The Best Plus Size Women's Motorcycle Jackets for 2024
We'd know - we've hands-on tested 200+ jackets since 2000!
Our picks are based on jackets that offer the best blend of safety/performance, function/features, and price.
Last updated October 2023 by Milica Jokanovic.
About Our Motorcycle Jackets Recommendations
Founded in 2000, our team at wBW has collectively tested more than 2,500 helmets, jackets, boots, gloves, accessories, and more. We do not fluff reviews. A riders safety is heavily dictated by how they ride and what they wear while doing so. Our goal is to help riders make informed decisions about the gear they invest in to protect themselves.
wBW is funded by our audience. Our recommendations and reviews may contain affiliate links that earn us a small comission if you make a purchase after clicking them. This is the primary way we fund our website and pay our review team (and comes at no additional cost to you). We disclose our relationship with brands or manufacturers for transparency. For more information about our extensive review process, see our review policies.
The list below has been compiled by four women riders, all with different body shapes that include a little “extra” in at least one of the major hard-to-fit areas (arms, chest, stomach, hips).
After years of meticulous research, trial and error, online shopping, returns, and every once in a while, hitting the “perfect fit” jackpot (it’s happening more frequently lately, which is awesome news), these women are ready to share their favorite pieces of plus-sized motorcycle safety apparel with you and can confidently say that these are the best motorcycle jackets for full-figured women.
Best Textile Plus-Size Ladies Motorcycle Jackets
Perfect For Commuting & Cruising In Comfort & Style
Joe Rocket Cleo Elite Women’s Jacket
Price: $220
Where to Buy: RevZilla | Amazon | J&P Cycles
Why?
This is a perfect summer riding option that easily extends into 3 season wear. The FreeAir mesh shell will flow plenty of air when you are rolling down the road and Joe Rocket includes a zip-in waterproof/windproof liner and insulated vest that can handle the cooler months.
Best For
US standard and plus-sized women looking for an affordable, quality first riding jacket.
Key Specs
• Cooling FreeAir mesh shell
• Removable full sleeve waterproof liner and insulated vest
• Externally accessible CE approved elbow and shoulder armor
• Removable dual density back pad
• 8″ connection zipper for pant attachment
• Innolite ultra reflective shoulders
• Reflective stripes and logos
• 2 hand pockets
• Internal micro-liner eyeglass pocket
• Clip for key storage
• Full Flex articulated back and hip expansion panels for increased mobility
• Dynax reinforced at the upper back, ribs, and forearms
Protection & Safety
Joe Rocket is a well-respected brand of riding apparel with proven reliable fabrics and construction methods. Dynax™ Reinforced Mesh is used at the upper back, ribs, and forearms.
To ensure you can extend your riding time the Cleo comes with a Two stage waterproof (full sleeve) and insulated zip-out (vest) liner.
CE level 1 impact protection comes standard in the elbows and shoulders, and the removable HD spine pad is included.
Each body is unique in the curves department, and the Cleo helps fit you just right with an 8-point Sure Fit™ adjustment system (adjustable sleeves & waist).
Being visible is a key component to riding safely, and this jacket has plenty of reflective elements to help you stand out when the sun goes down.
Richa Lausanne Textile Jacket
Price: Up to $260
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
If you want to look the part for every vintage dream while staying safe this jacket hits the mark. A smooth adjustable leather inspired jacket that brings the past with the present. It gives us all the options for size while providing armour in all the right areas.
Best For
US Standard and plus-sized women up to a size 18 who need extra room in the waist.
Key Specs
• Quilted stitching and leather detailing
• 10mm waterproof Aquashell LTZ outer membrane.
• Soft-touch exterior shell material and
• Snag-proof soft-finish neoprene collar
• Full D3O® shoulder, back and elbow protection.
• Detachable thermal lining for winter warmth.
• YKK waist and lower sleeve zippers for a personalised fit.
• Connection zipper for optional trouser attachment.
