How should a motorcycle jacket fit?

How to measure for a motorcycle jacket

You need two key measurements: chest and sleeve. Most brands also list waist, and some list hips or torso length. Measure over a thin shirt, with a soft tape measure, standing relaxed. Write the numbers in both inches and centimeters, since European brands often size in centimeters.

1. 1

   Chest: wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, under the armpits and across the shoulder blades. Keep it level.

2. 2

   Waist: measure around your natural waist, usually just above the belly button.

3. 3

   Sleeve: with your arm slightly bent, measure from the center of the back of your neck, over the shoulder and elbow, to the wrist bone. Some brands measure from the shoulder seam instead; check the chart.

4. 4

   Hips: around the widest part of the hips, if the brand lists it.

5. 5

   Compare each number with the brand's chart and note if you fall between sizes.

Reading EU and US jacket sizes

Many European riding gear brands, especially for leather, use EU sizes such as 48, 50, 52 and 54. A common rule of thumb is that the EU number minus 10 gives a rough US chest size in inches, so EU 50 is close to a US 40. Dainese's own listing for the Sterrato Tex jacket, for example, shows size 50 as US 40.

Brands differ, and race-fit leather jackets often run smaller than touring textiles with the same number. Always use the chart for the exact jacket. Textile jackets from US brands usually use S, M, L and XL.

Note.This is a rough guide. Check each brand's chart, because race-fit and touring jackets with the same size label can fit very differently.

Check that the armor sits on the joints

Armor only helps if it covers the joint when you crash. In riding position, your arms are forward and bent and your back is curved, which moves the jacket around compared with standing. Check fit sitting on a bike or in a chair with your arms reaching forward as if holding the bars.

Most riding jackets have CE-rated shoulder and elbow armor to EN 1621-1, and many have a back protector pocket. The armor should stay on the point of the shoulder and the elbow when you move. Many jackets let you adjust armor height inside the sleeve. If the jacket has an empty back pocket, consider adding a CE back protector; see motorcycle back protector inserts and motorcycle armor CE levels.

1. 1

   Sit in riding position with arms reaching forward.

2. 2

   Feel for the shoulder armor. It should sit on the point of the shoulder, not slide down your arm or toward your neck.

3. 3

   Bend your elbows. The elbow armor should cover the elbow joint, not sit on your forearm.

4. 4

   Tighten the arm and waist adjusters and check the armor stays put when you move.

5. 5

   Check the back protector covers your spine from shoulder blades to lower back.

Fit checks for sleeves, back and collar

With your arms stretched to the bars, sleeves should still reach your wrists and overlap your gloves, so no skin is exposed. Standing, sleeves will look a little long. That is normal for a riding jacket.

The back of the jacket should cover your lower back when you lean forward, without riding up. Many jackets have a zip to connect to riding pants, which helps keep the jacket in place. The collar should close comfortably without choking you when you look up and over your shoulder.

• Sleeves cover wrists with arms extended forward.
• No large gaps or flapping fabric at chest and arms.
• Back covers the lower back in riding position.
• Collar closes without pressure on the throat.
• Room for a base layer, or a thermal layer for touring jackets.

Sport, touring and adventure cuts

Sport or race fit jackets, common in leather, are cut for a forward, tucked position. They feel tight and a little awkward standing up, with pre-curved sleeves. Touring jackets are cut for an upright position, with more room for layers and often a removable thermal or waterproof liner. Adventure jackets are longer and roomier, with lots of pockets and vents, designed to be worn standing on the pegs as well as sitting.

Buy the cut that matches your bike. A race-fit leather jacket on a cruiser can pull across the back, while a loose adventure jacket on a sport bike flaps at speed. See our armored jacket guide, leather jacket guide and mesh jacket guide for options in each style.

See our armored jacket picks →

Leather stretches, textile does not much

Leather jackets relax and mold to your body over the first rides, so a leather jacket that is snug but not restrictive in the store usually becomes comfortable. Do not buy a leather jacket you cannot zip up, though. Textile jackets change very little, so buy one that fits from day one.

Remember to leave room for what you wear underneath. If you ride in cold weather with a thermal layer or a heated vest, try the jacket on with those layers. If you wear an airbag vest under your jacket, see how motorcycle airbag vests work for sizing considerations.

Frequently asked questions

Should a motorcycle jacket be tight or loose? Snug. It should keep the armor on your joints in riding position without restricting your reach to the bars. Loose jackets let armor slide and flap at speed.

How do I know my motorcycle jacket size? Measure your chest, waist and sleeve, and compare with the chart for the exact jacket. EU sizes are roughly the US chest size plus 10.

Should motorcycle jacket sleeves be long? Yes. They should look slightly long when standing, so they still cover your wrists with your arms stretched to the bars.

Will a leather motorcycle jacket stretch? Leather relaxes and molds somewhat with wear, but it will not gain a full size. Buy it snug, not tight.