Although colours, inscriptions and style are the first things we notice on clothes, they shouldn't play such an important role when choosing motorcycle clothing. You need to consider when and what you will use the clothes for. If you commute to work daily, a jacket and pants are preferable. A winter liner and waterproof membrane is effective, but you won't appreciate it as much during adrenaline rides. So what to look for?
Before you pick...
Before you mix and match the right pieces for different types of rides, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Safety
Motorcycle clothing is not just a fashion thing. It is a key safety feature for motorcycle riding. It is important that the clothes are designed to minimise the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Certified protective features such as plastic liners and riding gloves protect joints, fingers and palms. Durable materials such as leather, Kevlar and technical fabrics, along with a variety of protective features – pads, foam inserts and airbags – ensure you're prepared for the worst during your ride.
Riding style
For off-roading, it is necessary to choose clothing that matches the demands of this type of riding – durable materials, pads on the knees and elbows are essential for safety.
Riding in the city has its specifics. Clothing must be not only comfortable, but also safe. Quality ventilation is a great added value.
On the other hand, for city riding you need to choose clothing that not only provides comfort and good ventilation, but also discreet protection for critical areas. Remember that each type of riding requires specific equipment which adapts to your needs so you don't have to worry about safety and comfort.
Weather
Motorcycle clothing isn't just about looks, it's also about function. You should choose pieces that can handle different weather conditions. In order for the rider to feel comfortable and safe, the clothing should not lack the appropriate elements to protect against rain, wind or heat.
If you're going to ride in the rain, reach for clothing made of waterproof materials to protect you from wet and cold conditions. For riding in hot weather, it's a good idea to choose clothing with good ventilation to ensure comfort.
Quality
You should not skimp on the quality of your clothing, as this can affect its durability and effectiveness in protecting you from injury. Investing in good quality pieces is one of the key factors for safety and comfort while riding. Although clothing made from durable materials and with certified protective features may be more expensive at first glance, its longer life and functional features make it worth it.
Motorcycle jacket
Motorcycle jacket is a layer that the rider must wear in any weather or any riding style. One of the more important features that a jacket should have are reflective elements. The most important question when choosing a jacket is what material it should be made of. Motorcyclists usually decide between a leather jacket and a textile jacket.
Each should have shoulder pads and elbow pads. Whether you're going on a longer trip or just commute to work, never forget a back protector which you insert into the prepared compartment in the jacket. Make sure that the protectors contained in the jacket meet the required level of protection (Level 1 - basic or Level 2 - higher protection). It should have CE protectors – homologated for Europe. They meet the quality requirements at low as well as high temperatures.
The perfect motorcycle jacket must include reflective elements and both shoulder and elbow pads.
Leather motorcycle jacket
The leather jacket is especially appreciated by riders on cruisers, sport and racing motorcycles. The biggest advantages of leather jackets include:
built-in protectors,
maximum comfort even at high speed,
high degree of protection in the event of a fall or accident,
comfortable fit,
is suitable not only for sport riders, but also for racing riders.
However, a leather jacket is relatively difficult to clean, is heavier than the textile version and has a higher purchase price.
Keep in mind that leather tends to stretch a little. Many times a jacket one size smaller than you normally wear will fit you better. It shouldn't restrict movement, but it should also fit snugly against a thin base layer. Jackets tend to have elastic in the parts you normally move, allowing you natural freedom.
Textile motorcycle jacket
Textile is suitable when riding scooters, cross motorcycles and enduro motorcycles. b>Textile jackets are:
cheaper,
resistant to different types of weather,
ventilated unlike leather,
great for long routes.
You can only clean it with specific products.
Jacket vs weather
You always need a jacket. It's up to you what type you choose for the weather. Warm days call for a textile jacket with ventilation.
Cold days require long, padded jackets. They usually have a thermal liner that is suitable for different temperature changes. When riding in the winter months you should think about thermal underwear – functional underwear – that will give you the comfort you need and keep you not only dry, but also warm. Functional underwear wicks away sweat and thermal underwear keeps you warm. It is anti-allergenic and bacteria resistant. Recently, merino wool thermal wear, which has great thermoregulating properties, has been gaining popularity.
When there is a sudden change in the weather, waterproof clothing for motorcycle can do wonders.
Motorcycle suits
Some riders prefer one-piece or two-piece motorcycle suits. The one-piece suit is a combination of upper and lower layers. This makes it highly functional and breathable, abrasion resistant, and easy to wear. It is equipped with all important protectors. The one-piece overalls are used by riders on the circuits and are made using natural cowhide leather.
The one-piece suit is extremely durable and comfortable. It is made of cowhide leather and is used on racing circuits
In two-piece suits, the jacket is fastened to the trousers by means of a zipper. It is more practical for many riders and has shoulder, elbow, knee and hip protectors.
The disadvantage of leather overalls is their low resistance to weather. In the rain you still need a waterproof layer to keep you dry, but in warmer temperatures you'll be uncomfortably hot.
In such cases, textile suits are recommended, which are not only stylish but also weatherproof – they often provide ventilation, are made of waterproof material and have breathable membranes.
Motorcycle trousers
Two key parameters play a role when choosing motorcycle trousers – your riding style and the type of motorcycle you ride. Safety, comfort and quality workmanship should go hand in hand in this case as well.
