Oh, Ladies?!

[RandiBBB]

Thank you all for not razzing me too hard on this.  

Just to get me on the road I ended up with a textile jacket whose name I can't remember right now, and I was able to get into a large.  I definitely want leathers because of the safety factor, but I wouldn't mind saving a buck or two in the process.  I'll spend as much as I have to be not a penny more, if that makes sense.

At the motorcycle shop where I was trying on leather jackets, I had on a Size 50 and could not zip it.

[RandiBBB]

Anne fits perfectly in mens small jackets but then again she isn't as "robust" as you are.  You are stuck shopping for girls jackets.

I'm giggling here - "robust" makes me think of coffee!!  :lol:

[mo]

Hi Randi

If you want to go custom and leather, you might try Vanson Leathers.
http://www.vansonleathers.com

People I know have raved about them.  It's not cheap, but it is excellent quality. They have a decent selection of leathers with space for armour (back protector, elbow and shoulder inserts). They do a lot of custom work. I visited their outlet and the people seemed very customer-service oriented.

Vanson will be my next jacket and I have the same umm, issues, so I'll definitely be going custom.  

I have three textile jackets: joe rocket phoenix mesh, for hot weather, a tourmaster, and a yellow darien from aerostitch. I wear the yellow darien most of the time because I live in boston, where a rider needs every bit of visibility she can get. They're all men's sizes and none fit perfectly.

I've seen a few women around town wearing Vansons..the jackets look great--not too loose, not skin tight, decent protection.

It takes a bit of work to find a motorcycle-specific jacket that fits, but it is your protection from wind, pavement, and airborne (sometimes projectile) debris...ever felt the thunk of a kicked-up stone from a car on your chest? , so its best to get something that fits and that you like.  It's money well spent.

Let us know what you decide on!

dainese, rukka, first gear, and bmw also make nice women's jackets

[RandiBBB]

Awesome, mo!     Thanks for the tip.  You all have been great with referrals, so now it's time for me to investigate!

[dgyver]

If you are looking at custom leathers don't forget about Bates Leathers. They are located in Long Beach, CA.