Help Finding Plus Size Leather Jackets and Gloves

Another Joann needs help with gloves and a leather jacket. Let's see what we can come up with to help her out!

Height and Weight: 5' 5", 175 lbs

Chest, Waist, Hip Measurements: C 41, W 40, H 44

Message:

Hi! In my crazy search for new gear I came across your site and I have been following you on FB. I need a good leather jacket with armor, and I do not want all black, preferably with some white. Price doesn't really matter, I want good stuff for street riding. All of the women's gear stocked in this town is for skinny girls with styling for 20 year olds so I have to buy online. Most of what I like (fairly simple) is not available in my XL, size 14. I love the Revit Zena, but I think it will be big enough for me. From you notes it sounds like Dainese will not fit me either :( I'm looking at the Icon Hella. Do you have any suggestions?

Also, what are your favorite gloves? I have medium sized hands.

I just bought a 2014 Street Triple, cosmic green, in January. My son has the R, but it is just too tall for me to be comfortable and I probably won't ride hard enough to ever really know the difference. My local dealer even lowered it by almost an inch. Love it! Breaking it in has been painfully slow but I only have another 400 miles to go before I can max out on rpms. It's going to be a great summer.

Thank you for all of the information you have up!

Joann

Thanks so much for the follow! Let me see what I can do to assist in your search.

It might be a little difficult but I have a couple ideas. First off, I think you're right about the Xena. The waist may be too small for you. It's certainly worth ordering, since the bust fit will be nice for you. But, I am slightly concerned about the waist size. One thing about Rev'it overall is the sleeve lengths are longer, so I would also be worried that at a 46, it would be too long in the sleeves for you as well. But, I fit into a 38 and I have a 31" waist, which puts me in a very different size. So I would recommend ordering a 46 to try it on.

As far as the Icon Hella goes, I would definitely recommend that as an option for you. Given the size charts, I would probably order XL.

Here are a couple more ideas for you:

1/ Cortech LNX Leather

I know you want white, but this may fit you better. You can always throw a reflective vest on top for more visibility. You'll probably be a Plus S. This will be a better option for shorter sleeve length. Not versatile for multi season riding, but a good mild weather jacket.

2/ Revit Ignition 2

I know what the size chart says, but this jacket fits VERY boxy and straight from shoulders to waist. It flares a bit at the hips so that should also work for you. Remember that the sleeves run a bit long on this one. I have monkey arms, so long sleeves work well for me.

As far as gloves go, these are my current favorites:

• Held Airstream; Amazing glove for summer weather, you would probably need a 7, since they're unisex. Fit is wider and thicker in the palms.
• Revit Summit H2o: Great for year round riding, or mild/cool/wet weather (not summer). Fit is narrow in the wrist and palm, long in the fingers.
• Dainese Carbon Cover ST: Also great for year round riding, but not waterproof. You can definitely get through them in the summer, but they aren't ventilated very much except between the fingers. Fit is smaller in the palms with shorter fingers.

Hope this helps!

Cleaning out the Gear Closet

Update 3/7/15: SOLD

I am selling my gently used Revit Ignition Women's Jacket. I've had this one for 6 years! But haven't worn it daily for 3-4 years. 

My review of the very same jacket is here. It served me well back in San Francisco, as it was the only jacket I wore through all 4 seasons (with a heated liner to get me through winter).

It's a Euro 38 / US 4.

Asking $100 (free shipping included)

If you have any questions about the fit and whether it will work for you please post a comment and I'll reply asap. Or use the contact form and shoot me an email with any questions you may have.

She's still in good shape, the waterproof liner and vest are included. And the liner was replaced a few years back, because it started leaking. I never crashed in it, just a couple small scuffs on the shoulder from being in the closet and normal wear and tear for leather. It's completely broken in, and super comfy.  It basically has the newer hydratex membrane. Both in good shape. The shoulder and elbow armor are still inside and you just have to supply your own back protector.

Options for a back protector include:

• Seesoft KN105 (level 2)
• Forcefield 01 (level 1)

Thanks for looking!

Wear This, Not That: Pants

In this 2nd installment of Wear This Not That, let's talk a little bit about what kind of women's motorcycle pants you should wear....

What's wrong with such an innocent pair of snow pants? They're warm, waterproof... and so cozy!

And that's about all they will offer you in the event of a crash; they may keep you warm and dry while you're cursing yourself for not buying real riding pants. I'm sorry to break this to you, but that's exactly what you need to prepare for. So why isn't a toasty pair of snow / ski pants good enough to ride in?

As you can see, these pants (and anything not motorcycle specific) refuse to cooperate should you separate from your vehicle. And although we try our best to keep ourselves attached to our beloved motorcycles, it doesn't always end up that way. I'm not even talking about going 60-70mph. You can do plenty of damage to your body by just crossing the street and tripping off the sidewalk. I can't tell you how many times I've hurt my back just stepping off the curb weird, or trying to avoid falling on my dog so I end up with a bruised knee because I chose to hit the ground instead. Now add some speed into the mix and you have a really good chance of getting injured.

Two crucial points of impact are your hips and knees. If you accidentally trip while walking across your living room, I can guarantee that if you hit the ground these two points will make contact with the grand. Oh and probably the palm of your hands (so that's why you need gloves). But that's going to be the next installment. As far as this one, those two points need some protection so your bones don't take the full impact of that fall.

Additionally, these kinds of pants are for falling down on soft, powdery piles of snow. Not pavement. And pavement is not going to be nice when they start rubbing against the ground. None of your snow/ski wear is designed to stay together in the case of an accident, or hold up if there's any friction between you and the ground. The last thing you want is your flesh to make contact with pavement.

And we can't forget about fit! Something you won't be doing while skiing is sitting. Well, if you're doing things the right way of course. :-) Riding pants are designed for maximum comfort in the seated position. That means the back side should be higher rise and cover you well above your hips, towards your waist. There's no pulling from the hips to the knees, no bunching fabric behind the knees.

But motorcycle specific riding pants, such as these beautiful Rev'it Factor 3 Women's pants have even more creature comforts built in. See those small folds above the knees? Those are there to maintain comfort while you bend your knees over your feet pegs. The front is a slightly lower rise than the back. There's even a small stretch panel on the lower back so it won't pull when you sit. And every piece of fabric on these pants are cut out for riding positions. Lots of sitting!

If you're thinking about riding pants (and I hope you all are, no matter what you're riding), remember that motorcycling requires the same technical features as any other sport. And more importantly, the added safety and protection that you simply won't find in any other piece of technical gear.

In case you missed the first installment of Wear This Not That, Check It Out!

Just a huge "Thank you!" for your fit guidance and...

Just a huge "Thank you!" for your fit guidance and recommendation on a jacket. I had so much trouble finding something with good protection, Gore Tex, and a cut that fit me. I took my first winter ride two weeks ago with the Zima! I really appreciate your reviews and attitude.