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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Best Entry-Level Women's Motorcycle Jackets
Priced under $250.
First Manufacturing Holli Women’s Jacket
Price: $220
Where to Buy: RevZilla | Amazon | J&P Cycles
Why?
The Holli is a classic style with some sass! Designed using a rough neck raw denim body, a leather hood, and full-grain leather sleeves, it gives the illusion of wearing a leather jacket under a denim vest without the extra bulk.
First Manufacturing has a great size range from XS to 5XL plus a lifetime warranty.
Key Specs
• Raw denim and full grain leather construction
• Leather hood
• Inner pockets
• Side zipper reliefs
• Armor pockets (armor sold separately)
Protection & Safety
Full-grain leather provides excellent abrasion resistance in this garment. There is also an optional CE-2 Armor Pad Set available, consisting of one center-back pad, two shoulders pads, and two elbow pads.
Additionally, first Manufacturing Co offers a lifetime warranty against defects in material and workmanship of leather products from the original date of purchase for the life of the item.
REV’IT Eclipse Textile Jacket
Price: $179
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
REV’IT! Eclipse Women’s Jacket is a solid selection for women riding in a warm climate who are not willing to compromise on quality protection. This jacket offers a classic look in a ladies cut with sizes from 34 to 46, and all are offered in black, silver, and brown. The style of this jacket is a bit more relaxed than some racing style jackets and could even be considered for longer touring rides.
The double loops at the waist make this jacket easy to attach to riding pants to add to the rider’s level of comfort and to add to the protective nature of the jacket in the lower back area in the event of a slide or other accident.
Key Specs
• Outer Shell: Mesh, polyester 600D
• Protection:
• Knox Flexiform CE protection at shoulders and elbows
• Back Protector (sold separately):
• Seesoft Back Protector—Type RV
• Type RV / Size 03 fits 34-36
• Type RV / Size 04 fits 38-44
• Type RV / Size 05 fits 46
• Visibility: Laminated reflective logo
Ergonomic Features:
• Fit: tour fit, regular
• Adjustability: adjustment straps
• Ventilation: ventilation panels
• Features: double jeans loop
• Pockets: slit pockets, inner pocket
Protection & Safety
The construction of the Eclipse definitely puts safety first as the elbows, shoulders, and other high impact areas are reinforced with polyester 600D while the remaining areas are constructed of mesh. Knox Flexiform CE rated armor is included at the elbows and shoulders. This armor offers two hinge points for a great range of motion as well as 12 air holes to promote airflow.
The Eclipse does not include any back armor but is designed to accommodate the Seesoft Back Protector Type RV which can be purchased for about an additional $50. The size of the back protector is determined by the size of the jacket that you purchase, so be certain to select the correct size to ensure full back protection.
At a cost of only $179.99, the Eclipse is a very reasonably priced jacket, and even when the back protection is added, the total investment remains under $230.00. This makes the Eclipse a great selection for a quality mesh jacket for warm weather rides.
Joe Rocket Majestic Women’s Jacket
Price: $220
Where to Buy: RevZilla | Amazon
Why?
Modern, sleek, mesh, and armored—darn right, it’s Majestic! Joe Rocket designed this one for maximum airflow and protection.
Full Free Air™ mesh keeps you cool on hot days, and lightweight CE armor with a ventilated honeycomb design in the shoulders & elbows—plus a CE-rated spine pad—takes care of full protection. There are 4 great colors to choose from, and sizing runs from XS thru 3XL.
Key Specs
• Full Free Air mesh like the original Phoenix for maximum air flow on hot days
• YKK zippers throughout
• Removable waterproof liner
• Adjustable sleeves and waist to customize the fit
• Zippered hip gussets to customize the fit
• 8” zipper for pant attachment
Protection & Safety
This jacket features New lightweight CE armor with full ventilation honeycomb design in the shoulders & elbows. It also comes with a CE rated spine pad for maximum protection, and has reflective stripe on sleeves and back.
Olympia Eve 2 Women’s Jacket
Price: $200
Where to Buy: RevZilla | J&P Cycles
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 thru 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 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 elbows and shoulders, plus a back protector.
• The jacket is available in Black or the Grey/Black/Hi Viz shown above.
Best Mid-Range Women's Motorcycle Jackets
Priced $250 - $500.
Klim Avalon Mesh Jacket
Price: $349
Where to Buy: RevZilla | Amazon | J&P Cycles
Why?
