The 'Fit' of a Motorcycle Jacket

[OPTheory]

Remember the classic Christmas movie called "A Christmas Story"?  Remember the part where Ralphie's Mom dresses up his little brother in an insane amount of puffy clothing to the point where he can't even hold his arms at his sides?

Where I'm getting at is the 'fit' of a motorcycle jacket or how the jacket actually 'hugs' to the contours of the body.  I'm a completely new rider and it was my impression that motorcycle jackets are supposed to fit relatively tight so that in the event of a fall none of the layers shift about when sliding on the road at high speeds.

In the mail today I received a Tour Master Advanced Sport Jacket (textile) - silver color - size small from NewEnough.com.  I tried it on, went to a mirror and as mentioned above I was reminded of Ralphie's little brother bundled up in all of that warmth.  See picture:


Now in the picture it doesn't look half that bad but to me, it seems pretty darn big to me.  The jacket itself is top-notch and very nice and has slots for foam armor that it even came with.

So my question is - how should a motorcycle jacket fit?  Am I wrong in thinking that jackets are supposed to be 'skin-tight'? 

If you'd like - post a picture of yourself in your apparel as I have done.  I suppose we can talk about gear in general too.

-Mike

[RobTheTyrant]

My icon is just loose enough for me to wear a sweater under it if need be... Thats kind of the way I thought a moto-jacket should fit.  I use the "cross-your-arms" method.  put your jacket on, cross your arms in front of you.  If you've got any slack, too big... if it starts binding before you're fully crossed, too small.  The area between the shoulders should be at or near it's limit when your arms are crossed as far as they'll go.

[groff22]

Try to move padding around when the jacket is on. Wear the amount of clothing you would normally wear for a good ride and hold your arm with a slight bend, if you can move the elbow armor around your arm easily, it probably needs to be tightened (if possible) or the jacket is too big. You don't want to wipe out with elbow armor sliding all over the place... On the other side of that and as a matter of preference, I don't like my gear to be too tight, which is why adjustable arm and waist straps are a must for me especially for textile gear. Just like RobTheTyrant, I can fit a sweater/hoodie under my gear on chilly days and still be comfortable.

Your jacket looks a bit big around the arms... but that's for you to know. 

Cheers,
J

[GeeP]

It looks a little big to me, as others have said.  Have you installed the armor yet?  That will make it fit a little tighter. 

Textile gear seems to be sized a little loose.  Even many brands of leather motorcycle gear seem loose to me.  I had to ask the lady who measured me for my custom Vanson leathers to size them slightly large, so I could wear my heated winter gear underneath.  Much more than a thin sweater and I can't move my arms, I always have to suck in my gut to get the zipper going.  Wearing the jacket over a T-shirt I can't reach above my chin, which is normal.  I certainly can't cross my arms, the leather and armor is too thick to allow that.

Remember that motorcycle gear is designed to fit right on the bike.  For example, riding pants will have a baggy butt and the knee armor will be at your shins when standing.  This is because extra material must be provided to ensure a comfortable fit leaning forward on the bike.  Leather and Cordura don't stretch.

Racers will tell you to wear your gear skin-tight.  On the track, they're absolutely right.  Wearing gear that is "painted on" keeps the armor in place and prevents the leather from folding and wearing though during a slide.  However, on the street you need to get off and pump gas, reach the top shelf at the grocery store, put heated gear on in the winter, walk around in it for extended periods off the bike, etc.  All of which demand a slightly looser fit.

Bottom line, somewhere between loose and baggy and skin tight is a happy medium.    If they offer a smaller size, I would be inclined to go that route.  You might look for a motorcycle shop near you that carries that brand.  They may have a smaller size you can try on.  A jacket should start to feel tight and uncomfortable when you put it on over a sweatshirt or heated jacket liner.

[Jay_wolf]

Thats fair enuff, but i have 2 leathers , my Marlboro leather (L) and my Suzuki (XXL) , in my Marlboro it comes just above the waist, and leaning forward the sleeves come right up , so i wear it as a cold weather jacket ,

My suzuki is big ,but when riding the sleeves dont jump up , its much more comfy , but its a lil looser. feels fine 2 me

[Kasumi]

Also its good to note that textile armor is different to leather, a textile jacket should be that a jacket, looseish and easy to move in, you can do everything in it and wear it out without been uncomfortable but the armor usually has adjuster straps so the armor stays in place on the elbows, and back and shoulders. Leather is different, leather should be skin tight or damn near. Many people have one leather set and one textile gear set if they are keen riders. Leather offers superior protection as its skin tight, theres more armour in it and its arguably stronger, loads of people will wear their leather one piece or two piece suits when going out for a blast on rides with mates. If they are going shopping or commuting then a set of textile gear is the way forward, you can wear clothes underneath - not just ur pants and t-shirt. Lots of people can wear suits and stuff ready for work, you have movement like a casual jacket but you sacrifice some protection. However you gain huge practicality. I would be temped to try the smaller jacket but if you cant get one and the one you have now has adjuster straps for armor just tighten them up so the armor fits to your body and you shouldnt have a problem. Any gear is better than no gear unless it comes to helmets which HAVE to fit perfect.

