
About Our Motorcycle Jackets Recommendations
Founded in 2000, our team at wBW has collectively tested more than 2,500 helmets, jackets, boots, gloves, accessories, and more. We do not fluff reviews. A riders safety is heavily dictated by how they ride and what they wear while doing so. Our goal is to help riders make informed decisions about the gear they invest in to protect themselves.
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The list below has been compiled by four women riders, all with different body shapes that include a little “extra” in at least one of the major hard-to-fit areas (arms, chest, stomach, hips).
After years of meticulous research, trial and error, online shopping, returns, and every once in a while, hitting the “perfect fit” jackpot (it’s happening more frequently lately, which is awesome news), these women are ready to share their favorite pieces of plus-sized motorcycle safety apparel with you and can confidently say that these are the best motorcycle jackets for full-figured women.
Best Textile Plus-Size Ladies Motorcycle Jackets
Perfect For Commuting & Cruising In Comfort & Style

Joe Rocket Cleo Elite Women’s Jacket
Price: $220
Where to Buy: RevZilla | Amazon | J&P Cycles
Why?
This is a perfect summer riding option that easily extends into 3 season wear. The FreeAir mesh shell will flow plenty of air when you are rolling down the road and Joe Rocket includes a zip-in waterproof/windproof liner and insulated vest that can handle the cooler months.
Best For
US standard and plus-sized women looking for an affordable, quality first riding jacket.
Key Specs
• Cooling FreeAir mesh shell
• Removable full sleeve waterproof liner and insulated vest
• Externally accessible CE approved elbow and shoulder armor
• Removable dual density back pad
• 8″ connection zipper for pant attachment
• Innolite ultra reflective shoulders
• Reflective stripes and logos
• 2 hand pockets
• Internal micro-liner eyeglass pocket
• Clip for key storage
• Full Flex articulated back and hip expansion panels for increased mobility
• Dynax reinforced at the upper back, ribs, and forearms
Protection & Safety
Joe Rocket is a well-respected brand of riding apparel with proven reliable fabrics and construction methods. Dynax™ Reinforced Mesh is used at the upper back, ribs, and forearms.
To ensure you can extend your riding time the Cleo comes with a Two stage waterproof (full sleeve) and insulated zip-out (vest) liner.
CE level 1 impact protection comes standard in the elbows and shoulders, and the removable HD spine pad is included.
Each body is unique in the curves department, and the Cleo helps fit you just right with an 8-point Sure Fit™ adjustment system (adjustable sleeves & waist).
Being visible is a key component to riding safely, and this jacket has plenty of reflective elements to help you stand out when the sun goes down.

Raven Rova Falcon Textile Jacket
Price: $271
Where to Buy: Raven Rova
Why?
Made by a badass woman for other badass women! The Falcon jacket often sells out quickly, but it is worth the wait. Made with top-quality 500 denier Cordura, CE-2 shoulder and elbow armor, and a CE-1 back protector. Shipped with a Zip-out quilted thermal liner for all-season riding.
Pair with the Falcon Pants for a flawless set!
Best For
Women’s US sizes 6–20 with broad shoulders and full busts who want style and protection.
Key Specs
• 500 denier Cordura
• Keprotec DuPont Kevlar stretch panels (the black fabric)
• YKK metal zippers
• Zip-out quilted thermal liner for all season riding
• Designed for an active riding style
• Interchangeable armor pockets
• Accordion panels at the shoulders for maximum motion
• Adjustable velcro tabs and accordion panels at the waist to customize your fit
• Stretch panels on the inner arm for maximum motion and air flow
• Water resistant
• Breathable
Protection & Safety
Made for the full diversity of women’s bodies, by a woman who knows the struggle of finding riding gear that fits and offers real protection.
• Interchangeable armor pockets
• Comes with CE-2 shoulder and elbow armor
• Comes with CE-1 entry level back protector

