Here at XLMOTO, we know a thing or two about motorcycle jackets. Whether you want women's or men's motorcycle jackets, synthetic or leather motorcycle jackets, modern motorcycle jackets with armor or vintage motorcycle jackets, we have a great deal of knowledge to share. Find more about biker jackets that are both stylish and practical in this ultimate guide. It contains everything you could ever want to know about motorcycle riding jackets and more.

How to Choose a Motorcycle Jacket

When choosing which motorcycle jacket will suit you, consider what you most need. Some people will favour cool motorcycle jackets over protective ones, but bear in mind that even casual motorcycle jackets should have a CE mark to demonstrate they're safe. All the best motorcycle jackets have this mark of quality, often because of the armored reinforcements they have around the shoulders and elbows.

If you ride year-round, then all-season motorcycle jackets will be preferable. These allow you to zip them up tightly in winter but provide more airflow in summer. Mesh motorcycle jackets are designed for hot climates, while many men's leather motorcycle jackets sold today are more suited to the potential for inclement weather. What you really want, more than anything else, however, is a motorcycle jacket that fits you properly. Too tight, and you won't feel comfortable riding. Too loose and the jacket's protective properties and aerodynamics will be affected.

Other than that, look for motorcycle jackets that suit your riding style. Big and tall motorcycle jackets tend to suit touring bikers, while shorter jackets provide more practicality for everyday use. Although black is the most common color choice for leather motorcycle jackets, there are plenty of other options, so don't feel the need to stick with convention.

Sports motorcycle jackets cover a lot of buying requirements. They're typically designed to maximize durability and protection. Usually, sports jackets are made from leather but feature reinforcements. Such armored motorcycle jackets may have additional materials for panels covering the elbows, for example. Some sports jackets feature man-made, breathable fabrics, too, for greater comfort without compromising protection.

Vintage motorcycle jackets can be obtained, too. Rather than being old, these are new motorcycle jackets designed with a retro look. They should still be marked with a CE label to show that—despite their appearances—such motorcycle jackets are made to modern standards. In addition, there are so-called adventure motorcycle jackets. These are washable and tend to suit off-roaders. Many are waterproof while still being breathable.

So-called touring jackets are another popular style. These are longer than most motorcycle riding jackets. They're designed to protect the lower body from wet weather and cold winds, as well as the upper part. As a result, they're typically suited to people who own touring bikes and those who spend lots of time outside on their motorbike during the harsher winter months. Like other types of motorcycle jackets, touring jackets are made from several different materials.

How to Style a Motorcycle Jacket

Genuine motorcycle jackets that are designed for riders can look stylish while still offering practicality on the road. Of course, the more reinforcements and padding a motorcycle jacket has, the less like a fashion item it will look like. Therefore, if you want to shop for cool motorcycle jackets, opt for ones that give you the desired look, but be aware that they might not offer as much protection.

If you want pockets on your jacket, then choose ones you can zip up easily when wearing gloves. Chunky zips might not be everyone's idea of style, but this is the look true bikers will appreciate. Neutral colors, as with any outerwear, tend to be easiest to pair with other garments. That's why black and natural brown tones tend to be more popular. However, bolder color choices are often more popular among sports jackets wearers. Ideally, leather motorcycle jackets will be paired with leather motorcycle trousers since these offer the most protection. Failing that, wear rugged trousers—ideally, ones that can withstand getting wet when you are out and about on your motorbike.

Are Motorcycle Jackets Supposed to Be Short?

In the main, motorcycle jackets are designed to be short, often coming only as far down as the waist. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, the best motorcycle jackets have designs that are supposed to prevent the clothing from interfering with the bike's seat and controls. In other words, you don't want to be sitting on your motorcycle jacket. Nor do you want it to get in the way of your legs when riding.

Primarily, shorter motorcycle jacket lengths prevent bunching when you're on the go. Many casual motorcycle jackets are short because this helps to improve comfort, whether you are riding or not. The cropped styles of many vintage motorcycle jackets came about because better mobility is possible, both on and off the bike. More widely, though, short motorcycle jackets generate less wind resistance, assisting with both bike control and fuel efficiency.

However, short motorcycle jackets are not the only style choice. Men's leather motorcycle jackets, in particular, can also be found that are much longer. Big and tall motorcycle jackets tend to be preferred by riders who are more intent on touring. These sorts of all-season motorcycle jackets offer greater protection from inclement weather. As such, they are more comfortable in winter or when riding efficiently at higher speeds is less of an issue. Of course, big and tall motorcycle jackets are also a fashion statement—to some extent—and some motorcyclists prefer them simply because donning them makes them stand out from the sort of shorter summer motorcycle jackets you tend to see more of.

Are Motorcycle Jackets Supposed to be Tight?