• Two external and two internal pockets to hold your essentials on the go.
• Five Pockets, Two outside pockets and three inside pockets.
• Storm flap behind central front zipper for extra comfort
• Safety stitching in high risk zones
Protection & Safety
Includes D3O® L1 protection at shoulders and elbows with options to upgrad to Ghost or L2. Also includes D3O® central back protector with the option to upgrade to Viper L1 or L2.
Has safety stitching made to resist tearing and still give a tailored look. It’s leather combo shell is stylish and made to be abrasion resistant.
Alpinestars Stella T-GP Plus R v3 Air
Price: Up to $270
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
This Alpinestars Stella T-GP Plus R V3 Jacket Is a great fit for those female riders ready to cruise canyons in the summer. Alpinestar’s textile blend is breathable and made for hot weather to be ridden. It has great proportions for female focused riders, and fitment is available up to XXL (2XL).
Best For
US Standard and plus-sized women up to a size 18 who need extra room in the waist.
Key Specs
• Abrasion resistant 600D polyester fabric with double polyurethane coating.
• Extended mesh panels on the torso and arms.
• Full mesh lining boosts for improved airflow.
• Nucleon Flex Plus CE Level 1 elbow and shoulder protectors.
• Pockets for optional Nucleon KR-Ci chest and back protection (sold separately).
• GP Lite shoulders with dynamic friction shield.
• Sport fit with pre-curved sleeve construction.
• Poly-fabric stretch insert on shoulders.
• 3D mesh collar construction with soft lining.
• VELCRO® brand fastener and D-ring waist adjustment.
• VELCRO® brand wrist cuff closures.
• Two large front zippered pockets, inner waterproof document pocket and two inner pockets on the liner.
• Internal pockets feature VELCRO® brand fasteners.
• Reflective details for improved rider visibility.
• Two external zippered pockets
• Meets CE Category II PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425 – A class certification for protective garments
Protection & Safety
This well-constructed jacket has the backing of CE Category II PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425 – A class. It includes a pocket to slip CE Level 2 Alpinestars Nucleon back protector, available as an accessory upgrade. It includes CE Level 1 Alpinestars Nucleon Flex Plus shoulder and elbow protectors.
Its polyester thick lined shell is lightweight but still holds its own in any chance of slide and the jacket can be paired up to Alpinestars riding pants to create a riding suit via the full-circumference waist zipper.
Icon Hella 2 Textile
Price: Up to $295
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The most comfortable (because of the epic amount of stretch) 3-season jacket we’ve tested—with a softshell chassis, a full suite of D30 CE Level 1 armor, and more sophistication than most jackets at this price point.
Best For
US Standard and plus-sized women up to a size 18 who need a little extra stretch in the chest, waist, and hips.
Key Specs
• ICON® Women’s Sport Fit
• MATERIAL: Durable Textile Chassis
• Front and Back Zipper Vents
• Adjustable Waist Straps
• Pre-Curved Arms
Protection & Safety
The Icon Hella 2 includes a full suite of CE Level 1 D30® Removable Back, Elbow, and Shoulder Impact Protectors, which are extremely comfortable when not absorbing impact energy.
As always, textile isn’t as abrasion-resistant as leather, so take careful consideration of your speed and riding surface when wearing textile. Pre-curved sleeves help reduce rider fatigue, while strategic venting helps protect against the heat.
Paired with a durable textile chassis, reinforced seams and high-quality craftsmanship, the protection level of the Hella 2 is worth every penny.
Stellar Moto Horizon Dyneema Jean Jacket
Price: $589
Where to Buy: Stellar Moto
Why?
Stellar Moto doesn’t cut corners—everything from this brand is designed and custom created by a woman rider with extremely high standards. The Horizon Dyneema Jean Jacket is well made, sturdy, stylish, and comes in an extended range of sizes (XS–3XL).
Best For
Women of all sizes looking for a more boxy upper-body fit that accommodates broad shoulders and features larger arm openings—it can even be customized to fit larger waists and hips.