The Klim Avalon Women’s Jacket features Karbonite Mesh to provide massive airflow but is also 750 times stronger than the traditional polyester mesh used in most riding jackets.
From a comfort and feature perspective, the Klim Avalon is equally loaded. The articulated fit and gender-specific cut mean that ladies will find this jacket very comfortable when in a riding position.
The stretch material inside the elbows along with the quick-adjust forearm straps make this jacket very customizable regardless of the clothing riders are wearing under it. The hip expansion gusset accommodates hourglass figures—unlike many other jackets that can be uncomfortable for ladies.
The Avalon also offers 3 external pockets with zipper closures, two internal pockets and an emergency ID pocket located on the forearm.
Key Specs
• Massive mesh coverage
• Heavy abrasion- and tear-resistant military-spec-derived Klim Karbonite nylon mesh
• Built with Klim Rhino-Stitch construction technology
• Abrasion zones at elbows, and shoulders: 840D high tenacity 6.6 nylon for outstanding abrasion resistance and durability
• UV-resistant treatment on main mesh material
• Fleece-lined soft collar
• Adjustable D3O EVO XT Level 1 armor at elbows
• D3O EVO level 1 shoulder pads
• D3O level 1 back pad
• Klimate cooling stretch mesh in elbow and shoulder pad pockets
• 3M Scotchlite reflective on upper and lower arms and upper back
• Reflective positioning designed for maximum biomotion perception
• Articulated fit
• Hip expansion gusset
• Slightly longer body length
• Stretch material inside elbows
• 2 quick-adjust forearm straps
• Breathable moisture-wicking internal mesh comfort liner
• 1 external upper chest pocket, 2 lower zippered hand pockets
• 1 inner chest pocket, 1 inside front pocket
• 1 forearm emergency id pocket
• Hypalon zipper pullers
• YKK zippers throughout
Protection & Safety
In addition to the heavy abrasion and tear-resistant military-spec mesh, the Avalon is constructed of 840D heavy-duty textile and Klim Rhino-Stitch construction technology for amazing durability. Reinforcements are added at the elbows and shoulders as well as other high impact areas for the highest quality abrasion protection.
Adjustable D3O EVO XT Level 1 armor is located at the elbows while D3O EVO level 1 pads are in the shoulders. A D3O level 1 back pad is also included in the Avalon. And finally, this jacket is cut slightly longer than most to provide increased coverage for the lower back and hip area in the event of an accident.
Priced at $350, the Klim Avalon offers exceptional protection and comfort in a very versatile jacket. The latest technology in mesh fabrics is worth paying a little bit more for so that you know you are well protected from abrasion and from the hazards of overheating when riding in hot climates.
Alpinestars Stella T-Jaw Women’s Textile Jacket
Price: $289
Where to Buy: RevZilla | Amazon | J&P Cycles
Why?
The Alpinestars Stella T-Jaw Textile Jacket is a great choice for aggressive ladies who want all the protection of a race-style jacket but in a cut designed to accommodate a few curves.
A 450D poly-fabric shell with strategically reinforced 600D for high impact areas provided all of the protection that ladies need. The addition of stretch panels on the sleeves, in the chest, and at the shoulder blades allow for the comfort and range of motion that will make this every sport bike rider’s favorite selection.
The comfort of the Alpinestars Stella T-Jaw comes from the attention to detail that Alpinestars has become known for over the years. The snap closure on the sport collar, the pre-curved sleeve construction, and the stretch accordion panels above the elbows and behind the shoulders all add to the comfort and function of the Stella T-Jaw.
Velcro adjustments at the waist and the wrists also allow for a more customized fit and exceptional comfort level. And the zippered air intakes at the shoulders allow for great temperature control in warmer climates.
Key Specs
• Optimized for a women’s performance fit
• Poly fabric outer shell
• Light weight 450D and 600D as reinforcement on critical areas
• Removable full sleeve thermal liner
• Sport collar with snap closure and comfort panel on the back
• Pre-curved sleeve construction
• Stretch accordion above elbows and behind shoulders
• Stretch panels on sleeves and upper chest for ease of movement
• VELCRO® brand waist and wrist closure adjustment
• Zippered air intakes in shoulder area
• Waterproof internal pocket
• Integrated high visibility reflective graphics on sleeves and back to improve rider’s visibility in low light condition
• Removable CE protectors on 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
Protection & Safety
Removable CE protectors for the shoulders and elbows are provided, as well as a pocket for a back protector, which is not included with the initial purchase. There is also the proprietary Velcro and snap system which allows riders to integrate the CE certified Alpinestars Nucleon Back Protector. The cost of the Nucleon is $60.
