Motorcycle jackets (riding jackets) are designed specifically for riding, and as such, they are packed with features unique to motorcycling.
These features primarily include "wind protection" to prevent wind from directly hitting the skin, "protection" to guard against flying debris from vehicles ahead and in the event of a fall, and also "waterproofing and water repellency" to handle sudden rain.
In addition to these functional aspects, motorcycles are often more conspicuous than cars, so there are also many casual designs that can be worn as everyday clothing.
Given that motorcycle jackets are designed specifically for riding, and riders are constantly exposed to the elements and ambient temperature, it's crucial to choose a jacket that suits the season and weather conditions.
Types of Jackets by Season and Temperature
There are various types of motorcycle jackets, mainly including jackets that can be worn year-round (all-season), breathable jackets for hot days, and jackets with excellent waterproofing and water repellency for rainy weather.
With such a wide variety of motorcycle jackets available, you might find it difficult to decide which one to buy.
Therefore, we will explain the characteristics of each main type of motorcycle jacket and their suitable seasons, so please use this as a reference when choosing a jacket or searching for your favorite.
3-season jackets are designed for spring, summer, and autumn, and there are also all-season jackets that can be worn year-round, including winter.
Some models allow for the removal of hoods and thermal liners, making them adaptable to different seasons and temperatures.
Additionally, many jackets are designed to allow for easy layering underneath, so you can adjust the number of clothes you wear on cooler autumn days or when there's a significant temperature difference between morning/evening and midday.
With a rich variety of designs, this type of jacket is versatile for everyday use like commuting to work or school, as well as for touring, making it a convenient item to have.
Product Name: Riding ZIP Mesh Jacket Season: Summer to Early Autumn Price: ¥15,263
Mesh jackets are lightweight because they use mesh material, and they help reduce heat buildup inside the jacket.
Rider jackets protect riders from wind and sunlight, and in the event of a fall, they prevent skin from coming into contact with the ground. However, since they are long-sleeved, high temperatures can lead to significant physical exhaustion.
Mesh material addresses this heat, as it is less prone to trapping heat compared to materials like leather, and it dries quickly even when you sweat, making it suitable for summer.
Compared to jackets made from other materials, mesh jackets are relatively inexpensive, so if you often ride your motorcycle on hot summer days, it's a good idea to have several on hand.
Winter jackets are designed for use in cold temperatures, such as during winter, and have enhanced thermal insulation.
Exposure to wind can lower body temperature and lead to physical exhaustion, so these jackets are constructed to prevent wind from entering through the hem and cuffs.
Many are designed with a generous, larger fit to allow for layering clothes underneath, making it easier to adjust for cold weather protection according to the temperature.
A drop in body temperature can particularly numb your hands, potentially making proper operation difficult. Therefore, when riding in cold weather, it is advisable to wear winter jackets along with insulated gloves.
Riders jackets are jackets made for riders, and in a broad sense, they refer to all jackets for riders.
Leather jackets are sometimes called riders jackets, but any jacket designed for riders, not just leather, is considered a riders jacket.
Many of these jackets have a high fashion appeal, as they are often incorporated into women's fashion coordinates, even by those who don't ride motorcycles.
Riders jackets are characterized by having belts or buttons on the cuffs and hem to tighten them and prevent wind from entering, and they come in various materials such as leather, denim, and corduroy.
A leather jacket is a jacket made from leather material.
There are genuine leather jackets for a more authentic feel, as well as synthetic leather jackets made by combining leather with other materials.
These are collectively referred to as leather jackets, but genuine leather jackets, in particular, develop a unique color and sheen as they are worn, making them enjoyable for the changes that occur over time.
Genuine leather jackets can develop a beautiful surface with proper oil maintenance, but they can shrink or stain when wet.
Synthetic leather, sometimes called fake leather, is more affordable than expensive genuine leather.
The fact that all riders participating in the world's premier motorcycle race, MotoGP, wear genuine leather racing suits, indicates that genuine leather is a superior material for motorcycle safety.
Nylon jackets are jackets made of nylon material, which makes them lightweight and resistant to rain.
They also offer good durability, and their price is about one-third of genuine leather, making them highly cost-effective.
However, they are weak against friction (scratches) and heat in the event of a fall, so if you prioritize safety, a leather jacket would be a better choice.
They come in a wide range of designs and are easy to fit with pads and inner layers, offering great flexibility, so it might be convenient to have one.
Motorcycle jackets come in various materials and designs, but what exactly is the necessity of a motorcycle jacket in the first place?
