How to Dress for a Motorcycle Ride
Riding a motorcycle out on the open road can be an incredible experience, but if you are a novice motorcyclist, it is important to consider a few practicalities before gearing up for a long ride. Experienced riders know exactly how to dress to combat unfavorable weather conditions, stay comfortable and allow for movement.
Many new riders make the mistake of thinking that a high-quality leather jacket and a good pair of motorcycle boots are enough to stay comfortable on the road. What many people don’t realize is that it is equally important to choose the right clothes to wear underneath your gear. Certain materials may cause overheating or restrict your mobility while maneuvering around the roads.
At Open Road Leather & Accessories, we specialize in premium motorcycle gear and apparel. Whether you are looking for leggings, helmets, or accessories, our impressive selection is guaranteed to satisfy your needs. Below we have listed a few of our best tips on what to wear on your motorcycle.
Best Biker Apparel to Wear on Your Motorcycle
If you live in a particularly hot climate, wearing a full leather jacket may not be a practical choice. Thankfully, there is another option. Wearing a biker vest will adequately protect your torso from any debris or heavy wind without overheating your body. Options like our vest with back patch allow bikers to strip down some of the excess fabric without compromising on style or comfort.
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Comfortable undergarments
Despite the multiple layers of clothing that go into biker apparel, your level of comfort and mobility can come all the way down to your choice of undergarments. To avoid chafing, men are advised to wear close-fitting cycling shorts or briefs. This is especially important if you plan on wearing leather pants or chaps on your bike. If you are out for a long ride, it is important to create as much of a barrier between your skin and the seat as possible to avoid discomfort.
Women often wonder if wearing a bra will affect their ability to move around or whether it will cause discomfort on long rides. For most women, this is the case which is why we recommend opting for something more comfortable like a sports bra or a bra with no underwire. In terms of underwear, women may also consider wearing cycling shorts under their long pants for the highest level of comfort.
Dressing for hot weather can be somewhat counterintuitive for amateur motorcyclists. Wearing a leather jacket is almost always a must as it can protect you from the wind and keep you comfortable on the road. As the temperature rises, however, you may be tempted to wear as little as possible underneath your jacket in order to keep cool. Unfortunately, the interior layer of most leather jackets tends to be rough on the skin which can become problematic as you shift your body around while driving.
Additionally, the lining may absorb your sweat, causing the jacket to smell over time. The best way to combat this is to choose a shirt of quick-drying material such as cotton, wool or polyester that will create a barrier between your body and your jacket without causing any embarrassing sweat marks.
If you live in a climate with significant changes in weather throughout the year, it is important to prepare for all the seasons with a range of biker apparel. During the cold months, motorcyclists may not be able to enjoy taking their bike out for a ride if they do not choose the right attire. One of the best ways to keep warm in the winter and fall is to wear something made from a heat-absorbent material underneath a leather jacket.
Choosing a thick outer layer like our man’s classic police-style leather jacket should block the majority of the cold wind from hitting your body. However, adding a thermal layer is a great way to add a bit of extra warmth.
Although this is not considered biker apparel, it is important to mention a few motorcycle accessories that can help protect you and your hog from the weather. At Open Road Leather & Accessories, we offer many creative weather-resistant bike accessories to help you combat any weather condition.
The key to selecting a pair of bottoms to wear on your bike is to make sure they are long enough to keep your legs comfortable as you shift around on your seat. Wearing shorts that cut off above the knee may not be practical for long rides, and shorts certainly do not have any protection from road debris or a roll-over.
If you live in a particularly rainy climate, options like our armored motorcycle pants are specifically designed to deflect rain so that you do not get wet during your ride. These pants are made with waterproof nylon to ensure comfort, style, and practicality. Our rain suits are good to have as they roll up to a small case to take with you.
When you are shopping for biker apparel for the first time, don’t forget to protect your hands with a nice pair of biker gloves. For motorcyclists, cold hands can make it harder to brake suddenly in an emergency, and bugs or pebbles hitting your bare hands may cause you to flinch–extremely dangerous when traveling at speed. At Open Road Leather & Accessories, we offer gloves in all different styles, colors, and materials so that you are prepared to keep your hands comfortable and ride in style whether it’s hot or cold out.
Shop Our Biker Apparel Today
Whether you want to revamp your current wardrobe or you’re looking for some guidance as you search for your first motorcycle jacket, our team at Open Road Leather & Accessories is here to help. Explore our online selection today to learn more about our high-quality biker apparel.