Similar Nucleon chest protectors can also be added for an extra $40. For riders who opt to ride without adding the Nucleon protectors, there is additional padding added to both the back and chest areas to aid in reducing injuries from impact situations.
With a base cost of just under $300 and an all-in cost of just under $400 with the Nucleon armor, the Alpinestars Stella T-Jaw Textile Jacket is a great selection for ladies who want to go fast but only with the right protective gear.
Speed And Strength Throttle Body Women’s Jacket
Price: $300
Where to Buy: RevZilla | Amazon | J&P Cycles
Why?
Constructed from beautiful and naturally abrasion-resistant 1.1mm premium cowhide, the tailored lines of the Throttle Body jacket conceal a few tricks.
Waist cinches help hug your figure and the shoulder expansion gussets add comfort when holding the bars, but the armed response concealed carry pocket allows you to keep that thing close on any ride.
Removable vault CE Level 2 shoulder and elbow protectors pair with a removable vault CE Level 1 back protector to protect you in case of a fall, and the reflective trim helps make sure you are more visible.
Key Specs
• 1.0-1.1mm natural drum-dyed premium cowhide leather frame
• Shoulder expansion gussets.
• Perforated panels for ventilation
• 2 zippered hand warmer pockets
• Internal stash pocket
• Armed Response concealed carry pocket
• Lockdown waist adjusters
• YKK main zipper opening
• Belt loops for pant attachment
• Reflective trim
• Face shield pocket
This jacket is all-new from Speed and Strength and ranges in size from XS thru 3XL.
Protection & Safety
• Removable Vault CE Level 2 approved shoulder and elbow protectors
• Removable Vault CE Level 1 approved back protector
• Reflective trim for improved visibility
REV’IT! Voltiac 2 Women’s Four-Season Jacket
Price: $289
Where to Buy: RevZilla | J&P Cycles
Why?
The REV’IT! Voltiac 2 Women’s Jacket offers ladies all of the versatility needed for year-round enjoyment while also providing the fit and comfort that can only be found in a ladies cut jacket.
The sizing ranges from 34 to 48 and there are three color schemes including black with silver accents, silver with black accents and black with fuchsia accents.
The exterior of the Voltiac is made of durable polyester 600D for abrasion protection and to fend off all that the climate can throw at you. There is also a Hydratex and mesh liner that is waterproof and breathable.
Key Specs
• Icon Women’s Sport Fit
• 1.2-1.4mm cowhide leather
• Removable D3O back, elbow and shoulder armor
• Vented cuffs
• Custom zipper pulls
• Pre-curved arms
Protection & Safety
Elbow and shoulder SeeSmart CE level 1 armor is included with the purchase of the Voltiac, and is more comfortable and flexible than the armor in the first version of this jacket.
There is also a pocket for the Seesoft CE level 2 Type RV back protector, which can be purchased separately. The cost of the back protector is $50.
Four Season Features
Being that the Voltiac is a four-season jacket, there is also a detachable thermal liner which can be added for the colder temperatures. The relaxed cut of this touring fit jacket allows riders to remain comfortable in a variety of climates and conditions using some or all of the added layers of protection and insulation.
The waist, cuff and sleeve adjustments allow the rider to customize the fit, regardless of which layers are in use and the under layers that are being worn. This jacket can even accommodate the Challenger cooling vest for use in the hottest climates.
At under $300, the REV’IT! Voltiac 2 jacket offers riders a single garment to meet their total riding needs. The addition of back protection will take the final cost to just under $350, but that is still a very fair price for year-round comfort and protection in a four-season jacket that is cut to fit the curves and shape of ladies who love to ride.
Firstgear Kilimanjaro Four-Season Jacket
Price: $399
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The Firstgear Kilimanjaro Women’s Jacket provides the durability that ladies need to avoid abrasion issues as well as handling any bad weather that you might run into when out on a ride.
The Kilimanjaro jacket is constructed of 420D abrasion-resistant nylon, with 620D nylon at reinforcements at the elbow as well as the upper arms and shoulders.
The jacket is offered in sizes XS through 3XL and is available in three colors including white, grey, and Hi-Vis.
