A motorcycle leather vest is the symbol of style, class, and trend. From vintage and elegant appearances to bold and alluring looks, you can rock any sort of style with a leather vest. Nevertheless, purchasing the best leather vest takes a lot of wary considerations. They are available in various colors, materials, qualities, shapes, and sizes. Also, there are countless leather outlets in the physical and online market; it is easier to fall under the trap of zero commitment and lowest quality.
That’s why we have created this in-depth guide to assist you in choosing the best leather vest according to your body shape, style, and physique.
9 Tips to Buy Leather Vest
Follow these tips to pick a vest that will seem stunning, be comfortable and flexible enough to utilize all the time, and shield your skin during an accident.
1. Consider the Season
First of all, before going to the market to purchase the vest, you should question yourself about why you need it. This is because they come in multiple looks and types. By knowing why you need it, you can guarantee to make the correct choice.
For instance, if you want a vest for cold weather, you should buy one with a warmer lining that can lock the heat inside. On the contrary, if you want to look dazzling beneath the sun in hot weather, we recommend grabbing a vest with a finer fit and cuts.
However, if you need outerwear for a special event like a costume party, vests inspired by TV shows, movies, or heroes, should be your primary choice.
2. Check the Material
Another thing you should consider is the vest’s material and your ideal style. Biker vests for men and women come in three basic materials: suede, leather, and denim. The most sought-after and in-fashion is a leather vest as it makes you appear cool and badass. Out of these three stuffs, you can select your desired one.
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Suede
If you are seeking a comfy yet tough vest, suede is the idyllic material. It is a kind of leather enfolded with a softer and well-finished substance from the inside. Suede gets dirty easily because it has bigger pores. Women motorcyclists prefer suede vests. Like leather, you will need to maintain it properly as wetness impairs this stuff and dims the color.
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Leather
Lambskin, cowhide, buffalo skin, etc., are widely utilized for constructing the motorcycle leather vest. Guys with antique leather obsession should opt for cowhide leather outerwear as it is the most durable, comfortable, and stretchable. It provides that real leather appearance that we used to see in the past. If you are on the lookout for a thick rusty appearance, you should choose a buffalo hide-made vest.
It features a sturdy, rough fabric that is not stretchable and offers a rusty look. Split leather biker vests are cost-effective and deliver an original leather look at a cheap rate. You should maintain them properly instead of washing them. Machine washing can impair the vest’s upside leather layer.
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Denim
Denim is one of the cheapest and most comfortable materials used for manufacturing vests. It has robust cotton twill produced by the weaving method. They are lighter, easier to carry, and provide a rusty appearance. They have Kevlar inserts for concentrated safety. You can clean it easily because it does not have any washing conditions.
3. Choose the Right Style
Another vital aspect you should take into account is the vest’s style. They have top-notch designs, and you can choose one according to your body type and likeness. Nowadays, three designs are trending, and those are utility vests, high-neck vests, and V-neck vests. V-neck vests are perfect for female bikers and best for warm weather conditions.
They allow the air to come in and out and offer a cooling effect to your body. You can take advantage of them for long rides during summer. On hottest days, you can throw them on for the entire day without getting heated up. On the other hand, high-neck vests are wholly protected and warm during the motorcycle ride. They are impeccable for frosty weather.
They are sleeveless and boast high necks that sometimes cover your neckline. You won’t feel the burden on your arms and still be wrapped up to the neck wearing these vests. The utility vest is more classic and less comfortable. It has various pockets so that you can carry multiple things with you. They are highly suitable for longer rides and look great on females and males.
4. Think About the Inner Lining
The internal lining is an additional fabric covering that increases the vest’s weight. It facilitates in firmly tugging down the outerwear on your shoulders and making a smooth fall. The lining is sometimes liable for absorbing sweat and is warm, soft, and makes you feel comfortable. It is your personal choice to choose a plain or quilted liner.
Also, you can eliminate it completely if you want, especially when procuring customized vests from renowned brands. Vests without lining are lightweight and breathable but pricier because they require interior finishing.
5. Consider the Armor
The next thing you should determine is the armor type. The most inexpensive vests have built-in armor, which generally amounted to a stitched closed pocket with some foam within. These vests are not good enough. You should find a vest with pockets for armor at the elbow, shoulder, and back. There should be CE-approved armor inside these pockets.
The armor comes in several forms, such as memory foam, density foam, etc. They all function efficiently. The back protector is critical for your safety on the road and is sometimes not integrated into the vest, so you should double-check this. The pockets’ sizes are typically standard; you can upgrade the armor without excessive expense or trouble if you are inclined in the future.
6. Check the Price
The vests under $50 are basic and are not made of high-quality materials. The leather will be inflexible and thicker. They might have pockets but no liners. The vests between $50 and $150 have unique styling and a couple of nice features. They are made of decent quality materials and have a liner. The vests over $150 are made of premium quality materials. They have countless functional features, such as heating and cooling elements, pockets, liners, etc.
7. Look For Durable Zipper
The zipper is a great sign of the fabric’s sturdiness and quality. Superior-quality leather grains can withstand more hardware; therefore, high-end manufacturers use heavier zippers. If you need a thick vest, look for one with a zipper that won’t break easily when pulling on the heavy material. Larger zippers last for a long period. Furthermore, you can consider buying a vest with a 2-way zipper so that you can adjust the vest from every end while riding your bike.
If you need a long-lasting vest but are worried about the bulky look of the big metal zippers, several other features contribute to the delicate appearance of the vest. Some vests have laces at the waist; you can adjust them for a more fashionable look.
8. Deliberate About the Stitching
The high-quality vests will have clean stitching. They are normally sewn cautiously with a sturdy polyester thread. The thread will be uniform and won’t have slack ends. Some folks like their vests to have decorative stitching, especially on the pockets.
Remember, you need a vest that will serve you for a lifetime, so try not to go for any stitching that may date. Decorative stitching and details will upsurge the vest’s cost due to additional work.
9. Ensure It Fits You Properly
The fundamental reason to buy a leather vest is to be well-safeguarded if you have the adversity to fall off your bike. You should confirm that the vest fits tightly when you are wearing your regular motorcycling apparel. Consider the additional layers of clothes you may be wearing if you ride the bike in winter. If you are not planning to put it on in cold weather, this will not be a problem for you.
Conclusion
If you have read this article till the end, you are now fully prepared to purchase your first leather vest. But remember; keep all the guidelines discussed above in your head before going to the market to buy the vest for optimal comfort and protection and the appropriate fit. After all, you are spending a significant amount on the vest, so it should be worth it.