Motorcycle jackets should have a tight fit without being restrictive. What you don't want is one that is so excessively tight that you cannot move freely in it, however. Therefore, there is a balance to be struck between tightness and looseness. When you try on leather motorcycle jackets in your size, what you want to feel is snug when the garment is zipped up, but for it not to be so tight that you feel your breathing is impaired or that your arms cannot move easily.

Like short motorcycle jackets, the reason you want tightness in your choice of jacket is entirely practical, not simply to look cool. Although it is fair to say that all cool motorcycle jackets are tight, the reason for a snug fit has nothing to do with appearance. Instead, it is because of the aerodynamics that a tight fit affords. Simply put, snugly fitting women's or men's motorcycle jackets prevent excess fabric from flapping around, something that is more noticeable at high speeds. Not only can looser fits mean you get cold with the airflow over your body they generate, but it could—in theory—mean that your jacket starts to act like a parachute. If you want to remain in full control over your motorcycle at higher speeds, then a tight-fitting jacket is always preferable.

Please note that you will probably want a slightly tighter leather motorcycle jacket than you think. Unlike mesh motorcycle jackets, where stretching is much less of an issue, leather tends to become more pliable as it is worn in. Therefore, a leather jacket that feels tight will loosen over time. Of course, leather motorcycle jackets should not be so tight that you cannot fit base layers underneath. Nevertheless, it is better to opt for a slightly tighter one, given the choice between two similar jackets if they're both made from leather. The inherent stretchiness of the material will allow some room for growth.

What Are Motorcycle Jackets Made of?

The main material that has been used for motorcycle riding jackets for over a century is leather. What's more, leather motorcycle jackets remain very popular among riders globally. However, leather is not the only material you can have motorcycle jackets made from. These days, modern textiles can rival many of the protective properties of leather while offering other key advantages, as well.

For example, the high-performance synthetic fabric used for some of the best motorcycle jackets around is Cordura. Associated with abrasion resistance and durability, Cordura is also lightweight, meaning some riders favour it over leather. There again, Kevlar is also used in some motorcycle jackets, typically used for areas where impacts are more likely, such as the elbows. Gore-Tex is another man-made material used for motorcycle jackets. It tends to be favoured by touring riders because of its waterproof qualities. That said, all of these materials are often combined with traditional leather. Many very cool motorcycle jackets look like they're entirely made from leather but may include one or more of the aforementioned materials, too.

Mesh is another popular modern material. Mesh motorcycle jackets tend to be worn in hot locations where breathability is a high priority. Still affording a high degree of protection—given the right CE safety rating—mesh motorcycle jackets allow for better airflow over the skin. They're often made in conjunction with Cordura or Kevlar. Mesh motorcycle jackets are less abrasion-resistant than other materials, including leather, and they don't perform so well in cold or wet riding conditions, either. As such, they're as good as summer motorcycle jackets but are less often marketed as true all-season motorcycle jackets.

What is the Best Leather for Motorcycle Jackets?

The best motorcycle jackets are often made from leather, but which type of leather is best is a matter of some debate. In the end, it comes down to personal opinion and what you want from your chosen jacket. If you are looking for the best armored motorcycle jackets, for example, then you will probably want cowhide, possibly combined with some Kevlar reinforcements. This is because cow leather is a very robust option that can withstand a high level of abrasion. It is durable and long-lasting, which is why it remains a popular choice among all sorts of motorcyclists.

Although less common, kangaroo leather is often used for its abrasion-resistant properties, too. This type of leather is incredibly durable. Some of the best motorcycle jackets and racing leathers are fashioned from it. This is because, despite being tough, it is also a lightweight option, ideal for circuit racing and other situations when excess weight would be unwanted.

Goatskin is another good leather for making motorcycle jackets. When you try on leather motorcycle jackets made from goat leather, the first thing you will often notice is how soft it feels. Many people prefer it for this reason alone. Nevertheless, it is a tough and protective material. Buffalo leather, by contrast, is more rugged. It is thick, offering a good layer of protection. Many vintage motorcycle jacket styles are fashioned from it because of its more rugged appearance.

What Size Motorcycle Jacket Do I Need?

Different motorcycle jacket brands have different sizing systems. This means that you will need to consult their size chart before you can make an informed decision about which sort of jacket to buy. Certainly women's and men's motorcycle jackets are not just differently sized but come with different fits, as well. Pick the right one for you, even though some styles look as though they will suit men as well as women.

When measuring yourself for a motorcycle jacket, take measurements across the chest and waist, but don't forget your arms. Arm length is crucial with motorcycle jackets, more so than other types of jackets. This is because you don't want your sleeves to generate water that will trickle into your gloves on a rainy day. Nor will you want your wrists to be exposed to cold winds when riding.

