When selecting a Varsity Jacket, even before you begin comparing the many jacket styles and features available to you, it’s a good idea to first consider which jacket material best suits you and the way you ride.
You have three motorcycle jacket materials to choose from…
- Leather…
- High-tech synthetics…
- Cotton/denim…
The material you choose should suit the…
- Type of riding you enjoy most…
- Type of motorcycle you ride…
- Typical daily biking miles you travel…
- Weather conditions in which you ride…
- Seasons when you like to ride…
- Types of roads or trails you enjoy most…
Here’s info to help you compare each jacket material’s qualities and features and its ability to…
- Protect you in an accident…
- Keep you comfortable…
- Fit your riding style…
Leather
Leather jackets come in many styles to suit the types of riding you enjoy and the seasons when you ride.
Also, leather jackets look good.
A leather jacket will keep you safe and comfortable for many years if you occasionally apply a cleaner/preservative to keep it clean and soft and prevent it from becoming dry and brittle.
You can rely on a leather to give you great abrasion protection if you have an accident.
But leather alone won’t absorb hard falls onto your shoulder or elbow if you have an accident. To gain the advantage, you need strategically placed armor or padding on these impact-prone areas.
Leather will block cold winds and keep out mild rain and damp weather.
But, unless your jacket is lined with a waterproof material such as Gore-Tex, or the leather has been specially treated to make it water resistant, you must wear a rain jacket over your leather jacket to keep it dry and prevent water from seeping through.
On hot days, your leather jacket — especially a black jacket — that isn’t well-ventilated and exposed to a direct breeze when you ride can become very hot and uncomfortable.
Leather jackets tend to be snug and form-fitting. This keeps out drafts and prevents the material from flapping in the wind. But it also restricts your ability to wear extra layers underneath on cold days.
High-tech synthetics
A motorcycle jacket made of synthetic textiles such as nylon, polyester or Kevlar can be thinner, cooler, lighter, more flexible and more comfortable than a leather jacket.
Such benefits are important if you prefer a loose-fitting garment and — to some degree — if you’re concerned about riding in hot weather.
However, when it’s cold outside, you need an insulating layer underneath your synthetic textile jacket to keep you warm. Most synthetic jackets come with such a layer that you can remove in hot weather.
Synthetic materials resist mildew and are easy to wash and keep clean.
But they’re not waterproof. So when riding in the rain, you need a jacket with a waterproof lining — such as Gore-Tex. Otherwise, you can cover up with a rain jacket.
Nylon and polyester won’t protect you from abrasions if you hit the ground. Both materials will tear or wear through when scraped against a rough road surface.
But jackets made entirely of Kevlar can prevent road rash, especially on your elbows, shoulders and other abrasion-prone areas.
But, just like leather, synthetic textiles won’t absorb the impact if you hit the ground hard. That’s why most synthetic jackets have armor padding on elbows and shoulders. Many have built-in spine protectors.
Jackets made of synthetic fibers tend to fit loosely. But most have well-placed tabs and straps that let you tighten things down and customize the fit. This capability enables you to wear extra clothing underneath — or not — according to the weather.
Cotton/denim fibers
Cotton/denim motorcycle jackets tend to be airy, comfortable and will keep you cooler than leather or synthetic textile jackets.
Motorcycle jackets made of these materials give you lots of value and many nice features.
But because these natural materials by themselves give you virtually no abrasion or impact protection, such protection must be built in.
You can find cotton/denim jackets that have impact-absorbing padding or armor on the elbows and shoulders and protecting your spine.
But even with such protection, well-built leather and synthetic fiber jackets have the edge over cotton/denim when it comes to abrasion prevention.
Cotton/denim fibers are not waterproof. So, if you ride in all sorts of weather, you’ll need a rain jacket.
When you start trying on different types of motorcycle jackets, it’s good to know what each material offers. This awareness make selecting the right jacket for you that much easier.
Here’s where you can get more info to help you choose a motorcycle jacket and other riding gear, and info that will help you to get the most enjoyment out of motorcycle riding.
Leather jackets are a favorite with men, women and children and they are popular for the following reasons:
– It is a long lasting fabric
– It makes you look stylish
– Keeps you warm
– It is popular with rock bands and celebrities
– It suits all age groups
– It protects you from wind
The most popular different styles in leather jackets are:
– The hooded jackets
– The cropped cuts
– The trench coat, and
– The bomber jackets
Before let’s learn how to team up the jacket in a different way!
Whether you wish to flaunt for a more formal look, or wish to go for dress down at the office or for a casual approach, jacket is a menswear that you can rely on.
Casual approach
Wear t-shirt with a jacket or pair it with raw denims. This is instantly casual and chic look that looks perfect for day to day occasions.
Formal- dial it up with formal shirt and slim fit trouser. A plethora of options are available in the market. Just find the jacket that suits you well.
When styling of the jacket, do take into the consideration silhouette and fit.
Protection–
it is important that your jacket have padding in every key areas of the body like shoulders, back, and chest. Motorcycle jackets will protect your body from minor injuries such scratches or abrasion as well as the impact of a fall in case you encounter an accident.
Comfort-
your jacket will offer you protection, but it is also important that when you wear it, you feel good and comfortable.
Durability–
The motorcycle industry continues to offer different kinds of motorcycle jackets. However, not all of them are made from quality materials. Buying quality products means you have the assurance that the jacket you buy is durable; it will last long and you’re not wasting your money.
Design–
in buying a motorcycle jacket, you should choose the one with a nice design that fits you. Remember what you wear will represent your personality and will make you stand out on the open road.
Proper fit-
it is also important that your motorcycle jacket fits you properly. It is important to choose a jacket that will allow you to move freely and comfortably while driving.
These are the most important factors to consider when buying a motorcycle gear or clothing specifically a motorcycle jacket.
Sales at Stores
Most Stores tend to let off old stocks when they intend stocking new stuff. If one is aiming at wearing designer jackets, you can target designer stores when sales are on. There is a guarantee for you to get them at cheaper rates. Periods like Thanksgiving, Easter, Christmas and even Fathers Day et al, seem to be the periods when a lot of stores do promo / sales, watch out for such period.