Speed And Strength Speed Society Women’s Riding Shirt
Price: $150
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
Does your soul ride on the dark side? Are your bars high and your seat low? Should clothes be any other color besides black?
Let the others go with typical riding gear, this riding shirt isn’t for everyone. A CE approved Vault back protector is included to match the Vault armor at the elbows and shoulders, keeping your edgy style protected.
Best For
Women of all sizes who like the non-traditional look but still like to be safe. Sizes range from XS – 3XL and it also comes in black camo.
Key Specs
• Waxed cotton-polyester blend frame with 4-way stretch
• Removable Vault CE-approved shoulder and elbow protectors
• Removable Vault CE-approved back protector
• Should and elbows reinforced with aramid fiber thread
• Hidden YKK main zipper opening
• 2 snap pockets at chest
• 2 zippered hand warmer pockets
• Internal stash pocket
• Shoulder expansion gussets
• Belt loops for pant attachment
• Zippered hip gussets
• Snap down collar
• Reflective trim
Protection & Safety
For women who lean towards the busty/boxy side (plus sizes) and need a garment for city riding.
The Vault armor will provide great protection to your joints and spine during a fall, and the key areas have aramid fiber reinforcing the waxed cotton-polyester blend, but this is just decent abrasion resistance. I like this for city riding and speeds the are more often below 60mph.
This Riding Shirt is a longer cut, and does have a loop to connect to your riding jeans, meaning there is little worry about exposure around your belt line when you have hold of your handlebars. The collar has hidden snaps to help control flapping around in the wind.

Alpinestars Stella T-Jaw Women’s Textile Jacket
Price: $290
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
This Alpinestars Stella T-Jaw Women’s Textile Jacket has long been lauded as the ultimate in waterproof, inclement-weather sports wear for the aggressive female rider. Alpinestar’s textile blend is breathable, there’s decent room in the chest, and fitment is available up to XXL (2XL) - though we recommend you size up if you’re unsure of how she’ll fit on you.
Best For
US Standard and plus-sized women up to a size 18 who need extra room in the waist.
Key Specs
• Optimized for a women's performance fit
• Stretch accordion above both elbows and shoulders, with additional stretch panels on sleeves and upper chest for ease of movement
• Removable full-sleeve thermal liner
• Pre-curved sleeve construction with VELCRO® brand waist and wrist closure adjustment
• Lightweight 450D and 600D as reinforcement on critical areas, with Removable CE protectors on shoulders and elbows and
• Shoulder zippered air intakes
• Waterproof internal pocket
• Integrated high visibility reflective graphics on sleeves and back
• CE protection for shoulders and elbows
• Back protector pocket or adjustable VELCRO® brand and snap button system to integrate CE certified Alpinestars Nucleon Back protector (sold separately)
• Pocket for optional chest protection (sold separately)
• Padding details on chest and upper back
• Internal waist connection zipper for attachment to Alpinestars riding pants (sold separately)
Protection & Safety
The Alpinestars Stella T-Jaw Women’s Textile Jacket includes CE protection for shoulders and elbows, and there’s even room to have the higher-certified Nucleon back protector in there.
• Removable CE Level 1 protectors on shoulders and elbows
• The option of housing one of Alpinestar’s Nucleon back protectors (both models of which show off CE Level 2 safety certification under EN1621-2:2014
• integrated high visibility reflective graphics on sleeves and back.
For women looking for an extremely comfortable and worry-free textile number that holds its on in the rain and in a skid, the the Alpinestars Stella T-Jaw Women’s Textile Jacket is a great choice - especially given this baby only costs $290.

Icon Hella 2 Textile
Price: $250
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The most comfortable (because of the epic amount of stretch) 3-season jacket we’ve tested—with a softshell chassis, a full suite of D30 CE Level 1 armor, and more sophistication than most jackets at this price point.
Best For
US Standard and plus-sized women up to a size 18 who need a little extra stretch in the chest, waist, and hips.
Key Specs
• ICON® Women’s Sport Fit
• MATERIAL: Durable Textile Chassis
• Front and Back Zipper Vents
• Adjustable Waist Straps
• Pre-Curved Arms
Protection & Safety
The Icon Hella 2 includes a full suite of CE Level 1 D30® Removable Back, Elbow, and Shoulder Impact Protectors, which are extremely comfortable when not absorbing impact energy.
As always, textile isn’t as abrasion-resistant as leather, so take careful consideration of your speed and riding surface when wearing textile. Pre-curved sleeves help reduce rider fatigue, while strategic venting helps protect against the heat.
Paired with a durable textile chassis, reinforced seams and high-quality craftsmanship, the protection level of the Hella 2 is worth every penny.