We will explain the necessity of rider jackets, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
Necessity of Motorcycle Jackets
The primary necessity of a motorcycle jacket is safety.
Areas prone to impact during a fall are often thickened, or equipped with protectors, and leather jackets are resistant to scratches, protecting against abrasions caused by friction.
Moreover, prolonged exposure of the skin to wind and sunlight can lead to fatigue and physical exhaustion, but wearing a motorcycle jacket will protect your body from wind and sunlight.
Considering safety, protection from direct wind and sunlight on the body, and the reduction of fatigue accumulation, motorcycle jackets are essential.
Advantages of Motorcycle Jackets
The advantages of motorcycle jackets include:
Fatigue reduction (protects skin from wind and sun) Protection from flying debris Protective effect in case of a fall Fashionability
In addition to providing body protection and safety, many designs can be worn as everyday clothing, making fashionability a significant advantage.
Disadvantages of Motorcycle Jackets
Conversely, the disadvantages are:
Can get hotter in summer May stand out depending on the design May restrict movement
Motorcycle jackets are long-sleeved, so you'll feel hotter, especially in warm summer weather.
Depending on the design, such as those with motorcycle-related logos, you might stand out when walking off the bike. Also, since they are designed for optimal riding, they can sometimes restrict movement.
Among these disadvantages, wearing a jacket in summer is particularly challenging, but wearing a breathable motorcycle jacket made of mesh material, for instance, can help reduce stuffiness and heat buildup.
Now that we've looked at the necessity, advantages, and disadvantages of rider jackets, what points should we consider when actually choosing a jacket?
Choosing by season Choosing by function Choosing by material Choosing by design Choosing by brand
If you don't have a particular preference for brand or design, it's a good idea to choose based on the season of wear or the material.
Choosing by Season
Because motorcycles are easily affected by seasons and weather, jackets are available that are tailored to each season.
You can use "all-season" jackets or "3-season (spring, summer, autumn)" jackets regardless of the time of year. For summer, they feature excellent breathability, and for winter, superior cold protection.
Choosing a motorcycle jacket based on the season you'll wear it will naturally narrow down the types of jackets available.
Choosing by Functionality
If you want a jacket suited to your riding environment, choosing based on the functions of a motorcycle jacket is recommended.
Motorcycle jackets require safety and wind resistance, but there are also jackets with features that allow heat to escape from within while preventing rain from entering, or those with excellent waterproofing and water repellency.
If you desire a more specialized jacket, it's a good idea to focus on the jacket's functions when making your choice.
Choosing by Material
Rider jacket materials include genuine leather, synthetic leather (faux leather), polyester, nylon, and Gore-Tex.
Genuine Leather
Genuine leather jackets give a tough impression.
Genuine leather is made from animal hides and is also used for leather suits (racing suits) for track riding.
It is resistant to scratches and tears, offering high safety, and also suppresses flapping caused by wind. However, it is vulnerable to moisture, so it is not suitable for wear in rainy weather.
With proper oil maintenance, it gradually develops a unique luster and color, and such aging changes are unique to genuine leather.
Synthetic Leather (Faux Leather)
Synthetic leather (faux leather) is a material that has a texture similar to genuine leather, requires no maintenance like genuine leather, and is relatively inexpensive.
Many synthetic leathers are resistant to water (unlike genuine leather), dirt, and scratches. They are recommended for those who want the look of genuine leather but prefer a more casual and easy-to-care-for option.
Like genuine leather, its elasticity is not very good, and its breathability is not excellent, so it can be stuffy on hot days.
Polyester
Polyester is resistant to wrinkles and creasing, making it a recommended material for those who want a casual rider jacket.
It is also water-resistant and quick-drying, so even if it rains due to changing weather, it won't stain like genuine leather, which is not an issue.
It has a certain degree of temperature resistance, making it easy to handle, and many polyester rider jackets are sold. Although relatively inexpensive, it is weak against friction and prone to static electricity, which can be a slight drawback during dry seasons.
Nylon
Nylon is a lightweight, dirt-resistant synthetic fiber and the most affordable option among rider jackets.
It is strong against moisture like rain and excellent at quick-drying, making it suitable for sweaty seasons, but it is prone to discoloration and fading from sunlight.
It is lightweight and retains heat well, so it can also be used to enhance warmth by wearing it under a winter jacket in cold weather.
Gore-Tex
Gore-Tex is a material developed by W. L. Gore & Associates in the United States, and Gore-Tex products are manufactured by licensed companies.
Gore-Tex has a three-layer structure that prevents rain from penetrating while allowing internal heat to escape, and it is also durable against dust and dirt.