Key Specs
• 420D abrasion-resistant nylon exterior
• 620D nylon at elbows, upper arms and shoulders
• Waterproof-breathable, 2.5 layer, PTFE laminate technology
• PTFE laminate incorporates revolutionary 37.5 advanced, micro-particle technology
• 3 interior pockets including oversized cellphone specific pocket
• 5 exterior pockets including under-flap and quick access
• Adjustable slider, snap collar closure
• D3O elbow and shoulder guards CE certified to EN 1621-1 Level 1
• D3O EVO T5 back protector CE certified to EN 1621-1 Level 1
• Armor pocket bags with micro-adjustability allows fine tuning of armor placement
• YKK waterproof zippers in strategic areas
• YKK 2-way front and cuff zippers add comfort and breathability
• Reflective patches front and back, body and arms
• Adjustable waist strap facilitates fit with various layering
• Top shoulder vents with hold-open straps
• Huge, vertical back panel vents
• Articulated sleeves for optimal fit in the riding position
• Elasticized, draw-string hem seals out the elements as required
• Grommet in left hand warmer pocket for powered garment cords
• Neoprene collar
• Hidden under helmet hood
• Drop tail
Protection & Safety
Firstgear provides riders with a full complement of armor included in the purchase of this jacket. D3O elbow and shoulder armor are CE certified to EN 1621-1 Level 1 and the D3O EVO T5 back protector is also CE certified to EN 1621-1 Level 1.
The pockets for this armor offer micro-adjustability to add to the level of comfort and to maximize the protection from the pads. Reflective patches on the front and back of the body and arms add to the safety of the rider in low visibility and low light conditions.
Four Season Features
A waterproof and breathable layer adds to the functionality during wet weather, while the shoulder vents add to the riders comfort in hotter climates. The vents in the back can also be used as exhaust ports when the front vents are opened during a summer ride.
The sleeves are articulated for maximum comfort when riding and the adjustable waist straps allow for a custom fit in all weather and regardless of the layers worn under the Kilimanjaro.
The 5 exterior pockets and the 3 interior ones provide space to store all of your personal items within easy reach including your cell phone which can be placed in the oversized interior chest pocket.
At nearly $400, the Firstgear Kilimanjaro women’s jacket is certainly an investment, but one which you will be glad you made. This jacket is designed to handle the harshest conditions that riders will encounter while still providing ladies with great comfort and safety.
Best High-End Women's Motorcycle Jackets
Priced over $500.
Dainese Racing 3 D-Air Women’s Leather Jacket
Price: $1,299
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
For ladies who are looking for a top of the line leather race jacket that will work on the street or at the track, the Dainese Racing 3 D-Air is definitely the jacket to select.
The Racing 3 D-Air is constructed of Tutu cowhide with perforated panels to promote cooling and air circulation. This track-ready jacket is offered in sizes 40-52 and comes in three color schemes. The predominant color on all three jackets is black but the accents vary to offer white, red or fuchsia.
Other features in the 3 D-Air include 2 outer zipper pockets on the front of the jacket and one inner pocket. The jacket also includes a jacket to pants attachment zipper to create a full race suit feel and the added back protection that comes from connecting a jacket and pants. Hook and loop waist adjustment straps and the hook and loop cuffs also allow for a customized fit.
Key Specs
Electronic System:
• Triggering algorithm and diagnostics managed by dedicated firmware
• Three accelerometers
• Three gyroscopes
• GPS
• 4 Gigabyte internal memory
• LED user interface on right forearm
• Lithium polymer battery with approximately 8 hours of use when fully charged
Pneumatic System:
• Dainese-patented 3D structure airbag
• High-pressure airbag with volume of 4 liters
• “Cold” technology gas generator
Protection:
• Composite protectors certified to EN 1621.1 Level 2 standard on elbows
• Soft protectors certified to EN 1621.1 Level 2 on shoulders
• Thermoformed small shoulders with interchangeable aluminum plates
Ergonomics And Comfort:
• Tutu cowhide leather
• Aluminum
• S1 bielastic fabric
• Jacket-to-pants fastening system
• Waist adjustment
Other Features:
• 1 inner pocket
• 2 outer pockets on front
• Reflective inserts
Protection & Safety
Composite protectors certified to EN 1621.1 Level 2 standard are located at the elbows and soft protectors certified to EN 1621.1 standard Level 2 are located at the shoulders. There are also aluminum plates at the shoulders for added safety.