Key Specs
• Front hidden zipper to secure closure and easy on and off
• No fussing with buttons which could burst open
• Logo snaps instead of buttons for ease and additional double closure
• Drop back for riding position
• No openings at cuffs/wrists (tightens with snaps)
• Side back waist snaps to cinch in or let loose for fit and layers
• Locker loop outside back neck for easy hanging
• Perforated stretch armor pockets for back, shoulders, and elbows
• Comes equipped with CE Level 2 SAS-TEC removable armor in Back, Shoulders, and Elbows
• 4 outside pockets
• 4 inside large stash pockets
Protection & Safety
The Stellar Moto Horizon jacket is a single layer of specialty Dyneema protective denim, so while the material is sturdy and robust, it is not overly heavy and allows for good air flow in the summer. The fabric is also woven with a fair amount of stretch into it for comfort and dexterity.
This jacket includes a full suite of CE level 2 armor in the back, shoulders, and elbows. Prepare to be extremely impressed by the construction quality in the seams and finishing detail as well. This one is built to last for several years of consistent wear.
Although there is no water resistance, you’re getting fantastic abrasion resistance and the highest level of impact protection in a stylish denim package, making the $589 price tag fair.
Best Leather Plus-Size Women’s Motorcycle Jackets
Perfect For Cruising, Touring, & Sport Riding
Joe Rocket Classic '92 Women's Jacket
Price: Up to $325
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
Joe Rocket’s ‘92 jacket is an image of generous fit,comfort and curvy fashion. A throwback jacket that gives you all the present goodies for a safe and well features fit. This jacket gives sizes for all divas in all generations and helps you stay safe on the road.
Best For
All the women that want a classic look and a perfect fit for chest and body.
Key Specs
• Top stitched 1.0 to 1.2mm drum dyed cowhide.
• Tailored specifically for a relaxed feminine fit.
• Pockets for optional armor at the shoulders, elbows, and back.
• Zip-in quilted full sleeve liner.
• 5 inside utility pockets.
• 4 outside pockets.
• Adjustable neoprene-lined mandarin collar.
• Adjustable waist and cuffs.
• 1.5” Storm flap at main zipper.
• YKK zippers through-out.
• Subtle tone on tone badging.
Protection & Safety
Though this Joe’s jacket doesn’t come with any armour it’s thick lined leather cowhide material will stand up to the ride and the slide. It still features pockets to invest in shoulder, elbow and back protectors and has a great adjustability in zippers for a well tuned fit. A solid combination for a 300$ price tag.
MotoGirl Valerie
Price: $385
Where to Buy: Wind & Throttle
Why?
The extended sizing, beautiful supple leather, zippered waist flare gussets, and a full set of impact protection make this one of the most accessible leather jackets for plus-sized women on the market.
Best For
Any woman with curves of all shapes in all areas of the upper body—available in XS–5XL
Key Specs
• AA Rated Jacket
• CE Level 2, tested and approved shoulder, elbow, and back protector included
• 10 Sizes available XXS–5XL
• 5 colors available: purple, yellow, red, camel, black
• Increased length & size of the front & inside zip pockets, to ensure ease of use
• Longer in the back with zips for adjustment, to ensure a good fit
• Removable inner lining to keep you warm
Protection & Safety
Finding a leather jacket that fits and offers fantastic protection for curvier women can be a struggle. Not only does this jacket offer high-quality full-grain leather for the best abrasion resistance and a thermal vest liner for warmth in colder weather, but it also comes standard with CE level 2 armor in the back, elbows, and shoulders.
Going above and beyond, Wind and Throttle (distributor) and MotoGirl (maker) teamed up to create a custom version of this jacket to accommodate the larger arms of women who happen to love riding as much as they love picking up heavy things. A great fit is half the battle when it comes to the best in safety.
Even without the custom fitting, the jacket will offer the figure-hugging protection that every woman truly deserves regardless of size, making the price tag on the MotoGirl Valerie jacket unbeatable.
