Are you the proud owner of a motorcycle? Whether it’s a chopper-style Harley, a touring motorcycle, or a modern-day “street” bike, you’ll need to wear the appropriate attire. The right clothes will not only make those long-distance trips more comfortable, but it will also provide a higher level of safety in the event of a crash or collision. This is why leather jackets are the go to choice for so many motorcycle riders. Assuming this is your first time shopping for a leather motorcycle jacket, though, there are a few things you’ll need to know.
Why Motorcycle Jackets are Important
Before we delve into the characteristics and features of leather motorcycle jackets, let’s first discuss the importance of wearing a jacket while on a motorcycle. Some people assume that motorcycle jackets are only useful during the cold winter months, but this statement couldn’t be further from the truth. Granted, wearing a leather jacket will most certainly keep you warm and comfortable on an otherwise chilly winter day, but there are other reasons to wear them. According to Wikipedia, the rate of collision for motorcycles is roughly 72.34 per 100,000. Furthermore, motorcycles have a higher fatality rate when compared to automobiles, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) saying that motorcycle riders are 26 times more likely to die in a fatal collision than car or truck drivers.
Wearing a motorcycle jacket isn’t going to make you immune from all injuries sustained during a crash, but it will help certainly help. The thick padding acts as a barrier of protection between you and the asphalt, absorbing the force of impact; thus, protecting your body in the process. This is why you see so many riders wearing jackets, even if it’s warm and sunny outside. Regardless of the weather, jackets are an essential item in protecting riders from injury.
Another reason why the majority of motorcycle riders wear jackets is because it allows them to display patches and emblems. If you’re a member of a biker organization, for instance, you may want to show off patches for your respective organization, in which case you can have them embroidered into your jacket. Wearing a jacket will allow you to display all kinds of patches and emblems, opening the doors to a whole new world of possibilities. Of course, these are just a few of the many reasons why motorcycle riders wear jackets. The truth is that there are other reasons which are not listed here, some of which may include style, warmth, protection from the sun and elements, and to carry small items (storage space is limited on motorcycles). In any case, jackets are an essential item for motorcycle riders.
The Scoop on Leather Motorcycle Jackets
If you’ve ever been shopping for a motorcycle jacket, you’ll notice they are available in a wide range of styles and materials. Polyester and similar synthetic materials have become a popular choice due to their accessibility and low cost. But sometimes it’s best to go back to the classic styles — like a leather motorcycle for instance. Leather jackets have been worn by motorcycle riders for decades, and it’s unlikely that this trend will be going away anytime soon.
Why is leather such a popular choice of material for motorcycle jackets? As we mentioned earlier, motorcycle jackets are often worn for the increased protection from injury they offer. With materials like cotton or even polyester, however, jackets offer minimal protection. If you ever fall off your bike while wearing a cotton jacket, it’s not going to protect you from road rash. But if you’re wearing a thick, high-quality leather jacket, it will most certainly offer a higher degree of protection from injury.
Leather jackets are also preferred by motorcycle riders because of their softness and comfort. When you’re making a long-distance trip that requires you to sit for several hours (or longer), you’ll want to choose comfortable clothes; otherwise, you may cramp up and experience body aches during the trip. Thankfully, this is an area in which leather excels: it’s soft, supple, comfortable, and bends easily without succumbing to damage.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Leather Motorcycle Jacket
Given the countless number of styles and designs available — and more being created on a regular basis — some riders may struggle to find the “perfect” motorcycle jacket. If this sounds like a familiar scenario, check below for some tips and tricks on how to choose a leather motorcycle jackets.
- What color is the leather? Sure, brown/tan may be the most popular color for leather motorcycle jackets, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only color available. You’ll find leather motorcycle jackets are available in a wide variety of colors, ranging from traditional brown and tan to red, yellow, black and more. Consider your personal style and the other clothes and accessories that you’ll be wearing, and choose a leather color to match.
- How many pockets does the leather motorcycle jacket have? Ask any seasoned rider and he or she will likely agree: pockets are essential on a motorcycle jacket. When you’re preparing for a long-distance trip, you’ll want a leather jacket will plenty of pockets in which to store your belongings. The Leather Bomber Jacket is an excellent choice, as it features two breast pockets and two lower zip-up pockets.
- From what type of leather is the jacket made? Contrary to what some people may believe, not all leather is made equal. Some motorcycle jackets are made with premium high-grade leather, such as Napa sheep skin, whereas others are made with cheaper low-quality leather. Pay close attention to the type of leather when choosing a motorcycle jacket.
- What size is the leather motorcycle jacket? Arguably, the single most important thing to consider when choosing a leather motorcycle jacket is the size. If it’s too big, it will feel awkward and loose. On the other hand, if it’s too small it will be uncomfortable to wear, regardless of whether you are riding. Purchasing your leather motorcycle jacket here at LeatherCult will ensure that you get the perfect fit, as you can specify your own measurements during checkout.