Get Your Ideal Motorcycle Jacket: How To Choose The Right Size For You!
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by Damien Heenan
3 min reading time
Anyone and everyone who’s ever had the experience of riding a motorcycle will sing the praises of how glad they were to be wearing a quality motorcycle jacket. Who doesn’t love their jacket? It’s classic, iconic, and provides crucial protection from injury as well as from the elements. Then, of course, there’s that little matter of style… You bet you want something top quality, however and just as important, your jacket has to fit you just right. If it doesn’t, it can’t do its job… a bad fit could result in limited movement, awkward handling, or just make it wrong for a number of reasons.
The first challenge is getting the jacket size right. And it’s not all that straight-forward. While manufacturers list a size, that doesn’t guarantee the jacket will fit. After all, the differences in chest dimensions, arm length, and waist size are practically impossible to standardize. Here’s how you can eliminate the guesswork by focusing on Chest Size, Arm Length, and Waist Size. All it takes is a soft measuring tape and, preferably, a friend’s help. (You could measure yourself, but you’ll get more accurate numbers by having someone to help you with the process.)
To measure your chest, start from the middle of your chest, go all the way around your back, then join up the tape back at the chest. Important – breathe normally while measuring, don’t hold your breath or take deep breaths with the tape going around you.
Now take that measurement and USE IT - many think it’s a good idea to add a couple of inches when measuring for a jacket, but that’s not necessary. One common reason people do this is to account for the jacket’s back protector. The protector might seem to bulk up the jacket, however, it actually doesn’t have that much of an effect. So, use the chest measurement as is.
Now the arm measurement is a bit tricky, especially if you don’t know what to look for. Manufacturers state arm length in 20-inch or 30-inch ranges. This number indicates the point from which you should start measuring.
If the range is in the 20s, it means the measurement should be taken from the shoulder to the wrist.
If length is listed in the 30s, you should measure from the neck base to the wrist.
Unless you’ve already picked out a jacket and know its measurement recommendations, it’s smart to measure both lengths. When measuring arm length, make sure the measuring tape goes over the elbow – or shoulder and elbow - depending on your measuring point. Keep your arms relaxed and hanging down to get the most accurate results.
Finally, measure your waist by wrapping the measuring tape around your torso. Position the tape around one inch down from the belly button. Note that “pants size” isn’t the same as “waist size,” a common point of confusion. Waist measurement shouldn’t be that big a concern, however, as most jackets can be adjusted to ensure a perfect fit.
Once you have your measurements noted, check them against the manufacturer’s size charts. Jacket size will be stated either in letters or numbers, and any special considerations should be noted on the product page.
Choose Your Jacket Model
While you might have a particular look and even material already in mind when shopping for a jacket, it’s a good idea to understand your options and have plenty. There’s many different models and styles of motorcycle jackets you can consider before making your final decision.
For those who seek the perfect fit for their motorcycle jacket, the best option is to visit our Lakewood, WA location. Our expert staff have the experience and knowledge to advise you on the best size and model for your needs. We also have a wide selection of motorcycle jackets in various styles and materials, so you can shop with confidence that you’ll find something that looks great and fits like a glove. Stop by today and let us help you find the perfect motorcycle jacket for your needs.
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