Raven Rova Phoenix Leather
Price: $525
Where to Buy: Raven Rova
Why?
The Phoenix was designed by a woman with performance in mind. Cowhide, accordion panels, DuPont Kevlar stretch panels, a pants connection zipper, and CE level 2 armor combine to create full protection for women with broader shoulders and fuller busts from US sizes 6 to 20.
Best For
Women’s US sizes 6–20 with broad shoulders and full busts who want the feel of a custom leather jacket.
Key Specs
• 1.1mm top-grain leather
• Keprotec DuPont Kevlar stretch panels
• CE Level 2 Armor; back protector, shoulder, elbow armor
• Detachable quilted thermal liner
• Antimicrobial athletic mesh liner
• YKK metal zippers, zip-to-pants feature
• Designed for women with full bust and broader shoulders
Protection & Safety
The cowhide found in the Raven Rova Phoenix jacket lends itself to superior abrasion resistance, while DuPont Kevlar reinforces the accordion stretch panels. A pants connection zipper ensures skin coverage for your torso in case of a slide.
CE level 2 armor in the back, shoulders, and elbow work together to offer great impact protection for street riders. The extended sizing allows accessibility to fantastic levels of protection for more women, making this a product with truly great value.
First Manufacturing Popstar Women’s Jacket
Price: Up to $340
Where to Buy: RevZilla | Amazon | J&P Cycles
Why?
Retro Glam perfection for your inner moto maven! Made with premium Naked cow leather, and tailored to accommodate a busty frame. The sizing is available up to 5XL.
Best For
Plus-sized women who love to rock that retro look. Comes with a full zip-in liner, and pockets for armor (sold separately)
Key Specs
• .07-.08mm Naked cow leather
• Motorcycle style with snap down lapel, collar, epaulets and asymmetrical zipper
• One zippered slanted chest pockets
• Two zippered lower slash pockets
• One coin patch pocket
• Zippered sleeves with gussets
• Side Lace with spandex stretch
• Adjustable belt with loops
• Action back with zippered vents
• Two conceal carry pockets with tapered holsters
• Insulated zip-out thermal liner
Protection & Safety
With such a vast sizing range available, there will be a fit for your curves. This jacket is available in sizes XS-5XL.
Everything that can flap in the wind has a button-down to keep it in place. The belt on the bottom of this jacket can be cinched up to keep it fitted.
Made from real leather, this Popstar jacket has good natural abrasion resistance—but keep in mind that the armor does not come standard. I recommend ordering it. Each set of armor for the elbows, shoulders, and back is $25.
Best Adventure & Adventure Touring Plus-Size Women’s Motorcycle Jackets
What To Wear When The Road’s Not There
Alpinestars Stella Andes v3 Jacket
Why?
If you’re looking for a jacket that gives you a pocket-happy, utilitarian, good-vibes ride, the Stella Andes v3 is for you. From Drystar waterproofing and thermal long-sleeve liner, to the Class “A” safety certification and compatibility with Alpinestars’ Tech-Air 5 airbag system, you’ve got an all-seasons keeper with this baby.
Sizing goes up from XS to a roomy XXL (2XL), though we recommend you size up if you’re unsure of sizing for any fitment.
Best For
US Standard and plus-sized women up to a size 18 who want a longer jacket with roomy hip coverage. The belt cinching at the waist really does wonders for the silhouette, so we’ll add that the hourglass/pear-shaped individual would benefit best from this jacket style.