Stellar Moto Horizon Dyneema Jean Jacket
Price: $589
Where to Buy: Stellar Moto
Why?
Stellar Moto doesn’t cut corners—everything from this brand is designed and custom created by a woman rider with extremely high standards. The Horizon Dyneema Jean Jacket is well made, sturdy, stylish, and comes in an extended range of sizes (XS–3XL).
Best For
Women of all sizes looking for a more boxy upper-body fit that accommodates broad shoulders and features larger arm openings—it can even be customized to fit larger waists and hips.
Key Specs
• Front hidden zipper to secure closure and easy on and off
• No fussing with buttons which could burst open
• Logo snaps instead of buttons for ease and additional double closure
• Drop back for riding position
• No openings at cuffs/wrists (tightens with snaps)
• Side back waist snaps to cinch in or let loose for fit and layers
• Locker loop outside back neck for easy hanging
• Perforated stretch armor pockets for back, shoulders, and elbows
• Comes equipped with CE Level 2 SAS-TEC removable armor in Back, Shoulders, and Elbows
• 4 outside pockets
• 4 inside large stash pockets
Protection & Safety
The Stellar Moto Horizon jacket is a single layer of specialty Dyneema protective denim, so while the material is sturdy and robust, it is not overly heavy and allows for good air flow in the summer. The fabric is also woven with a fair amount of stretch into it for comfort and dexterity.
This jacket includes a full suite of CE level 2 armor in the back, shoulders, and elbows. Prepare to be extremely impressed by the construction quality in the seams and finishing detail as well. This one is built to last for several years of consistent wear.
Although there is no water resistance, you’re getting fantastic abrasion resistance and the highest level of impact protection in a stylish denim package, making the $589 price tag fair.
Best Leather Plus-Size Women’s Motorcycle Jackets
Perfect For Cruising, Touring, & Sport Riding

Cortech Lolo
Why?
The Lolo is comfortable, generous, and curvy. The plus sizes are even more generous and are perfect for cruising and touring riding positions. Zippered gussets in the waist allow for even more hip room if needed.
Best For
All the women with all the curves—a traditional hourglass shape with room for a little “extra” where you need it.
Key Specs
• 1.0–1.2mm pull-up bovine leather
• Leather is drum dyed and oil conditioned for a rich, long lasting finish
• Gusseted shoulders for an easy reach to extended bars
• Leather accordion stretch panels at rear
• Cuffs with zippered closure
• Hook and loop waist adjusters
• Zippered expansion gussets on drop tail
• Zippered hand warmer pockets
• 5 interior storage pockets, including dual snap concealed carry pouch
• YKK® zippers and hardware in burnished silver finish
• SAS-TEC® CE Level 2 shoulder and elbow armor included
• Pocket for optional back protector (sold separately)
Protection & Safety
The Lolo features standard thickness full-grain leather which offers exceptional abrasion resistance. CE level 2 armor in the elbows and shoulders offer great impact protection, but you’ll have to purchase a quality back protector separately.
Protection from the elements is limited, and there’s no reflectivity on this already dark jacket, so keep that in mind when riding at night. Because it is the least expensive full-leather jacket on this list, the Lolo gets a “great” value rating—the back protector is the only thing missing for an “exceptional” rating.

