Choosing the right motorcycle riding jacket to wear for a ride can be a challenging task. Between heavy protective wear, stylish leather jackets, or even jackets with airbags the possibilities are endless! Making the right wear choice can make the best rides even sweeter with a great fitting jacket, so let's get into it! 

There are various styles of motorcycle gear ranging from cafe all the way to adventure. Each style has its own distinct characteristics but an important factor to keep in mind with any style is safety. You should always make sure any jacket you purchase is at least CE level 1 protected. This certification means the jacket can withstand an appropriate amount of force to protect you in a crash. 

Here's a look at a jacket accessorized with CE certified armor vs a CE certified jacket

Leather and textile are the two main types of motorcycle riding jacket material. Both will keep you safe but style, use, and weather will play a role in which material suits your needs best. 

Leather Motorcycle Jackets: 

Leather motorcycle jackets are usually made with cow, goat, or kangaroo hide, with cow being the most budget friendly option. Leather is favored as the most protective material for motorcycle riding jackets as it is extremely durable and abrasion resistant. On the other hand leather jackets do not perform well in extreme weather conditions (hot or cold) and in precipitation. 

Within leather motorcycle jackets there's two categories: casual and sport. Casual leather jackets are easily recognizable and look very similar to the fashion leather jackets you can find at your department store. They are short in length and a staple for the cafe racer look. Sports leather jackets offer a slim fit and athletic look while maintaining the high level of protection.

Check out this Mens Green Hillberry Leather Motorcycle Jacket on Cafe Racer Webshop!

Textile Motorcycle Riding Jackets:

Textile jackets are made from protective fabric. They are known for withstanding harsh weather conditions and being a more breathable alternative to leather. Some downsides to textile motorcycle riding jackets are that they are not as durable as leather riding jackets and usually need to be replaced after a crash. Nonetheless they offer a very similar level of protection for street riding as leather jackets. 

Textile motorcycle riding jackets include three categories: riding shirt, mesh jacket, and full textile. Riding shirts offer a casual, lightweight look but offer a fraction of the protection provided by the other options. Mesh jackets offer low speed level protection, usually include armor, and offer liners that can protect you from rain or give you more airflow in the heat. Finally full textile jackets are great because they offer high speed protection with advanced liner systems.

Check out this textile Arizona Jacket at Cafe Racer Webshop!

Fits of Motorcycle Riding Jackets:

There are three main fits of motorcycle jackets that can be helpful to give you an idea of what kind of fit to expect from the jacket.

European Fit Motorcycle Riding Jackets:

• Slim fit throughout body and arms
• Tapered waist

American Fit Motorcycle Riding Jackets:

• Loose fit
• Roomy around waist, shoulders, and arms

Race Fit Motorcycle Riding Jackets:

• Slim fit throughout entire jacket
• Curve in the sleeves 
• Designed for comfort in full tuck position

European Fit, Race Fit, and American Fit (from left to right)

Leather riding jackets are a great option for staying protected but it's also helpful to be aware of the sizing that comes with them. When purchasing a leather riding jacket don't be afraid of a snug fit! Leather can be broken in and expands over time so don't worry too much if it's a bit of a squeeze initially. 

With all this new motorcycle riding jacket knowledge you too can find a cool new fit at Cafe Racer Webshop!