When you're gearing up for a ride, the jacket you choose plays a vital role in both your comfort and safety. Whether you're cruising through the city or taking a long road trip, a well-fitted riding jacket is essential for keeping you protected, comfortable, and mobile. A riding jacket that fits properly ensures that it offers adequate protection in the event of an accident, provides comfort throughout your ride, and allows you to move freely while riding.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to properly fit a riding jacket so that you can enjoy every ride with confidence and peace of mind. From the best riding jackets for men and motorcycle riding jackets to leather motorcycle jackets, we'll cover what to look for when finding the perfect jacket for your style and needs.
1. Understanding the Importance of Proper Fit
Before we dive into specifics, it's important to understand why the right fit matters. A biker jacket, whether it’s a genuine leather biker jacket for men or a textile motorcycle riding jacket, is designed to protect you in the event of an accident. If the jacket is too loose, it can shift during a fall, leaving vulnerable areas exposed. On the other hand, if it’s too tight, it can restrict your movement, cause discomfort, and even hinder your ability to react quickly while riding.
A riding jacket for women or bike jackets for men should provide a balance between a snug fit and mobility. When the jacket fits properly, it not only increases safety but also enhances comfort, making it easier to enjoy your ride for hours without feeling restricted.
2. Key Areas to Focus on for the Perfect Fit
When fitting a motorcycle riding jacket, there are a few key areas you need to pay attention to. Let's break down the important aspects to ensure that your jacket offers both comfort and safety.
Chest and Shoulders
The chest and shoulder area is one of the most important parts of the riding jacket when it comes to fit. The jacket should sit comfortably on your chest without feeling tight, but it should also stay close enough to prevent any excess fabric from flapping in the wind.
- Chest Fit: When you’re wearing the jacket, zip it up fully and ensure you can comfortably move your arms and shoulders without restriction. There should be enough room for you to take deep breaths, but the jacket should not be so loose that it shifts when you’re on the bike.
- Shoulder Fit: The shoulders of the jacket should line up with your natural shoulder line. This is especially important for jackets with built-in armour or padding. A jacket that’s too loose in the shoulders will result in the armour shifting during a fall, while a jacket that’s too tight could restrict your movements. Mens leather biker jackets and motorcycle riding coats often come with adjustable features to help you fine-tune the fit in this area.
Sleeves and Cuffs
The sleeves should end at your wrist, or slightly above it, so that they don’t ride up when you’re gripping the handlebars. When checking the sleeve fit, make sure you can move your arms freely without feeling tight around your biceps or forearms.
- Cuff Fit: The cuffs should fit snugly around your wrists but not be too tight. Adjustable cuffs are a great feature, as they allow you to customize the fit to your liking. For bike riding jackets, ensure that the cuff’s closure (Velcro or zippers) is easy to adjust even while wearing gloves.
Waist and Hips
For both comfort and protection, the waist and hips of the jacket should fit securely. When zipping up a leather motorcycle riding jacket or any other motorcycle riding coat, make sure the waist area sits comfortably without restricting movement.
- Waist Fit: The jacket should rest just above your hips, and it should fit snugly without being constricting. If the jacket is too loose in the waist, it can ride up during a ride or in the event of a fall. Some jackets, especially riding jacket full set options, come with adjustable straps at the waist to help you achieve a better fit.
- Hip Fit: For riding jackets for men or riding jackets for women, the jacket should cover your lower back and hips. This is crucial for protecting your torso in case of a fall. Ensure that the jacket doesn’t feel too bulky around your hips, as this can restrict your movement.
Length and Coverage
The length of the jacket is another critical element in the fit. The jacket should cover your entire back and extend over your waist to protect you from road rash in case of an accident.
- Back Length: A jacket with a longer back provides better protection, especially when you’re sitting on your bike. For those who are taller, riding jackets designed with extended back panels are a great option. If the jacket is too short in the back, it could leave your lower back exposed during a fall.
- Front Length: When you’re standing, the jacket should cover your torso properly, but when you’re on the bike, it should rest comfortably without riding up. Some biker jackets are designed with longer front panels to provide a more comfortable fit while in the riding position.
3. Mobility and Range of Motion
One of the most important features of any motorcycle riding jacket is its ability to allow full mobility and freedom of movement. Whether you’re turning the handlebars or shifting your body while riding, your jacket should move with you.
- Arm Mobility: Ensure the arms are not too tight and allow full range of motion. This is especially important when you’re in a riding position, as you’ll need to maneuver freely. The best riding jackets have pre-curved sleeves that are designed to accommodate the natural position of your arms while riding.
- Adjustable Features: Look for jackets that offer adjustable features like velcro straps, zippers, or stretch panels. These features allow you to fine-tune the fit around your arms, waist, and chest, so you can achieve the perfect balance between comfort and protection.
4. Armour and Protection
Safety should always be the top priority when selecting a biker jacket. Many modern motorcycle riding jackets come with built-in armour or pockets for inserting armour. It’s essential that the armour fits properly and stays in place.
- Armour Placement: When fitting a leather motorcycle jacket, make sure that the armour sits correctly on your shoulders, elbows, and back. The protection should not shift when you move your arms or ride your bike. Ideally, the armour should cover vulnerable areas of your body while still allowing for full mobility.
- CE Rating: Look for jackets with CE-rated armour, which offers a higher level of protection in case of an accident. CE armour is typically found in biker jackets and motorcycle riding jackets, and it offers superior impact resistance.
5. Try It On and Test It
Before committing to any riding jacket, take the time to try it on and move around in it. Put on your gloves, sit on your bike, and check for any areas of discomfort. A good motorcycle riding jacket should feel snug but comfortable, and you should be able to move freely without restriction.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect fit for your riding jacket is crucial for both comfort and safety. Whether you're looking for a mens leather biker jacket or a bike riding jacket, pay attention to the key areas like the chest, shoulders, sleeves, waist, and overall mobility. A properly fitted jacket ensures you’ll stay safe, comfortable, and agile during your ride, giving you the confidence to tackle the open road. Keep in mind that the right biker jacket is not only a fashion statement but also an investment in your riding experience. Always prioritize the right fit, and you’ll enjoy every journey to the fullest.
- Team Reisemoto