MotoGirl Valerie
Price: $385
Where to Buy: Wind & Throttle
Why?
The extended sizing, beautiful supple leather, zippered waist flare gussets, and a full set of impact protection make this one of the most accessible leather jackets for plus-sized women on the market.
Best For
Any woman with curves of all shapes in all areas of the upper body—available in XS–5XL
Key Specs
• AA Rated Jacket
• CE Level 2, tested and approved shoulder, elbow, and back protector included
• 10 Sizes available XXS–5XL
• 5 colors available: purple, yellow, red, camel, black
• Increased length & size of the front & inside zip pockets, to ensure ease of use
• Longer in the back with zips for adjustment, to ensure a good fit
• Removable inner lining to keep you warm
Protection & Safety
Finding a leather jacket that fits and offers fantastic protection for curvier women can be a struggle. Not only does this jacket offer high-quality full-grain leather for the best abrasion resistance and a thermal vest liner for warmth in colder weather, but it also comes standard with CE level 2 armor in the back, elbows, and shoulders.
Going above and beyond, Wind and Throttle (distributor) and MotoGirl (maker) teamed up to create a custom version of this jacket to accommodate the larger arms of women who happen to love riding as much as they love picking up heavy things. A great fit is half the battle when it comes to the best in safety.
Even without the custom fitting, the jacket will offer the figure-hugging protection that every woman truly deserves regardless of size, making the price tag on the MotoGirl Valerie jacket unbeatable.

Raven Rova Phoenix Leather
Price: $525
Where to Buy: Raven Rova
Why?
The Phoenix was designed by a woman with performance in mind. Cowhide, accordion panels, DuPont Kevlar stretch panels, a pants connection zipper, and CE level 2 armor combine to create full protection for women with broader shoulders and fuller busts from US sizes 6 to 20.
Best For
Women’s US sizes 6–20 with broad shoulders and full busts who want the feel of a custom leather jacket.
Key Specs
• 1.1mm top-grain leather
• Keprotec DuPont Kevlar stretch panels
• CE Level 2 Armor; back protector, shoulder, elbow armor
• Detachable quilted thermal liner
• Antimicrobial athletic mesh liner
• YKK metal zippers, zip-to-pants feature
• Designed for women with full bust and broader shoulders
Protection & Safety
The cowhide found in the Raven Rova Phoenix jacket lends itself to superior abrasion resistance, while DuPont Kevlar reinforces the accordion stretch panels. A pants connection zipper ensures skin coverage for your torso in case of a slide.
CE level 2 armor in the back, shoulders, and elbow work together to offer great impact protection for street riders. The extended sizing allows accessibility to fantastic levels of protection for more women, making this a product with truly great value.

First Manufacturing Popstar Women’s Jacket
Price: $320-$340
Where to Buy: RevZilla | Amazon | J&P Cycles
Why?
Retro Glam perfection for your inner moto maven! Made with premium Naked cow leather, and tailored to accommodate a busty frame. The sizing is available up to 5XL.
Best For
Plus-sized women who love to rock that retro look. Comes with a full zip-in liner, and pockets for armor (sold separately)
Key Specs
• .07-.08mm Naked cow leather
• Motorcycle style with snap down lapel, collar, epaulets and asymmetrical zipper
• One zippered slanted chest pockets
• Two zippered lower slash pockets
• One coin patch pocket
• Zippered sleeves with gussets
• Side Lace with spandex stretch
• Adjustable belt with loops
• Action back with zippered vents
• Two conceal carry pockets with tapered holsters
• Insulated zip-out thermal liner
Protection & Safety
With such a vast sizing range available, there will be a fit for your curves. This jacket is available in sizes XS-5XL.
Everything that can flap in the wind has a button-down to keep it in place. The belt on the bottom of this jacket can be cinched up to keep it fitted.
Made from real leather, this Popstar jacket has good natural abrasion resistance—but keep in mind that the armor does not come standard. I recommend ordering it. Each set of armor for the elbows, shoulders, and back is $25.
Best Adventure & Adventure Touring Plus-Size Women’s Motorcycle Jackets
What To Wear When The Road’s Not There

