Should a Motorcycle Jacket be Tight?

Last night my younger brother mistakenly bought the wrong size motorbike jacket. And he asked me, should a motorcycle jacket be tight? I cleared his doubt and thought, why shouldn’t I write a post about the same. 

A motorbike jacket should be tight enough to protect you from accidents since paddings are close to your body in a tight motorcycle jacket. But a motorbike jacket shouldn’t be too tight, so it starts to make you uncomfortable. That’s why experts always recommend buying jackets one size above your T-shirt size. 

Let’s look at what it means for you and what you can do about it. While researching, I leave no stone unturned, so you can get all the necessary knowledge about motorcycle jacket fitting.

Should a Motorcycle Jacket be Tight? 

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 too tight motorbike jacket, 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.

How Motorcycle Jackets Protect You? 

The Functions of motorcycle jackets are exciting but straightforward.

Motorcycle jackets come with foam padding at high impact areas, absorbing all kinetic energy during impact. The jacket also comes with a reflective unit which indicates your clear presence at the highways, thus protecting you from impact from your back. 

Interestingly, you can also increase your safety by wearing a jacket under your back protector or airbag from high-intensity accidents. 

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. 

Can You Stretch Your Motorcycle Jacket? 

In the above section, you learned why it’s worth it not to tighten your motorbike jacket ever. 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. 

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 choosing the second option. 

How to Choose 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. 

Ways to choose a motorcycle jacket:	Details.
Material	Always buy a motorcycle jacket with thick material.
Ratings	You should go with a certified ratified motorcycle jacket.
Fitting and size.	Don’t go for a too loose and too tight motorcycle jacket.

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 women can wear men’s motorcycle jackets. Click here to read.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Final Verdict: 

Should a motorcycle jacket be tight? A motorbike jacket should be tight enough to protect you from accidents since paddings are close to your body in a tight motorcycle jacket.

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

That’s why experts always recommend buying jackets one size above your T-shirt size.

I’ve mentioned some ways through which you can buy the best-fitted motorbike jacket.