A Guide to Women’s Motorcycle Clothing Gear

Data from the Motorbike Council of NSW show that women now make up 6% of motorcycle owners in Australia, and that percentage continues to grow. Even though these are unquestionably great news, sometimes it can be hard to find women’s protective motorcycle attire that fits, as many gear makers still adhere to the “shrink it and pink it” concept, which doesn’t work.

Women riders demand clothing that is equally reliable, comfortable, and safe as men’s motorcycle clothing. So, if you’re on the hunt for protective motorcycle clothing gear for the ultimate riding experience, the following checklist might give you a hand in making the right choice.

Motorcycle Jacket

When it comes to motorcycle clothing basics, a quality women’s motorcycle jacket is a must. It will keep you protected and comfortable while riding in style. When choosing women’s motorcycle jackets pay attention to two crucial features: a level of protection and fit, just like with men’s riding attire.

The level of protection is determined by the fabric out of which the jacket is made. The outer shell of the jacket should be constructed of an abrasion- and tear-resistant fabric, such as Cordura, Kevlar, Dyneema, or a combination of these, and it should also feature protective armour padding at the back, shoulders, and elbows.

If leather is your material of choice, make sure it is at least 1.2mm thick. A standard retail shop jacket won’t protect you in an accident, but a specialised women’s motorcycle jacket made of abrasion-resistant fabric definitely will! However, if it’s a textile, take your time to inspect the labels and see the type of material used in the production.

Next, let’s discuss fit. Should a motorcycle jacket be tight or loose? If it’s too loose, the armour pads may not fit properly and won’t be as effective in the event of an accident. On the other hand, if it’s too tight, it won’t be comfortable because it can limit motion when riding.

Therefore, when purchasing a jacket online, make sure to follow the size chart. To take the right measurements and buy the right jacket size, you must measure both your chest circumference and waist circumference. Sleeve measurements are frequently requested by sizing charts as well.

Motorcycle Pants

Men’s or unisex pants are acceptable for female riders, although they may not feel the most comfortable. On the other hand, women’s motorcycle pants are designed specifically for women’s figures. Therefore, wearing motorcycle pants for women is crucial for track day fans or those who wish to ride in the utmost comfort.

If looking for functional and all-year-rounder ones, waterproof motorcycle pants with high levels of breathability are your best bet. Additionally, they should be gentle on your knees, offering enhanced abrasion protection through reinforced polymer-printed texturing in key knee areas, as well as impact protection via detachable knee pads.

Track pants, on the other hand, are ideal for those who enjoy track days. These exceptionally tough pants provide an equal amount of protection below the belt and fasten to the jacket using the jacket-pants fastening mechanism. Knee protection is important when it comes to tracking trousers which is why they feature detachable knee sliders.

Motorcycle Footwear

There are two types of footwear you can put on when on your bike – sneakers and boots.

When I say sneakers, I don’t mean wearing an old pair of Converse. Women’s motorcycle sneakers are designed specifically for motorcycling and are comfortable and lightweight. Additionally, they have a unique rubber sole that adds more traction during rides.

However, motorcycle sneakers are more suitable for riding scooters or commuting than for more aggressive forms of riding. You’ll need more robust footwear that can handle your two-wheeled beast if you own an electric motorcycle with a top speed of 200 MPH or something else that fast. For those wondering what distinguishes the female sportbike boots version from their masculine counterpart is that the female ones have a smaller overall height and less calf volume.

When on the hunt for women’s touring motorcycle boots, you should look for a pair that is cosy, reliable, and weatherproof. Even when riding through heavy downpours, these boots can keep your feet dry.

Furthermore, good touring boots have stiff inserts in both ankles to guard against lateral and medial repetitive motion injuries — anyone who has been on an all-day ride will understand what I’m talking about. Additionally, the TPU shifter guard also stops your shifter peg from eating your boot if you shift aggressively, regardless of how strongly you ‘kick’ your upshift.

Bottom Line

In the last ten years, women’s motorcycle gear has advanced significantly. As you can see, there is riding equipment for every kind of biker. Women’s riding attire varies greatly depending on the individual. Therefore, use these general guidelines as a starting point while remaining open to additional gear that suits your riding habits and style best. After all, riding will be safer when combined with the right equipment and secure motorcycles