Alpinestars Stella Andes v3 Jacket
Why?
If you’re looking for a jacket that gives you a pocket-happy, utilitarian, good-vibes ride, the Stella Andes v3 is for you. From Drystar waterproofing and thermal long-sleeve liner, to the Class “A” safety certification and compatibility with Alpinestars’ Tech-Air 5 airbag system, you’ve got an all-seasons keeper with this baby.
Sizing goes up from XS to a roomy XXL (2XL), though we recommend you size up if you’re unsure of sizing for any fitment.
Best For
US Standard and plus-sized women up to a size 18 who want a longer jacket with roomy hip coverage. The belt cinching at the waist really does wonders for the silhouette, so we’ll add that the hourglass/pear-shaped individual would benefit best from this jacket style.
Key Specs
• Waterproof Drystar breathable membrane
• Abrasion-resistant polyfabric textile construction and reinforcement
• Removable long-sleeve thermal liner
• Direct ventilation system (DVS) zippered chest air intakes and back exhaust ports
• Removable CE-rated elbow and shoulder armor
• POCKETS! Waterproof cargo units at the front, a large external stash pocket at the back, and a waterproof interior wallet pocket
• Integrated soft-edge collar
• 3D mesh internal lining
• YKK zippers
• Pre-contoured sleeves with accordion stretch panels on elbows
• Hook and loop waist adjustment belt
• Shock cord adjustment on hem
Protection & Safety
The Alpinestars Stella Andes v3 jacket contains CE Cat II PPE Regulation prEN17092, also known as “A” class safety certification. For that safety level, you’re getting:
• Reinforced polymer-printed texturing in critical elbow and lower arm areas for enhanced abrasion resistance
• Abrasion-resistant polyfabric textile for the jacket’s material
• CE Level 1 Nucleon Flex Plus for all extra protection (elbows and shoulders, with additional Nucleon chest and back armor optional)
• Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 airbag system compatibility (sold separately)
• Jacket-to-pants connection zipper for ideal skid protection
• Reflective details for improved rider safety
For women looking for safety that holds its reputation in more generous sizing, The Alpinestars Stella Andes v3 jacket is ideal - and at the price point of $299.95 price point, there’s really no better unit to add to your wardrobe - just make sure you size up if you’re unsure of fitment.

Olympia Eve 2 Women’s Jacket
Price: $120-$200
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The Olympia Eve 2 is well-tailored with slimming lines and a versatile 2 layer design. The main layer is ballistic mesh, mixed with 600 D poly EVO Thread fabric, for excellent airflow plus amazing abrasion resistance.
The neck has a soft neoprene collar, and you will find plenty of adjustment points to fit your body just right.
Layer 2 is an AquaRes laminated rip-stop nylon waterproof and breathable rain jacket. This can be worn over or under the Mesh jacket, but you can also use it as a stand-alone jacket. I wasn’t kidding when I said the Eve 2 is versatile.
Along with the abrasion protection of the jacket’s outer shell, CE Level 2 armor is included to protect the elbows, shoulders, and back.
Sizes range from XS–3XL.
Key Specs
• Outer shell constructed in 600D abrasion-resistant EVO Thread fabric with ballistic poly mesh airflow panels
• Cool mesh airflow lining
• Comfort Neoprene framed collar
• Two side zipper pockets plus large interior storage pocket
• Custom fit detailing at collar, cuffs, elbows, waist and bottom
• Reflective piping at front, sides and back
• 8” connecting zipper for pants
• Quality YKK zippers
• Removable CE Level 2 armor at elbows and shoulders
• Removable CE Level 2 back protector
• Over or under rain jacket includes an interior storage pocket
Protection & Safety
The Eve 2 has lots of reflective piping at the chest and back yoke for increased visibility in low light situations.
There is removable CE Level 2 armor at the elbows and shoulders, plus a back protector.
The jacket is available in Black or the Grey/Black/Hi Viz shown above.