The Pro-Armor back protector also houses the D-Air System. When the system is activated, it deploys an airbag that is designed to protect the chest and neck of the rider.
It is important to note that this high tech safety system must be registered with Dainese and will also require regular care and maintenance to remain functional. This includes tasks such as regular charging of the battery packs and a complete overhaul of the system every five years by Dainese.
At $1,200.00, the Dainese Racing 3 D-Air is certainly one of the most expensive leather jackets that ladies can buy. The benefit of investing in the ultimate level of protection is having a potential life-saving airbag that is automatically deployed in the event of an accident.
It not only protects your head, neck, and torso, but also the majority of your vital organs which can be damaged or destroyed in the event of high impact. For a super-safe leather jacket, the 3 D-Air is in a class by itself.
Klim Artemis Women’s Waterproof Jacket
Price: $699
Where to Buy: RevZilla | Amazon | J&P Cycles
Why?
The Klim Artemis Women’s jacket is designed to be the only jacket that ladies need to purchase.
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. The Artemis is sold in sizes small through 2XL and is currently offered in light grey, dark grey and a hi-viz color scheme.
Personal items and small gear can be accommodated in the myriad of pockets which include: 2 chest vent pockets, 2 zippered hand pockets, 1 rear large pocket, 1 upper arm stash pocket, 2 lower internal zippered stash pockets, 1 vertical inside stash pocket, and 1 concealed document pocket behind the back pad.
Key Specs
• Gore-Tex Performance shell
• Guaranteed To Keep You Dry
• Karbonite ripstop overlays in the elbows and shoulders
• Adjustable VELCRO® brand cuff closures
• Comfort mapped ventilation for women
• Klimatek cooling mesh in the pad pockets
• 2 chest vent pockets, 2 cross-core vents, 2 articulated forearm vents, 2 bicep vents
• 2 vertical back exhaust vents
• 1 stat card / hidden stash pocket
• Integrated D3O Level 1 shoulder and elbow armor, Viper 1 back pad
• Improved ventilation through the back pad
• 2 chest vent pockets, 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
• 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, 2 quick adjust forearm straps
• 2 quick-adjust waist adjusters, 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. This armor will protect riders from an impact that can occur when riding on trails and from impact due to an accident.
The armor is removable and can be replaced as it begins to show wear but there is never really any need to spend money to upgrade the level of protection as you already have great armor included in this jacket.
Four Season Features
Venting is critical to comfort in a four-season jacket. Klim designed the armor pockets to promote ventilation by using a durable but very breathable mesh so that the armor does not create hot spots in the jacket.
Additional ventilation comes from the chest ventilation pockets and the 2 vertical back exhaust vents. Vents at the forearm and bicep add to the cooling for extremities as well.
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.
It is very easy to spend $350 or more on a summer-weight jacket and that much or more for a jacket to handle cold and wet weather. But when you invest that money in the Artemis, you have every climate and weather condition covered by a single garment.
At a cost of just under $700, the Klim Artemis might seem to be a little bit high, but once you discover all of the protection and comfort that it offers, the price makes more sense.
Roland Sands Maywood CE Women’s Leather Jacket
Price: $725
Where to Buy: RevZilla | J&P Cycles
Why?
Roland Sands Design has an elevated sense of style with its leather jackets. Constructed using an ultra-premium, water-resistant treated leather quality that is soft and buttery to the touch. Maywood will keep you dry in most light to moderate raining conditions.
Like many RSD designs, this leans more to the Cafe Racer look, and the details are everywhere. Beautiful stitching forms quilted panels and tailors nicely around the CE-level armor. On the inside, you will find brushed suede and a satin poly quilted internal lining, this jacket feels luxurious when you pull it on.
If a premium garment is what you are after, you have found it.
Key Specs
• Winchester full grain 1.1mm thick cowhide
• Water repellent finish
• Critical seams sealed
• Satin poly quilted internal liner with heat embossed graphics
• Waterproof internal chest pockets and mesh lower pockets
• YKK Zippers
• Waterproof cuff, sleeve and hand pocket zippers
• Café collar
• Quilt stitch details on chest, shoulders and upper sleeves
Protection & Safety
• Includes CE EN 1621:2021-1 certified SAS-TEC flex elbow and shoulder armor
• Armor ready back protector pocket (back protector sold separately)
• CE approved to CE EN 17092:2020 as a Class AA garment
Other Best Jacket Lists
See all our recommended riding gear.
What To Look For In A 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.
