Do Motorcycle Jackets Run Small?

It’s an unavoidable fact that motorcycle jackets are there to protect you from injuries. But some people find it challenging to find good size motorcycle jackets. Let’s see, do motorcycle jackets run small?

According to industry experts, motorcycle jackets don’t run small because they are made one size larger than your T-shirt. However, if you buy a motorcycle jacket of the same size as your T-shirt, then your jacket could run small. And that’s why experts recommend buying a motorbike jacket one size bigger than your T-shirt. 

Let’s look at what it means and what you can do about it. 

While writing this post, I leave no stone unturned so you can buy a motorcycle jacket that fits you perfectly.

Do Motorcycle Jackets Run Small? 

Suppose you’re planning to buy a motorcycle jacket. In that case, you may hear people’s advice to not buy a motorcycle jacket because it runs small. 

Now the question arises, do motorcycle jackets run small? 

According to industry experts, motorcycle jackets don’t run small, even if manufacturers made jackets to fit perfectly to riders. 

Too loose-tight motorbike jackets aren’t very effective for protection. Too loose motorbike jackets make you feel uncomfortable while riding. Manufacturers also made motorbike jackets to wear on normal T-shirts, and that’s why they can’t be tight. 

However, if you buy a motorbike jacket of your size, it could run small and make you uncomfortable while riding, and that’s why experts always recommend buying a motorbike jacket one size larger than your T-shirt size. 

How Fitting Matters for Motorcycle Jackets?

So far you understand that you can wear a men’s motorcycle jacket without any problem. Now the question arises, how fitting matters while wearing a men’s motorcycle jacket? 

According to industry experts, while wearing the opposite gender clothing, size matters a lot. Since without proper sizing, the jacket can’t protect you effectively, and thus you must choose a jacket which fits you well. Women should look at the shoulder and breast size while choosing a jacket. 

And that’s why experts all around the globe recommend wearing the jacket which fits you well. 

How Tight Should Motorcycle Jackets Be for Women?

Indeed your motorbike jacket can protect your upper body from accidents. But have you wondered what should be the ideal size of your motorbike jacket?

According to experts, your motorbike jacket should be tight enough, so all paddings touch your body effectively. 

But your motorbike jacket shouldn’t be too tight, so it starts to make you uncomfortable. 

And that’s why experts also recommend looking for a motorbike jacket which offers you maximum protection and comfort. 

Why Should a Motorcycle Jacket be Tight? 

So far, you understand how your motorbike should fit you, but have you ever wondered why your motorbike should be tight? 

According to experts, motorbike jackets protect you when paddings in the jacket absorb kinetic energy at the accident. And to absorb maximum kinetic energy, the padding should be close to your body as much as it can. In simpler words, the jacket should be tight to protect you effectively. 

But it doesn’t mean you can buy a motorbike jacket too tight, so it starts to make you uncomfortable. 

And that’s why experts recommend buying a motorbike jacket one size larger than your average T-shirt size. 

What Happens if Your Motorcycle Jacket isn’t Tight? 

So far, you learned why it’s crucial to have a tight motorbike jacket, and that’s why it is worthwhile to discuss what happens if your motorbike jacket isn’t tight.

According to experts, your motorbike jackets should be tight. If your jacket isn’t tight, it will not protect you from severe injuries. No doubt you’ll be more comfortable wearing a loose motorbike jacket. Still, you can’t expect any safety from a loose motorbike jacket. 

In other words, it would be a waste of money.

Can You Tighten Your Motorcycle Jacket? 

So you already bought a loose motorbike jacket and are finding ways to tighten your motorbike jacket so it can protect you from severe injuries. 

You can’t tighten your motorcycle jacket once you buy a too loose motorbike jacket. Your motorbike jacket isn’t a regular jacket which you can stitch whenever you want. The manufacturer made a jacket with special stitches that you can destroy if you ever tighten your motorbike jacket. 

And that’s why experts recommend not even thinking about stitching your motorbike jacket. 

What to do if Your Motorcycle Jacket isn’t Tight? 

There’s a ton of alternatives available out there if your motorbike jacket isn’t tight. But honestly, I recommend only two ways. 

You can wear a thick t-shirt under your loose motorbike jacket if it’s too loose, but it won’t be comfortable for many of you. So it’s better to return a motorbike jacket if you bought it online. Or you can exchange your old motorbike jacket for a new one for some extra dollars. 

You can opt for any of the above alternatives. And I personally recommend you choose the second option. 

Can You Stretch Your Motorcycle Jacket? 

In the above section, you learned why it’s worth it not to tighten your motorbike jacket. Now the question arises, can you stretch your motorbike jacket? 

You can’t stretch your motorbike jacket, and it’s even more true if it’s made from leather. Almost all manufacturers make motorbike jackets from material that doesn’t stretch easily, which means the jacket won’t ever lose and will always protect you. In easier words, don’t believe it if the seller says the jacket will stretch. 

I personally recommend not believing what sellers say about your size because no one knows about your fitting than you. 

How to Choose a Motorcycle Jacket for Maximum Protection?

Choosing a motorcycle jacket for your safety is not rocket science. Still, you’ve to choose a motorcycle jacket carefully for your protection. 

Material: 

Material quality plays a vital role in your safety. In the market, you’re going to find leather and synthetic material. Most riders consider leather as the best material for their safety, but it’s a matter of personal preference. 

You can also go with synthetic-made jackets but be careful since most synthetic-made jackets aren’t that good. 

Ratings: 

Most governments all around the globe have already introduced some ratings.

These ratings tell consumers that the gears are safe to buy and wear. But unfortunately, in the USA, you can’t find any reliable safety indicator. Still, you can reach the manufacturers for your needs and see whether they can offer something for your needs or not. 

Or you can go with products which most people love to buy. 

Fitting and Size: 

The fitting also plays a crucial role while buying a motorcycle jacket smartly. You should never go with a too-tight motorcycle jacket as it may slow down your blood flow. 

On the other hand, you shouldn’t go with a too loose motorcycle jacket as it might cause a distraction while riding. 

Also, read my previous post where I’ve discussed how the motorbike gears can save your life, CLICK HERE to read.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Final Verdict: 

Do motorcycle jackets run small? According to industry experts, motorcycle jackets don’t run small because they are made one size larger than your T-shirt. 

However, if you buy a motorcycle jacket of the same size as your T-shirt, your jacket could run small. 

And that’s why experts recommend buying a motorbike jacket one size bigger than your T-shirt. I’ve mentioned some proper guidance above to ensure that you check out the product that fits you well.