What you need to know when buying… Retro leather jackets

Leather motorcycle jackets have certainly come a long way since their early beginnings, with increased – and lighter – impact protection, the use of new fabrics with higher abrasion-resistance levels, and swish new designs.

But despite the advances in technology, there’s an increasing trend for riders wanting original and classically designed garments. Here’s what you need to know when buying Retro leather jackets…

Rather than looking in your attic, or dusting off the jacket you had when you were riding your two-stroke when you’d just passed your test, why not check out some of the new jackets on the market which boast the latest technology in a retro leather shell?

Whether you’ve bagged yourself a new retro machine and want to complete the look, or just want to upgrade your original leather jacket to one with the new protection, here’s our handy guide for what to look out for.

1. Perfect: fit We’d suggest heading to a dealer and trying on the jacket you’re after. Stretch around in it and make sure you’re comfortable. If it’s not a great fit, then has it got adjusters to ensure you can get a great, close, fit? It’s worth taking your gloves with you too, to see how it fits with those and to make sure there’s no gap between the end of the gloves and the sleeves.

2. Style: Be sure to choose the style and fit that suit you and your riding style. Got a sporty bike? Then you might benefit from a shorter jacket so it doesn’t bunch up around the midriff. More of a touring styled machine? Then you may want something a bit longer to make sure it covers your back fully. These little things can make a huge difference when riding – and ensure your eyes stay on the road.

3. Protection: Just because these jackets look ‘classic’, it doesn’t mean they can’t have well-hidden protection inside. This jacket from Furygan features D3O armour on the shoulders and elbows and a pocket for an optional back protector. The D3O armour is light and flexible so you’ll barely know it’s there, until the unfortunate time when you may need it. This jacket is also equipped with fitment zips so that you can fit the Fury Airbag system in there, too – who would have thought, a classic leather jacket with an airbag inside!