now multiplying gimmicks to stand out, such as the Tucano Urbano for the city, with retractable reflective inserts for better visibility at night.

budget

That's all well and good, but how much does it all cost? Obviously, prices vary very, very much depending on models, manufacturers and features.

For a long time, textile jackets were more affordable than leather jackets. This is still true, as entry-level textiles now cost around € 70 from distributors and their own brands such as Dafy (All One Sun Mesh Jacket for PC) or Motoblouz (DXR Weekly Jacket) when leather goods cost more than € 150 (DMP Marilyn PC jacket or Alonsa DXR jacket) with a large selection from 200 euros.

Conversely, at the top of the range, the report is completely upside down, as where leather will reach 800 euros, we can find ultra-high class touring jackets at a price of almost 1400 euros, such as the Explorer Series with the Antartica touring jacket. Gore-Tex Dainese, to which matching trousers must then be added, increasing the bill to 2200 euros.

On the model with an integrated airbag, prices range from 400 to 1200 euros, depending on the brand.