Firstgear Kilimanjaro™ 2.0 Women's Jacket
Why?
The Firstgear Kilimanjaro™ 2.0 Women's Jacket is a top-tier shell that creates the optimum micro-climate for you. Waterproof membrane materials for the wetter seasons, a breathable performance shell for the hotter environs and and an optimum micro-climate guarantee for the chillier months; add to all this the SAS-TEC CE Level 2 protection and the versatile flexibility of the jacket herself, and suddenly you’ve found that one jacket that accompanies every ride, come rain or shine.
Remember, the body and sleeves of Firstgear’s jackets are 1.5”-2” taller than the ‘standard-cut jackets, so expect roomy fitment, size down if you’re between options, and let’s hear three cheers from the tall gal crowd!! It’s me. I’m the tall gal.
Available in US Women’s sizes SM-3XL.
Key Specs
• Removable waterproof liner (entire jacket is constructed from 100% waterproof materials)
• Adjustable pockets
• Adjustable collar
• Two-position magnetic collar closure
• Intake and exhaust zip vents to regulate body temperature
• Ergonomic jacket to pant zipper interface
• Two-way CNTB YKK zipper gauntlet closure with garage
• Interior drawstring waist pull
• Adjustable hook-and-loop attachments on waist, forearm and biceps for secure fit
• Two interior chest pockets and four exterior pockets
• Pass through grommet in left hand pocket for heated gear controller
• Protection on the shoulders, elbow and back
• Internal construction and loops to accommodate the use of Firstgear heated gear
Protection & Safety
Per the original Kilimanjaro™ jacket, the 2.0 is designed to handle the harshest conditions that riders will encounter, while still providing the great women in our industry with comfort and safety.
• SAS-TEC CE Level 2 protection on the shoulders, elbow and back, complete with adjustable pockets for fine-tuning of armor placement
• Reflective panels at both front and back
Performance and protection merges with lightweight flexibility in the very best the industry’s $250-$500 middle-tier price range of jackets can afford…and lucky you, this one just squeaked under the bar at $499.95.

