How are my leathers supposed to fit?

Another great reader question about leathers.

"Hey, Love your site, I'm new to bikes and it's helped me loads when picking the right gear! I just bought a set of leathers from ebay (risky for sizing but I have textiles in the same brand and they fit) the thing is the leather is really quite tight. I can get them on and zipped up but walking seems like an effort! Are they supposed to be so fitted? Or will they loosen off with use? Or should I have gone up a size?!" - Kristen

They should definitely fit very snug. If you're having trouble walking upright, that's probably the right fit :)

Ideally, your one piece suit is fitted and designed for riding position only. It assumes that you'll be spending most of the time on the bike. If you're riding a sportbike, then it definitely will be more comfortable on the bike than off.

You can tell if it's too tight if you can't inhale/exhale comfortably, or if there's pinching or pulling under the armpits and around the crook of your elbow and behind your knees.

A photo of you on your bike would help greatly, but it sounds like you've found the right fit if it's a brand new suit and hasn't been broken in yet.  If you're buying a set of used leathers that someone has definitely broken in, then in that case, I could see the suit not being the right size or fit.

Unfortunately, leathers are quite uncomfortable until they're fully broken in, but hopefully after you've spent some time making them feel like second skin, you'll love spending every minute in them.

Good Luck!

New Reviews Posted

Ventura Jacket and Pants

Summit Gloves

First Motorcycle Jacket

The first motorcycle jacket ever made was sold by Irving Schott in 1928.  If you're looking for a truly vintage motorcycle jacket, a Schott leather might be what you're looking for.

Although it appears that they don't come with pockets for armor, you could probably have some pockets sewn in after...

Schott NYC

http://www.schottnyc.com/about.cfm

REV'IT Ignition 2 Jacket and Gear 2 Pants

This Ignition jacket has been so popular for REV'IT that it took them 3-4 years to update it.  Many manufacturers like to rehash their lines every 4-5 years (much like helmets) and they've definitely taken some liberties with both the Ignition and matching Gear 2 pants.

As mentioned in this previous post,  the Marryls have been discontinued and instead, REV'IT combined the fit and features of the first generation Gear pant to make the new Gear 2 pants.

I'll be picking these up TODAY and I can't wait! I've been dying to get my hands on this outfit since I saw it in October.  These two items are the perfect for year round riding and touring. I've put about 20,000 miles on my other Ignition and I love everything about that jacket except the length of the torso.  It sits right on top of my hips and I just wish it were either an inch shorter (for my super short torso) or a little bit flared at the waist. It had a really straight line from the armpit to the waist and for someone with narrower hips, it's perfect. But for me, it pushes up a little bit.

For those of you who are looking for a really great deal, now's the time to buy the current versions from your dealer since they should be marked down to get ready for the new versions.

The Ignition 1 is the longest, most fitted jacket for those of you with longer torsos, narrow shoulders and long arms. I can't say enough good things about it.

You can find them both online at Revzilla or in person at Scuderia West, or your local REV'IT dealer.