Having the appropriate gear is crucial when it comes to starting your two-wheeler journey and enjoying the open road’s freedom. And at the heart of every motorcyclist’s closet is the timeless biker vest. A custom motorcycle leather vest adds a touch of individuality and style and also serves as a protective and functional garment.
Whether you are a seasoned or newbie rider, choosing the right materials for your custom leather vest is necessary for guaranteeing comfort and durability on the highway. In today’s blog, we will explore some of the top materials commonly used in biker vests and discuss their perks and drawbacks.
What Are The Best Materials For Custom Biker Vests?
Below are the most popular materials used in motorcycle vests.
● Leather
Leather has always been the most prevalent choice regarding biker vests. A leather vest has an undeniable appeal, radiating a classic and rugged appearance. It is incredibly durable and provides outstanding protection against abrasion and the elements.
Leather can withstand wear and tear, making it a dependable choice for motorcyclists who value longevity. Plus, it has the ability to endure harsh weather conditions, making it impeccable for all seasons.
Moreover, as leather ages, it develops a unique patina that adds character and a vintage charm to your custom vest. When opting for leather, you have two main options: buffalo hide and cowhide. Cowhide leather is extensively used owing to its strength, suppleness, and easy availability.
On the flip side, buffalo hide is thicker and more rugged, offering boosted protection but sacrificing some flexibility. Both kinds of leather need regular maintenance to keep them soft, supple, and water-resistant.
Pros
- Highly durable
- Provides exceptional protection against elements
- Develops beautiful patina
- Offers a classic look
Cons
- Heavier compared to other materials, potentially sacrificing comfort
- Less breathable than denim and textile
● Textile
Textile materials, such as Cordura, polyester, and nylon, have recently earned popularity as a substitute for leather. These materials offer multiple advantages, including increased flexibility, breathability, cost-effectiveness, versatility, and functionality.
Polyester and nylon are breathable, lightweight, and dry quickly, making them highly suitable for warmer climates. Cordura, a high-performance fabric, provides extraordinary abrasion resistance, tear strength, and sturdiness.
Custom textile vests frequently have added features, such as ventilation panels, reflective elements, adjustable straps, and waterproof coatings for enhanced protection, comfort, and visibility. However, remember that bespoke textile vests may not provide a similar level of abrasion resistance as leather.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Offer improved breathability
- Provide greater flexibility and comfort during longer rides
- Often has mesh panels for ventilation
Cons
- Less durable compared to leather
- May not offer the same level of resistance against abrasion as leather does
● Denim
Denim is a classic fabric connected with rebellious motorcycle culture. If you are a biker seeking a more casual and relaxed look, denim is ideal for your custom vest. Denim vests are comfortable, lightweight, offer outstanding breathability, and have a unique style.
While denim is not as abrasion-resistant as leather, it can still offer a certain level of safety. Besides, it is not as robust as leather, but custom denim vests are highly resistant to wear and tear, especially if they are manufactured from heavyweight denim fabric.
It can be reinforced with Kevlar panels or lined with protective materials like CE-rated armor to boost its impact protection and abrasion resistance. Many people prefer denim for its comfortable fit and breathability, making it ideal for hot weather riding.
Additionally, you can customize your outerwear with patches and embroidery to exhibit your unique personality and club memberships.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Offer remarkable breathability
- Provide a laid-back and casual appearance
Cons
- Not as abrasion-resistant as leather
- Need reinforcements with safety materials for increased durability
● Faux Leather
If you desire genuine leather’s classic appearance but prefer an animal-friendly option, faux leather is worth considering. A faux leather vest is created from polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), offering similar aesthetics to pure leather.
These materials are more budget-friendly than real leather. Furthermore, custom faux leather vests are usually lightweight and easier to clean and maintain, making them a practical choice for bikers who prefer low-maintenance gear.
While synthetic leather may not have the same level of sturdiness as original leather, advancements in manufacturing have made it much more resistant to wear and tear.
Pros
- Animal-friendly option for people who don’t prefer to use real leather
- Mimics genuine leather’s look and feel
- Provides a fashionable look at a reasonable price
- Easy to clean and maintain than leather
Cons
- Not as durable as pure leather
- Susceptible to greater wear and tear in the long term
● Mesh
Mesh materials are designed to offer maximum breathability and airflow, making them an optimal choice for hot-weather motorcycling. Custom mesh vests feature large, strategically placed ventilation panels that let air circulate freely, keeping you cool and comfortable.
While they offer great ventilation, they generally sacrifice some safety owing to their open construction and lightweight. Nevertheless, your custom vest can be reinforced with abrasion-resistant materials or equipped with removable armor for increased protection.
Pros
- Lightweight and increased breathability
- Offer a comfortable fit
- A good option for summer riding
Cons
- Limited abrasion resistance
- Reduced impact protection
- Less weather versatility
- More prone to wear and tear
Conclusion
When picking the right material for your custom motorcycle leather vest, ensure to consider factors such as your climate, riding style, budget, desired level of protection, and preferences. Bear in mind that comfort and durability should go hand in hand.
While leather remains a classic choice for its timeless appeal, durability, and excellent protection, it may be heavier and less breathable than textile and denim. On the other hand, denim and textile provide enhanced comfort and flexibility, but they may sacrifice abrasion resistance.
Moreover, paying attention to insulation, fit, and linings will ensure that your outerwear is suitable for all seasons and allows you to move freely. By considering all these factors, you can confidently invest in a custom vest that will demonstrate your style and provide the comfort and protection you require for your bike adventures.