Key Specs
• Waterproof Drystar breathable membrane
• Abrasion-resistant polyfabric textile construction and reinforcement
• Removable long-sleeve thermal liner
• Direct ventilation system (DVS) zippered chest air intakes and back exhaust ports
• Removable CE-rated elbow and shoulder armor
• POCKETS! Waterproof cargo units at the front, a large external stash pocket at the back, and a waterproof interior wallet pocket
• Integrated soft-edge collar
• 3D mesh internal lining
• YKK zippers
• Pre-contoured sleeves with accordion stretch panels on elbows
• Hook and loop waist adjustment belt
• Shock cord adjustment on hem
Protection & Safety
The Alpinestars Stella Andes v3 jacket contains CE Cat II PPE Regulation prEN17092, also known as “A” class safety certification. For that safety level, you’re getting:
• Reinforced polymer-printed texturing in critical elbow and lower arm areas for enhanced abrasion resistance
• Abrasion-resistant polyfabric textile for the jacket’s material
• CE Level 1 Nucleon Flex Plus for all extra protection (elbows and shoulders, with additional Nucleon chest and back armor optional)
• Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 airbag system compatibility (sold separately)
• Jacket-to-pants connection zipper for ideal skid protection
• Reflective details for improved rider safety
For women looking for safety that holds its reputation in more generous sizing, The Alpinestars Stella Andes v3 jacket is ideal - and at the price point of $299.95 price point, there’s really no better unit to add to your wardrobe - just make sure you size up if you’re unsure of fitment.
BILT Tempest 2 WP Jacket
Price: Up to $140
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
Bilt’s Temptest jacket is a touring adventure jacket that can fit all women. Its transformable layers are suited for protecting you from the wet, cold and hot any day of the week. With its removable layers and well placed armour any woman can feel and look great in.
Sizes range from XS–3XL.
Key Specs
• 600D durable outer shell.
• Waterproof shell and liner.
• Removable quilted lining.
• Inner airflow mesh liner for venting.
• Additional Zip entry air-flow arm vents.
• CE approved armor at shoulders and elbows
• Pocket for optional AXIAL back protector (sold separately)
• Size MD AXIAL AX1 and AX2 back protectors fit all sizes Tempest 2 Women's Jackets
• Textured durable shoulder and sleeve panels
• Reflective detail on sleeve and upper back
• Adjustable side waist with subtle bands
• Hook-and-loop closure adjustment cuffs
• Tab adjustment on sleeves
• Neoprene comfort trim on collar
Protection & Safety
This jacket has CE rated armor come standard for the elbows and shoulders making sure you fell secure and protected. The CE rated back armor is sold separately but it features a pocket that you can add it too.
The Tempest is also a sold fit for ladies because it gives and extension to sizes available in the jacket itseself and the MD Axisl back protectors fit in all sizes of the jacket.
Spidi RW H2Out Women's Jacket
Price: Up to $400
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The Spidi RW H2Out Women's Jacket is what it’s name implies. A waterproof built tough jacket made for the wetter seasons with a breathably constructed "direct-to-body" air design for when it heats up. It’s for the lady that tours, rips and rides the everyday. Fitted for every body shape on or off the bike.
Available in US Women’s sizes XS-2XL.
Key Specs
• Removable thermal lining
• Waterproof, windproof and breathable H2Out membrane
• Direct-to-body air vents
• Zipped pants to jacket connection
• Compatible with Step-In Wear liners
• Integrated ERGOFIT adjustment system
• Adjustable waist fastening
• Draw-ties for reducing the volume of sleeves and chest
• Cordura high tenacity polyamide fabric shell
• 3M Scotchlite reflective accents
• Compatible with back protector CE Level 1 Z53, CE Level 1 Z54, CE Level 2 Z147, CE Level 2 Z172 (sold separately)
• CE Level 1 Warrior Shields on shoulders
• CE Level 2 Warrior Lite elbow armor included
• Certified EN 17092-3:2020 Class AA
Protection & Safety
One of Spidi’s most breathable weather resistant pieces is also well protected. This jacket has AA abrasion resistance shell materials, CE Level 2 elbow armor, Level 1 shoulder armor and a pocket for a back protector (sold separately).
A steadfast choice worth it’s weight in price as we can see the level of detail in every layer. Spidi doesn’t mess around when it comes to giving quality for the right amount.
Klim Artemis Women’s Waterproof Jacket
Why?
