What Type of Jackets Do Bikers Wear?
How to Choose the Right Biker Jacket
Knowing what makes a biker jacket worth your money is crucial before delving into the different styles. The ideal one depends on several variables:
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Riding Style: While adventure riders opt for breathable textile options, cruisers often choose classic leather jackets.
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Climate: While textile and mesh jackets perform better in hot or muggy weather, leather provides warmth and durability.
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Fit and Comfort: Your armor will remain in place during impact if it fits snugly but flexibly.
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Safety Standards: Always make sure the back, elbows, and shoulders have CE-rated armor.
Long rides should be comfortable, but your jacket should also be protective in case of an accident. It should feel like a second skin.
Types of Jackets Bikers Wear
There are many different types of jackets available to riders today. To meet particular needs, each has its own materials, designs, and protection levels.
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Leather Jackets
The classic leather motorcycle jackets are enduring representations of the biker lifestyle. Leather is naturally abrasion-resistant and offers superior protection against impact and road rash, so it's more than just fashionable.
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Materials Used:
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Cowhide: the most popular, renowned for its resilience and toughness.
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Kangaroo Leather: Perfect for performance riders, lightweight and incredibly strong.
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Goatskin or Sheepskin: For casual riders, it is softer and more flexible.
Given their sleek appearance and longevity, leather jackets are particularly well-liked by sportbike and cruiser riders.
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Textile Jackets
Given their affordability and versatility, textile motorcycle jackets are growing in popularity. Constructed from cutting-edge materials like Cordura, Aramid, or Kevlar, they are lighter and more breathable than leather and provide remarkable abrasion resistance.
Benefits of textile jackets include:
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Improved moisture-wicking and ventilation for hotter climates.
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Membranes that are windproof or waterproof for year-round riding.
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For convenience and visibility, there are numerous pockets and reflective panels.
Mesh Jackets
If you're biking in warmer places, mesh jackets are a great way to stay cool while still being protected. They’ve got breathable mesh sections paired with tougher fabric areas and CE armor for that extra safety you need.
Here’s what you can expect from them:
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Great airflow to keep you comfortable in the heat.
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Lightweight, which is perfect for city rides.
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A budget-friendly choice for those just starting.
That said, keep in mind that mesh jackets don’t hold up as well against abrasions compared to leather or textile options. So, they're best for shorter trips or riding around town.
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