A leather jacket is a popular item among motorcyclists, and many lifelong bikers own at least one of these fantastic pieces. The reason for this is not hard to understand, as leather jackets offer the perfect combination of style, protection, and durability.
A good leather motorcycle jacket can serve you for at least two decades. Many riders are torn between choosing a leather jacket vs a textile jacket. However, a leather jacket is more durable. This is why you need to choose a leather jacket of the best quality. In this article, we will discuss the best tips for choosing a leather jacket.
Tips for Choosing a Leather Jacket
If you are a new motorcycle enthusiast or a seasoned biker looking to get a leather jacket for riding, these tips will come in handy. These are things to look out for in a leather jacket:
● Quality: The quality of the leather is the most important thing when it comes to choosing a leather motorcycle jacket.
With a motorcycle jacket made of high-quality leather, you are safe from the elements including wind and dust. Good leather will also give you protection in the case of an accident.
The best type of leather for you is animal leather. You can choose leather motorcycle jackets made from cowhide, kangaroo, and deer.
- Full Grain Leather: Whichever type of animal hide you pick, a full-grain leather jacket should be a priority as they are usually very strong and durable.
Avoid going for corrected grains or bonded leather, such jackets are made with inferior leather and you might have to spend money on a new one in a few years. When choosing a jacket, check to see that it is made from a single piece of leather.
Check the front and back of the jacket, and see that the leather is of the same texture and color. Avoid buying a leather jacket that has multiple pieces sewn together into one, as it is most likely to get ripped.
- Zippers: The zipper of the jacket is crucial to its durability, so you must take your time to ensure that it works perfectly.
Check the stitches on the zipper of the jacket to confirm if it is finished properly. The zipper should be finished on both ends, so it does not start wearing out in no time. Crooked stitches are a sign that the zipper is not well finished.
Put on the jacket, and pull the zipper on. The zipper should move up and down smoothly, and you should not purchase such a jacket if it does not. Also, check the fastening on the cuffs and pockets.
● Protection: Your leather jacket should protect you from the elements while riding. It should also keep injuries at the barest minimum in the case of an accident. So, you should only purchase a jacket that is designed with the best protective features.
A leather jacket with armor is your best bet. Check the armor to see if it has a CE-approved tag, as that is a sign of quality. The jacket should also be padded in all the vital areas to give you full protection.
Choose a leather jacket that is padded around the shoulders, elbows, chest, and shoulders. Once the jacket has armor and padding, you can be sure to be safe while riding in it.
● The Right Size: The fitting of your leather jacket goes a long way in determining how smooth your motorcycle rides will be. If you are not sure of the perfect size for you, do a physical fitting before choosing the jacket.
Put the jacket on, and check areas like the total length, the wrist closure, as well as the sleeves. You do not want to purchase a jacket that is too big for your frame, so go for something that fits you nicely.
● Comfort: Your comfort is also very important when it comes to choosing your leather jacket. The more comfortable you are, the more you enjoy your ride.
The first thing to consider when it comes to checking comfort is the weight of the jacket. Avoid purchasing a jacket that is too heavy or bulky.
A heavy jacket will hinder your movement on your motorcycle, affecting actions like turning and swerving. Your jacket should also be gentle on your skin, do not buy anything that makes you feel itchy and uneasy.
Maintaining Your Leather Motorcycle Jacket
A leather motorcycle jacket is often a one-time investment. This is why it is important to take its maintenance very seriously.
Thankfully, maintaining a leather jacket is quite easy and stress-free. Regularly clean your jacket using a damp cloth and water.
This will clean all the sweat and dirt on the jacket. You can also use a small piece of cloth to wipe down road dirt and bugs that might have caught on while riding. After cleaning, leave your jacket to dry fully before wearing it again.
Conclusion
Getting a leather motorcycle jacket is easy when you follow the tips listed above. Look out for a trusted vendor and check out the collection of the best leather motorcycle jackets before choosing one.
The durability of your leather jacket relies heavily on how well you maintain it. Therefore, ensure to always keep it safe and clean. Get a leather motorcycle jacket, and you can feel what it is like to ride with comfort and safety.
