How snug should a new jacket be?
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 141
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How snug should a new jacket be?
I just bought a new jacket today. I'm trying to gauge whether or not it's too small. I was hoping some of you guys could post pics of your riding gear (especially jackets) so I could get a general idea. I bought an "Icon Strong Arm" jacket. It fits snug enough that I don't have room to carry my pistol on my belt (legally carrying). I like to have the jacket fairl snug so that it doesn't flap in the wind on the interstate.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 672
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From: Southern Indiana
RE: How snug should a new jacket be?
The primary test for me is how it feels when I am on my bike. A jacket that is slightly loose when I am standing up will tighten up considerably when it is zipped up and I am sitting on my bike with my arms extended. I recently found the perfect jacket, fits perfectly both on and off the bike. Good luck.
Rick
Rick
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Joined: Dec 2006
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RE: How snug should a new jacket be?
I like to be able to wear a T-shirt, thermal shirt and sweat shirt and my leather jacket fit not to snug while riding. If your in the colder climate give yourself some room for warmer clothing underneath or it'll fit too tight.
Just sayin...
Just sayin...
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,317
Likes: 11
From: Tucson, Az
RE: How snug should a new jacket be?
There's no one answer to your question. Most depends on the style of the jacket. I have a Hein Gerick V Pilot which is a raciang style jacket, with armor, that fits snug. It has a removable lining and with the lining in, it just does make it !! I also have a first gear jacket, without armor. It's designed more like a varsity jacket and fits looser.
Choice of jacket has alot to do with your style of riding and the style of bike you ride. For example, you don't want coat collars flapping you in the face.
Choice of jacket has alot to do with your style of riding and the style of bike you ride. For example, you don't want coat collars flapping you in the face.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
RE: How snug should a new jacket be?
There are a few ways to tell if it is too tight.
1)Is it hard to zip?
2)With arms extended,do the cuffs raise up to your forearms?
3)When riding,does the wiast line of jacket go to the middle of your back?
The jacket i bought does not fit snug,I can wear a sweatshirt under if needed.It also doesnt flap in the wind.
1)Is it hard to zip?
2)With arms extended,do the cuffs raise up to your forearms?
3)When riding,does the wiast line of jacket go to the middle of your back?
The jacket i bought does not fit snug,I can wear a sweatshirt under if needed.It also doesnt flap in the wind.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 750
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From: Katy, Texas
RE: How snug should a new jacket be?
ORIGINAL: Heritage07
Zipper it and try to raise your arms over your head. If you can't it's too tight.
Zipper it and try to raise your arms over your head. If you can't it's too tight.
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 565
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From: England
RE: How snug should a new jacket be?
Assuming you're wearing the jacket for protection, then a snug fit is good as long as you're comfortable in your riding position. Relatively tight leathers are less likely to snag / tear than loose fitting ones (given the same quality /thickness) in the event of an unscheduledmeeting with the road.
As someon else has said they do stretch, although over the past 40 years I seem to have bought ones that shrunk over time .... [sm=headbang.gif]
As someon else has said they do stretch, although over the past 40 years I seem to have bought ones that shrunk over time .... [sm=headbang.gif]
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,380
Likes: 14
From: Atlanta
RE: How snug should a new jacket be?
I'm with Paulca - mine seem to have shrunk over the last several years!
Another good test is to zip the jacket up and see if you can cross your arms and touch your shoulders easily. I like my jackets loose enough that I can wear a sweater under them in the winter, but snug enough that without the sweater they aren't baggy. Check to make sure that the sleeves don't pinch your underarms.
Another good test is to zip the jacket up and see if you can cross your arms and touch your shoulders easily. I like my jackets loose enough that I can wear a sweater under them in the winter, but snug enough that without the sweater they aren't baggy. Check to make sure that the sleeves don't pinch your underarms.