[Jay_wolf]

Yep +1000000 on the helmet fit , if theres any wiggle what so ever when u move it side to side , its not a good fit , has to be squeezed into more or less ,

why do leathers have to be skin tight? at the end of the day , the leather is making contact with the Road , and your arm/body.shoulder . are safety not getting rashed , the protection on my jacket doesnt move , its shaped to my shoulders , elbows and back

[Kasumi]

Just the way leather gear should be worn, it should be skin tight or near to skin tight depending on the style you go for, obviously a loose harley or touring leather jacket is not meant to fit tight. But true leather motorcycle gear should fit tight, a good example is if you go to a serious trackday or your a racer, they always wear tight gear and your not allowed on track if your not wearing tight leather gear. Leather jackets and pants are meant to be like second skin its how they are designed like GeeP said you cant wear leather off the bike well, its designed for riding and fits best when your riding unlike textile. Leather offers better protection because you wear it skin tight so no armour movement and because its stronger than textile. Also if you decide to wear gear don't forget footwear. More people lose ankles than knees even if you dont get proper motorcycle boots get ankle high boots at least that are made of strong leather or otherwise.

[OPTheory]

Don't understand why this was put into the "Odds n Ends" section but ok.  Look at this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EHuXLYuMgA

Notice that while he spins his jacket actually starts to come up and over his head.  Very incredible footage.

Thanks for your input everyone.  I think I might return my jacket and get a leather joe rocket "twist" jacket - anyone have any experience with leather Joe Rocket jackets?

[slowinthestraights]

Joe Rocket is junk.

Look around for deals etc, I got a last years model Alpinestars TZ-1 leather jacket for less than $200 brand new. But hey, its your skin.

[OPTheory]

How does that TZ-1 fit?  I've found a few good deals on that.

[slowinthestraights]

Fits me great, just find somewhere to try it on. The waist area is a bit big, but it has straps with 2 buttons to adjust that. However, if it is a big deal to you, it has next to no venting and gets hot above 80 or so degrees, but I would still rather wear it than a textile.

[bluelespaul]

my jacket is tight. when i put the inside warm stuff in its really tight. but i like it like that, after riding for a few minutes it feels like its not even on.

[Kasumi]

Sorry threadjack -


Do you see bluelespaul's sig?  Suspended license for being 10mph over the speed limit, thats ridiculous, do you have previous?

/threadjack

[bluelespaul]

haha, no that was my only ticket. new laws in MA anyone under 18 that gets a speeding ticket gets mandatory 3 month (90 day) suspension with a 500$ reinstatement fee, 2 driverl classes and must retake BOTH morotcycle and car permit and road test.

i suppose i dont NEED to retake my bike permit test, but that would just be retarded. i think im gonna take msf again next spring just to get back into the riding feel.

[DrtRydr23]

A motorcycle jacket is not unlike other clothes as far as fit is concerned.  As others have said, tight with enough room for layers is preferable.  However, body type will determine a lot of the fit.  For example, I have an AGV textile jacket which fits well around my trunk, but is tight in the shoulders and around my forearms.  I have relatively broad shoulders and big forearms, but the next size up is too long in the arms and loose in the trunk area.  If you are tall and lean, the arms may be a little loose to be long enough.  Short and stocky people may have my problem.  If money is no object and you have time to try on enough jackets, you may find one that fits perfectly.  Otherwise, find an affordable model that fits relatively well.

As far as leathers being skin tight.....if you don't plan on doing track days or racing, there's no practical reason for leathers to be skin tight.  You will run more risk of rash, etc if you go down (from pant legs riding up and such), but they also have to be functional off the bike.  Most people don't wear a full leather suit to ride to work.  However, they should probably still wear a well fitted jacket, boots, gloves, helmet (of course), and abrasion resistant pants of some type.  I'd like to get some good overpants to wear over my jeans/whatever.  As long as they fit well, you will avoid most abrasion related injury if you should go down.  You'll probably still get hurt some, but it comes with the territory.