Summer Jackets for Tall Women Riders

Longtime reader Fiona needs help finding an outfit for an incredible adventure! Lucky Girl. Check out her story and gear story:

Height and Weight: 5'11", 155 lbs

Chest, Waist, Hip Measurements: 36, 30, 39 (over clothing), 32" inseam (need about 33-34" when I get on the bike)

Message:

Hi Joann,

I've read your blog since probably the beginning of my riding career way back in 2007. Thanks for being such a great resource for all these years.

I am getting ready to buy some new mesh gear for a sweet 6-week adventure on my KLR, around the Southwest and on to the East Coast. My problem has always been finding women's gear that is long enough for me, as I'm tall with broad shoulders and a 32" inseam. For years I've dealt with my Fieldsheer gear being a couple of inches too short in the sleeves and pant legs, because if I went up in size to get enough length, the whole kit would be falling off my body.

I want my new gear to fit well, and I'm looking for a light-colored jacket and pant set (but will take any color if something actually fits!). I love the look of the Rev'it Airwave jacket and pants that you've reviewed, but will they be long enough for me? Are there other mesh or textile jackets and pants that us tall girls should consider?

I live in a very remote area of the US, where few retailers even ship, so there's no chance of trying anything on before I order. Although it seems there are manufacturers that make "tall" sizes, I don't see any way to order these online -- do I have to contact the manufacturer directly, or can I place a special order with the retailer?

I'm hoping to minimize the amount of back-and-forth and $ wasted on return shipping as I try to get the best fit. I appreciate any recommendations you can offer; thank you!

Fiona

Airwave

I think the Revit Airwave jacket in size 38 (above) is a great option for you, I would mostly be concerned with sleeve length, not so much body length. The nice thing about this jacket is the longer torso and arm length.

As far as pants, Airwaves do run a bit long but aren't offered in long sizes. The standard inseam might be too short for you.

Sand

If you're open to a multiseason pant, I would actually recommend the Revit Sand Pants in 38 Tall (available in silver). These pants are the newest version of the old Ventura which I found to breathe very very well in hot weather.  There are two liners, one waterproof and one thermal; each is removable to really adapt to changing temperatures. The fit on these is tailored, slimmish through the legs but definitely not skinny. There's a vent on each thigh for a little airflow as well.

The armor in these are substantial, CE and EN Rated Tryonic Seesoft. If you have a curvy hip, then order a size 40 Tall instead. If you have fairly straight hips, you will be fine in 38. If you like a tailored, tapered fit, then I would go with these or the Airwaves.

You most definitely do not have to contact the manufacturers to order the tall size in these! They're available at Revzilla. :)

Another option is the Olympia Airglide for a generous, curvy fit through the butt/hips/thighs. These run 3-4 inches long, and are too long for most of us shorties. You will have plenty of inseam on these for sure. They also fit true to women's size (US 6, 8, etc). I would recommend a size 6 since they're curvy and forgiving through the thighs. If you think you need extra room in the thighs/butt/hips then order these instead of the Rev'it above. The legs are also a bit roomier, so if you prefer a more relaxed fit you will love these.

Airglide

Why Doesn't This Motorcycle Jacket Fit Me?

 

There's a very good chance ya just need to bend forward a bit, bring your shoulders in and your tummy back.

Then voila! Your jacket zips up perfectly. Remember that proper fit is always in riding position; never standing up!

Wear This, Not That: Leather Jacket

Looks like a "motorcycle jacket". Feels like one, is this good enough to wear on your motorcycle?

I'm a sucker for a cool looking motorcycle jacket just like the next person. But, I value my body much more than that. The fact is this jacket is NOT good enough for riding on the front (or back for that matter) of a motorcycle. Here's why:

Anything can be labeled as motorcycle gear. Anything. I can make a jacket today and call it a motorcycle jacket without anyone enforcing standards or minimum safety requirements in order to sell it to you.

That's the problem with all of this casual motorcycle inspired gear. It has NOTHING to do with you falling off your motorcycle, pure and simple. It's not about racing, it's not about touring thousands of miles, it's all about you separating from you bike. If you're in denial about that, then that's a completely different issue. But the fact is, you could very well fall off and probably not because you did anything wrong. That's why I wear all this stuff, because I have no idea what could happen to me.

So what's a nice alternative? For $30 more, the REV'IT Roamer Jacket is a much safer, stronger alternative. Extras like body armor, abrasion resistant leather, precurved arms (more comfort in riding position) and a removable thermal liner are included. The seams are also constructed in such a way that the jacket will stay together and hold its structure in case something happens. A LOT of thought, time and money has been spent to provide something that will work in case you are separated from your motorcycle. That's it's primary job.

Along with all these features, you have a beautifully fit jacket that will look great on or off the bike. Of course, its not as light and thin as the casual Nordstrom option, so no, it's not going to fit or feel exactly the same.

The Roamer is ideal for Fall, Spring and mild winters (California, Florida, etc.). The leather is softer, and more forgiving so you don't have to spend as much time breaking it in. I like the Roamer because it's a little more relaxed than it's sportier counterparts.

Women's Motorcycle Jackets for Fall

Fall is coming..... much sooner than most of us would like. So if you need a new jacket for Fall, here are a few ideas to get you started. 

Scorpion Dominion

$239.95. Sizes XS-2XL. The Dominion features a waterproof membrane and removable, full sleeve thermal liner. One thing I appreciate from Scorpion is the fact that all of their women's gear features CE and EN rated SAS-TEC armor at the shoulders and elbows. You'll only need to upgrade your back protector! The fit seems to run on the long side, longer arms and torso. There's very little ventilation on this so you won't be able to push this past early Spring. Nice price for a Fall weather jacket!

Alpinestars Stella T-Jaws WP

$269.95. S-2XL. The T-Jaws is a sporty, waterproof jacket with a removable full sleeve, thermal liner. It's hard to find winter gear that's cut specifically for sportbike riding. After all, who rides their sportbike in the Fall or for more than 15 minutes at a time? (ME!) Perfectly fit for your more aggressive riding positions.

Dainese Elysee D Dry

$369.95. Size Euro 38-54 (~US 0-16) The Elysee D Dry jacket is a jacket with a really simple, clean look. Something that would work well around town if you don't want a "motorcycle" look. To me it looks like a casual, winter coat. But the bonus is that this one is waterproof, fully armored on the shoulders and elbows and abrasion resistant. If only I needed *another* jacket....

Alpinestars Stella Bogota Drystar

$349. S-2XL. The Bogota is all new for Fall 2014, it's more ventilated than the Andes, with extra vents to help you push this through 4 seasons. In my mind it's better as a 3 season cold jacket (Fall, Winter, Spring) but if you live somewhere with mild summers you could definitely wear it year round. There's even a matching pant! I think the fit on Bogota is a bit slimmer (like New Land) than the Andes as well.

Icon 1000 Fairlady

$535. XS-2XL. I'm not normally an Icon fan but I actually like the Fairlady. The fit is nice and they're using a really nice grade of leather to make this jacket fit and feel more luxurious. If you like brown, this one's available in that color as well. The high collar and vest liner helps but you'll need to wear a good winter baselayer to keep you warm.

Taichi Drymaster Prime

Check out my recent blog post about the Drymaster here.