What is the best material before choosing a motorcycle clothing item? It’s the first question. Leather or fabric? Almost all brands propose this alternative. But every material has the pros and cons. Leather has given identity to bikers, and it is always ideal in case of an accident. In fact, when the temperature rises, the leather has the characteristic to retreat. While the fabric may “dissolve.” On the track, for example, the leather is the only material used. Also, as the more experienced bikers know, the leather has a better tactile sensation and a good scent.
Among the disadvantages, the higher cost, even if a real jacket or trouser will live a lot more. Often bulky and cumbersome, a leather garment is much less practical to use with rain. In the event of an accident, the weak point is seams. The fabric has not the thermal resistance of the leather, but it is making much progress. With new synthetic fibers (such as Kevlar) and some waterproof and breathable membranes (Gore-Tex, Windstopper…), fabric motorcycle clothing has become much more versatile. So, it is handy for everyday use in the city. Jackets and trousers in these new fibers offer good safety in case of impact. If equipped with the waterproof membrane, they also provide excellent rain protection. But remember that your security is critical, and some statistic explains it.
Choose the right Motorcycle clothing
We do not dress in the same way for short or long trips, if we ride a scooter or a sports bike, off-road or on the track, whether it’s hot or cold. For any use and any season, the brands propose appropriate motorcycle clothing. From leather jumpsuit to town jacket, cross boots to waterproof gloves, we often do not know what to choose. Remember always to choose a garment that suits your needs and size. Buying fees are often high, but you do not risk purchasing an inappropriate product. Here’s some advice to make the right choice. Remember that the greatest attention must be for the winter clothing. They have the most technical and the richest materials. But, this type of clothing is also preferred for summer trips in countries, where the climate is not so torrid.
Gloves
Summer or winter, city or off the road, the leather gloves are the best. Summer gloves must be of the right size. Or, for the winter you choose a very high-quality fabric, a larger size that allows you to wear underwear. Gloves with rigid protectors (kevlar, for example) will resist better in the event of an accident. Make sure that the protections do not stop the movements. Winter gloves should have seams. Otherwise, the inner padding will come out if their hands are damp. Also attentive to seam quality and wrist closure. Gloves should leave a good feel to the controls and levers. Remember that leather gloves fit into your hands after use. To speed up the process, put the new gloves in the cold water for ten minutes and then let them dry by wearing them.
Waterproof Suit
Waterproof Suit should be easy to dress even over a large jacket and boots. If you want to know what is your size, contact us here or on our Facebook page. Then, you can visit even our motorcycle clothing store. The sleeves should be full enough for you to put them over the winter gloves. About your pants, prefer those with an elastic that goes down to the sole of the boots. Check that the hinges do not cling to the liner because in case of sudden rain you lose time and patience. The Waterproof Suit is efficient for long trips, while in town it is better to wear jacket pants.
Boots
The most suitable touring boots are made of leather. Then, they have waterproof/breathable membrane and reinforcements in the most fragile parts. In fact, the most frequent injuries are the fracture of fingers and malleolus. Or skin abrasion more or less severe. The sole should be non-slip and should not leave reflective inserts on the back. You must able to locked, and it is always better to take half or a size more if you travel in winter. So, you have enough mobility inside. Check that the thickness of the leather does not limit foot sensitivity. For the sport or the city, there are different types of boots, from ultra-technical to the simplest. Never as in this case protection and comfort are the guidelines in choosing.
Jacket/Pants
Jacket/pants are the perfect pairs for every season. Although the prices might scare you, do not have to give up the jacket/pants. But the manufacturing quality and the material used can justify the choice. The fabric is almost always made up of high-quality fibers (Cordura 500, AFT, Dynatec …). Jackets and pants have at least three layers of the waterproof and breathable membrane (Gore-Tex, Simpatex, H2Out), plus a thermal pad.
Outside then there are always the indispensable reflex inserts. Shoulders, elbows, back, and knees have their protection. The biggest problem is the bulk. Choose a wider jacket to get better freedom of movement and make sure your neck and wrist closure fit your morphology. You prefer a model that can be attached to the trouser to prevent an air stream from annoying. For convenience, even maintenance, jackets/pants with removable protectors are the best.
Leather Suit
There are different types of leather suits. But the most interesting model for mixed sport/tourism use is the “two-pieces” model. The “two-pieces” leather suit offers a significant advantage. You can separate the jacket from the trouser. It gives you great freedom of movement. Of course, depending on the type of leather, prices changes. Do not choose the look or the brand, but buy the one that offers more comfort. Everything has to be perfect. The movements must be easy, because when you travel hundreds of miles, there may be problems.
Leather suits are perforated, and they have not elastic fabric (stretch insert) at the points most sensitive to leather folds, to favor movements. Check the practicality. Pockets and adjustments must be satisfactory for number and waterproofness. As for the boots, check that the trousers are in your boots well and that they close. Otherwise, you will have to buy more. Some brands have a full catalog of leather jacket/pants that you can put are out of the boots. They can solve the problem, as well as give more practicality in the general sense. In this case, the quality (softness and thickness) must be verified.
In the city
In the city, we often choose a little protective clothing. Wrong. Because the accident risk is much higher in the city. The choice criteria are protection and comfort. Avoid anything that is not designed for driving. The jacket, whether in leather or fabric, should have at least elbows and shoulder protectors. In the summer, a pattern drilled or, better still, with a particular material (BMW Airflow, Spidi Clima …) is perfect. Those who need a garment all over the anus can find what they are looking for in detached models. As for pants, although in the city it is not indispensable to be in leather. You can choose, for example, motorcycle jeans and avoid skirts and shorts. Even the shoes, it is better to be tall and protect the ankle.
Off-road
If you drive off-road for the first time, opt for a simple, practical, robust clothing item. The ideal is a Cordura jacket or similar material (Nylon 420D, Dynatec …). It’s not very rigid but with built-in pockets and protections, associated with a trouser of the same material, with reinforcements at the weakest points. The price will be higher, but this kind of motorcycle clothing will protect you better and will live a lot more.
Since you will succumb to an experienced pilot as a beginner, you will choose forged models. If you go off-road even in winter, there are models with a detachable interior that will protect you better from the cold. But which will offer less freedom in the movements? For this, consider whether to take a larger measure. Glasses and gloves have an extensive choice. But the most important thing is the boots. Do not care about price, brand or color and choose a model in which your feet have comfort. If you need to know about your size or fit, please contact us here.