Because the Klim Artemis Women’s jacket is the does-it-all jacket; it was designed to be the only jacket that ladies need to purchase - and it totally fits the bill, down to the ventilation. Additional breathability is represented in the chest air pockets and 2 vertical back exhaust vents, with vents at the forearm and biceps. Even the armor pockets promote ventilation using a durable (but very breathable) mesh so that hot spots can’t develop.
Other comfort features include the soft collar liner, adjustment straps at the bicep and forearm and the 2 waist quick-adjust straps. Zippered hip gussets also allow for more adjustment in the fit of the jacket and the airflow in warmer climates.
The Gore-Tex shell and reinforced Karbonite Ripstop material at the elbows and shoulders will handle anything that you come into contact with in any climate, too - and you’re getting all of this at the versatility of XS-2XL in sizing.
Best For
All women of all shapes and sizes! This jacket fits a tad longer than most, so you’re getting better hip protection - just keep in mind if you have particularly generous hips that you’ll want to check measurements to ensure your seated position is comfy.
The waist cinching means this jacket is particularly friendly to the more pear-shaped, hourglass body types.
Key Specs
• Gore-Tex Performance shell, guaranteed to keep you dry
• Karbonite ripstop overlays in elbows and shoulders
• Adjustable VELCRO® brand cuff closures
• Comfort-mapped ventilation for women
• Klimatek cooling mesh in the pad pockets
• POCKETS! 2 chest vent pockets, 2 cross-core vents, 2 articulated forearm vents, 2 bicep vents, 2 zippered hand pockets, 1 rear large pocket, 1 upper arm stash pocket, 2 lower internal zippered stash pockets, 1 vertical inside stash pocket, 1 concealed document pocket behind back pad
• 2 vertical back exhaust vents
• Integrated D3O Level 1 shoulder and elbow armor, Viper 1 back pad
• Improved ventilation through the back pad
• Action back for comfort and mobility
• Upgraded polygiene anti-odor liner
• Soft collar liner
• Collar tab back for improved ventilation
• 2 quick-adjust bicep straps and 2 quick adjust forearm straps, as well as 2 quick-adjust waist adjusters and 2 zippered hip gussets
Protection & Safety
The impact protection in the Artemis includes integrated D3O Level 1 shoulder and elbow armor as well as a Viper 1 back pad - all of which is removable and can be replaced.
It’s reasonable to spend $350 for a summer-weight model, and that much (or more) for a jacket that handles cold and wet weather. At a cost of just over $700, the Klim Artemis might seem to be a little bit high, but you’re not factoring in the money saved in going for a does-it-all jacket purchase.
Bottom line, we recommend the KLIM if only for the simple fact that it’s one of those jackets that seems to fit everybody, regardless of the body type…and we do love versatility, don’t we gals?
Frequently Asked Questions About Plus-Size Motorcycle Jackets
What defines plus-size in motorcycle jackets for women?
Generally speaking, and going by the sizing accepted by many manufacturers, “typical” women’s jackets and gear range from the 4 to 14 size range. This, by default, makes 15+ size gear “plus-size.” However, much like how men have “big and tall” gear options, many jackets can have combinations, such as a plus sized waist and bust, but a “short” torso length. It depends on the jacket, so definitely check each manufacturer’s sizing guides.
Are there plus-sized options for every type of riding?
While it used to be that plus-sized gear was relegated mostly to touring and cruising, nowadays you can get plus-sized gear for literally any type of riding. ADV, sport, cruising, dual-sport, touring, motocross/supercross. You name it, there is quite literally gear for it.
Do plus-size jackets take different size optional armor such as back protectors?
In general, armor is a consistent size across a manufacturer’s lineup. Since back protectors do have an agreed upon “standard” fit, the back protector pockets in plus size gear will accept them as readily as regular sized gear. This is really dependent on the manufacturer, as some do make larger armor for larger gear, and smaller armor for smaller gear, so it never hurts to check reviews and the manufacturer’s website when gear shopping.
