Motorcycle Jackets - Leather or Textile?

Motorcycle clothing is some of the most tough, hard-wearing and stylish available. From the world-famous leathers that we all imagine when thinking of motorcyclists to the newer textile fabrics that make up modern jackets. If you are a motorcyclist, or you simply like the style and attitude that comes with the title, and you're looking for a new motorcycle jacket, there are a few things you'll need to bear in mind before taking the plunge and buying a new one. One of the main questions facing those in this position is the choice between leather or textile. There is no simple answer, and many times it simply comes down to personal preference, however below you'll find just a few of the main differences between these two types of motorcycle jackets.

The classic choice is clearly a leather motorcycle jacket. One of the key benefits of this material is how tough and hard-wearing it is. Since the start of motorcycle culture, the leather jacket has been one of its cornerstones. Available in a range of different colours and styles, a leather motorcycle jacket is the ideal blend of function and fashion. Whilst leather jackets were originally designed for protection, many these days lean more towards the style side; however lots of manufacturers strike a balance between both. Unlike 'fashion' leather, the material used in motorcycle jackets is thicker and stronger, offering a cyclist the utmost protection no matter what happens. A lot of the more modern leather motorcycle jackets are lined with armour which further increases the protection offered by the jacket.

A textile jacket is the other option open to motorcyclists. These tend to be made of a material such as nylon or Kevlar - the latter being the same material used in bullet-proof vests. They are usually designed to be waterproof as well as protective, and can be found in a variety of different styles and colours. Until recently, textile motorcycle jackets were actually made of a heavy-weight waxed cotton; however it was found that man-made fabrics offered more protection. Because of the dense mesh of fabric in these synthetic materials, the jackets are very hard-wearing and should not rip or tear even under immense strain. As with leather jackets, textile motorcycle wear often features extra protection in the form of armour which is usually found on the shoulders and elbows of the garment.

Overall, the choice between leather and textile jackets is quite a difficult one. Thankfully, no matter which one you choose you should be well protected whilst riding. Combine one of these jackets with a helmet, leather trousers and other motorcycle wear and you should be well prepared to ride - no matter what the road decides to throw at you!

Fred Thomas is a keen motorcyclist. He runs a website where you can buy a whole host of motorcycle jackets. Feel free to pop by and browse!

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Textile Versus Leather Riding Gear

"Everyone has a plan until they get punched," explained professional boxer Mike Tyson. The same goes for motorcycling, as you are lucky until the day you get hit by the ground. When that day happens good motorcycle riding gear will protect you against the initial impact of hitting something and the subsequent abrasion as you slide to a halt. Armor is used to minimize the likelihood of broken bones and bruises that result from impacting an object at speed while the choice of exterior fabric and stitching will determine how much of your body is covered in road rash. The climate you ride in will play a large part in determining what material riding gear you will wear but you will have to choose between wearing leather or synthetic material.

Nothing looks or feels like zipping up a leather jacket over a wool sweater and going for a long ride on a cold day. But after the 100th mile nostalgia falls by the wayside and you need something to keep you warm and dry. While leather can be made of any animal, motorcycle jackets are generally constructed out of cow or kangaroo skin. Both types of leather look great and will last a lifetime assuming you clean and oil them with some frequency. When coupled with armor, leather offers great protection against impact and abrasion even at high-speed. In the event that your riding gear is damaged, leather is easily repairable. Unfortunately, leather is quite bulky, offers little in the way of waterproofing and is hot in the summer and cold in the winter.

The modern alternative is riding gear made of synthetic material like Cordura. Synthetic riding gear is generally waterproof and features retroflective patches to make rider more visible to motorists. If you demand riding gear that is compressible and loaded with vents and pockets, then a synthetic jacket might be your best bet. As good as synthetic textiles have come; leather still offers more protection, which is why riders are forced to wear leather when rounding racetracks. While armor is identical to a leather jacket,.5mm of Cordura doesn't offer the same resistance to abrasion as 2.0mm of leather. Additionally, the use of modern material, colors and cuts imparts an odd aesthetic to modern riding, which looks weird if you are rounding turns on a vintage Norton. Any riding jacket is going to involve compromises so pick a material and wear it religiously because you are lucky until the day you're not. Whatever you choose, make sure to take good care of your gear to maximize safety.

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