It also excels in wind resistance, making it a suitable material for motorcycle rainwear and winter jackets since motorcycles are constantly exposed to wind while riding, though it tends to be a bit expensive.
Choosing by Design
Even if a jacket is highly functional, if its design deviates from your personal preference, you might not want to wear it often.
For those who care about fashion, choosing based on a design you like is a good option.
However, prioritizing design over the functional requirements of a motorcycle jacket, such as safety, could put you at greater risk in an accident. Therefore, it is recommended to prioritize functionality while making your design choice.
Rider jackets come in various types, with designs ranging from tough and rugged to casual.
For those who also care about style, choosing a design that matches your motorcycle and preferences, as part of your fashion, is also a recommended approach.
Choosing by Brand
There are many brands with long histories and achievements in producing motorcycle jackets or supplying racing equipment.
In the next section, we introduce some well-known motorcycle jacket brands, so please check them out if any catch your eye.
Recommended Motorcycle Jacket Brands
We will introduce major motorcycle jacket brands and their motorcycle jackets.
We hope this will be helpful in your jacket selection.
KOMINE is a Japanese brand that produces and sells motorcycle wear, including helmets, jackets, and leather suits.
Founded in 1947, it has a long history, transitioning from selling bicycle parts to producing motorcycle engines and motorcycles, and then shifting to producing and selling motorcycle accessories in 1957, which continues to this day.
"JK-146" is a 3-season jacket for spring, summer, and autumn, featuring mesh material with standard protectors on the shoulders, elbows, back, and chest, yet remaining lightweight and easy to handle.
SIMPSON is an American brand that sells motorcycle accessories and apparel.
While known for its helmets, the founder, former racer Bill Simpson, sustained arm injuries during a race, which led him to prioritize safety and eventually create products.
"SJ-5133LTD" is a jacket with a faux leather outer shell and a removable Thermolite insulated inner lining, making it highly useful on colder days.
KUSHITANI is a long-established Japanese brand of racing wear that has been producing racing suits since around 1960.
"K-0702 REGULATOR JACKET" is an all-season leather jacket made from soft cowhide combined with windproof stretch material.
By opening the upper part of the side zippers, it functions as an air intake, and when closed, it can be used as a pocket, making it a highly functional jacket.
DEGNER is a company based in Kyoto, Japan, that sells motorcycle wear and custom parts.
"Textile Full Mesh Jacket" is a full mesh jacket with excellent breathability, perfect for hot summer days.
It comes standard with protectors on the shoulders, elbows, back, and chest, which are also removable, allowing for use according to purpose or inner wear.
With genuine leather used as an accent, this jacket allows you to enjoy the changes that occur over time from when you first start using it.
Vanson Leathers was founded in Boston, USA, in 1975, and is a brand committed to the latest technology and high quality.
Since its inception, it has insisted on handmade production, with each product assigned a serial number and managed in a database, consistently maintaining high quality.
The winter model "VS18111W" is an MA-1 type nylon jacket, equipped with a removable neck warmer and waterproof film, ensuring high cold protection.
FLAGSHIP is a brand specializing in the production and sale of motorcycle apparel, operated by Flagship Co., Ltd., which has its head office in Saitama Prefecture.
The "Ignite PU Leather Jacket" is a jacket for autumn and winter, combining PU leather and nylon. It enhances safety by incorporating protectors on the shoulders, elbows, and back.
It also features a thermal inner lining with highly heat-retaining padding that is easily warmed by body temperature, making it a reliable ally on cold days.
ACE CAFE LONDON is a brand named after the Ace Cafe in London, where the cafe racer originated. It sells motorcycle wear and helmets.
The "Historic Stretch Cotton Jacket" is a highly comfortable jacket, combining flexible stretch cotton on the outer fabric with breathable mesh fabric on the lining.
Alpinestars is a racing wear brand headquartered in Italy with its design division in the United States.
The "T-SP S SUPERAIR JACKET ASIA" is a jacket made from 600-denier fabric combined with mesh material, tailored to fit Asian body types.
With high breathability thanks to the mesh material, and equipped with inner protectors that maintain ventilation while protecting the body, this jacket offers excellent safety and breathability.
We've explained the different types and materials of motorcycle jackets.
You need to choose a motorcycle jacket according to the season, with options like all-season jackets, mesh jackets that offer comfort in summer, and winter jackets that provide warmth in cold weather.
We've also provided tips on how to choose and introduced brands that sell motorcycle jackets, so please check out any brands that catch your interest.
