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It's easy to walk into a leather store or biker accessories shop and locate the racks of motorcycle jackets, but are you sure that you know what you need? Those rows and rows of black leather can get overwhelming and they start to look all the same!

Let's discuss one of the most costly and protective pieces of your motorcycle wardrobe and talk about what you should look for and how it should fit.

How do you know what is a good synthetic textile jacket?
Look at the tags for material contents such as Kevlar®, Cordura® (a ballistic nylon) or a blend of these types of fabrics. These man-made materials provide similar abrasion resistance as compared to standard leather. There will most likely be a rating on the tag or a description stating how well the jacket will perform.

Why should you consider a motorcycle jacket made of man-made fabric instead of leather?
Well, they behave wonderfully in any weather. If the jacket gets wet, it dries much faster than leather and most of them have a water resistant coating which is a big plus. They also don't weigh as much as typical leather jackets which will reduce fatigue in your arms and shoulders. Let's not forget that some materials, combined with strategic vents, breath better than most standard leather styles.

But if you have your eye on a cute black leather number, don't count it out! Cowhide leather has protected us for years and will continue to do so. It's known for its heat and abrasion resistance and its durability.



What about safety? What features should you look for when choosing a motorcycle jacket?
Yes, the important stuff. There are a few main points that you should always keep in mind when you are shopping for your jacket. Fit, material and features.

Fit -

• Cover those wrists! When trying on a jacket, zip it up and then hold your arms out in front of you as if you are gripping the handle bars. The sleeves should continue to cover your wrists. If they don't, then try either a larger size or a different style.



• It shouldn't flap in the wind! Your jacket should fit snuggly enough to keep out the wind but loose enough so that you can move freely. A flapping jacket will be very distracting and annoying and can interfere with your concentration.



• Try it out in the store. It's important that you know how your jacket will feel when you are in your riding position. Find a chair in the store, zip up and cinch up the jacket, have a seat and assume your position! The jacket should cover your lower back, shouldn't be too tight across your shoulders, should be comfortable around your waste while seated and shouldn't have excess bulk in the chest area.



• If you wear your jacket in cold climates and plan to have extra layers underneath, keep that in mind while choosing your size and style. Look for a jacket with features that allow for size adjustments.

Material -

• As we stated earlier, your best choices for your jacket are either cowhide leather or one of the new synthetic textiles that have come on the market.



• Safety experts state that it is better for the jacket to be smooth in texture so that in case of a wreck, you will slide on the pavement and not tumble which could cause more serious injuries.



• Gortex®, Thinsulate® or other similar linings are great in colder climates. Try and find one that is removable so that you can get more wear out of your purchase.

Features -

• Vents are one of the best features ever! Most of us have one main jacket that we use in every situation so we want it to be able to adapt with us. Look for a jacket that has vents with zippers and a flap to keep out the weather when needed. These vents will keep you from getting over-heated. We love vents.



• Inside pockets are the greatest for those of us who are paranoid about losing something! Just kidding, but they are a great feature when you can find them. Most men's jackets have them but they are harder to find on women's styles.



• Along with your jacket, body armor is also available. Some jackets have armor as an option and most is removable as needed. This is a fantastic safety feature.



• Storm closures are mostly found on textile jackets and originate from rain wear designs. A storm closure is that flap of material that covers your zipper and then is secured by either Velcro® or snaps. This wonderful piece of material stops drafts and the elements from coming in through your zipper. Most jackets are constructed to have an inside flap or overlapping design for similar reasons. Just know that if the jacket you pick out has storm closures, you are a lucky girl!

The Bikers Den is an Online store for motorcycle enthusiasts. Specializing in motorcycle leathers & apparel including jackets, chaps, vests, gloves, helmets, sunglasses, movies, boots and more!

Your motorcycle jacket can be your biggest fashion statement. With advances in the clothing industry and women driving the motorcycle fashion trends, you will see even more style variations on the racks. Just remember that your motorcycle jacket should last you many riding seasons when taken care of properly. Keeping that in mind, choose a style of jacket that you will be happy with for many seasons to come!

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