Although making a fashion statement should not be the number one concern when purchasing a motorcycle jacket (unless of course you don’t ride), human nature dictates that we all want to be comfortable in our own skin. Style matters will inevitably play a part in any decision, hopefully only after careful consideration of the protection factors involved in such an important part of your overall motorcycle safety gear.

Motorcycle jackets are generally thought of as being made of leather, and for good reason: most of them are. Leather has proven over time to provide the best protection from the elements and the road for the all too exposed motorcyclist.

Black leather motorcycle jackets have become the norm, but that is by no means the only choice available, and arguably not the wisest choice from a safety perspective. Bright, eye catching color combinations of leather and synthetics are widely available, and many styles come with reflective piping to improve visibility on the road.

Leather motorcycle fashions break down into basically three styles of jackets, each with their own unique flair.

The Traditional Motorcycle Jacket is the best known. Often called the classic style, it was originally intended to keep out the wind, and provide plenty of secure storage in the form of pockets that zip or snap shut.

The Scooter Jacket is defined by its Euro style collar, and in fact has its roots in the UK and Eastern Europe with the advent of the Italian made Vespa scooter and its wide adoption across the continent.

The third style of motorcycle jacket is kind of a hybrid that for lack of a better name, I like to call a Cruising Jacket. The defining characteristic here is a shirt type collar that will usually snap down to prevent it from flapping in the wind.

Each of these styles will borrow characteristics from one another and variations are limited only by the imagination. For the rider, style matters in the type of riding you do, and the type of lifestyle you lead.

Let us examine these styles of motorcycle jackets in a little more detail.

Next: The Traditional Motorcycle Jacket

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Originally posted 2009-06-25 10:43:08.