- $$$
- Where to Buy: Vanson.com
I think my jacket would be best if you have a small waist and a larger chest.
My jacket is a small, but unfortunately I don't have enough up top to fill out the front of the jacket. I've lost about 10 pounds since buying this jacket, so it's fitting a little looser than I'd like. Luckily the armor positions haven't been compromised so I'm still able to wear this jacket. I also think if you were a size 6-8 on top, this would fit really well (size small). Vanson's sizing goes up to XXXL and Size 20 in women's in some of their styles as well.
If you lose weight, keep in mind that it's important for your armor to maintain the right position. They shouldn't move around or shift from your 'anchor' points such as your elbows/shoulders. You may want to take your gear to a local gear retailer and have them check your gear to make sure it's still fitting you properly if you've lost a considerable amount of weight.
Something else that I really like about my Vanson is the material itself. It's definitely one of the most dense textiles I've seen made in a motorcycle jacket. It reminds me of something like Kevlar. I think it would be far more abrasion resistent than another textile jacket. Luckily I've not had the chance to test this theory. I hope I don't have to!
Edit: I forgot to mention that in June of 2007, I had to test this theory out. I went down on at ~20 mph and slid briefly after scaffolding broke my initial fall. I had nothing but a light scuff on the right shoulder/elbow. Thanks to Vanson and TPro Armor!
Vanson also sells a liner that can be added to any of their jackets, called the Streamliner. It's a convertible vest with removable sleeves and snaps into all their jackets. Unfortunately this is an additional expense, in addition to armor. Their jackets don't come with armor, as you have to purchase Vanson soft or hard (CE rated) armor, or higher end armor like TPro. Also, Vanson's don't have armor pockets sewn into the lining. Unless you take your jacket to a
good shop that knows how to fit the armor properly, you may find it uncomfortable. You'll have to stick velcro to the back of the armor and place it by feel by unzipping the access zipper at the waist and then inserting the armor from the bottom. If you don't insert the armor just right and then have it properly fitted it can dig into your arms/shoulders and make for an uncomfortable ride. Especially if you're considering TPro. I found that the TPro insertable armor is a little wide for my girly shoulders. Unfortunately I think I may have to revert back to hard vanson armor. This is one of the main reasons why I don't wear it everyday. (besides that it's not very warm since it's a little too big). But I love it too much to let it go!