As mentioned, a snug fit is preferable when buying a leather motorcycle jacket. This shouldn't only mean the body but the arms, too. Looseness in the sleeves can lead to them billowing out, which means you'll be cold, and it can affect handling, as well.

Do Leather Motorcycle Jackets Stretch?

Both women's and men's leather motorcycle jackets stretch in time. Like a new pair of boots or shoes, it is a good idea to wear them in before going out for the first time. This way, their tightness, when new, won't be too much of an issue for you when you take your new jacket out for its first ride.

It is worth noting, however, that very high-quality leather typically stretches less than other types. This means you might have to wear the leather in before it feels comfortable. In addition, reinforcements and armor can prevent the degree to which leather motorcycle jackets will stretch. Panels with Kevlar, for example, might be less pliable than motorcycle jackets with armor made entirely from leather reinforcements. Generally speaking, this won't be a problem. Cheap leather that stretches too much is what you really want to avoid.

How to Stretch a Motorcycle Jacket

As mentioned, wearing your leather motorcycle jacket when you are not riding is a good way to get it to stretch. Doing so might seem a little odd at first, but it can be worth it. Remember that zipping up your jacket, so it feels tight against you will help speed the process up. What's more, it will mean the leather stretches to your body shape and—in many cases—to the way you move as an individual, as well. If you apply leather conditioners to parts of the jacket that are not giving as much as you would like, then this can help. Don't overdo this—try it little by little to avoid excessive reshaping. However, leather motorcycle jackets that have been conditioned under the armpit area often feel much more comfortable than they did after just one treatment.

If you want to spend some money on having your leather motorcycle jacket professionally stretched, then this is an option. Some people prefer this sort of service. However, you can often obtain similar results by gently stretching the toughest parts of the jacket by hand when it is warm. Use a hairdryer on low heat to make the leather pliable, and work it manually with your thumbs, pulling it with gentle, massage-like movements.

How to Waterproof a Motorcycle Jacket

Applying a wax or spray product is the best way to waterproof motorcycle jackets. Even summer motorcycle jackets can be in need of some waterproofing to protect you from the elements. However, you need to ensure the product you choose is right for the job. An application of a leather wax or spray-on treatment will be fine for leather motorcycle jackets, but it may ruin jackets made from synthetic materials. Follow the product instructions for your jacket type. In most cases, this means applying the treatment in even, thin layers.

If you have a non-leather motorcycle jacket, then you may need to apply several coats of waterproofing spray before it is truly an all-season motorcycle jacket. It is also worth knowing that such treatments can affect the breathability of certain types of man-made materials. Nevertheless, for synthetic, hybrid or leather motorcycle jackets, pay careful attention to zips and seams. This is where water can most easily get in. If you've treated your leather jacket to a waterproof coating, then it might feel stiff. If so, condition the leather again so that it feels comfortable to wear.

Whichever approach you have taken to waterproofing your motorcycle jacket, it is important to bear in mind that such treatments won't last forever. You will need to keep applying waterproof sprays or wax to your jacket if you want it to maintain its ability to keep you dry.

Are Leather Motorcycle Jackets Waterproof?

Leather is a water-resistant material but, as a natural one, you could never describe it as being completely waterproof. What most motorcyclists will notice when they have purchased a new leather motorcycle jacket is that it is quite waterproof to begin with. This is part of the material's natural properties, but it also often comes down to the initial treatments that motorcycle jackets are manufactured with. However, over time, exposure to wet weather can lead to this waterproof quality deteriorating.

Prolonged exposure to rain will mean that leather motorcycle jackets end up absorbing more and more moisture. Indeed, you don't have to be out on your motorbike for this to happen. Just walking around outside in a light drizzle can have this effect, too. Even exposure to airborne moisture, such as riding in coastal areas, will tend to speed up the process, whereby motorcycle jackets become progressively less waterproof.

As mentioned above, you can apply a wax—or another type of waterproofing material—to your leather motorcycle jacket to bring it back to its prior state. Doing so before the leather becomes saturated is advisable if it is to retain its ability to withstand wet weather, though. In other words, don't delay in this process because doing so will typically mean the waterproofing treatment is less effective or simply doesn't last as long as you would have hoped for.

Note that some leather motorcycle jackets have waterproof liners while others don't. Those that do will offer a greater degree of rider protection from wet weather conditions. That being said, having a waterproof liner can mean you don't notice how much water the leather jacket is absorbing. Generally speaking, this is bad because wet leathers tend to become heavier and, therefore, they can be more tiring to ride in. As such, even if you own a leather motorcycle jacket with a built-in waterproof lining, treating it for weather resistance is still advisable.

Conclusion

Purchasing a motorcycle jacket that is right for you comes down to what you want to use it for. Although style considerations may come into play, the priority should always be on safety and protection. Given that so many of the best motorcycle jackets on the market today blend style and protection well with affordability, the right one is out there for every kind of rider.