Klim Artemis Women’s Waterproof Jacket
Why?
Because the Klim Artemis Women’s jacket is the does-it-all jacket; it was designed to be the only jacket that ladies need to purchase - and it totally fits the bill, down to the ventilation. Additional breathability is represented in the chest air pockets and 2 vertical back exhaust vents, with vents at the forearm and biceps. Even the armor pockets promote ventilation using a durable (but very breathable) mesh so that hot spots can’t develop.
Other comfort features include the soft collar liner, adjustment straps at the bicep and forearm and the 2 waist quick-adjust straps. Zippered hip gussets also allow for more adjustment in the fit of the jacket and the airflow in warmer climates.
The Gore-Tex shell and reinforced Karbonite Ripstop material at the elbows and shoulders will handle anything that you come into contact with in any climate, too - and you’re getting all of this at the versatility of XS-2XL in sizing.
Best For
All women of all shapes and sizes! This jacket fits a tad longer than most, so you’re getting better hip protection - just keep in mind if you have particularly generous hips that you’ll want to check measurements to ensure your seated position is comfy.
The waist cinching means this jacket is particularly friendly to the more pear-shaped, hourglass body types.
Key Specs
• Gore-Tex Performance shell, guaranteed to keep you dry
• Karbonite ripstop overlays in elbows and shoulders
• Adjustable VELCRO® brand cuff closures
• Comfort-mapped ventilation for women
• Klimatek cooling mesh in the pad pockets
• POCKETS! 2 chest vent pockets, 2 cross-core vents, 2 articulated forearm vents, 2 bicep vents, 2 zippered hand pockets, 1 rear large pocket, 1 upper arm stash pocket, 2 lower internal zippered stash pockets, 1 vertical inside stash pocket, 1 concealed document pocket behind back pad
• 2 vertical back exhaust vents
• Integrated D3O Level 1 shoulder and elbow armor, Viper 1 back pad
• Improved ventilation through the back pad
• Action back for comfort and mobility
• Upgraded polygiene anti-odor liner
• Soft collar liner
• Collar tab back for improved ventilation
• 2 quick-adjust bicep straps and 2 quick adjust forearm straps, as well as 2 quick-adjust waist adjusters and 2 zippered hip gussets
Protection & Safety
The impact protection in the Artemis includes integrated D3O Level 1 shoulder and elbow armor as well as a Viper 1 back pad - all of which is removable and can be replaced.
It’s reasonable to spend $350 for a summer-weight model, and that much (or more) for a jacket that handles cold and wet weather. At a cost of just over $700, the Klim Artemis might seem to be a little bit high, but you’re not factoring in the money saved in going for a does-it-all jacket purchase.
Bottom line, we recommend the KLIM if only for the simple fact that it’s one of those jackets that seems to fit everybody, regardless of the body type…and we do love versatility, don’t we gals?
Other Best Jacket Lists
See all our recommended riding gear.
What To Look For In A Plus-Size Women's Motorcycle Jacket
One of the first pieces of gear that most riders purchase is a bike specific jacket. The goal is to protect your body from abrasion related injuries as well as impact injuries, so most riders focus on the armor and density or durability of the shell of the jacket.
However, in many cases, after several rides in that first jacket, riders learn a great deal about what they didn’t know about motorcycle jackets and what they didn’t know about their own priorities and preferences. And that learning curve is often far more steep for ladies as they are often forced to make do with a men’s jacket rather than a gender-specific ladies jacket.
Differences Between Ladies & Men’s Gear
In general, a men’s jacket will offer longer sleeves, more roomy shoulders, and a more narrow waist than a women’s jacket. And then there is the obvious difference in the chest area. Some ladies will find that they are able to substitute a men’s jacket and get by with the fit and level of comfort, but once they find a ladies cut jacket that fits properly, they will never settle for even a fairly well-fitting men’s jacket again.
On a hanger or laying on a flat surface, it is very easy to see the hourglass shape of a well-cut ladies jacket. These jackets not only allow for the smaller waist but larger hips of female riders but they also offer a far better fit in the chest and shoulder area. The larger shoulders of men’s jackets can help to accommodate the space needed in the bust area but it often means that the shoulders and sleeves are ill-fitting.
Finding The Ideal Fit
In the case of non-riding jackets, a perfect fit is not always a big deal. But when you are buying a purpose-built piece of gear to protect your body, the fit is everything. A jacket that is too tight in some areas will restrict your movement and can be very dangerous. And a jacket that is too large can allow armor to shift and fail to provide protection at the elbows, shoulders and even along the spine.
In the event of a slide, a large jacket can roll or slide up leaving your skin completely unprotected. It can be a bit more time consuming to find a women’s jacket, but the time that you invest in the process will be rewarded with a far better fit and protection.
As With Any Jacket, Look For
Material – Cowhide. Buffalo. Goatskin. Mesh. Textile. There are a lot of types of leather, each with their own perks and quirks in terms of look and feel, and the same is true for textile fabrics. While leather is generally accepted to have the best abrasion resistance, textile jackets often have more utility and comfort options – pockets, vents, etc. – and cost less.
Use case – A jacket that you intend to wear in the spring or fall is going to need to be warm, while the inverse is true if you spent your seat time underneath the hot Arizona sun. If you are going to be hot when riding, make sure you have adequate venting. Consider when you’ll be wearing it and make sure it’s prepared to meet the need.
Protection – Most jackets come with elbow and shoulder armor, but not all do. Conversely, most jackets will come with a foam back pad but not proper back armor. Make sure the jacket you’re considering packs enough armor to keep you safe.
At WBW, “Best” Actually Means Something
Remember when you could open up a review of something, and when the publication—magazine, car show, whatever—said “best” they stood behind it? Yea, we remember, and we’re bringing it back.
Here’s how we do things:
We disclose our affiliate relationships—We make money via advertising and affiliate relationships on our website. It’s how we pay our team and invest in things like sending Jim to Italy. And Japan. And France… wait… why do we always send Jim places?
We obsessively hands-on test—We wear and ride with gear before reviewing it, and we update reviews down the line if our opinions change. We look at real-world situations because that’s the world we live in.
We’re objective—Good gear is good gear, regardless of who made it.
We’re value-focused—Why pay $500 if something for $250 is just as good? Our review scores and recommendations reflect best value. Brand only goes so far—the gear has to stand on its own.
