The development of women’s motorcycle jackets has advanced significantly over the years and we are lucky to have many options in both leather and textile. Choosing the right one is a necessary part of your safety gear but there is no reason why you can’t also look stylish whilst riding safely.
There are certain specifications we should look for in both leather and textile jackets:
Armour
The purpose of armour is to absorb the shock of impact and prevent abrasion injury. It should stay in place when you are moving and to prevent bursting, you should make sure the jacket has doubled seams. Ideally the armour should cover the back, shoulder, elbow and forearm. When I came off my bike and ended up in a ditch, I landed on my elbow armour and the jacket protected me from major injury and stood up to the unexpected contact with the ground.
A removable thermal inner liner
Very useful to have as it offers you warmth in the colder weather which can be removed in the warmer weather meaning the jacket can be worn all year round.
Pockets
Pockets are a must for me as I like to carry my phone, some cash and a lippy with me and of course somewhere to put my bike key when I am parked up.
A connecting zip
This is a zip whereby you can connect your jacket to your trousers. This is very useful if you go skidding down the road on your bottom as it keeps your jacket from riding up and causing injury to your body. If you have trousers and a jacket from different manufacturers, it is possible to purchase a connecting belt which goes through your trouser belt loops to enable you to zip your jacket to your trousers. Some connecting zips only go across the back whilst some go all the way around. The smaller back zip is generally okay but if you wish to take part in a track day you will either need one piece leathers or your connecting zip must go all the way round before you will be allowed to take part. Personally, I prefer my zip to go all the way round as I find this keeps my jacket nicely in place and keeps me warmer as no wind can get in underneath my jacket.
Correct Fit
Make sure the jacket fits correctly. Do try it on several times to make sure you are happy with the fit and style. Check you can move around with ease and comfort. At BikeStop they have a motorcycle model that you can sit on so that you can feel what the fit will be like when you are actually riding. If your jacket is too small, it may restrict your movement whilst riding.
Okay that’s the technical part over with, now to the choice:
A Leather or textile jacket?
There has been a long-standing debate in the motorcycle community over which of the two materials offer better and abrasion resistance, which for me, is the number one aspect to consider. Which one will give me the protection I need whilst offering me comfort, style and value for money?
Women’s leather jackets can be heavy and some lack proper ventilation and will leave you soaking wet in a downpour. Personally speaking, I can remember standing at the side of the road in a downpour in France trying to put on your waterproofs and it can be a bit of a faff. However, looking at the RST ladies GT perforated leather jacket, this is a very good value jacket which has perforated leather panels providing ventilation for summer days thereby offering you the perfect combination of ventilation, protection and style.
Women’s textile jackets are normally waterproof and generally have built in ventilation. If we look at the Rukka Ladies Suki Pro Gore-Tex jacket, you will see this a high end jacket made with Gore-Tex® which is a well-known breathable waterproof material. It comes with a detachable thermal liner and offers full protection and ventilation in a waterproof jacket therefore encompassing all the necessary safety and practical points we should look for when purchasing a new jacket.
Your budget will play a major part in your choice of jacket and you should bear in mind that whether you go for leather or textile, there is always low-quality and high-quality materials for both options and you should go for the best quality you can afford.
It is essential when buying a jacket that you go for one that fits your style whilst having all the necessary features you desire whilst offering you the protection you need when riding. There are many different styles of jackets available – cafe racer, racing, adventure and you need to find one that suits your style and your riding.
Personally, I very much like the look of the Dainese ladies Nexus leather jacket with a thermal inner lining and full connecting zip that is very similar to the Dainese jacket I wear currently. I use it in the colder months as I like the cut and shape of the jacket which is tailored towards the female figure and has a nice splash of colour on it. The style of the jacket suits me, and I find the leather soft and comfortable to wear. I wear MotoGirl leggings and I use a Dainese connecting belt which goes through the belt loops on the leggings to connect to my jacket.
In the warmer weather I wear a Dainese jacket very similar to the Dainese Air Tourer textile jacket. This has large mesh panels which provide great ventilation, but it also comes with a wind proof lining for those slightly colder days or if the temperature drops. It also has a full connecting zip.
I especially like this on warm days as you can take the lining out and it allows me to stay cool whilst still giving me the protection I need when riding. Again, I zip this to my leggings using the Dainese connecting belt. the cut and style of the jacket suits me. I can pop this in the washing machine to keep it nice and fresh. I also wear this when I go touring in Europe as it is nice and lightweight and comfortable to wear in the hotter climate.
Hope this helps you chose the best gear for you. Happy riding!
Biker Kaz (Twitter: @kazbiker)
(Our guest blogger this week, BK, is a keen biker who regularly rides both her Z900 and an MV Agusta Brutale to Bike Stop. She has recently started up her own blog page to share her thoughts and experiences from a female perspective).
