How Should a Motorcycle Jacket Fit? Plus Best Motorcycle Jackets for Beginners

When looking to purchase the perfect motorcycle jacket fit for your budget and style, it’s important to consider the purpose of a motorcycle jacket. The purpose of a jacket may seem obvious, but many people buy gear based on style rather than protection (which is understandable!). However, motorcycle jackets are safety gear designed to protect your body from impact and road abrasion—but this is not to say they can’t also be stylish.

Motorcycle jackets come in many styles, but you’ll want to make sure whichever jacket you choose includes body armour. Wearing a motorcycle jacket with armour is critical to protect your body from impact. Most jackets have armour in the shoulder and elbow areas, as well as a back protector to keep your spine safe from impact. Some manufacturers offer different types or sizes of back protectors, and these are sometimes sold separately—but are important to include!

Keep in mind that just like any other piece of gear, having the wrong size isn’t going to do you much good. A jacket that fits properly will provide the most protection when you're out on the open road.

There are two main types of motorcycle jackets—textile and leather.

Since scorching summer weather isn’t for everyone, a full textile jacket is ideal for riders planning to conquer any weather. Full textile jackets come in a range of materials to protect against road abrasion, impacts and the ever-changing weather. You can even find textile jackets with waterproofing and windproofing options as well as thermal liners for rides in cooler weather. Like a mesh jacket, full textile jackets typically have vents that you can open in hot weather. Some textile jackets even offer zip-off panels exposing a mesh layer to make the jacket even more versatile. Full textile jackets are the choice of adventurers, tourers, commuters, or anyone looking to ride regardless of the weather.

Leather is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you imagine a motorcycle jacket, and that’s because it's a classic and timeless style! Leather provides substantial protection against abrasion. The superior abrasion resistance of a leather jacket makes it an excellent choice for sportbike riders, track day enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys travelling at high rates of speed. 

If you choose to go with a leather motorcycle jacket, you’ll want to consider a waterproof outer layer for riding in wet weather. 

When it comes to leather motorcycle jackets these are our top picks: the SPIDI Evotider 2 Leather Jacket, the SPIDI Garage Leather Jacket, the Dainese Super Rider D-Dry Jacket, and the Alpinestars Faster Airflow Leather Jacket.

Once you’ve determined the material that best suits your riding needs, you'll need to identify your preferred fit and measurements. 

Typically, your style of riding will determine your jacket fit. Sportbike riders require a snug fit that keeps the body armour secure in impact areas and leaves no extra material to catch the wind.

Cruiser and sport-touring riders often opt for a slightly more comfortable fit but still need to ensure that body armour is sitting in the correct areas. Jackets built for the adventure or touring crowd often have a longer cut to provide extra coverage for various riding situations.

1. Find Your Chest Size
   Before you order your jacket, you will need to take a few measurements. The first measurement you'll need is the size of your chest. Take this measurement at the most prominent part of your chest, as far up under the armpits as possible. 
2. Measure Your Arm Length
   Once you have your chest size, you'll want to grab your arm measurement. There are two ways to find your arm length, and it will depend on the number ranges listed on the jacket you're sizing for. If the arm measurements are in the 20-inch range, you will measure from your shoulder, but if they are in the 30-inch range, you will need to measure from your spine at the base of your neck. If arm length is a common issue for you, ask or look around for jackets offered specifically in tall or short sizes. Many popular jackets by well-known brands come in these unique sizes. 
3. Find Your Waist Measurement
   The last measurement is your waist size. You'll want to make sure you're taking this measurement right at the belly button. Don't be surprised if your waist measurement is not the same as your pants size—this is common. Waist measurements are less important if the jacket features an adjustable waist.

A motorcycle jacket shouldn’t impede your ability to turn or reach the handgrips on your bike, but it should still be snug. If your jacket is too loose, the protective features are less likely to stay in place and provide appropriate protection. You'll want to make sure that the armour sits over your elbows and shoulders. Armour can be upgraded to provide more protection and comfort.