Do plus-size motorcycle jackets come with adjustable fitment features?
While many regular jackets often come with adjustments at the waist and arms, plus-sized gear quite often has slightly more material in those adjustment straps and loops to give a larger variety of customizable fitment. This can be via stretch/elastic panels or actual straps and loops. The only jackets that aren’t really all that adjustable are full leather ones, so if you can try the jacket on at your local gear store, it really helps to give you an idea of what size you are for future purchases.
How do I determine my basic measurements to see if I need plus-sized gear?
For women’s plus-sized gear, you will need to know your arm length from your neck to your wrist, your bust measurement at its thickest, your waist at your navel, and your hips across the hip joint area. Some gear also allows for your torso length size, which is from the top of your hips (pelvic bone) to the top of your shoulder at the shoulder joint.
What if I’m regular size except in the bust and only plus-size jackets fit me comfortably?
Depending on the manufacturer, you have several options. This is a frequent concern for women with a larger bust, and many manufacturers are realizing that not all women are shaped the same. In that vein, you might come across some jackets with special labels such as “Diva” sizing or some other type of sizing label. Your other option is to budget for a custom fit jacket, which will usually run in the $400+ range for a high quality one.
What To Look For In A Plus-Size Women's Motorcycle Jacket
One of the first pieces of gear that most riders purchase is a bike specific jacket. The goal is to protect your body from abrasion related injuries as well as impact injuries, so most riders focus on the armor and density or durability of the shell of the jacket.
However, in many cases, after several rides in that first jacket, riders learn a great deal about what they didn’t know about motorcycle jackets and what they didn’t know about their own priorities and preferences. And that learning curve is often far more steep for ladies as they are often forced to make do with a men’s jacket rather than a gender-specific ladies jacket.
Differences Between Ladies & Men’s Gear
In general, a men’s jacket will offer longer sleeves, more roomy shoulders, and a more narrow waist than a women’s jacket. And then there is the obvious difference in the chest area. Some ladies will find that they are able to substitute a men’s jacket and get by with the fit and level of comfort, but once they find a ladies cut jacket that fits properly, they will never settle for even a fairly well-fitting men’s jacket again.
On a hanger or laying on a flat surface, it is very easy to see the hourglass shape of a well-cut ladies jacket. These jackets not only allow for the smaller waist but larger hips of female riders but they also offer a far better fit in the chest and shoulder area. The larger shoulders of men’s jackets can help to accommodate the space needed in the bust area but it often means that the shoulders and sleeves are ill-fitting.
Finding The Ideal Fit
In the case of non-riding jackets, a perfect fit is not always a big deal. But when you are buying a purpose-built piece of gear to protect your body, the fit is everything. A jacket that is too tight in some areas will restrict your movement and can be very dangerous. And a jacket that is too large can allow armor to shift and fail to provide protection at the elbows, shoulders and even along the spine.
In the event of a slide, a large jacket can roll or slide up leaving your skin completely unprotected. It can be a bit more time consuming to find a women’s jacket, but the time that you invest in the process will be rewarded with a far better fit and protection.
As With Any Jacket, Look For
Material – Cowhide. Buffalo. Goatskin. Mesh. Textile. There are a lot of types of leather, each with their own perks and quirks in terms of look and feel, and the same is true for textile fabrics. While leather is generally accepted to have the best abrasion resistance, textile jackets often have more utility and comfort options – pockets, vents, etc. – and cost less.
Use case – A jacket that you intend to wear in the spring or fall is going to need to be warm, while the inverse is true if you spent your seat time underneath the hot Arizona sun. If you are going to be hot when riding, make sure you have adequate venting. Consider when you’ll be wearing it and make sure it’s prepared to meet the need.
Protection – Most jackets come with elbow and shoulder armor, but not all do. Conversely, most jackets will come with a foam back pad but not proper back armor. Make sure the jacket you’re considering packs enough armor to keep you safe.
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