Choosing the Right Motorcycle Jacket

Style, safety, comfort... all important factors when looking for just that right motorcycle jacket. Though nostalgia for the past is a healthy trait, there are today a dozen different basic types - and hundreds of individual styles - to choose from.

Look at a few. Jackets have come a long way since the days of James Dean when a fancy accessory was the zip-off fur collar.

Today, jackets come in all colors, materials, fits and have a variety of liners, pocket configurations and price ranges. Here are a few things to keep in mind when picking out the one just right for you.

Long before Brando or Dean straddled a hog, the Barbour International was adorning motorcyclists in the UK and around the world. Since 1936, these waxed cotton jackets have been worn by racers and casual weekend riders alike.

Made with more buttons, zippers and pockets than anyone could use in a year, the Beldale from Barbour has adjustable straps and belts to fit a wide variety of body styles.

For the crowd that just has to have at least one contemporary racing jacket, the choice is endless. Available in leather or nylon, with integrated Thermolite insulation or available as a zip-in/out liner and styled with stripes of every conceivable color and design, you can be cool in both senses of the word.

Classic black or brown leather or goatskin is easy to find. But the fit and options have been updated to accommodate the post-modern audience. Side and underarm vents for additional air-flow are integrated into many styles these days. Many have additional pockets for carrying tools or just an extra snack for that long road trip in the back country.

But if you're interested in leather, be sure to check out the DuPont Cordura jackets. A kind of nylon that emulates a lot of the characteristics of good leather, you may find it a cheaper alternative, while offering superior weather protection.

Standard nylon jackets are available off the rack or in custom styles, often fitted with moisture wicking mesh for those hot days. The liners can be found in zip-in/out removable type and every color in the Photoshop palette.

For riding around town, especially on the freeway, some will want to consider the need to be seen clearly at a distance. There's no getting around the fact that the human eye is tuned to see some colors and patterns better than others. Jacket designers have supplemented those with reflective patches. Scotelite is often used to enhance the effect.

For touring, or even city driving in rainy climates and seasons, waterproof styles are a must. Not only is comfort considerably enhanced, but a wet jacket that soaks its rider makes controlling the bike much more difficult. Make sure to get a model that keeps its waterproofing through many uses and washings.

Just as with the style of bike, the type of riding done will affect the jacket that best fits your needs. Since this is one piece of clothing that should last ten years or more, don't skimp on price to get just the one that's right for you.