Leather trousers are:
- traditional, compatible with different styles and made of cowhide leather,
- highly durable (just like a leather jacket) and provide protection against injury in the event of an accident,
- suitable for cold weather.
Their disadvantage is the lack of breathability.
Textile trousers are:
- made of polyester or Kevlar,
- breathable and elastic,
- suitable for both summer and winter.
In cold weather, they can be insufficient, so they are often combined with leather materials.
Denim trousers look like traditional jeans, but are enriched with safety features. They are suitable for warm weather, they wick sweat and dry quickly, but they don't offer the same protection as leather trousers.
Travel motorcycle trousers
If you spend long hours on your motorcycle, ride in all kinds of weather, in winter or summer, you need a versatile pair of trousers. Such trousers are usually made of textile and have not only protective but also waterproof properties. Denim trousers are also very popular.
Enduro trousers
If you like enduro and motocross, your riding style is probably more off-road and aggressive. You'll need trousers that don't restrict your movement, are easy to adjust and highly durable. Reach for pants made of polyamide or polyester.
Cruiser trousers
Do you prefer relaxed riding? Reach for leather trousers or denim pieces. They won't restrict your circulation and the leather will gradually adapt to fit perfectly.
Motorcycle gloves
As with trousers, when choosing motorcycle gloves, you should take into account the weather, frequency of riding, your riding style and preferred material.
Motorcycle gloves must fit perfectly on the hands. They keep your hands dry and provide protection in the event of an accident. Some winter models are even heated.
An important role of gloves (besides providing protection) is to keep your hands dry and be breathable and comfortable to wear. Remember that your hands are extremely important when riding a motorcycle, so you must be able to move them freely.
Winter gloves are made of durable materials that can withstand both rain and frost. Some pieces are heated and are also suitable for winter sports like skiing.
Types of gloves
There are three types of motorcycle gloves on the market.
Fingerless gloves have exposed fingers and protective elements only in the palm area. They are particularly suitable during the summer. Also because they do not provide protection for the whole hand, they are not suitable for long journeys. You will use them especially when riding a scooter.
Short cuff gloves protect fingers and palms, but end at the wrist. They are not suitable for more aggressive riding styles as they do not protect the wrist.
If you prefer racing or if you're going on a longer trip, reach for long gloves. They'll protect your fingers, palms and wrists. During the summer months, choose gloves made from lightweight materials and with ventilation to prevent sweating.
Leather vs textile gloves
Although until recently gloves were only made of leather, with the introduction of new materials, textile has started to be preferred. However, leather is still considered to be the safest, but at the same time the most expensive material.
Motorcycle gloves are usually protected by hard plastics, foam or carbon fibre.
Textile gloves are waterproof and more affordable. Dual-sport gloves, which combine leather and textile – for example Gore-Tex – are becoming a fashionable choice.
Nowadays, you'll appreciate it if your gloves are touchscreen friendly. In case you have a GPS and need to adjust something on the display while you're driving, you can do it without having to take your glove off.
MUZIKER TIP: If you use your smartphone to navigate or listen to music while you ride, focus on phone mounts. Not only will they protect your phone from unwanted drop, but they'll also make sure your phone doesn't distract you while you're riding.
Motorcycle boots
Motorcycle boots should not be underestimated. Their job is to protect you from stones, branches, water and all the dangers that can happen while riding. They must provide both stability and comfort.
When choosing your size, keep in mind that if you're going to be riding in the winter months, you'll need to pull on a pair of thick socks as well. Therefore, choose a size slightly larger than you need.
If you can't decide between taller motorcycle boots or shoes, consider that tall boots will protect more of your leg. In any case, the boot should end above your ankle.
Boots made of thick leather protect the foot better than textile ones. However, textile material is more breathable. An important feature of motorcycle boots is the non-slip sole.
The boots have a different number of protective elements and types of fastening. These include: straps, clips, protectors or bindings. Common materials that motorcycle boots contain include metal, carbon or plastic.
Boots vs weather
Motorcycle boots are usually made of leather which is thick enough and provides perfect protection against abrasion. But if you're looking for something more breathable, try boots made of textile.
In any case, you should reach for boots with non-slip soles. It will not only affect your safety, but also the grip of the shoes to the surface. This will prevent unpleasant injuries.
Boots should be cared for regularly. Whether you are going to ride in the rain or in sunny weather, the material should be treated with special products that can repel water, petrol or oil.
Motorcycle boots
If you're going to be riding around the city, but you know you'll be walking as well, urban motorcycle boots are the perfect choice. They're soft and you'll be able to walk for hours without any problems.
Racing boots
If you like fast, but shorter rides, reach for racing boots. They have several protective features – on the ankle and heel – but they're also waterproof and usually breathable. However, they are not suitable for long-term wear.
Enduro boots
Motorcycle enduro boots are tall, strong, sturdy, have a thick sole and usually have quality protectors. They reach up to the knees and are suitable for more adrenaline-fuelled and aggressive riding off the roads. They are also suitable for the mud as they are water and dirt resistant.
Touring motorcycle boots
For long journeys, reach for comfortable touring motorcycle boots. They usually feature reinforced panels in critical areas such as ankles, toes and heels. Stretch panels ensure free and unrestricted movement.
Clothes for every riding style
There is a large price range for motorcycle clothing and footwear. However, it doesn't pay to skimp on quality materials. You'll appreciate it if you get into a dangerous situation. In our offer you will find motorcycle clothing not only for men, but also for women.
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